Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a dynamic centre for conservation and welfare, the park has over 400 animals with over 70 different species. Based in Doncaster, it’s only a hour away from Harrogate and a fabulous day out for all the family. With both indoor and outdoor areas – the park is perfect whatever weather.
Weather gods were looking down on us when we visited and the sun was shining! The whole route round the Park is completely flat and great for pushchairs. There are lots of shaded areas, but be warned – they’ll be times when it isn’t and on a hot day – it can get quite uncomfortable. Take plenty of water, wear a sun hat and sunscreen and have a few water stops on the benches and you’ll be fine! Walking wise – be prepared to do a lot – we did 16,000 steps on our visit! I noticed a lot of families using little wagons to pull bags along – and even kids when they got tired – which I think it a great idea. I think the key to remember is – you’re there all day (open hours are usually 10am-5pm). So take it nice and slowly. There is plenty to see and do, so take it easy and break those walks up with plays in the play parks, rests on benches, lunches and of course ice cream stops!
We headed straight to Pangea – their new Dinosaur site – this was brilliant! As we walked passed all these HUGE dinosaurs, all I could think about was how I felt like I was on Jurassic Park! The kids were all loving it – stopping for photographs at every opportunity. What’s great too about this area is you’re guaranteed to spot them! No T-rex hiding in the shade, or taking a nap out of view here! You can get right up to them here – too close in some cases – beware – some dinosaur are known to spit!!
The rest of the Park is huge – it’s so great to see the animals in such large, open spaces. This can mean that sometimes you don’t get to see them – but keep on walking – and you’ll see them eventually. The first big animal we saw was the Rhino – but he was all the way round the other side of his enclosure (think massive field!) – turns out we walked passed the other side of the field hours later and got a really good look at him!
As well as animals, there are some brilliant play parks throughout the park. These were a great relief when our little one’s legs were getting tired from all the walking – I think we stopped at about 3 – and there were definitely more! The Jungle Look Out Play area was a favourite – and completely shaded by all the trees – so a welcomed rest from the sun!
There are some areas of the park where you can walk through enclosures which was brilliant – as well as Ranger talks and feeding times throughout the day – you can take a flyer when you walk in, or use the app to find out when these are.
You’re more than welcome to bring a picnic, and there is plenty of areas to enjoy it – including a huge pyramid tent, for those wanting some shade. We decided to buy food in there instead. I have to say the food in there was brilliant – and reasonably priced. With nine different catering options dotted throughout the park you are spoilt for choice. We ended up at Caramba – a South American inspired eatery. Burritos for the parents and a great value kids meal – chicken nuggets and chips for the little one. Plenty of other places to grab food – including burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, hot snacks and of-course ice creams!
On our visit we say Hyennas, polar bears, lions, rhinos, zebras, monkeys and sea lions – to name a few! I think the highlight for all of us was seeing the polar bears – there are 8 in total, so you’re bound to see them! Just amazing! As I said before, it was so brilliant to see these animals in such large open spaces, it means lots of walking for you – but it’s totally worth it. Another great thing about the park being so big – is it never felt crowded. We’d be in some areas and think, wow it’s busy here, then you take a left turn and you’re suddenly “off the beaten track” and don’t see anyone for a while!
It really is a great day out for all the family – my little one is already asking when she can go back. With Annual Membership available I think this might be a good investment! Especially as there is so much we didn’t do – including the indoor play area near the Monkey Play House – and HIVE looked awesome too!
A great day out – we’ll be back!
Reviewed by Harrogate Mumbler Aug 2022
Disclosure: We were gifted our entry to Yorkshire Wildlife Park however we pinky promised to only write a truthful account. Phew, we really enjoyed them, otherwise that could have been awks!
