Zoos And Safari Parks Within 2 Hours Of Northampton

If you’ve got animal-mad kids (or you’re just overdue a proper day out), you’re in a brilliant spot in Northamptonshire. There are loads of zoos and safari parks you can reach in a day without it turning into a full-on road trip.

Below is a round-up of zoos and wildlife parks that are all doable within around a 2 hour drive from Northampton, including rough drive time to help you plan. (Times, of course, will vary with traffic, stops, and where you’re starting in Northants. Times given are from Northampton town centre)

Quick day-trip tips for visiting a zoo

• Book ahead where you can (it’s often cheaper and helps with entry times).
• Arrive for opening if you want to see the most animals active (especially big cats).
• Pack layers and spare socks (zoo days are full of puddles and unexpected “can we go in there?” detours).
• If you’ve got toddlers, a pushchair plus a baby carrier is the ultimate combo.

Woburn Safari Park (Bedfordshire)

Why it’s great: a classic safari-style day out, with the fun of seeing animals from the car as well as on foot.

Good to know: check the rules on visiting in your own car and allow time for both the drive-through and the walkaround areas.

Travel Time: Approx 34 mins

Hamerton Zoo Park (near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire)

Why it’s great: a more “hidden gem” style zoo that feels manageable with younger kids, but still packed with variety.

Good to know: great for a full day without feeling overwhelming, and ideal if you want something a bit different to the bigger mainstream zoos.

Travel Time: Approx 48 mins

Also check out: Things To Do In Northamptonshire For Families

Johnsons of Old Hurst (near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire)

Why it’s great: part farm attraction, part animal park, and a really popular choice for families with little ones.

Good to know: this is usually a solid shout if you want animals plus play/farm vibes in one place.

Travel Time: Approx 1 hr

Whipsnade Zoo (Bedfordshire)

Why it’s great: a big “proper zoo” day out with loads to see and plenty of space to wander.

Good to know: plan your route (it’s large), and consider what your kids are most excited about so you don’t spend the whole day speed-walking between ends.

Travel Time: Approx 1 hr

Hertfordshire Zoo (Broxbourne, Hertfordshire)

Why it’s great: a brilliant zoo day if you want something that feels special but still doable without a mega drive.

Good to know: worth checking the day’s timetable (talks/feeds/experiences can make the day feel extra memorable).

Travel Time: Approx 1hr 31min

Linton Zoo (Cambridgeshire)

Why it’s great: a lovely choice for a full day out that’s a bit calmer than the biggest zoos, but still feels like an adventure.

Good to know: ideal if you want a zoo day with plenty of time to actually stop and watch the animals.

Travel Time: Approx 1hr 25min

Twycross Zoo (Leicestershire)

Why it’s great: a really popular family zoo with lots going on beyond just animals (great if your kids need variety).

Good to know: check what’s on before you go, as seasonal extras can make it even more worth the trip. Also, included in admission is access to The Gruffalo Discovery Land.

Travel Time: Approx 1hr 17min

Cotswold Wildlife Park (Oxfordshire)

Why it’s great: a gorgeous-feeling day out (especially in nicer weather) that mixes animals with lovely grounds for a full day.

Good to know: this one can be a great “zoo + picnic” style trip if you want a slower pace.

Travel Time: Approx 1hr 35min

West Midland Safari Park (Bewdley, Worcestershire)

Why it’s great: safari drive-through plus walkaround areas, and it can feel like a theme-park day as well as an animal day.

Good to know: allow plenty of time if you want to do everything (this is one where it’s easy to accidentally stay until closing).

Travel Time: Approx 1hr 53min

Dudley Zoo and Castle (West Midlands)

Why it’s great: animals plus a castle setting makes this feel like more than “just” a zoo.

Good to know: a great option if you want to mix animals with something a bit historical/unique.

Travel Time: Approx 1hr 53min

Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park (near Ipswich, Suffolk)

Why it’s great: a fun, family-friendly wildlife park day that can feel a bit different to the standard zoo trip.

Good to know: another one that’s near the top end of the drive time, so it’s ideal when you want a proper full-day adventure.

Travel Time: Approx 2hr 5min

The events listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the event information on the official websites before making plans.