West Midlands Safari Park
Sightseeing attraction | Bewdley | England | United Kingdom
The West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley, England, is one of the most famous safari and leisure parks in the UK and a popular attraction for families, animal lovers, and adventure seekers. Opened in the spring of 1973, the park is located in the picturesque county of Worcestershire and spans an area of approximately 80 hectares. The park combines an impressive variety of exotic animals with a small amusement park, offering a unique experience that combines nature, education, and entertainment. Since its founding by Jimmy Chipperfield, a former circus entrepreneur, the West Midlands Safari Park has evolved into a leading center for animal conservation and wildlife preservation.
The heart of the park is the four-mile safari drive-through, which allows visitors to drive through various habitats in their own vehicles. This drive enables visitors to observe some of the most fascinating and beautiful animals in the world up close, including giraffes, rhinos, elephants, lions, and tigers. The park is particularly proud to house the largest group of white lions, cheetahs, hippos, and meerkats in the UK. It was also the first zoo in the UK to present all five of the African "Big Five" - lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo. The animals move largely freely in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, providing visitors with an authentic safari experience.
In addition to the drive-through, the West Midlands Safari Park offers a variety of walking experiences. The "Discovery Trail" is a walk that includes mainly indoor exhibits, making it attractive even in bad weather. Here, visitors can explore the reptile house, a twilight cave with bats, an insect exhibition, and an aquarium. The "Lemur Woods" is a walk-through area where visitors can get up close to playful lemurs, and the "African Village" showcases meerkats among other animals. Regular animal encounters, where visitors can meet small exotic animals like ferrets or chinchillas under supervision, complement the offerings. Daily shows, such as the sea lion show where the animals demonstrate their impressive skills, also provide additional entertainment.
Another highlight is the themed attractions that enrich the park beyond just animal observation. The "Land of the Living Dinosaurs" is the UK's largest animatronic dinosaur exhibition, transporting visitors into the world of prehistoric times with lifelike, moving models of dinosaurs from Tyrannosaurus Rex to Velociraptor. This is complemented by the "Ice Age" exhibition, showcasing Ice Age animals such as mammoths and sabertooth cats. For families with younger children, there is "Boj's Giggly Park," an interactive play area with slides and puzzles specifically designed for the little ones.
The amusement park area offers a selection of rides to complement the experience. Attractions include three roller coasters, a log flume, a pirate ship, and smaller carousels suitable for both children and older visitors. Although this area is more compact than in large theme parks, it adds an additional dimension to the visit and provides variety after the safari and animal encounters.
The West Midlands Safari Park places great importance on conservation and research. It is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and participates in international breeding programs for endangered species. A milestone was the birth of the first male African elephant in the UK through artificial insemination in 2014. The park also collaborates with international partners, such as the Ongava Research Centre in Namibia, where research on lions and rhinos is conducted. Parts of the safari grounds, such as the enclosures for cheetahs and African wild dogs, are located in a protected heathland area that the park actively restores.
For those looking to extend their experience, the park offers luxurious safari lodges, a unique accommodation option overlooking animals such as elephants, cheetahs, or giraffes. These accommodations are particularly popular among visitors seeking a close connection to the animal world. The park is surrounded by hilly landscape that invites relaxation, and offers numerous picnic areas and dining options ranging from snacks to full meals.
The West Midlands Safari Park is a place that combines adventure, education, and family fun. It tells the story of exotic animals, preserves a piece of natural history, and provides modern leisure enjoyment. For visitors, it is an opportunity to experience the world up close - from the African savanna to prehistoric times to the present - and remains an essential destination for those seeking the wonders of the animal kingdom and the joy of a day in nature.
