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All 145 Liverpool Attractions »

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park | Prescot, Merseyside, Liverpool L34 4AN, England
44 151 430 9009
As featured in Liverpool for young kids
Ranked #19 of 91 attractions in Liverpool
4.5 of 5 stars 179 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Fee: Yes
Owner description: Knowsley Safari Park was opened to the public in July 1971 by the 18th Earl of Derby. Then, the `safari park' concept of having visitors in cages...... more » Owner description: Knowsley Safari Park was opened to the public in July 1971 by the 18th Earl of Derby. Then, the `safari park' concept of having visitors in cages (cars) and the animals roaming free based on the drive-through game reserves of East Africa was unique. In 1994, Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl, succeeded to the title. The estate being only 8 miles (13 km) from Liverpool city centre, Knowsley was the first safari park to be built close to a large city. In spite of some understandable apprehension about the possible problems associated with large numbers of animals (including lions) roaming about close to the city, the then County and District councils approved the proposals.In the first two years of opening, the route through Knowsley Safari Park consisted of a 3½ mile (5.6 km) drive, and the main attractions were lions, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, zebra, elephants and various antelopes. The park proved immensely popular, so in 1973 an extension, including a further 1½ miles (2.4km) of road, was built and opened. This allowed more animals to be added to the collection on display along the now 5-mile- (8 km) long route, including herds of camels, buffalo and white rhino as well as a group of tigers.A few modifications to the original design have had to be made for safety and display reasons. The tigers and lions are now displayed in enclosures within the game reserves, and the elephants have their own paddock in the walk around section at the end of the safari drive. We also have a car friendly route around the outside of the monkey jungle for visitors who do not wish to have a close encounter with our baboons. Knowsley Safari Park has become one of Merseyside's premier leisure attractions, winning several awards for tourism and it's animal husbandry. « less
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities, Baby buggy parking, Activities for older children, Activities for young children, Wheelchair access
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179 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

What a fabulous attraction and well worth the annual pass, allowing you to revisit. This is our fifth visit and every time we go you see something different especially the new lion clubs this year in the olympic year called bronze, silver and gold. If you havent been, make a pack lunch and go and visit! More

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See 4 more reviews by Spookymoss for Liverpool
Liverpool
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

We love the Safari Park and visit often as we only live 5 mins away. The animal enclosure is big enough to satisfy the cost but not overly so that you get bored. The 'fair' leaves something to be desired but our little'un seems to enjoy it. Seal show isnt too bad and always impressive. I believe they are getting... More

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See 9 more reviews by mobeverton for Liverpool
Aberdeen
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

On Sunday we went for a day out at Knowsley Safari Park. Firstly we were taken in a land rover round the park. This took approx. 1 hour 15 mins. It was good to see all the animals in an open environment and not caged. There were many "babies" amongst the animals especially the baboons. The Sealion show lasted 20... More

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Leeds, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012 NEW

Visited on a monday and practically had the place to ourselves. Admission price was a pleasant surprise as we got the 20% off and our kids weren't charged as they were too young. We probably should have taken the hint about no charge for the kids as my two and a half year old was totally disinterested in the safari... More

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Bangor, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

We visited because of a "special offer" price being offered for summer 2012. For two adults and one child it cost £35. This didn't seem particularly special! The best parts of the park is definitely the baboons and the lions. Everything else seems to be "boring" for children. There a also rides for £2 a go, which seems a bit... More

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See 2 more reviews by Rebecca J for Liverpool
Bradford, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

Enjoyed a very good day out at Knowsley. The Safari drive itself can be covered in about 90 minutes. Shame didn't get to see the elephants a bit closer. The bird of prey show is very good. The Sealion show is a bit short, i thought. Rides after the drive are also good for kids. I did enjoy Longleat more... More

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Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

The weather wasn't on our side at all when we visited Knowsley for the first time but, all in all, we had a great day! We loved seeing the animals close up and thought there were a good range of animals to see. The monkeys made our day! Although they seemed to love red cars so watch out ;) There... More

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Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

This is a must must must day out!!!!! You can get up close to all the animals! Kids love it! (and so do adults!!) Be warned, those monkeys might just ruin your car but you can go through a car friendly route. However this is no where near as fun as actually driving through!! Another thing to do here is... More

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mims florida
Top Contributor
184 reviews 184 reviews
Reviews in 62 cities Reviews in 62 cities
223 helpful votes 223 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We have been visiting this Safari Park for 10 years as 5 of our grandchildren live in the area, so it makes sense for us to have annual membership (30 pounds each oldie) . The kids love the drive through seeing Lions up very close, Tigers occasionally, Rhinos, many deer, elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons (do not drive througn their area... More

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See 5 more reviews by gwgMimsFlorida for Liverpool
St Helens, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

love the park , keep an eye on the monkeys or go around them if you want to keep your windscreen wipers though. the fair can be expensive but you can ride around the park more than once . love the meerkats and the otters were show offs as well More

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See 2 more reviews by shelite for Liverpool

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