knowsley safari park christmas opening times

Knowsley Safari Ticket Portal

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**Important – Please read before booking**

Discover the enchantment of our stunning Christmas lights extravaganza as Knowsley Safari undergoes a dazzling transformation into an illuminated wonderland. Join us on a spectacular night-time adventure as our foot safari comes alive with an enchanting animal trail and forest lights, not forgetting toasted marshmallows to complete your festive fun. Enjoy a full range of festive food, tasty treats and for the thrill-seekers out there, our rides will be open too.

The timeslot you are booking is to enter the Enchanted Trail, you can arrive anytime from 4pm to enjoy all the festive fun on our foot safari.

If you are also booking a Santa Experience ticket, please do not choose a time slot that clashes with the Enchanted Trail, allow at least 30 minutes before, or 1 hour after to complete the trail before visiting Santa.

Terms & Conditions:

1. Tickets are non-refundable or transferable to a third party. Entry not included with Membership. A discount for Members is available.

2. Amusement rides are open from 4-8pm and are not included in admission. Tokens are £1 each (number of tokens required per ride vary), or £12 for an unlimited wristband.

3. Knowsley Safari operates seven days a week and monitors weather conditions on-site each day. A decision to cancel the Enchanted Trail on any given night could be made for the following reasons:

a. Ice or snow.

b. High winds.

c. Fallen trees, broken branches, or tree limb damage.

d. Flooding that significantly impacts conditions underfoot.

4. The decision to cancel any given day of Enchanted will be taken as early as possible on the day of the event, usually by 1pm. This enables the Enchanted team to monitor any improvements in the situation that might make it possible to open the trail safely.

5. Visitors can arrive at the park from 4pm but will only be permitted access to the trail at their allocated time slot. Last entry to Enchanted is at 7pm. Last entry time to the Winter Village is at 7:20 and the last entry to the Light Trail is at 7:45. The park will close promptly at 8pm.

Ticket options

• Enchanted Adult Enchanted Adult £15.00 0 210 max
• Enchanted Child Enchanted Child £15.00 0 210 max
• Enchanted Child under 3 Enchanted Child under 3 Free 0 175 max
• Enchanted Adult Membership Holder Enchanted Adult Membership Holder £12.50 0 210 max
• Enchanted Child Membership Holder Enchanted Child Membership Holder £12.50 0 210 max

Valid proof of carer status required. E.g Carers Allowance, PIP, DLA, Access card.

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• Call us : 0151 430 9009
• View company information
• Registered Company Name : Stanley Enterprise
• Branch Address : Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN
• Registered Company Address : Estate Office, Knowsley Hall, Knowsley Park, Prescot , Merseyside , L34 4AG

Our payments are processed using : Payyo

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First rail seating set to be installed at everton stadium, gaucho liverpool and hennessy join forces to support liverpool musicians, british music experience to permanently display john lennon’s copy of “rock island line”, the steve morgan foundation conference & awards sees more than £100,000 awarded, knowsley safari’s enchanted event set to be even more magical this christmas.

Knowsley Safari’s illuminated festive extravaganza, Enchanted, is returning this winter, from Saturday 18 th  November until Saturday 30 th  December 2023.

The popular event will be packed with brand new experiences as well as old favourites – and if you sign up to the newsletter  here  you can register for priority booking 24 hours before tickets go on general sale this Friday 25 th  August at 10am.  

Knowsley’s popular Foot Safari will be completely transformed into a cacophony of colour and festive fantasia, where the whole family can have fun capturing memories on the new moving Rainbow Road, through the icy-blue Arctic Arcadia and conversing with a Talking Tree! 

Visitors can also spot illuminated hippos submerged in the Safari’s natural water features, explore an Enchanted Woodland, be amazed as they stroll through neon geometric-shaped walkways, as well as performing in their own shadow puppet show for everyone else to see.  

Enchanted favourites will also return, including the Winter Village, marshmallow toasting, illuminated amusements and rides, light-up animals such as giraffes, penguins, zebras and polar bears – plus, of course, Santa’s Grotto! Santa tickets are sold separately at £20 per child and include a Safari-themed toy as well as goody bag full of treats.

