Had a lovely few hours visiting Howletts. Lots of animals to see and we were fortunate to see both... read more
Had a lovely few hours visiting Howletts. Lots of animals to see and we were fortunate to see both... read more
Together with my daughter and three grandsons we had a great time yesterday at Howletts. We took... read more
We spent a day here arriving just after it opened at 9.30. We had no problem parking and there was only a short wait to enter. I had paid for all members of my party to have a Rhino experience (£75) which also included entry.
The Rhino Experience was very interesting and the keeper - we can't remember his name - was obviously very passionate about the animals and conservation. We got a chance to feed all three of the female black rhinos; Salome, Mizi and Damara. They loved the banana they were given and we got a chance to stroke them as well. There were plenty of chances to take photos with them as well and the keeper answered any questions we had.
As well as the Rhinos, we saw lots of other animals. Our particular favorites included the Fishing Cats, Pallas cats, Snow Leopards and the adorable baby elephant. The zoo was a decent size and you did have to take long backtrack at one point to get back to the exit but we didn't mind as it gave us a chance to see some of our favorite animals again.
We stopped for lunch at one of several small cafes and had a drink and a cake - I can recommend the Rocky Road Slice. It was not over priced and you don't mind paying a little extra at places like this as the money goes towards the animals.
Thoroughly recommend visiting Howletts if you happen to be in the area.
Thank you so much for your lovely review and pleased you enjoyed your animal encounter with the rhinos and that you saw a large number of animals including your favourites. I have passed your comments regarding the rocky road cake to the catering manager for you. Nusu the baby elephant is fast becoming a visitor favourite especially and he is very lively and eager to explore everything he can. I do hope you will visit us again soon.
This is a beautiful kept wildlife park, There is plenty to see and do here, the park has a tree top adventure area, the restaurant is good and not over priced, the animals can be seen in all their splendour, walking through the Lemur enclosure was brilliant and the guide was very knowledgeable about the animals.
Thank you for your review and you enjoyed your visit. Our Tree Top Challenge is a particular favourite. We have a dedicated team of gardeners and groundsmen who take pride in their work and keep the park looking lovely. I do hope you visit us again in the future.
We visited here for my sister-in-law's birthday with her three young children.
We all had a very good day. The park is very large and there is a lot to see; it is definitely worth planning a trip for the whole day. There are lots of animals (some better known than others) and lots to see. None of the animals looked like they did not want to be there; there was no prowling around the same tracks. All of the animals' enclosures were made for the animals housed in them.
The best part by far for me were the Gorillas. There are two enclosures and each has a gorgeous silverback along with the rest of the group. The enclosures are huge and it was fascinating watching them with all they have to explore or play with.
My only gripe is that whilst there is the usual information about the animals at the enclosures, there is not a lot of 'interactive' stuff for the kids; it is very much a walk around and watch the animals type of place (which a zoo should be), but after six hours of walking, little feet get tired and something 'different' to entertain them would have been appreciated. And remember that food and drink is going to be expensive (as it is at all of these sort of places).
All in all, a great family day out.
Thank you for your review and pleased you enjoyed your day. With regards to the 'digital' aspect of the park, I understand there are some plans regarding this area. I do hope you will visit us again soon.
I love this park is the best one of the two
Great day out
Well worth getting annual membership
Great for photography too
Thank you for your lovely review and pleased you enjoy your visits and taken advantage of the Membership. Look forward to seeing you again soon.
Visited today 28.10.18 not the greatest of weather but my god this is a big park and nice to see animals having the choice to be inside or out and marvelled at just how big most of the animal enclosures were well if you can call them that it was more about as much freedom for the animals as possible. Myself and my partner absolutely loved this park and great to see that this is more towards conservation and animal welfare than alot of smaller zoos and great to hear that it has stayed in the same family. Considering how quiet it was today and with such windy and wet weather not one staff member looked like they didnt want to be there and they all smiled and some had a laugh and joke with ya which is amazing. Keep up the great work of the park and conservation and try to retain your staff as they can make a good day great.
I was so pleased you enjoyed your visit here and appreciate the work we do. We have a wonderful team of dedicated keepers who love their animals and this shows in their work. I do hope you will visit us again when the weather has improved.
It was such a wonderful day visiting here we loved every second and cant wait to revisit. The animals all had such large areas, especially the elephants! We loved seeing the baby elephant it was so wonderful to see it out in the paddock playing with another ele that was slightly older so very cute. All the animals enclosures were great for the animals and made it a pleasure to look around and spend time looking for each animal. The zoo was fab to get around mostly flat and in great condition all round so great for all ages n was lovely to see all ages there as well.
We ate in the larger restaurant and the food was wonderful and great portions (defo on the chips) for the price, was very happy with our lunch.
A brilliant day out we shall be revisiting for sure!! 5*****
Very nice gifts in the shop we brought a few bits of sweets/ornaments and other treats and very good prices again so was happy to spend in there.
Thank you for your lovely review and appreciate what we do here at Howletts. We have a dedicated team who look after the gardens and grounds as well as the keepers who love their animals, which reflects in the animals well being. Looking forward to seeing you on your next visit.