Whilst they may not be as realistic as an African plains safari, the wildlife parks in the UK offer a variety of exhibits and conservational efforts, with some allowing you to drive through – though watch out for animals jumping on the roof of the car! So, with that being said, here are our favourite wildlife parks in the UK to help you organise your next adventure.

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park is the perfect chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals in their natural habitat – how often do you get to drive past a pride of lions or a crash of rhinos? Visitors to the Merseyside attraction can navigate the five-mile route as many times as they wish, with one drive-through journey lasting around an hour to complete. Once you’ve finished the trip, you can find a selection of rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Located in Branton, near Doncaster, the conservation and rehabilitation centre opened in 2009 and is home to an impressive 500 animals of 100 species. The park is fairly easy to get to, with London to Doncaster train tickets being available for various times throughout the day. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is known to be the UK’s number 1 Wildlife Adventure and it’s no surprise why. Not only is the park home to at-risk species like Black Rhinos and Tigers, but it is also the only place in the UK where you can find polar bears. For an in-depth experience, you can also book a behind-the-scenes experience, which you won’t want to miss.

West Midlands Safari Park

It’s not often you can get to see animals from each continent within a few miles of each other. At West Midlands Safari Park, you have the opportunity to drive through the African plains and wild Asia, where you’re sure to come across lions, tigers and bears! You can also explore the Land of the Living Dinosaur exhibit, which is currently the UK’s largest animatronic dinosaur attraction. Here you’ll learn how the dinosaurs roamed the Earth from the Permian to the Cretaceous Period and become a palaeontologist for the day, searching for fossils and remain of the now-extinct reptilic creatures.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

Whether you decide to stay in your car or venture out on a walking safari is entirely up to you at Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. If you do decide to step outside your car in the East African Reserve, you have the chance to get face-to-face with incredible wildlife like wildebeest, ostriches and zebras. Whilst in the comfort of your own vehicle, you get to traverse the Tiger Territory and the Big Game Park, home to some of the most dangerous yet impressive animals in the whole of the world. Oh, and you cannot miss the aptly titled Monkey Mayhem, where troublesome macaques will make themselves comfortable on your vehicle – be careful that they don’t steal your wiper blades!

The post The Top UK Wildlife Parks in 2022 appeared first on 203Challenges.

#1 Sip beer with the Simpsons

Take a rest and sip from Homer Simpson’s favorite beverage, with three varieties of Duff Beer available only at Universal Studios. Despite the running joke on the show that all three are the same beer, the real-life versions come in three varieties – Duff (a lager), Duff Lite (a light beer), and Duff Dry (a stout).

#2 Have your face printed on an Avatar figurine

Avatar fans should stop at Disney’s Pandora: The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom where they can have their faces printed onto a blue-skinned Na’vi action figure.

#3 Feed Sting Rays

You may have already touched a dolphin or a sea lion but have you felt the velvety skin of stingrays? Dip your hands into the pool at SeaWorld Orlando and feed the cute marine animals. This experience is available for all ages and even the youngest children can experience the euphoria when the fish slips out of their hands straight into the stingray’s mouth.

#4 Get a Haircut at Disney

The Magic Kingdom’s Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, USA, is where kids and parents can have their new haircut – why not inspired by your favorite Disney princesses?

#5 Become a real magician

Wave that interactive wand from Ollivander’s Wand Shop and experience some real-life magic. Yes, objects move, water splashes and, all in all, there’s no doubt that magic exists at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

#6 Send a postcard from the Owl Post

One more special experience for the Harry Potter fans is the Hogsmeade’s Owl Post at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

#7 Play ‘I spy…’ with Mickey Mouse

Embark on a scavenger hunt for hidden mickeys, a famous “secret” of the Disney Parks.  Everything from rides to décor and even walking paths at Disney properties feature subtle Mickey shapes, some easier to spot than others.

All photos courtesy of Visit Orlando.

Pin it for later!

And don’t forget, the parks are like a rehabilitation center – they have an extremely positive effect on our psyche and physique.

The post 7 unusual activities at Orlando’s theme parks appeared first on 203Challenges.