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Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park | Prescot, Merseyside, Liverpool L34 4AN, England
44 151 430 9009
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As featured in Liverpool for young kids
Ranked #22 of 109 attractions in Liverpool
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
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: Baby buggy parking, Activities for older children, Activities for young children, Wheelchair access, Bathroom facilities
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456 reviews from our community

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Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW via mobile

We visited using discount voucher so it was excellent value. It was a lovely day so perfect for seeing the animals. Beware that if you go through the baboon enclosure your car will be damaged. The walk through area of the park is well thought out and interesting. The rides are expensive at £2 per child and don't last long.... More

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Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW via mobile

We visited for the fourth time this season in June as we thought we'd make use of the membership cards we received through and offer last year. For the first time this season we went on a school day so the place was like a ghost town as it was basically just our car (four) people and a coach full... More

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See 2 more reviews by bop1993 for Liverpool
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

We took out chance on a cloudy day during the half term break and enjoyed our family day out. There is an impressive amount of animals and big size herds/packs/prides etc of them. We were very impressed with the lions enclosure and even though it risky, with the baboons. Many animals had their off springs on show (end of May)... More

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Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

Friday 31/05/13 i had a really bad experiance at Knowsley Safari Park, my 7 year old son was on the dogems and came of with a horrible graze on his neck from the seat belt, we informed the manager of this (so they could sort it and it wouldnt happen to someone else). staff in the gift shop were very... More

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Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

used to go yrs ago when it was £7 a car now its per person, £16 is a dear doo when 4 go £60 plus diesal coz ya driving then you have to pay for the rides at the end it cost £140 for a day out the only reason im not goin on too much is coz its animals... More

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wigan
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Had my sons birthsay party here and it was brilliant! We got there at 10am, and left at 5pm! We hired the private minibus which is well worth it, went round the park for an hour then had dinner, saw the other animals and the sealion show and got wristbands for the rides, all the staff where very helpfull, especially... More

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London
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

This safari park is a surprise find for the area. You wouldn't expect to see all these animals just outside of Liverpool city. The stately home is only open to the public for one week a year but the whole place can be hired by anyone (if you have the cash!) for a weekend or longer. It’s often hired for... More

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See 2 more reviews by Jasmine B for Liverpool
Oldham, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

We revisited Knowsley recently. The safari is quite well laid out and has good drive-thru plan. But the let down was the number of animals. The drive from the entrance until the Deer pond is uninteresting, with absolutely no animals but for the stray pheasants providing a bit of colour. The deer are all packed around the waterhole, so it... More

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st. helens
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

These places are not considered PC by some people. I am one of these, I did visit years ago when I was young and perhaps should have known better. I'm not a fanatic like some I just think that displaying creatures for the gratification of humans and the bank balance of Lord whoever is not my cup of tea.

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See 10 more reviews by ffsilkworm for Liverpool
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

Just moved a few miles away from the area, had a day planned for the zoo with my son. Got there at opening (would advise) got in quiet quick, lions where being fed this is the most action from all the animals all day. drove round in about 1hr was very shocked so insisted on going round another three times... More

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