Woburn Safari Park: 10 Tips for an Amazing Family Visit

You’ll want to book tickets online to save £1 per person and arrive early for the best animal viewing at Woburn Safari Park. Fuel up beforehand since there’s no station on-site, keep your speed at 15mph during the drive-through, and don’t miss the walk-through enclosures like Land of Lemurs. Pack waterproof clothing for unpredictable weather and budget extra for the amazing giraffe feeding experience at £149. These essential strategies will transform your family adventure into an unforgettable day.

Book Your Tickets Online and Plan Your Arrival Time

Before you pack the kids into the car for your Woburn Safari Park adventure, booking your tickets online will save you both time and money. You’ll pocket £1 per person compared to gate prices, with adult tickets at £26.99 and children (3-15) at £18.99. Don’t forget to use promo codes like “SAVE” or “BOB” for an extra £1 off child tickets when you add an activity booklet.

When booking, select an early arrival slot like 9:30am – trust me, you’ll breeze through the gates while latecomers queue. Your tickets include timed entry sessions that help manage crowds. The website also features special offers throughout the year, so it’s worth checking before you finalize your booking.

Download your tickets immediately after payment and screenshot the QR codes as backup. You can book until 2pm on the same day if you’re feeling spontaneous.

Download Maps and Timetables Before You Visit

While you’re booking those tickets online, grab the official maps and timetables from Woburn’s website – you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not wandering aimlessly with cranky kids in tow.

Download the Road Safari, Foot Safari, and Leisure Area maps plus the keeper talks timetable. Trust me, having these saved on your phone prevents those “where are we?” meltdowns.

The maps number each enclosure to match timetable locations, making keeper talks easy to find. Since animal walkthroughs open at 10:45am and Farmyard Friends closes an hour before park closing, you’ll want that schedule handy. Late arrivals are accommodated despite scheduled time slots, so don’t panic if you’re running behind.

Pre-planning your route around the 10am-6pm opening hours maximizes animal viewing opportunities and keeps your family moving efficiently through both driving and walking sections.

Fuel Up Your Vehicle and Check Safari Restrictions

Since Woburn Safari Park doesn’t offer fuel stations or electric vehicle charging, you’ll need to fill up completely before arrival – nothing kills the safari mood faster than running out of petrol halfway through the carnivore section. Electric vehicle owners need 90% battery charge minimum.

Before leaving home, perform essential vehicle checks: oil, water, tyre pressure, and battery levels. Ensure you’ve got locking wheel nuts and a tow bar – breakdowns aren’t covered by park staff. These simple checks help prevent breakdowns, saving time and money during your safari adventure.

Check vehicle restrictions carefully. Soft-top cars and convertibles can’t enter the Kingdom of Carnivores or African Forest sections, whilst motorbikes and bicycles aren’t permitted anywhere. Commercial vans need ladders secured and interiors inspected.

Dress for All Weather Conditions

Once you’ve sorted your vehicle preparation, British weather becomes your next challenge – and trust me, it’ll throw everything at you during a single safari visit. Pack waterproof layers for everyone since you’ll be hopping out frequently for keeper talks and walking areas like Monkey Mayhem.

December temperatures swing from freezing mornings to milder afternoons, so layering is essential. With humidity levels consistently high throughout winter, that cold air will feel even more penetrating against your skin.

Waterproof boots are non-negotiable – those rhinos create seriously muddy conditions, and you don’t want soggy socks ruining your day. Skip expensive outdoor gear; budget rain jackets work fine since you’ve got vehicle shelter during the drive-through sections.

Thermal base layers and fleece mid-layers handle temperature swings without breaking the bank. Don’t forget hats and gloves for outdoor viewing areas.

Follow the 15mph Speed Limit and Stay in Your Car

Though the 15mph speed limit might feel painfully slow compared to motorway driving, it’s absolutely essential for keeping both animals and families safe during your safari adventure. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the leisurely pace when a majestic lion strolls right past your window – rushing would mean missing these incredible moments.

Keep all windows, sunroofs, and doors firmly closed throughout your journey, no matter how tempting it might be to get that perfect photo. The kids will naturally want to stick their heads out, but resist this urge completely. Remember that only animals given by Keepers are safe to feed during your visit.

If your car breaks down, turn on hazard lights and sound your horn rather than getting out. Patrol staff monitor every section and will quickly assist you while you remain safely inside your vehicle.