Ian Duke, Marketing Manager, Knowsley Safari, says:

“Enchanted is a Christmas tradition for many, so we’re delighted to be bringing returning guests many new, interactive exhibits and attractions. We can’t wait to see everyone getting into the festive spirit and making memories with their families and friends.” 

Access to Enchanted is from 4pm until 8pm, with tickets ranging from £8 to £15, dependent on peak periods and special discounts for members. Under 3s and carers are free. Guests are advised to book early due to demand on the website here .

READ MORE: CHESTER ZOO REVEALS ITS BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST CHRISTMAS EVER

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Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park : Review

Christmas is now starting to feel like a distant memory but thankfully we’ve still got our fantastic festive days out to look back on. After previously visiting Chester Zoo Lanterns, we were interested to see Knowsley offering a similar experience. Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park seemed to be a smaller version of what Chester Zoo offered and while you don’t walk around carrying lanterns, the light up animals looked really affective. We therefore decided to book tickets to see how the two compared.

Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park Prices

The main selling point of Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park is the relatively low price. We bought the tickets online , and they cost just £7.50 each for both children and adults, with kids under three going free. We opted to pay an additional £7.50 per child so they also got Santa’s grotto included in the price.

What Is The Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park?

The event starts after dark and runs from mid November to just before Christmas. You book your tickets for a specific day and you can enter any time between 4.30pm and 7pm, with the park closing at 8pm. Santa’s grotto is booked for a specific time so you want to organise your entry so you don’t miss your slot.

The Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park consists of an illuminated trail through the foot safari where you can spot brightly lit animals on your way around. As with Chester Zoo, you don’t actually get to see the real animals, just their illuminated recreations.

Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park : Our Experience

We’ve visited Knowsley Safari Park in the Winte r before, but only for the traditional safari. We were therefore excited to see what the evening had in store.

We had pre-booked our Santa’s visit for 6pm, so arrived at Knowsley for 5pm. We were able to park the car easily (free of charge) and made our way to the admissions. We were told we would have enough time to complete the illuminated trail before our allocated time for the grotto so we set off to find our favourite animals.

The animal lanterns were very similar to the ones we saw at Chester Zoo, just on a smaller scale. All our favourites were there, including zebra, tigers, and reindeer.

My daughter has an obsession with penguins after watching Mr Popper’s Penguins the week before so she was delighted to spot her favourite animal in all their illuminated glory!

Midway through the trail there was the chance to toast some marshmallows which the children loved. There wasn’t an additional fee like there was at Dunham Massey’s Christmas Lights . There was also room for the kids to sit down and enjoy their treat.

The trail lasted approximately 30 minutes which isn’t as long as the trails at Chester Zoo and Dunham Massey but considering the low price we felt it was still good value for money.

Santa’s Grotto

Despite having pre-booked we still need to join a queue to see Santa at our allotted time. The wait wasn’t overly long though, only around 15 minutes. The waiting area was nicely decorated and festive and the time soon passed.

When at the front of the queue we were greeted by an enthusiastic elf who had the kids giggling. Even our usually surly non-believer, who goes along with it all for his younger siblings, was caught laughing! They then went through to meet the big man himself and told him what they’d like for Christmas. They were each given a gift, all of which were unwrapped so they could actually choose something they wanted. Each gift had an animal theme in keeping with the surroundings.

Food and Rides

After the trail and visiting Santa we head to one of the stalls selling refreshments and sat down for a drink and a warm up next to the heaters. My husband had a rather disgusting hot chocolate (more hot water than hot chocolate), while the kids and I safely enjoyed our soft drinks. There was the opportunity to make hot drinks more festive with a shot of brandy or Baileys for an additional fee.

There were plenty of rides for the kids to enjoy, as there is when you visit during the day time. The prices were the same, £2 per child or £10 for an unlimited wristband. We opted for unlimited wristbands for the kids because we knew they’d only need to go on six rides each to make it worth the money.

