7 Kent wildlife parks and zoos to visit with the kids this summer

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

Monkey around with the gorillas and roar louder than the lions with a family trip to the zoo this summer.

Kent is home to some of the country’s biggest and best wildlife parks so, if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out in the school holidays, why not spend some time with hundreds of amazing animals?

Some of the country’s largest wildlife parks and birds of prey centres can be found right here in Kent. Picture: Eagle Heights

EAGLE HEIGHTS, near Dartford

As the name suggests, Eagle Heights is a sanctuary for birds of prey, but there’s also 30 species of animals, including meerkats, servals, huskies and alpacas. The conservation site puts on daily birds of prey displays and hands-on animal experiences that help visitors understand more about wildlife and the preservation of different species and their habitats.

Why visit? It’s one of the UK’s first birds of prey centres and hosts daily flying demonstrations with its many species of birds.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £15. You can book online here.

HEMSLEY CONSERVATION CENTRE, near Sevenoaks

This small zoo opened in 2015 and, over the past decade, has worked on preserving rare species with specially created breeding programmes. It’s currently home to more than 30 different animals, including red-fronted lemurs, tufted capuchins, maned wolves, rusty-spotted cats, channel-billed toucans and more. Visitors can book to meet some of the animals up close, or upgrade to a guided rainforest experience.

Why visit? The park showcases ‘underrepresented’ species that you might not see at other wildlife centres.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £16. You can book online here.

Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to the UK’s largest herd of African elephants. Picture: Howletts

HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK, near Canterbury

One of two Kent parks associated with the Aspinall Foundation, Howletts Wild Animal Park is known for its work with rare and endangered species and its many successful conservation projects. The attraction has around 400 animals, including the county’s only giant anteaters and more gorillas than any other zoo in the UK. There’s also the Animals of the Ice Age trail, children’s playgrounds and a selection of great places to eat and drink.

Why visit? One of Howletts’ main draws is its majestic herd of African elephants, which is the largest in the country.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £26, child tickets cost £10 during the summer holidays. You can book online here.

The free safari tour at Port Lympne takes visitors across the Kentish savannah to see giraffes and wildebeest. Picture: Port Lympne / The Aspinall Foundation

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL AND RESERVE, Hythe

The largest wildlife park in the county, and the second to partner with the Aspinall Foundation, Port Lympne has attracted celebrity visitors such as Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, Greg James and Rio Ferdinand thanks to its stunning overnight accommodation and spectacular views of the Kent countryside. It spans 600 acres and is home to more than 900 animals, including giraffes, black rhinos, gorillas, tigers, zebras, lions, cheetahs, gibbons and more.

Why visit? It’s the only place in Kent where you can hop on board a safari truck and get up close to roaming animals.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £35. You can book online here.

Wildwood’s collection of animals is unique because of its focus on native British species

WILDWOOD KENT, near Herne Bay

The conservation efforts of this wildlife park have resulted in the red-billed chough being reintroduced to the Dover coastline and more than 1,000 dormice being rehomed in the wild as part of the charity’s work to bring back Britain’s lost species. The reserve, nestled in 40 acres of woodland, specialises in native British species such as wild boar, bison and lynx. There’s also nature trails and play areas for the kids.

Why visit? There’s a rope bridge where you can walk directly over the bear enclosure.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £18. You can book online here.

WILLOWS BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE, near Sevenoaks

The star attraction here are the birds of prey, which soar through the skies in daily demonstrations and talks. The wildlife experts can tell you all about these jaw-dropping animals, and you might even get a chance to hold an eagle or a hawk. Then, you can set off along the nature trail to see the woodland animals that live in the park.

Why visit? There’s a 22-acre nature trail where you can walk through the natural habitat of birds, rodents and squirrels.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £8.99. You can book online here.

Two new tigers came to Wingham Wildlife Park after being transferred from Sandwich Wildlife Park following its closure in 2020. Picture: Markus

WINGHAM WILDLIFE PARK, near Canterbury

There are hundreds of animals to see at this growing family-owned park, including the new arrival of a baby orangutan and two tiger siblings earlier this year. The park boasts not only animal enclosures, but also a nocturnal house, bug garden, farmyard feeding stations, a dinosaur trail, mini-golf and indoor soft play.

Why visit? Enjoy walkthrough experiences with flamingos, tropical birds and lemurs.

How to book: Adult tickets start from £20. You can book online here.

If you want to see even more animals, you can take the kids to visit one of Kent’s family-friendly farms this summer.