Knowsley Safari Park: Immersive Wildlife Adventure Near Liverpool
Explore a 5-mile drive-through safari with lions, rhinos, and more, plus engaging animal shows and family fun near Liverpool.
Knowsley Safari Park, located in Prescot near Liverpool, offers a unique drive-through safari experience spanning 5 miles where visitors can see lions, rhinos, camels, and more roaming freely. Beyond the safari drive, the park features walk-around areas with animal shows, a nature trail, and family-friendly attractions, making it a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.
A brief summary to Knowsley Safari
- Prescot, L34 4AN, GB
- +441514309009
- Visit website
- Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Friday 10 am-3:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3:30 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets online in advance to secure the best prices and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.
- Consider the Baboon Bus tour to avoid car damage from playful baboons during the drive-through safari.
- Plan your visit around the sea lion and falcon shows for an entertaining and educational experience.
- Download the Knowsley Safari App to access show times, maps, and helpful visitor information.
- Summer mornings are the best time to see active animals with fewer crowds in the park.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Liverpool city center takes approximately 25-35 minutes via the M62 and A57. Parking is available on-site for a fee, with ample spaces but can be busy during weekends and holidays.
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Public Transport
Take the Merseyrail train to Prescot station, then a local bus or taxi for a 10-minute journey to the park. Total travel time is around 50-70 minutes. Bus services may be limited on weekends.
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Baboon Bus Tour
Within the park, opt for the Baboon Bus tour to experience the safari drive without your own vehicle. The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and costs approximately £10 per person.
Knowsley Safari location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Knowsley Safari
A Living Safari Experience in the Heart of Merseyside
Knowsley Safari Park, established in 1971, is a pioneering wildlife park near Liverpool that invites visitors to embark on a 5-mile drive-through safari route. This immersive journey allows you to observe a diverse collection of animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, camels, buffalo, white rhinos, and tigers roaming in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. The park’s design emphasizes animal welfare and safety, with modifications made over the years to enhance both visitor experience and animal habitats.Beyond the Drive: Walk-Around Attractions and Shows
In addition to the drive-through safari, Knowsley offers a walk-around area featuring engaging animal shows including sea lion and falcon demonstrations that combine entertainment with education. The nature trail provides a tranquil setting to explore the park’s flora and smaller fauna on foot. A small fairground with rides caters especially to younger visitors, making the park a well-rounded destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation.Historical Growth and Conservation Commitment
The park’s expansion in 1973 added an extra 1.5 miles to the safari route, allowing for a broader range of species and larger habitats. Knowsley Safari Park has maintained a strong commitment to conservation and animal welfare, participating in breeding programs and educating the public about wildlife preservation. Its continuous adaptation reflects a balance between public engagement and ethical animal care.Planning Your Visit: Practical Details
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM with the safari drive accessible until 4:30 PM, the park typically requires 4 to 5 hours to fully explore. Admission prices range from approximately £19.50 for children to £22.50 for adults, with free entry for toddlers under three. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to secure the best rates and availability. Facilities include restrooms, food and drink options, picnic areas, and information boards to enhance your visit.Unique Encounters and Visitor Tips
Visitors often enjoy close encounters with playful baboons, though caution is advised as they are known to interact with vehicles. To avoid potential car damage, the park offers a Baboon Bus tour, providing a guided alternative to the self-drive safari. The park’s app helps plan your day with show times and interactive maps, ensuring you don’t miss key attractions.Natural Setting and Seasonal Highlights
Set within a lush, expansive landscape, Knowsley Safari Park offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife photography. Summer mornings are ideal for active animal sightings and fewer crowds. The park hosts seasonal events such as the festive Enchanted Returns in winter, adding magical experiences to your visit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Taylor Park
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Eleanor Rigby Gravesite
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12 Arnold Grove
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Mere Lane Liverpool
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The Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches)
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10 Admiral Grove
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Explore Admiral Grove in Liverpool: A hidden architectural treasure showcasing Victorian elegance amidst serene greenery.
Mount Pleasant
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Explore the heart of Liverpool, a city rich in maritime history, vibrant culture, and the legendary birthplace of The Beatles.
Blackburne House
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Explore the historical elegance of Blackburne House in Liverpool, where architectural beauty meets vibrant community spirit.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
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Westmorland Place
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Experience the heartbeat of Liverpool at Westmorland Place, your convenient transit hub to explore the city's rich culture and history.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
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A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
Huskisson Memorial
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A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
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A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
St James Memorial Cemetery
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Uncover the tranquil beauty and historical significance of St James Memorial Cemetery, a hidden gem in Liverpool, perfect for reflection and exploration.
Queen Victoria - Equestrian Statue
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Discover the grandeur of the Queen Victoria Equestrian Statue in Liverpool, a stunning tribute to a historic monarch amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
Unmissable attractions to see
World of Glass
5.4 km
Explore the rich heritage and artistry of glassmaking at St Helens’ immersive World of Glass museum and gallery.
North West Museum of Road Transport
5.8 km
Vintage buses, trams, and forgotten vehicles preserved by devoted volunteers in an authentic 1960s depot.
Sutton Manor Woodland
6.6 km
A peaceful woodland sanctuary in Saint Helens featuring the striking Dream sculpture, blending art with nature and industrial heritage.