Take Advantage of Unlimited Drive-Through Circuits

Your admission ticket includes something most families don’t realize they can fully exploit – unlimited circuits through the Road Safari. Don’t rush through once and leave. Each 60-90 minute lap offers completely different animal experiences since behaviors change throughout the day.

We’ve done four circuits in one visit, watching sleepy lions transform into active hunters, and giraffes moving from grazing to playful interactions. The re-entry route through the concrete car park past the flagpole makes repeating easy.

Different sections shine at various times. Morning circuits often feature active carnivores in the Kingdom section, while afternoon laps showcase grazing herds in the Savannah Grasslands. Your guidebook helps track which animals you’ve spotted across multiple drives. The route concludes at the Foot Safari where walking tours and keeper demonstrations provide excellent educational opportunities for children.

Explore the Walk-Through Enclosures on Foot

After completing your drive-through circuits, the Foot Safari opens up intimate animal encounters you can’t experience from your car. Park for free after your Road Safari and explore walk-through enclosures that bring you face-to-face with incredible animals.

Don’t miss Land of Lemurs, where three endangered species leap overhead through woodland habitats. Leave pushchairs at the entrance storage area.

Farmyard Friends offers hands-on meetings with Anglo-Nubian goats and Middle White pigs—pack your camera for these photo ops.

Visit Reptile Ranch for up-close reptile viewing and keeper demonstrations. The red panda enclosure features viewing windows and overhead tunnels.

At Giraffe Meadow, grandstand seating provides a comfortable vantage point to watch the Rothschild giraffe herd as they graze peacefully in their habitat.

Attend Daily Keeper Talks and Animal Demonstrations

While your car safari provides exciting wildlife viewing, the real magic happens when you step out and join the daily keeper talks scattered throughout the Foot Safari. With 27 talks scheduled daily during summer, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn fascinating details about the animals.

Download the timetable from their website before visiting – it’s essential for planning your route efficiently. The talks run Thursday through Sunday from 9:30am to 3pm, perfectly timed with the walkthrough areas that open at 11:00. You can also download the safari map along with the visitor leaflet to enhance your overall park experience.

Follow safety instructions carefully during demonstrations, and remember hand washing after any animal contact.

For families wanting something extra special, consider booking VIP experiences for closer encounters with ranger guides, though the included daily talks provide excellent value.

Budget Extra Time for Giraffe Feeding and Special Experiences

Though standard admission gets you close to wildlife, the giraffe experiences offer unforgettable encounters that justify their premium pricing – if you plan accordingly. The Standard Giraffe Experience costs £149 for the first person, then £79 for each additional family member during its 30-minute duration.

If you’re visiting with younger children, note the minimum age is 5 for feeding due to giraffe strength, though under-5s can still participate in Land Rover tours.

Weather affects your experience considerably. October through April means indoor feeding from platforms, while warmer months feature outdoor reserve tours.

Book online or call 01525 292124 for groups over six.

The VIP Safari extends to 60 minutes for £399 up to four people, making it worthwhile for special occasions. For the ultimate experience, consider the exclusive behind-the-scenes tour that takes place during park closure, offering 90 minutes with species like bongo antelope, lions, and tigers as the only guests in the entire park.

Make Use of Family Facilities and Play Areas

Beyond the animal encounters, Woburn’s extensive play facilities can easily fill half your day – and they’re all included in your admission price. The Mammoth Play Ark (location 13) is perfect for rainy weather, accommodating kids up to 11 with soft play adventures. Remember to dress children in long sleeves, trousers, and socks for the slides.

For toddlers under 5, head to Tiny Tots Safari Trail‘s covered bouncy castle – just remove shoes before entering. The Jungle Jamboree at location 16 offers outdoor climbing with musical instruments, though you’ll need to supervise constantly.

Don’t miss the free lake pedalos if your child’s over 1m tall, and pack lunch for the outdoor picnic areas. For taller children, the Bobcat Run features a giant astro slide that operates 12pm to 3pm during warmer months. These facilities genuinely extend your visit’s value.

The Sum Up

You’ll create unforgettable memories at Woburn Safari Park if you follow these tips. I’ve learned that proper planning saves money and stress – booking online’s cheaper, and arriving early means shorter queues. Don’t forget snacks and drinks; the café prices’ll shock you! My family’s biggest regret was rushing through – give yourself a full day. The kids’ll be exhausted but thrilled, and you’ll already be planning your return visit before you’ve left the car park.