West Midlands Safari Park: Wildlife Adventures, Thrills and Latest Updates in 2026

West Midlands Safari Park stands out as one of the UK’s most exciting family destinations. Visitors drive through vast enclosures to meet incredible animals up close, explore walking trails packed with exotic species, enjoy thrilling rides, and even stay overnight in luxury lodges surrounded by wildlife. This unique blend of safari experience, theme park fun, and conservation efforts draws families, animal lovers, and adventure seekers year after year. In 2026, the park continues to evolve with exciting new additions, heartwarming animal births, and special events that make every visit memorable.

You experience a true sense of wonder as lions roam nearby, giraffes stretch their long necks toward your car window, and elephants trumpet in the distance. Beyond the animals, the park offers rides, interactive shows, and prehistoric dinosaur exhibits that keep everyone entertained. Recent developments, including new baby animals and expanded lodge options, add fresh excitement to this already popular spot.

The Fascinating History of West Midlands Safari Park

West Midlands Safari Park opens its gates for the first time on April 17, 1973. Founder Jimmy Chipperfield, a member of the famous Chipperfield’s Circus family, launches the park in Bewdley, Worcestershire. He brings in some former circus animals to start the collection. The park quickly gains popularity for its innovative drive-through safari concept, which allows guests to observe animals in spacious, naturalistic settings from the safety of their vehicles.

Over the decades, the park expands significantly. It adds new animal species, improves enclosures for better welfare, and introduces attractions beyond the safari drive. In the early years, the focus remains on big cats, elephants, and other large mammals. By the 2000s, the park welcomes more diverse exhibits, including reptiles, birds, and smaller mammals. Ownership changes hands, and today Groupe Looping manages the site, ensuring continued investment in facilities and conservation.

The park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023 with special events and reflections on its growth. It now spans about 200 acres and cares for hundreds of animals from nearly 100 species. This rich history combines entertainment with a growing commitment to protecting endangered wildlife through breeding programs and education.

How to Get There and Practical Tips for Your Visit

West Midlands Safari Park sits in Bewdley, Worcestershire, easily accessible from major cities like Birmingham, Worcester, and Kidderminster. Drivers follow the A456 or A449 routes, and clear signage guides you to the entrance. The park provides ample free parking for cars, coaches, and even offers facilities for those with accessibility needs.

Public transport options exist, but most visitors drive for convenience, especially since the safari drive requires your own vehicle. The park opens daily during peak seasons, with adjusted hours in winter. In early 2026, special Wild Winter Safari events run on Fridays to Sundays from January to mid-February, offering discounted entry and a quieter experience.

Plan your day wisely. Arrive early to beat crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays. Bring snacks or enjoy the on-site restaurants, which serve everything from quick bites to full meals. The park allows picnics in designated areas. Wear comfortable shoes for walking trails, and check the weather—rain can make paths slippery, while sun calls for hats and sunscreen.

Accessibility remains a priority. The park provides wheelchair-friendly paths in many areas, sensory guides, and assistance for visitors with disabilities. Always check the official website for the latest details before you go.

The Thrilling Safari Drive: Heart of the Experience

The four-mile Safari Drive forms the main highlight at West Midlands Safari Park. You drive your own car slowly through expansive enclosures divided into African and Asian sections. Animals roam freely in large, naturalistic habitats that mimic their wild environments.

In the African section, you encounter majestic giraffes that tower over your vehicle, curious zebras that trot alongside, and massive African elephants that lumber gracefully. Rhinos graze peacefully, while antelopes like eland and red lechwe dash across open plains. Predators add excitement—lions lounge in prides, tigers prowl, and African wild dogs hunt in packs.

The Asian area brings different wonders. You spot deer species, yaks, and other herbivores that thrive in varied landscapes. The drive encourages close observation without barriers in many spots, creating unforgettable moments like a giraffe peering directly into your car or a lion watching from a short distance.

Safety rules keep everyone secure. Keep windows up near big cats, stay in your vehicle, and follow speed limits. The park provides audio guides via app or speakers for fascinating facts about each species. This self-drive format gives flexibility—you pause to watch behaviors, take photos, or simply soak in the views.

Recent animal births enhance the drive. In January 2026, keepers witness the birth of a Northern giraffe calf to 14-year-old mum Arusha after a 15-month pregnancy. Guests may soon spot this youngster with the herd, adding joy to every drive-through.

Discovery Trail and Animal Encounters: Walking Wonders

After the drive, you step out to explore the Discovery Trail on foot. This area features themed zones that bring you even closer to amazing creatures.

Penguin Cove delights visitors with playful Humboldt penguins that waddle and swim energetically. The Sea Lion Theatre hosts daily shows where sea lions perform impressive tricks and demonstrate natural behaviors. Lorikeet Landing lets you feed colorful birds that land on your arms.