St Peter's Church
7.6 km
Historic 18th-century Church of England parish church in Liverpool, a landmark of architectural variety and community heritage.
Woolton Village
7.6 km
Historic Woolton Village blends medieval roots, Victorian charm, and Beatles heritage in a tranquil Liverpool suburb.
Strawberry Field
7.7 km
Explore the legendary Strawberry Field in Liverpool—John Lennon’s childhood sanctuary, Beatles heritage site, and vibrant community centre with gardens, café, and exhibition.
251 Menlove Avenue - John Lennon home
7.9 km
Explore the restored 1950s childhood home of John Lennon in Liverpool, where the Beatles’ legend began and history still resonates.
Calderstones Park
8.1 km
A historic 126-acre green oasis in Liverpool blending ancient heritage, Georgian architecture, botanical gardens, and vibrant community culture.
Newsham Park And Garden
8.3 km
A vast Victorian park in Liverpool blending historic architecture, serene lakes, and vibrant recreational spaces across 121 acres.
The Penny Lane Shopping Centre
8.5 km
A vibrant community shopping centre in Liverpool’s L15, offering diverse stores, accessibility, and extended hours for a convenient retail experience.
St Barnabas Penny Lane
8.5 km
Discover the enchanting St Barnabas Penny Lane in Liverpool, a vibrant church and live music venue rich with history and cultural significance.
Siding Lane Nature Reserve
8.6 km
A peaceful 24-hour nature reserve in Saint Helens offering woodland walks, meadow habitats, wildlife, and family-friendly amenities.
The Penny Lane
8.6 km
Explore the legendary Penny Lane in Liverpool, a cultural gem featuring delightful pubs, historic charm, and a rich connection to The Beatles.
Victoria Park Widnes
8.7 km
A historic green sanctuary in Widnes offering botanical beauty, sports, family fun, and peaceful lakeside strolls all year round.
Penny Ln
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Explore Penny Lane, Liverpool’s legendary street immortalized by The Beatles, where music history and local charm converge in a timeless tribute.
Essential places to dine
Spire
8.5 km
Modern European dining with seasonal creativity and a plush, welcoming atmosphere in Liverpool’s vibrant Wavertree district.
Gustum Bar & Restaurant
9.2 km
A vibrant grill and Mediterranean restaurant on Liverpool’s Rose Lane, blending bold flavors with warm hospitality in a lively urban setting.
Belzan
9.3 km
A lively Liverpool bistro blending seasonal British small plates, natural wines, and warm hospitality in a vibrant neighbourhood setting.
5 Fifty Bistro
10.6 km
A cozy, intimate bistro on Aigburth Road serving refined European-inspired dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.
The Art School Restaurant
11.0 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
The Quarter
11.1 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
The London Carriage Works
11.1 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
Roski Restaurant
11.2 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Maray Bold Street
11.5 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
The Italian Club
11.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
11.5 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
Shiraz Palace
11.5 km
Lively Mediterranean bistro in Liverpool famed for generous grilled meats, vibrant breakfasts, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Cowshed Liverpool
11.5 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Chamber 36 City Centre
11.5 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
11.5 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Penny Lane Emporium
8.6 km
Discover unique vintage treasures and antiques in a warm, nostalgic setting at Liverpool’s Penny Lane Emporium.
LFC Official Club Store
10.0 km
Official Liverpool FC merchandise and memorabilia store near Anfield Stadium, celebrating the club’s heritage and passion.
Lark Lane Gallery
10.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local art in the heart of Liverpool’s bohemian Lark Lane at Lark Lane Gallery.
Number 13
10.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at Number 13, a welcoming boutique on Liverpool’s vibrant Lark Lane.
Larks
10.8 km
Discover unique vintage fashion, gifts, and homeware in a vibrant, bohemian shop nestled in Liverpool’s iconic Lark Lane.
Great Homer Street District Centre UK
11.2 km
A vibrant Liverpool shopping hub blending historic market charm with diverse retail and community spirit.
69A
11.4 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
11.4 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
Pop Boutique
11.5 km
Explore Pop Boutique in Liverpool for unique vintage clothing treasures that reflect timeless style and local creativity.
The Hippy Hole
11.5 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
11.5 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
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Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Soho's Liverpool
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Uncover the essence of Liverpool's fashion at Soho's, where vintage meets contemporary in a vibrant clothing destination.
F&G Discounts
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Explore unique gifts and souvenirs at F&G Discounts, the ultimate gift shop in St. John's Precinct, Liverpool.
Resurrection
11.6 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Font
10.9 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
The Pen Factory
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Liverpool Arts Bar
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Red Door
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The Oracle
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Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Salt Dog Slim's
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Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Berry and Rye
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Bar Bodega
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Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
MOLOKO
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A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
The Jacaranda
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Soho Bar Liverpool
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Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
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Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Motel Bar
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Moonshine Saloon Liverpool
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Be At One - Liverpool
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Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Establishment
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A vibrant Widnes nightclub offering lively events, friendly staff, and a spacious venue for unforgettable nights out.
The Blue Angel Nightclub
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Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Pure Nightlounge
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Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Cool It
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A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Ink Bar Liverpool
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Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Aura
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Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Heebie Jeebies
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Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
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Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
BrooklynMixer
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Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Baa Bar Liverpool
11.6 km
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Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
11.6 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
Modo, Liverpool
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Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
11.7 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
11.7 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
Popworld - Liverpool
11.7 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
