I feel like I haven't been to Howletts in ages! As we turned to an alternative for a bit of a change last summer... but with their amazing Easter deals it was well worth a visit this time round. Howletts is a 90-acre park, where they are not a 'Zoo', along with their sister park Port Lympne Reserve - the aim is conversation, breeding and re-introducing rare and endangered animals to the wild in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation.
I love the tigers! (that and deers & giraffes are my ultimate favourite animals) Howletts have over 400 animals, including the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, tigers, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the County. Most of the animals are easy to spot in their spacious enclosures - although they all have lots of places they can go hide if they are not feeling the company.
I'm not sure whether it is simply because it is Spring (which is often the case) but there seems to be a baby boom! With an adorable baby gorilla, rhino and elephants which we spotted. I'm sure there was probably many others as well. It's amazing how successful their breeding programs have been over the years.
Howletts is a fantastic park for all the family. There is lots of benches around to have a rest stop and a great play park for children near the cafe. There is lots of open space to explore. What I like is that even though it can get busy there is enough room that you can spread out and still go at your own pace around the park. Introduced more recently is the Tree Top Challenge priced at £7.50 for adventures over 1.2m be your very own monkey in the tree tops. For mini adventures, 2-5 years there is a mini course with slides, zip-lines, monkey bars and more for £2.50 (prices correct as of 16/04/17) You can also make your day extra special with lots of experiences you can book at extra cost, such as Animal encounters and tours.
General Information
Opening Times - Open everyday apart from Christmas
Winter 24 Oct to 24 Mar - 9.30am to 5pm (last admission 3.30pm)
Summer 25 Mar to 24 Oct - 9.30am to 6pm (last admission 4pm)
Location - Bekesbourne, Kent CT4 5EL
Prices - (these are on the day prices, book online to save 20%)
Adult - £18.95
Child - £15.95
Family (2A + 2C) - £62.95
- Memberships also available.
To find out more visit - www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts
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