Reptile House and Twilight Cave showcase snakes, lizards, and nocturnal animals in realistic setups. Creepy Crawlies introduces insects and arachnids up close, while the Aquarium displays vibrant fish and marine life.

African Village houses cheeky meerkats that pop up from burrows and playful lemurs that swing through trees in Lemur Woods. Daily encounters include lemur talks, hippo feeds, and other keeper-led sessions included in admission.

Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age exhibits transport you back in time with life-sized animatronic models of prehistoric creatures. These roaring dinosaurs and woolly mammoths thrill kids and educate about evolution.

Explorer’s Play Park offers multi-sensory fun for younger children with climbing structures, slides, and interactive elements inspired by nature.

Overnight Stays: Live the Safari Dream

For those craving deeper immersion, the park’s Safari Lodges transport guests into the wild overnight, where families snuggle in the Cheetah Lodge perched elevated above enclosures so cheetahs prowl visibly below bedroom windows at dawn, creating wake-up calls more enchanting than any alarm clock, while the Rhino Lodge offers panoramic views of these armored behemoths grazing peacefully as the sun rises over misty plains, complete with private hot tubs on decks where parents sip coffee watching the action unfold. 

The newest Hippo Lodge delights with underwater viewing tunnels revealing submerged hippos gliding gracefully just beyond glass walls during evening feeds, and the Wild Dog Lodge buzzes with the pack’s yips and howls echoing through the night, turning bedtime stories into live performances right outside the door.

Booked lodges include exclusive after-hours access to certain trails, gourmet meals prepared by on-site chefs using locally sourced ingredients, and keeper talks that reveal behind-the-scenes secrets like how vets monitor animal health via hidden cameras, ensuring stays feel luxurious yet authentically adventurous, and in 2026, availability fills fast so savvy travelers book months ahead via the revamped wmsp.co.uk website that now features 360-degree virtual tours of each lodge.

Adventure Theme Park: Rides and Extra Excitement

West Midlands Safari Park combines wildlife with thrilling rides in its Adventure Theme Park. Open during summer and select periods, this section features family-friendly attractions suitable for all ages.

Roller coasters, spinning rides, and gentle carousels keep adrenaline levels high. Height restrictions apply on some attractions, but options exist for little ones. Wristbands provide unlimited rides—buy online with admission for savings, or on the day.

The park offers a Little Penguin Wristband for children between 0.8m and 1.0m tall at a reduced price. Game stands and arcades add extra entertainment.

This mix ensures the day appeals to thrill-seekers and those who prefer animal-focused fun.

Safari Lodges: Overnight Magic Among the Animals

For an extraordinary experience, book a stay at the award-winning Safari Lodges. These luxury accommodations place you right in the wildlife areas.

Current options include lodges overlooking rhinos, giraffes, and more. In December 2025, the park announces new Rhino Safari Lodges and expanded Giraffe experiences. Six elephant-view lodges offer the only overnight stay with African elephants in the UK.

Guests wake to animal sounds, enjoy private views, and sometimes spot wildlife from balconies. Lodges feature modern comforts like comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and catering options.

Bookings open for various seasons, with high demand during school holidays. This unique overnight adventure creates lifelong memories.

Conservation Efforts and Animal Welfare

West Midlands Safari Park actively supports conservation. Keepers participate in breeding programs for endangered species, contributing to global efforts.

The annual animal count in January 2026 tallies over 1,000 animals across nearly 100 species, from ants to elephants. This inventory tracks health, births, and population changes. Many 2025 babies received names starting with “N,” reflecting ongoing success in breeding.

Education plays a key role. Talks, signs, and encounters teach visitors about threats like habitat loss and poaching. The park partners with organizations to support wild populations.

Animal welfare remains paramount. Enclosures provide enrichment, veterinary care, and natural behaviors. Recent births, like the 2026 giraffe calf, highlight positive outcomes from dedicated care.

Ticket Prices, Passes, and Special Offers in 2026

Ticket options suit different needs. Admission-only tickets start from around £20.90 when booked online in advance. Admission plus rides packages begin at £30.90.

Under 3s enter free. Pre-booking saves money and guarantees entry. On-the-day prices cost more.

Annual passes offer great value for frequent visitors. Tiers include unlimited entry, ride access, and perks like discounts. In early 2026, discounts like 20% off appear periodically.

Special deals include Splash ‘n’ Safari tickets combining entry with Waterworld for £35 per person (ages 3+). Wild Winter Safari offers savings and free returns.

Check the official site for current prices, as they fluctuate seasonally.

Dining Delights Amid the Wildlife

Dinosaurs Tea Room roars to life with Jurassic-themed decor where families devour stacked pancakes dripping with maple syrup and fresh berries picked from nearby farms, while the African Village eatery grills succulent skewers of marinated chicken Vicky Pattison and veggies over open flames that infuse smoky flavors guests savor under thatched roofs echoing with distant animal calls. 

