The best UK safari-style experiences families will love

When people think of safari, mental images of African travel generally come to mind. UK safari experiences offer families exciting ways to see wildlife without leaving Britain. There are lions to be seen in open spaces, rhinos, seals and dolphins in their natural habitat, and red deer and Exmoor ponies in their natural habitat.

There are plenty of adventures to have from the lions roaming openly to the seals, dolphins, red deer and Exmoor ponies all in their natural habitat. You can go on safaris, take boat trips, go for paddle trips in the still waters or go out into the countryside with expert local guides.

These experiences mix the fun of wildlife, fresh air and adventure with making family travel extra memorable. Consider these some of the finest safari style experiences for the whole family to enjoy in England and Scotland.

Discover the UK's Best Family Wildlife Adventures

Explore exciting family wildlife adventures across the UK, from safari parks and marine tours to wild countryside experiences.

Go wild, stay local

No need to jet half-way across the globe for an exciting shot of adventure. From driving amongst lions and rhinos to quietly paddling along serene waterways in order to spy on beavers at night, the UK offers a wealth of experiences that bring you incredibly close to the wonders of nature.

In woodlands, along picturesque coastlines, or over the rolling moors these are safaris that do not require savannahs. These thrilling adventures substitute the vast plains with gently sloping hills and lush wetland, yet the thrill of exploration remains undiminished.

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West Midlands Safari Park, Worcestershire

Just outside Bewdley, visitors will find the West Midlands Safari Park, which offers families the chance to create their day as an individual experience. Drivers can choose to drive themselves through the safari section, stopping at their leisure to see the lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

Those who desire a more hands-free and knowledgeable tour can step aboard a truck tour, where the keepers take control of the route and share education about their animals, or opt for the minibus tour, which can carry up to seven people. VIP & Keeper Experiences provide even more unusual opportunities for guests to feed the animals, meet the keepers, and get a glimpse behind the scenes before the park opens its gates to general admission.

Basking Shark Scotland, Argyll, Scotland

Family fun and marine encounters await you on Basking Shark Scotland's Seal and Lagoon tour, which offers an exciting family marine trip in the picturesque Hebridean waters. You will embark on a boat trip, followed by the choice to snorkel in the sheltered lagoon, where you can paddle around, or you have the chance to explore on your own in a kayak.

Knowledgeable guides will keep you informed about the fascinating local sea life, while you actively look out for dolphins, sea eagles, and potentially basking sharks. This adventure provides a relaxing and non-stressful introduction to Scotland's wildlife for families with more mature children, aged eight and over, who are looking to observe marine life during their journey. Longer snorkeling adventures, which offer the thrilling opportunity to swim with basking sharks, are also available, catering more to adventurous spirits.

Port Lympne Reserve, Kent, England

With 600 acres just outside of Hythe, Port Lympne blends together stately homes with some of the UK's best-ever immersive safari parks, allowing your family to drive through open fields where giraffes and rhinos, among others, amble freely, and guiding you to close-walking routes where you'll have the chance to pass tigers and gorillas on foot.

The Aspinall Foundation runs the park and obviously cares hugely for its animals, while the fact-spitting guides will truly charm the smaller members of the family, and for those planning longer stays, there's a delightful range of wonderful on-site dwellings, including Lion Lodge, Wolf Lodge, and the beautifully designed Tiger Lodge, which features wall-to-wall windows that gaze out onto the large predators.

Dover Sea Safari, Kent, England

Departing from Dover Marina, you will ride a British-made RHIB along the stunning white chalky coast on this delightful two-hour 'Secret Seal Safari'. The crews will position their boat carefully near the seal haul-outs so you can enjoy a gentle, unhurried gaze; younger kids, while there is plenty for them to enjoy, can be more interested in the faster-paced elements of the adventure.

For a different experience, you can book a three-hour trip to the Goodwin Sands Sea Safari - a huge sandbank off the Kent coast that only fully reveals itself when the tide is out! Here, with the guide's expert advice about what is safely available to be walked, you will have an hour to thoroughly investigate.

Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

Set in the magnificent grounds of the Longleat Estate near Warminster, Britain's first safari park boasts more than 120 species, which visitors can view either by car, on foot, by train, on a bus, or by boat. You can even drive through the wild Monkey Mayhem area to reach Lion Country by car, then sail by safari boat over the serene lake, or even take a delightful ride on a miniature train.

Children, along with the adults, will certainly enjoy the exciting chance to watch real-life safaris in action. But don't forget to explore their various animal chats, not to mention the numerous other engaging non-animal attractions that will surely lighten a full day's viewing experience. Seasonable attractions, such as the dazzling Festival of Light that takes place during Christmas, are also well worth a viewing.

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Exmoor Wildlife Safaris, Somerset, England

Accompanied by locally born guides from Exmoor, these three-hour 44 safaris take adventurers out into the heart of Exmoor National Park via ancient drove roads and disused tracks in search of free-ranging Exmoor ponies and red deer within their natural habitat.

Participants will find ample photo opportunities along the way and delight in tales of local history, fauna, and flora that will both amuse and educate them. Keep things personal with a small group size, and well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior arrangement (for a small charge). This experience offers a marvelous and understated way to introduce children and family to the wilder regions of the beautiful West Country.

FAQs

1. What are the best UK safari experiences for families?

Some popular options include West Midlands Safari Park, Port Lympne Reserve, Longleat Safari Park, Dover Sea Safari and Exmoor Wildlife Safaris.

2. Can families see lions and rhinos on a UK safari?

Yes. Safari parks such as West Midlands Safari Park and Port Lympne Reserve offer opportunities to see animals including lions and rhinos.

3. Are UK safari experiences suitable for children?

Yes. Many UK safari experiences are designed for families, although age restrictions can vary. Some activities, such as certain marine tours, may have minimum age requirements.

4. Can you see marine wildlife on a UK safari?

Yes. Marine safari experiences can offer sightings of seals, dolphins, sea eagles and, depending on the location and conditions, basking sharks.

5. Which UK safari is best for a first family adventure?

Longleat Safari Park and West Midlands Safari Park are good choices for families wanting a traditional safari-park experience, while Exmoor Wildlife Safaris offer a quieter countryside adventure.