Howletts Day Ticket

If you’re considering a visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, you’re probably curious about what makes it worth the $35.83 per person, and whether it lives up to the reviews. Based on detailed feedback, it’s a place that offers a genuinely special experience—especially if you’re keen on seeing animals like elephants and gorillas while supporting vital conservation work.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and the intimacy of the park, which isn’t as crowded as some larger zoos. Plus, the opportunity to add animal feeding encounters makes the visit more memorable and interactive.

But there’s a possible drawback: some visitors have expressed disappointment over closed cafes or seemingly empty enclosures, which might suggest inconsistent experiences depending on the day or time of visit. It’s worth weighing whether you’re okay with some unpredictability when it comes to amenities or animal visibility.

This tour most suits wildlife lovers, families with children, or anyone interested in seeing conservation in action. It’s a manageable day trip from Canterbury, offering a good mix of fun and purpose.

• Conservation Focus: The park is dedicated to saving endangered species, making your visit meaningful.
• Wildlife Variety: Home to gorillas, tigers, and the UK’s largest herd of African elephants—an impressive lineup.
• Interactive Experiences: Animal feeding sessions can enhance your visit, especially for families or animal enthusiasts.
• Size and Atmosphere: Covering 90 acres in beautiful ancient grounds, it’s big enough to explore without feeling overwhelming.
• Visitor Feedback: Most reviews praise the well-maintained enclosures and friendly guides, though some note inconsistent service or amenities.
• Price and Value: At around $36, it’s considered a fair deal, especially considering the focus on rare animals and conservation.

The main highlight of the Howletts Day Ticket is access to the Wild Animal Park, a sprawling 90-acre wonderland where each corner offers something new. As you enter, expect to see a mix of naturalistic enclosures, some spacious and well-maintained, and others with room for improvement—this seems to vary based on visitor reviews.

When we talk about the park’s focus, it’s clear that conservation is at the core. The animals are shown in environments that appear to prioritize their well-being and natural behaviors, with many enclosures seeming large enough for animals like gorillas and tigers to roam comfortably. You’ll get a sense that the park takes its role seriously—many visitors comment on how well looked after the animals appear.

The admission ticket grants you access to explore at your own pace, with open hours from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily, providing plenty of flexibility for a day out. The park’s grounds are picturesque, with abundant greenery that makes for good walking and photo opportunities.

Start your visit at the main park area—a lush, ancient landscape that feels both wild and curated. Here, you can stroll through the various habitats and see a variety of animals. Expect to encounter gorillas, and if you’re lucky, you might see them being active and playful, as several reviewers have noted how lively and well cared for the animals seem.

Visitors have shared that the enclosures generally look spacious and clean, which adds to the enjoyment. One reviewer specifically mentioned the “animals seem very active” and “looked very well cared for,” giving peace of mind about the animal welfare.

The elephants are the star attraction. Howletts boasts the UK’s largest herd of African elephants, which is a major draw. Whether it’s watching them amble about or observing their social interactions, this is a highlight that sticks with many visitors.

Other key animals include tigers, lemurs, monkeys, and other exotic species. The park isn’t massive, but it’s enough for a good walk that doesn’t exhaust you, especially if you’re traveling with children or prefer a laid-back experience.

Special Experiences: Many visitors choose to upgrade their visit with animal feeding encounters. Feeding lemurs or gorillas is often praised as a memorable addition that allows for a closer connection with the animals. One reviewer raved, “these experiences allow you to get much closer to the animals and learn from knowledgeable staff.”

Cafes and amenities: Unfortunately, some reviews note that the Elephant Cafe and Kifu Cafe were closed during their visits, and food options can be limited or pricey. If you’re concerned about this, bringing your own snacks or meals is a smart move, as there are designated areas to sit and eat.

Most reviews are quite positive, especially praising the animal care, the size of the park, and the friendly guides. One reviewer mentioned, “rangers Tillie and Matt were excellent—helping us get the most out of our visit and making it unforgettable.” This suggests that staff engagement can really elevate the experience.

Families seem particularly happy with Howletts, describing it as a “lovely smaller zoo” that’s less overwhelming than larger parks. The size and layout make it manageable, especially with young children.

However, not all feedback is glowing. Some visitors felt disappointed, citing empty enclosures or closed facilities. One review pointed out that many enclosures appeared to have weeds or vines growing across the cages, which might give a less polished impression but doesn’t necessarily reflect animal welfare.

Pricing: At roughly $36, the ticket is seen as fair considering the focus on conservation and the chance to see impressive animals like elephants and gorillas. Some reviewers mention that adding animal encounters makes the experience more special but also costs extra.

Crowd levels: During peak times like half-term or holidays, the park can get busier, but many reviews mention it remained comfortable and not overly crowded, making for a relaxing visit.

• Book in advance: The park is popular, and booking around 5 days beforehand is typical for securing tickets.
• Timing: Visiting earlier in the day might give you a better chance to see more active animals before the crowds arrive.
• Food: Bring your own picnic if you’re concerned about prices or limited options, especially since some cafes have been closed.
• Walking: Prepare for at least a couple of hours of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Weather: You’ll enjoy the grounds more if the weather is good, as much of the experience is outdoors.
• Animal encounters: If you want a more memorable visit, consider upgrading with feeding experiences—many visitors find these highlights.

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, enjoy observing animals in environments that prioritize their well-being, and want a day that’s both educational and fun, Howletts offers a compelling visit. It’s particularly suited for families, animal lovers, or those seeking a manageable, engaging day out near Canterbury.

While some visitors have noted that certain amenities or enclosures aren’t perfect, the core experience—seeing animals like elephants and gorillas and supporting a conservation cause—is genuinely rewarding. It’s a good value for the price, especially if you take advantage of animal encounters.

In essence, Howletts is a park that combines a love of animals with a commitment to their future, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the Kent area and want to see wildlife in a meaningful way.

Is the ticket price of $35.83 worth it?
Based on reviews, many think the price is fair for the opportunity to see impressive animals like elephants and gorillas and to support conservation efforts. The experience can be enriching and memorable especially if you add animal encounters.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket provides access to the entire park during opening hours, which are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily. It grants the flexibility to explore the grounds at your own pace.

Are there any food options available inside the park?
Yes, there are cafes, but some reviews mention closures or limited offerings. Bringing your own snacks might be a good idea to ensure you have options, especially if you’re traveling with children.

Can I book animal feeding experiences?
Yes, you can add animal feeding encounters to your visit, which many guests find enhances their experience. These encounters allow close-up interactions with animals like lemurs and gorillas.

Is the park suitable for young children?
Yes, many reviews highlight how family-friendly it is. The manageable size and engaging animal exhibits make it a good outing for kids, although some reviews note that the park isn’t overly large or overwhelming.

What should I be aware of regarding amenities?
Some cafes and facilities might be closed or limited depending on the day. Parking can be busy during peak times, so arriving early or booking tickets in advance can help streamline your visit.

If you’re looking for a day that combines wildlife viewing with conservation awareness, Howletts provides a solid, honest experience—worth considering if you’re nearby Canterbury and want a meaningful wildlife adventure.