Zoos & Wildlife · Canterbury
Howletts Wild Animal Park
📍 CT3 1XD
Photo: Michael Haslam (CC BY 2.5), via Wikimedia Commons
- Walk through a leafy enclosure alongside lemurs
- See life-size prehistoric creatures on the Woodland Walk
- Watch animal feeds and join free daily talks
- Home to giant anteaters and the UK's largest elephant herd
- Book close animal encounters with expert keepers
Howletts Wild Animal Park is a wildlife sanctuary set in ancient parkland near Canterbury, home to over 390 animals including Kent's only giant anteaters and the UK's largest herd of African elephants. You can walk through a leafy enclosure alongside lemurs, explore life-size prehistoric creatures on the Woodland Walk, join free daily animal talks and feeding sessions, or book a close-up encounter with expert keepers. It suits families and wildlife enthusiasts wanting an unhurried, mostly level day out. The park is run as a conservation charity supporting breeding and reintroduction projects. Located in Bekesbourne-with-Patrixbourne near Canterbury, Kent, with a station 0.8 miles away, it's well placed among 50 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays.
Practical details
- Best for
- Family days out with rare and endangered animals
- Time needed
- A 90-acre parkland to explore
- Accessibility
- Generally level ground with good disabled access
- Booking
- Book online for access to the wet weather policy
From the attraction's own website on 29 Sep 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Cafe
- ✓ Toilets
- ✓ Disabled Access
- ✓ Gift Shop
- ✓ Picnic Area
- ✓ Parking
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
1.1 mi
1.8 mi
Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site
✓ Located on the outskirts of historic Canterbury with easy access to the city
Canterbury
2.1 mi
2.1 mi
2.2 mi
2.2 mi
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🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
🚆 Or come by train
- Bekesbourne 0.8 miles
- Sturry 2.6 miles
- Adisham 2.8 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page