There are plenty of rides to make the wristbands worth it and the kids had a great time. We actually stayed ride up until closing time. It was much quieter after 7pm so they were able to just walk on whatever ride they wanted without there being any queue. They probably managed over ten rides each before the park closed. We like to get our money’s worth!

Enchanted Christmas at Knowsley Safari Park : Summary

While Enchanted Christmas At Knowsley Safari Park isn’t on the same scale as Chester Zoo’s Lanterns, we still had a great time. The trail had the majority of the animals we would want to see including zebra, giraffes, tigers, and reindeer.  It’s an event that’s as expensive as you wish it to be. If you simply wanted to do the lights for £7.50 each you could easily do so. It’s just the additions fees of Santa and the rides that can make the evening a more expensive one.

The event was well organised with staff on hand to help, and despite the queue for Santa it all ran smoothly. We would definitely visit again in 2020.

Looks Totally delightful, and one for the to do list for next year for sure.

I sometimes find the smaller Christmas affairs can be just as good as the big, grand attractions. They are normally less crowded and have a more intimate vibe because of that. I’m glad you enjoyed this and just sorry that they can’t make a decent hot chocolate! C x

im a massve fan of xmas, and have been to many xmas themed places, but some of these displays are great! i want them in my garden lol! let alone a safari park, but it looks like a great place to visit.

The light up animals look amazing! But a bit pricey I think, as your not seeing real animals. We have a farm park with loads of animals and costs the same has this.

I do love festive days out with light displays and this sounds like a great evening out

I went to something similar to this at Kew gardens a few years back and it was lovely, that’s such a good price as well x

Oh this looks so good. I love the animals there that light up so pretty.

Wow this looks like such a magical experience. I can’t believe amazing the animal lanterns look. Would love to take my kids to something like this.

Aw looks like you all had an amazing family fun adventure for sure. Happy days xx

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Knowsley Safari Park – Enchanted, the stunning Christmas lights extravaganza

ENCHANTED – The Magical Lights Experience Returns This Winter

Discover the enchantment of our stunning Christmas lights extravaganza as Knowsley Safari undergoes a dazzling transformation into an illuminated wonderland from 18th November to 30th December. Click here to see more details

Why not stay at Knowsley Inn & Lounge and experience The Enchanted Christmas lights. Just 4 miles from the Hotel at Knowsley Safari Park. Click here to check availability now. 

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Knowsley Safari

Top ways to experience Knowsley Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

KNOWSLEY SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Knowsley Safari Ticket Portal

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• Admission Tickets

**Important Information – Please Read**

Please note: We're currently building exciting new homes for our amazing animals in the Africa section, please bear with us whilst there is some disruption to this area.

You are booking for your ARRIVAL time, please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early for your time-slot and you can arrive anytime after your selected time upto our last entry time.

High Winds - During periods of high winds access to the baboon and lion enclosure may be restricted for your safety. Certain rides may not be able to run. All animals will have access to shelters for safety reasons.

Refunds are not available for online tickets; tickets may be transferred to an alternate date in the same price bracket up to 24 hours before your visit. Ticket prices may be higher when purchased on the day or at the gate. Tickets purchased online cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please visit our website for details about carers, concessions and our accessibility statement.

Opening Times

We are open every day from 10:00am to 5:30pm and the last entry onto the Safari Drive is 4:00pm. 

Please do not attempt to enter the drive after the last entry time as you will be refused entry so allow plenty of time in your day to do everything.

Amusement rides :

Our rides are open weekends and school holidays please check our website for more details.

Our Animals : All our animals have access to shelter and later in the day and during inclement weather it should be expected that some of the animals will return to their houses so may not be visible. The lions, giraffe and rhinos may not be free roaming or visible after 3:00pm so please plan your day accordingly and book an early arrival time to make the most of your day.

Carers Concession - From January 1st 2024 we will only be accepting the Nimbus disability Access Card as proof that a visitor requires an essential companion to assist you with your visit. To apply for an Access Card please click the following link. https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/access-card Please allow 10 days for your application to be processed before visiting. Visitors without an Access Card will be charged the standard admission price on arrival.

