Howletts Wild Animal Park is a 90-acre wildlife park at Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL, in the countryside east of Canterbury. Established by John Aspinall and opened to the public in 1975, it is known for western lowland gorillas, African elephants and conservation breeding. Visitors come for a walking-based wildlife day among wooded enclosures, with admission supporting the animals and the wider conservation work associated with The Aspinall Foundation.
What to Expect at Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts is a walking park, not a drive-through safari. Its principal attractions include the UK’s largest African elephant herd, gorilla family groups and big cats, including tigers. The gorillas are particularly rewarding to watch patiently: feeding, climbing and interactions between family members reveal more than a quick enclosure photograph. The estate developed around Howletts House, an eighteenth-century country house, and mature trees give much of the route a parkland character. Animal visibility changes throughout the day as individuals move between indoor accommodation and outdoor spaces.
The Animals of the Ice Age trail adds a different dimension to the Woodland Walk, with life-size prehistoric animal models, including mammoths and sabre-toothed cats. It is included in ordinary admission rather than requiring a separate ticket. Paid animal encounters take small groups into exclusive areas with keepers; these are scheduled experiences, not permission to approach animals independently. Follow the current park map rather than expecting a fixed performance timetable, and leave time for refreshments, picnic breaks and the gift shop.
- African elephants: Watch the herd’s social behaviour and the interaction between adults and younger animals.
- Western lowland gorillas: Family groups connect the visitor experience with Howletts’ longstanding gorilla conservation work.
- Tigers: Allow time at the viewing areas; resting cats can be difficult to spot immediately.
- Animals of the Ice Age: Life-size prehistoric creatures occupy a woodland trail included with entry.
- Keeper-led encounters: Advance-booked, small-group experiences provide closer observation under staff supervision, with species-specific restrictions.
Howletts Wild Animal Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL, United Kingdom |
| Neighborhood / Area | Rural Bekesbourne, east of Canterbury |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 9:30am–5pm; check date-specific seasonal hours before travelling. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$. 2026 online standard admission: adults £23.64, children £18.18; donation-inclusive prices £26 and £20. Standard gate prices: adults £26.36, children £20.45. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 4–6 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Bekesbourne railway station, on the Canterbury East–Dover route; arrange onward transport. Free on-site parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | Howletts official website; +44 1227 721286 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening for a full circuit without rushing, especially when travelling with children. Book admission through the official ticket page; online prices are lower than gate prices. Reserve animal encounters separately and check age, supervision and mobility requirements before paying. For a short additional walk within the estate, pair the animal enclosures with the Woodland Walk and views of Howletts House; allow roughly 5–15 minutes between nearby stops, depending on your route. Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey make worthwhile separate city stops, but require onward transport rather than a short walk from the park.
Drivers have free parking on site. Southeastern trains serve Bekesbourne from Canterbury East and Dover Priory, but the station is not at the entrance: book a taxi rather than assuming the rural approach is an easy, pavement-lined walk. Howletts has wheelchair-accessible toilets and paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although outdoor surfaces and gradients require consideration. Wear weatherproof footwear, use seating for breaks and consult the official accessibility guidance when planning a particular route or encounter. Stay on visitor paths and never feed the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best arrival time?
The regular published schedule is 9:30am–5pm daily, with seasonal arrangements worth checking before departure. Arriving at opening gives you more flexibility for animal viewing, lunch and the woodland trail.
How much are tickets, and should I book ahead?
For 2026, online standard tickets cost £23.64 per adult and £18.18 per child, excluding the optional donation. A current offer advertises half-price weekday visits through 28 February 2027 when booked by 30 November 2026; check eligible dates and conditions before purchasing.
How long should I spend at Howletts?
Budget four to six hours for the main enclosures, Ice Age trail and a meal break. Allow longer if you book an encounter or prefer to revisit animals that were initially out of sight.
Is Howletts suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The walking layout suits families, with pushchairs useful for younger children over a full day. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available, but check route surfaces and individual encounter access requirements in advance.
When planning your Canterbury travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Canterbury, pair this stop with standout local spots including Took Took West Hampstead, Honest Burgers Warren St, Millers Arms, and The Pig – at Bridge Place (3.8 km away).
