Knowsley Safari Review
Knowsley Safari Park
Merseyside
www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk
Reviewed by Debbie Talbot
On Saturday we went on a day out to Knowsley Safari. It took us around 40 minutes from our home in Eccles, Greater Manchester to get there. We found it easily using the satnav. Upon arrival we were greeted by a really friendly member of staff. She gave us our programme and map. There were even some stickers for the kids. Because of the fog, the safari drive had not opened yet. We parked up in the well signposted main car park and popped into the Oasis Restaurant for some drinks. We also used the toilet facilities located next to the restaurant, which were very clean. I was also so happy to see that there were two baby changing stations in the female toilets as well as the dedicated baby change facility next to the disabled toilet.
We then collected our wristbands (£2 per ride or £10 for unlimited rides) and then headed back to the car park and off on our safari drive adventure. There were so many animals to see on the way round. The children’s favourites were the sleepy lions and the baboons. We opted for the car friendly route and chuckled at the baboons climbing on the cars who did brave going down the route where you come into contact with the animals. We even got a chance to watch some of the animals being fed. After completing the safari drive, we headed off back to the main car park for a spot of lunch. There were plenty of picnic benches dotted around, as well as a dedicated picnic area. We had taken our own picnic, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that food could be bought very inexpensively. A hot dog was around £3.
After enjoying our picnic we headed off onto some of the rides. The kids really enjoyed them all. My favourite was the roller coaster and the honeypot ride. My daughter loved the ride where you sit in a seat and it swings you around. My 3 year old twins loved all the rides and ran from one to another. Some of the children in our party went on the dodgems before we headed off to the bird of prey centre. My twins were fascinated with the tortoises just outside the centre. We were lucky enough to meet a barn owl on our way into the centre. The staff member was well informed and very good with the children wanting to stroke the owl. I was also glad as a parent to see the hand washing facilities in place for after touching the animals. We then headed off to the boating lake where 2 of the adults and 3 of the children enjoyed a 20 minute row around the lake. The adults and children all thoroughly enjoyed it and I would say it’s well worth the £5 fee. Myself and one of the adults walked my twins back up to the main restaurant and bought two hotdogs and a ham, stuffing and pork crackling roll for around £10.
We then went on a lovely walk around to the other animal enclosures where we saw meerkats, giraffes and elephants. The giraffe platform was amazing. The elephant’s enclosure was vast and there was even a telescope provided for a small additional charge.
We then headed back into the rides area for a last few go’s on the rides and the younger children played in the sand pit. We left the park around 4pm after an amazing and fun day. I bought my kids a £6.99 soft toy each in the gift shop which I didn’t think was a bad price at all.
Overall, we had a brilliant day. The facilities are great. All of the staff we came across could not have been more helpful. It didn’t cost the earth to buy something to eat or for the kids to take home. We are actually considering buying annual passes to visit more often. They are brilliant value (£48 for an adult and £36 for a child or OAP) and you then get 20% off the price of the rides.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost: £16.50 Adults / £12.50 Child / Rides £2 per ride or £10 for unlimited wristband per person
For more information or to book tickets visit www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk.
Knowsley Safari, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN | 0151 430 9009