Please note

You enter the park at your own risk, we accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to your vehicle by our animals under any circumstances.

Do not attempt to feed the animals they are on specific diets and feeding the animals may be harmful. Visitors breaking this rule will be asked to leave the park and no refund will be given.

Our animals are wild and have access to shelter and we cannot guarantee which animals will be visible at the time and location you are on the Safari Drive or Foot Safari during your visit. You can go round as many times as your like before last entry time.

Please wear your seatbelt, do not sit children on knees and stay within the speed limit.

Please be aware that all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cars with soft tops or vinyl sunshine roofs are not permitted to drive through the Lion or Baboon enclosures. Convertibles must keep the roof closed for the entire safari drive, open top vehicles not permitted. Also, vehicles with PVC skylights will have to take the car friendly route.

Vehicles with cracked windscreens or any safety defects are not permitted in the baboon and lion enclosure. Rooftop boxes are not permitted through the baboon enclosure.

We reserve the right to refuse entry of any vehicle to any part of the Safari drive on safety grounds for both public and animal welfare.  

We regret that dogs are not permitted except for assistance dogs where restrictions to certain areas apply. Dogs are not allowed on the Safari Drive under any circumstances.

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• Call us : 0151 430 9009
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• Registered Company Name : Stanley Enterprise
• Branch Address : Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN
• Registered Company Address : Estate Office, Knowsley Hall, Knowsley Park, Prescot , Merseyside , L34 4AG

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Knowsley Safari

  Cost Adults from £22.50, Children from £19.50, Under 3’s FREE 

The price is dependant on when you go & if it’s a family pass 

They accept tesco vouchers which we used and they also have memberships

Large free carpark

Opening hours

10 – 17:00 – The last entry to the safari is 14:30

W heelchair Friendly

Description

Knowsley Safari Park is one of Merseyside's premier leisure attractions and has won several awards for tourism and its animal husbandry. Knowsley Safari Park was opened to the public in July 1971 by the 18 th Earl of Derby. Then the idea of a Safari Park where the visitors drive around in their cars whilst the animals roam free was unique, and Knowsley was the first safari park to be built close to a city.

The Safari Drive features many large animal species; some familiar, like African Lions, Tigers, African Elephants, Giraffes, Zebra, and White Rhinos, and some not so familiar, like Sitatunga, Nilgai, Kafue Flats Lechwe and several other species of antelope and deer. The drive takes approximately 1 hour, and you may go through as many times as you like, up to the last entry time. For those worried about the baboons damaging their cars, there is a bypass around the Monkey Jungle; you will still be able to see the baboons, but from the other side of a fence.

In addition to the main Safari Drive, for which you must use your own car, there is also a walkaround area, featuring the smaller animals, such as Meerkats and Otters, with animal feeding times at 1:30 (all year) and 3:30 (summer only). The Sealion shows start at 12:30, with 3 to 5 shows daily. The Bug House is also in this area, displaying a variety of creepy-crawlies, and a selection of reptiles and amphibians. A variety of amusement rides for the children are also available in this area.

Also accessed on foot, the Mizzy Lake Farm is home to a wide range of farm and pet animals, together with a variety of free ranging birds. There is also a bird hide overlooking the lake from which you can see swans and many other waterbirds.

Knowsley Safari Park is committed to conservation and one of their main concerns is the welfare of their animals. They also endeavour to display the animals in near-natural surroundings with large enclosures ensuring natural structures and behaviour.

Latest News

These are the latest news reports from Knowsley Safari Park; see the Knowsley Safari Park News Archive for all reports.

Birth: June 2009

A baby Camel has been born, as has a North American Bison calf and an Ankole calf.

Two more Axis Deer calves have also been born, bringing this year's total up to 7.

Official Website

www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk

(Opens in separate window)

Oasis Restaurant, picnic areas.

Baby changing facilities, amusements rides, bouncy castle, Mizzy Lake Farm

Special Needs

Disabled toilets.

