Start your day off right
Booking tickets online is the fastest and simplest way to start your adventure.
**Please note the Old Gorilla Enclosures at the bottom end of the park remain closed for the safety of our animals. The proximity to the gorillas in this area means they could be at risk of catching corona virus. You can still see our other gorilla groups at the New Gorilla Enclosures near the Gatehouse.**
Book your tickets
Don't miss a thing!
Over 390 animals live in the 100 acre park so you'll want to make sure you don't miss a thing! Check out our park map to find everything you need to make your day out run smoothly, including all your favourite animals, play areas, restaurants and toilet facilities. Don't forget to check the talk boards when you arrive for times of our fun, fact filled animal talks and feeds throughout the day.
Download map
Discover a world lost in time!
Marvel at the life size prehistoric creatures taking over the Woodland Walk. Wonder at the mighty mammoth, stare at the savage sabre toothed Smilodon and delight at the sheer size of the giant sloth, plus many more. Our mighty outdoor exhibition, is the coolest thing in Canterbury!
Find out more
Refresh & Relax
Refresh and refuel during your day out at our cafe, restaurant or seasonal kiosks. Choose locally sourced sandwiches, cakes and freshly brewed coffees at The Coffee House or a hot meal, soup or snack at The Pavilion Restaurant. During peak season our kiosks sell ice cream, donuts, waffles, cold drinks, burgers and hot dogs and will be open around the park (please check notice boards for opening hours).
Where to eatextra
Encounters & experiences
Make your day out even more special with a close encounter with your favourite animal, become a keeper for a day, or learn how to capture that perfect shot on a wildlife photography course.
Opening times
We are open every day except Christmas Day!
Winter (1 November - 31 March)
We're open from 9:30am to 5pm. Last admission 3:30pm.
On Christmas Eve we're open from 9:30am to 2pm. Last admission 11:30pm.
On Boxing Day we're open 10:30 to 5pm. Last admission 3pm.
Summer (1 April - 31 October)
Only for 2021, we are open from 12th April until 31 October from 9:30am to 6:00pm. Last admission 4:30pm.
Getting here
Howletts Wild Animal Park is located in Bekesbourne, Kent in the South East of England, just three miles south of Canterbury. Easy to find by car or by public transport come and visit us today. Howletts is within approximately one and a half hours’ drive of most locations in Surrey, Sussex and Essex, and is within easy reach of London.
By Car
Howletts wild animal park is in the South East corner of Kent and lies just off the A2 past Canterbury. It is also a short distance from Folkestone and the southern coast of England.
If you are travelling via car and prefer to use a Sat Nav please use Post code CT4 5EL.
By Public Transport
Howletts wild animal park is a 90 minute train journey from Victoria station in London which travels directly to Bekesbourne station.
Park Accessibility
We have endeavoured to ensure we can consistently deliver an inclusive environment for our visitors, providing an experience that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or disability. Throughout the development of the park we have sought ways to break down any unnecessary physical barriers and continue to listen to the needs of our customers.
- The terrain is generally flat tarmac paths with a few gentle slopes.
- The park is bisected by a relatively steep slope. Help is available for wheelchair users - please ask a member of staff.
- There is a slight slope into the gatehouse at the entrance to the park.
- Designated disabled parking is located next to the Gatehouse and entrance to the park on a concrete surface.
- The majority of the park is accessible via ramped or level access.
- Wheelchairs are available for hire from the Gatehouse.
- Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available throughout the park
- Assistance dogs are not permitted in the park.
For more in depth accessibility information, we recommend you download our access guide.
What's on
Find out what's on at Howletts.