Themed kiosks scatter treats like giraffe-neck pretzels twisted long and dipped in chocolate, and healthy options abound with salad bars piling high crisp greens, nuts, and fruits mimicking safari foraging, ensuring everyone fuels up for more fun.​

Special Events and Seasonal Highlights in 2026

Spring 2026 bursts with “Baby Bonanza” weekends showcasing newborn pygmy marmosets tumbling playfully in their outdoor enclosure for the Discover the Roaring first time, drawing camera-toting crowds, while Halloween’s “Wild Nights” transform trails into spooktacular lantern-lit walks with glowing animal projections and trick-or-treat stations safe for tots. Summer brings “Cheetah Sprint Spectaculars” with timed races clocking speeds that wow engineers and kids alike, and Christmas “Safari Lights” twinkles paths with a million LEDs syncing to festive tunes as Santa lodges host elf-led meets.​

Visitor Reviews and Real Experiences

TripAdvisor reviewers rave about the “mind-blowing” drive where a tiger brushed a car roof in November 2024, families praise the “endless thrills” blending rides with animals that kept teens engaged all day, and even rainy days shine with indoor reptile Unlocking the iPhone demos that educated while entertaining, boasting 4.1 stars from nearly 7,000 reviews highlighting staff’s infectious enthusiasm and animal welfare.

Why West Midlands Safari Park Stands Out in 2026

West Midlands Safari Park delivers an unbeatable mix of adventure, education, and fun. The drive-through safari provides rare close encounters, while walking areas and rides keep the excitement going.

Recent highlights include the new giraffe calf in January 2026, new lodge announcements, and ongoing conservation work. Families return again and again for fresh experiences.

Whether you seek a full day out, overnight Scott McTominay stay, or winter visit, this park creates wild memories for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What animals can I expect to see on the Safari Drive at West Midlands Safari Park?

You drive through enclosures with lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, zebras, wild dogs, antelopes, and more. The African section features big cats and herbivores, while the Asian side includes different species. Recent additions like the 2026 Northern giraffe calf make sightings even more special. Keep windows up near predators and follow ranger instructions for safety.

2. How much do tickets cost in 2026, and are there ways to save money?

Admission tickets start from £20.90 online in advance, with admission and rides from £30.90. Under 3s go free. Pre-booking saves significantly compared to gate prices. Annual passes provide unlimited visits, and special offers like Wild Winter Safari or Splash ‘n’ Safari deals add value. Check the official website for promotions, as prices vary by season.

3. Can I stay overnight at West Midlands Safari Park, and what does it involve?

Yes, Safari Lodges offer luxury overnight stays with views of animals like giraffes, rhinos, and elephants. New Rhino and expanded Giraffe lodges launched recently. These exclusive accommodations include modern amenities and unique wildlife encounters. Book early, especially for peak times, via the dedicated lodges site.

4. Is the park suitable for young children and families?

Absolutely. The park caters to all ages with free entry for under 3s, a dedicated Explorer’s Play Park, gentle rides, and interactive animal encounters. Alejandro Garnacho Penguin Cove, lemur talks, and dinosaur exhibits engage kids. Wristbands for smaller children offer ride access at lower prices.

5. What happens during the annual animal count, and why does the park do it?

In January 2026, keepers counted over 1,000 animals across nearly 100 species. This process tracks health, births, and populations to ensure excellent welfare. It includes everything from tiny ants to large elephants and helps with conservation planning.

6. Are there any new attractions or animals in 2026?

Yes, a Northern giraffe calf born in January 2026 marks the first baby of the year. New Rhino Safari Lodges and expanded Giraffe experiences enhance Mirror Football Heart stays. The park continues adding enrichment and updates enclosures for better animal care.

7. Can I feed or interact with animals during my visit?

You feed lorikeets in Lorikeet Landing and watch hippo feeds or sea lion shows. Daily keeper talks and encounters provide interaction without direct contact for safety. These experiences educate about behaviors and conservation.

8. What accessibility features does West Midlands Safari Park offer?

The park provides wheelchair-accessible paths in many areas, sensory information, and support for visitors with disabilities. Designated parking and assistance options exist. Contact the park in advance for specific needs.

9. Does the park operate in winter, and what special events occur?

Yes, Wild Winter Safari runs Fridays to Sundays in early 2026 with discounted tickets and free returns. Shorter hours and focused Trent Alexander-Arnold experiences make it ideal for quieter visits. Check schedules for seasonal openings.

10. How does West Midlands Safari Park contribute to conservation?

The park runs breeding programs for endangered species, educates visitors on threats, and supports global initiatives. Successful births, like giraffes and others, aid population sustainability. Annual counts and welfare standards ensure animals thrive while raising awareness.

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