Restrictions

No dogs are allowed in the Park but there are kennels available. A padlock may be hired, for a refundable deposit. You may also walk your dog around the amenities area.

Attractions

Animal collections.

Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Invertebrates

Note: The animal pictures on this page are merely representative of this type of attraction; they do not mean that the animals can be found at this specific attraction.

Star Animals

Elephants, baboons, bison, buffalo, bongo, camels, emus, giraffe, lions, meerkats, otters, tigers, white rhino, and many, many more.

Special Attractions

Honey Bee Hut.

Sea lion shows, bug house, feeding times.

Gauntlet Bird of Prey flying displays during weekends and school holidays in spring and summer.

Other Attractions

Lakeside train, information centre, adopt an animal, ranger days,

How To Get There:

From Liverpool:

Find your way to M57 junction 2 (with A57/A58). Following the brown tourist signs, take the A58 towards St Helens. The entrance to Knowsley Safari Park will then be a short distance on the left.

From M6 north/south:

Data on this page last updated: Apr 13 2014

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7 things you NEED to do in Moscow this winter

1. Get your skates on

People at the opening of the Street Rink outdoor skating rink in Gorky Park, Moscow.

Young or old, sporty or couch potato, it doesn’t matter – ice skating is THE quintessential winter activity in which pretty much everyone Muscovite partakes. For that reason, Russians tend to be quite good at skating, but don’t let that put you off if you’re a beginner. Public ice skating is more about embracing the crisp winter mornings here than hardcore sporting endeavor, so expect high spirits and friendly atmospheres.

What’s more, there are a staggering 45 year-round skating rinks to choose from in Moscow. Gorky Park’s rink is a must-see that allows for pleasant strolling, coffee drinking, and art viewing afterwards. The VDNH rink is also worth checking out for the park that surrounds it, offering majestic light shows, fountains, and Soviet relics. For a more open-plan skating arena, head to Sokolniki Park, where you’ll find a whopping 5,400 square meter rink.

2. Sweat out the winter blues

Sandunovsky baths

We challenge you to find a more relaxing atmosphere than a Russian banya . You simply won’t – this tradition will warm up your body and your soul. Sure, being practically boiled in a firewood sauna and then hit with a birch tree while half-drunk might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but trust us, they’re missing out on this unique detox.

Check out the Sanduny bathhouse for the most jaw-dropping Russian relaxation experience imaginable, characterized by palatial columns and mosaics, as well as stylish cold water pools for you to dive into after your beat-down. Happy steaming!

3. Light up your life

Teatralnaya Square

Moscow city center’s mesmerizing light display is not only the pride of the city, but of half of Russia too, who travel to the capital specifically for the luminous spectacle. In the lead up to New Year, the areas around Red Square, Teatralnaya Square, Nikolskaya Street, Pushkin Square, and Tverskoy Boulevard become a neon ocean.

The lights are a significant annual investment for the Moscow council, not least because they tend to replace the lights with new ones year on year, but it’s usually deemed worth it by admiring onlookers and tourists. If this display doesn’t get you in the festive spirit, nothing will.

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If there’s one sport Russians are particularly passionate about, it’s ice hockey. Go and experience the fierce athleticism, frequent on-rink fights, and rowdy crowds for yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. In contrast to Russian football matches, where there’s often little more than atmospheric novelty to be had, the country can take pride in having world-class hockey players, whose quality will be immediately obvious.

The best place for a match is the slick 12,100-seater VTB Ice Palace, home to CSKA’s ice hockey outfit.

5. Step back in time

Woman pulls a sled with a child on frozen pond in Moscow, Russia

Fancy a glimpse of the Orthodox Christmas atmosphere as it was in the Russian Empire? Look no further than Novodevichy Convent , a picturesque, snow-covered religious haven with a history stretching back five centuries. Initially used as a fortress for noblewomen, this stunning riverside ensemble is now a functioning monastery and peaceful cloister that boasts four stunning cathedrals, Kremlin-like walls, and a spectacular icon collection. Holy, placid, and serene, the convent is a uniquely antiquate enclave that’s night and day from the bustling modernity that surrounds it.

