The Best Days Out For Animal Lovers in Yorkshire
Go wild on these great days out
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Lions and tigers and polar bears – oh my! There’s all that and more at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Stick around to meet the adorable red pandas. Point Lobos is home to a family of Californian sea lions and the largest purpose-built habitat of its kind in the world. Why not become an animal ranger for the day? Meanwhile, the park’s actual animal rangers host talks, feedings and shows daily. If children are still looking to burn some energy, there’s indoor and outdoor play areas too. Events are taking place throughout summer including live music from Sam Ryder, and you can stay the night in suites just metres from the park.
Hurst Lane, Doncaster DN9 3QY
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
National Centre for Birds of Prey
As well as 300 acres of parkland and two marked trails to follow here, there are three flying areas (including an indoor one for inclement days) and more than 40 aviaries, so the National Centre for Birds of Prey is the perfect place to see incredible birds take flight. We’re talking hawks, owls, falcons and kites. You can get your picture taken with the owls and follow the Hawk Hike with a trained Harris Hawk.
Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB
01439 772080
ncbp.co.uk
Flamingo Land
Whilst Flamingo Land promises an adrenaline-fuelled day out with rollercoasters for the brave, you’ll want to stick around and see the animals in the zoo. There are wallabies, penguins, lions, tigers, hippos, seals, zebras, alpacas and even reindeer. Don’t miss the keeper talks and animal encounters (you can go inside the giraffe houses to meet the park’s tallest residents). Fancy becoming a zookeeper for a day? You can give that a go too.
Kirby Misperton, Malton YO17 6UX
08004 088840
flamingoland.co.uk
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
The white chalk cliffs at Bempton are home to around half a million seabirds, and a range of summertime activities mean you can experience these birds (including gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, herring gulls and shags) in new ways. There’s a seabird centre, guided walks and nature trails, and keep your eyes peeled for seals and porpoises in the water too. For an extra special experience, take a cruise from Bridlington Harbour to see the birds from a different perspective.
Cliff Lane, Bridlington YO15 1JF
01262 422212
rspb.org.uk
The Deep
Hull’s aquarium has delighted visitors for more than 20 years now, and remains focused on conservation and education. You can learn lots about the ocean and the importance of protecting it here. In this underwater world you can see sharks, gentoo penguins, sea turtles, eels and stingrays amongst many other sea creatures. Check out the Living Reef, feel like you’re really under water in the tunnel and explore more than four billion years of ocean history, from giant fossils to Megalodon shark teeth.
Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP
thedeep.co.uk
Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park
As well as play parks and fun family events throughout the summer, there are plenty of animal-themed experiences at Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park. In fact, there are more than 142 species to discover, from minibeasts to mammals – and of course butterflies. Immerse yourself in the indoor tropical rainforest and make sure you visit the cute chipmunks and red squirrels.
Woodsetts Road, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ
01909 569416
butterflyhouse.co.uk
