South Lakes Animal Park

If you’re looking for a walk on the wild side that’s more personal than your average zoo, you’ve found it. South Lakes Safari Zoo is a major wildlife attraction that focuses on getting you up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible animals.

What’s the Vibe?

This isn’t just a place where you look at animals through a glass window. It’s famous for its walk-through enclosures where you can wander alongside lemurs, kangaroos, and wallabies. Imagine a lemur casually crossing your path while you’re strolling along! It’s an immersive experience that feels much more like a “safari” on foot than a standard park.

Fun Things to See & Do

• The Big Guys: You’ll find the heavy hitters here—lions, tigers, jaguars, and white rhinos. The giraffe feeding is a huge hit; standing eye-to-eye with a giraffe while they gently take food from your hand is something you won’t forget.
• Walk-Through Wonders: Aside from the free-roaming lemurs and kangaroos, there is a massive walk-in aviary where vibrant birds like macaws and vultures fly right over your head.
• Keeper Life: If you have any budding zoologists in the family, they have “Zookeeper for a Day” experiences. There are also daily talks and feeding sessions where you can learn the quirky personalities of the residents.
• Playtime: For when the kids need to burn off that extra energy, there’s a large adventure playground with zip wires and climbing frames.

Practical Bits for Your Visit

• Where it is: You’ll find it at Melton Terrace, Lindal-in-Furness, LA12 0LU in the county of Cumbria.
• Timing Your Day: Most visitors find that 3 to 5 hours is the sweet spot to see everything without rushing. It’s worth arriving early, especially if you want to catch the specific feeding times.
• Budgeting & Savings:
  • Parking: Great news—parking is free!
  • Deals: Keep an eye on local voucher sites like Planet Offers as they frequently run half-price family passes. You might also find 2-for-1 deals in regional voucher books.
  • Food: While there are on-site cafes like the Beehive serving burgers and fish and chips, it can add up for a large group. Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic; there are plenty of spots to eat, including under-cover areas if the Cumbrian weather decides not to cooperate.
• Top Tips from Regulars:
  • The site is quite hilly, so leave the fancy shoes at home and opt for comfy walking boots.
  • Since a lot of the best bits are outdoors, try to pick a day when it’s not pouring down, though there are a few indoor areas to duck into.
  • It’s worth checking their website before you head off, as they sometimes run incredible “cheap day” promotions during quieter months like September or October.

Nearby Gems

If you want to make a full weekend of it, you’re right on the edge of the Lake District. The nearby town of Ulverston is a lovely spot for a post-zoo dinner or a wander. For history buffs, the ruins of Furness Abbey are just a short drive away and offer a completely different, peaceful atmosphere after the excitement of the zoo.