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A view of a rebuilt 18th century palace in Moscow's Tsaritsyno Park.

Sometimes, you don’t need anything particularly ambulative to feel at home in a city. In fact, nothing embodies Moscow’s winter wonderland better than a mere stroll in one of its stately parks, sure to be piled high with endless snow dunes throughout the winter.

For a pleasant outing beloved by Muscovites and tourists alike, check out the grandiose Tsaritsyno Park , where nature peacefully co-exists alongside tsarist palatial pomp. The more sizeable Kolomenskoye Park is also worth checking out for a longer excursion that packs in medieval wooden architecture, never-ending rows of trees, and a postcard-ready river view.

However, if you want to really get off the beaten track and experience the winter pristine snow, head further outside the city limits to one of Moscow’s forests – Izmailovsky Park, Timiryazevsky Park, or Elk Island National Park, for example (all accessible by metro).

7. Get festive at the city’s many Christmas markets

Sip on a mulled wine, soak up the bright lights, haggle over a matryoshka  doll with Putin’s face on it. Moscow’s Christmas markets are an absolutely essential tourist experience, with the most popular fair set up right on the Kremlin’s doorsteps on Red Square. Indeed, those quaint stalls in the heart of the city take some beating against the backdrop of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the illuminated GUM shopping center. There are some other cool festive spots throughout the city, though – Gorky Park, for one, will be decked out in lights and international food stalls, while the Izmailovo Kremlin offers an unmissable experience in the world of kitsch souvenir shopping from vodka to pottery, to (sort of) authentic samovars.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

Over 750 Fascinating Animals to See!

Adventure Calls! 

Looking for a wild, fun family day out? Look no further! Our impressive 5-mile wild animal safari drive is the longest in the UK, and is currently home to over 750 fascinating animals – you won’t find a more thrilling day out in the North West!

Tickets and Prices

When is the best time to visit knowsley safari.

As expected, Knowsley Safari is busiest at the weekends, in the school holidays and during the summer months. However, you can plan a safari visit all year round! It’s a great day out in the rain as you can stay dry in your car and there is a magical feel to the Foot Safari on crisp winter mornings when it is much quieter. Visit the safari park all year round and plan an unforgettable day out.

Our app is a great addition to your safari visit. Take part in fun activities, listen to audio guides as you make your way around the park and bring your adventure to life!

Download our app

Create your own itinerary.

Choose from talks, displays and events and add it to your plan.

Coaches and buses with roof-top skylights can only take the car-friendly route.

Please do not touch or feed the animals in the safari park.

Soft-top cars are not allowed through the Lion Reserve or Baboon Enclosure, however, they are suitable for the car-friendly route.

Baboons may damage your car, so you can use the car-friendly route or be prepared for the possibility of damage.

Dogs are not allowed in any areas of the safari park. We do however provide basic accommodation for your dog.

Please read and comply with all signs, especially keeping windows and doors closed and locked when in the Baboon enclosure and Lion Reserves.

It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure everyone stays in the car while on the Safari Drive and precautions are taken for their car. For your own safety, do not get out of your car as there are wild animals on the Safari Drive.

For your own safety, sitting on your car roof on the Safari Drive is not permitted.

Convertibles must keep the roof closed for the entire Safari Drive and open-top vehicles are not permitted.

Please drive on if any large animal approaches the vehicle. This is the driver’s responsibility.

If you break down or need assistance, please stay in the car, sound the horn and wait for a patrol vehicle to come.

Children must be under the supervision of adults and cars containing children must keep the doors locked at all times.

We remind guests that they should continue to follow the laws of the road to stay safe on the Safari Drive. Please wear seat belts at all times, do not allow children to sit on their knees and stay within the 20 mph speed limit.

Dogs are not allowed in any areas of the safari park. This includes both the Safari Drive and also the pedestrian areas of the park.

We do however provide basic accommodation for your dog should you wish to bring them on your trip.

A £10.00 refundable padlock is available at reception on arrival.

Our kennels provide basic accommodation for your pet. Drinking water is available but we do not provide water bowls or blankets. Please feel free to bring with you any items that will make your pet as comfortable as possible.

Assistance dogs

Guide and hearing dogs are welcome to accompany their owners around the park.  A water bowl can be provided. Assistance dogs are allowed access to pedestrian areas but not to the animal areas. Assistance dogs are not allowed in the Safari Drive for safety reasons.

Parking for people with disabilities

There are five dedicated parking spaces for those with disabilities adjacent to the entrance by the coach park. There is no kerb between the parking area and the walk-around area entrance.

Wheelchair/pushchair-friendly entrance

The walk-around area is on one level with ramped access at all kerbs.  A wheelchair is also available for loan from the restaurant.

Adult changing facilities

We have an adult changing room with hoist facilities. These designated accessible facilities are located in the main toilet block by our disabled parking.

Accessible toilet and baby changing facilities

There are two unisex accessible toilets in the courtyard beside the shop and restaurant. We also have a separate baby changing room and two more disabled toilets beside the car park, towards the entrance of the Safari Drive. All WCs also contain baby changing facilities.

Discover Our Memberships

Full membership.

Unlimited Safari Access

Enjoy free entry to the Knowsley Safari as many times as you'd like throughout the year with our full membership.

Included with your membership...

An exclusive Membership pack

10% discount in our Restaurant and Gift Shop

Priority booking to out of hours events (e.g Enchanted)

10% off Animal Adoptions and Experiences

20% off Baboon Bus tickets

Unlimited Rides Wristband

Your little monkeys can enjoy our wild rides and amusements with unlimited access when you add on a ride wristband to their membership.

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• The Best Winterlands In Moscow

The Best Winter Wonderlands In Moscow

Infamous for its bitterly cold winters, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Muscovites enter a hibernation period once temperatures drop below zero. However, frosty weather doesn’t mean an end to outdoor amusements in Russia ‘s capital. Come the first snow, many of Moscow’s best-known sites transform into winter wonderlands, with ice rinks, glühwein and cheer aplenty. We’ve picked the best of the bunch for your trip.

Red Square Ice Skating Rink

Arguably boasting the best views of any ice skating rink in Russia, the GUM department store’s ice rink is situated on Red Square, affording you stunning view of St.Basil’s, the Kremlin and GUM itself. With only 450 skaters allowed on the ice during each session, the rink is relatively small by Moscow’s standards so it’s worth getting there early to ensure you grab a place to practice your pirouette. Bawdy Soviet-era tunes that blast out from the loud speakers and an adjacent Christmas market selling snacks, drinks and (admittedly overpriced) Matrëshka dolls add to the festive feel. The rink is usually open 10am to 1 pm during the winter season, with ticket prices dependent on the day and time.

The monster ice-rink at the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh) offers avid skaters over 20,000 sqm of ice, making it the largest artificial ice skating rink in Europe. In fact, it’s so big that organizers have taken the decision to split the rink into sub-areas to cater to all tastes. These include a children’s area, ‘Infinity’ and ‘Big Circle’ zones and, for the romantics among you, even a ‘Lovers’ Alley’ where you can practice that backwards skating hand-holding move that all Russian couples seem to have mastered. There are several open-air cafes you can enter straight from the ice, as well as skate-sharpening stations if all of that fancy footwork has blunted your blades. Lighting under the ice provides a unique ambience in the evenings and there will be a pedestrian viewing bridge if you fancy being a spectator rather than participant first time around. The rink is open 11am to 11pm (except for Mondays).

Tverskoy boulevard | © Sergey Rodovnichenko/Flickr

Tverskoy Boulevard

Once a walking area reserved exclusively for Moscow’s nobility, Tverskoy Boulevard is the longest and oldest boulevard of its kind in central Moscow. Starting at Pushkin Square and stretching all the way to the Timiryazev monument on the way to Arbat, this pleasant tree-lined pedestrian zone is flanked by several notable buildings including Café Pushkin – a gastronomic institution in Moscow – and Herzen House, where the eponymous author was born. In winter the boulevard becomes even more magical, with lights decorating the trees and the appearance of festive stalls down the central thoroughfare selling souvenirs, mulled wine and other seasonal treats.

Kuzminsky Park

The official Moscow residence of Father Christmas or ‘Ded Moroz’ as he is more commonly known, Kuzminsky Park manages to maintain its festive cheer year after year. Despite the fact that the park as a whole has probably seen better days, there is plenty of charm to be found amid the ruins of the original 18th-century estate, most of which burned down in 1916. Children and their parents flock here over the new-year period to meet Ded Moroz and Snegurochka – a Russian snow maiden popular in traditional fairytales. Other sites to explore include a bath house, an Egyptian pavilion, several beautiful churches and an 18th-century classical-style church.

Tsaritsyno Estate

Previously named ‘Chernaya Graz’ or ‘black mud’ in Russian, this beautiful country estate had rather humble beginnings. The estate changed hands various times before Catherine the Great decided to buy the land and use it as her private residence outside of the city, renaming it ‘Tsaritsyno.’ Aside from the buildings themselves, many of which were designed in the Gothic style, the main draws of Tsaritsyno are the tranquil forests, beautiful lakes and winding footpaths. In winter, locals ice skate and sled on the lakes and hills surrounding the palace. The snow-covered birch trees and provide the perfect winter wonderland for cross-walking or country skiing. Remember to pack a flask of something hot to warm you up after exploring the many kilometers of parkland.

No Moscow hit-list would be complete without Gorky Park, arguably the classiest of all green spaces in Moscow. The park underwent major reconstruction in 2011, beautifully-kept flowerbeds and impressive boulevards have replaced the increasingly precarious theme park rides that used to dominate the space. In winter the park is as frequented as ever; the ponds are flooded to create an ice rink and an impressive balcony walkway stretches across the park so you can admire the footwork of those below from a safe distance. As with most other Moscow parks, ski tracks are created for winter sports enthusiasts and there are also heaters stationed throughout Gorky if you find sub-zero temperatures particularly unpleasant. Last year more than half a million people visited the ice rink over the winter season, and this number is set to grow even more over the coming months. The park also had a snowboarding zone with jumps and instructors if you decided to take the plunge. The ice rink is open 10am to 11pm.

Sokolniki Park

One for the more adventurous winter sportsperson, Sokolniki park offers 15 tracks totaling nearly 50 kilometers of space for you to practice your cross-country skiing. For the last two years it has also featured a snowmobile village, where you can hire equipment or take the snowy equivalent of a banana boat ride across the frozen tundra for a few hundred roubles. After all that exertion, relax in one of the park’s many cafes with a hot cup of mulled wine. Sokolniki also has the largest natural ice rink in Moscow, which means if you have your own skates, an afternoon of winter fun is completely free. In the winter, explore the beautiful forests of birch, spruce and elm trees.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Opening times in Moscow

Learn when shops, museums and other tourist attractions open and close in Moscow , so you can plan to make the most of your trip!

Stores and shopping centres in Moscow city centre are usually open from  10 am to 10 pm  throughout the week.

Tourist attractions

The majority of Moscow's places of interest open at 10 am and close around 5 pm, although during the summer these opening times may be extended later. Our guides to each attraction include their opening times so you can plan ahead.

Moscow's museums   also usually open at 10 am, closing at 6 pm. They are often closed on one day of the week, and some have longer opening times on certain days. Check out each individual museum guide to find the exact times for the places you want to visit.

Restaurants

In Russia, there is no strict fixed time for meals. You'll find many restaurants in Moscow are open between midday and 4 pm for lunch, and between 6 pm and 11 pm for dinner, although there are 24 hour places to be found too!

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The official currency of Moscow is the Russian Rouble (RUB). Discover where to exchange money, what the best rates are and more with our handy guide.

Moscow has seen its fair share of history, from invasions to revolutions: these days it is home to a wealth of culture and is one of the most populated capitals in the world.