Tycross zoo/Knowsley safari park/Dudley zoo n castle

taney

Hi,Just need your advice....which of the above zoo is best?what would you recommend?Tycross zoo vs Knowsley safari park vs Dudley zoo n castle

kingfisherblue

I've only ever visited Knowsley Safari Park, so can't comment on the other two. It is best visited in warmer weather, as the animals don't always come out in the cold. The only problem then is the amount of traffic that can build up!

There is plenty to do after you have driven round the park, and you can drive round as many times as you like. You can choose the monkey friendly route, but you obviously see more of the monkeys if you go the way where they can climb onto your car. They can be very destructive though. I still haven't worked out how my rear screen window wiper remained intact after a baboon hung on tightly last year! You must keep your windows closed for obvious reasons, so it can get quite hot inside the car unless you have air conditioning (we do ).

The kids love the monkeys when they're on the car, but I prefer them when they're on other people's cars :rotfl:

The sea lion show is the same every time we go, but the kids love it. There is a space at the front for wheelchair users, and the seats are tiered so that everyone gets a good view. If you sit in the front rows, you sometimes get a bit damp......

The bug house is quite good, but usually crowded as it is quite small. My son loves it, but we have to leave his wheelchair outside as there isn't really enough space inside due to the volume of people. He can walk short distances though, so he's fine. People usually leave pushchairs outside and carry their children.

There is a good range of rides for younger children, but not much for older ones. You can buy a wrist band (in fact, I think you have to - I don't think you can pay for rides individually, but I may be wrong).

The shop, like many at this type of place, is expensive. If you're going in, early in the day is better than later, when it becomes very crowded. You can always leave your purchases in the car as the car park is very close by.

There are several outdoor bench tables to eat at, with peacocks wandering about. Inside, the food is standard chips with everything or over priced sandwiches. I think there is a microwave for bottles.

The park isn't really suited to nervous drivers, as you can come face to face with lions and other animals. You do get a clearer view of some animals than at the zoo though! Others a quite a distance away.

Parking is good - lots of space. You enter the park via two lanes alongside each other. Only one lane is open in quiet periods, but even when both are open, there is plenty of space to move forward and get into the actual car park. There are queues when busy though.

My kids love Knowsley, and we usually go about once a year. We tend to go for when the park opens, and stay until about 3-4pm.

Hope this helps x

ETA: If you are in the area for a few days, the World of glass in St. Helens is worth a visit, and during school holidays children can have a try at glass painting or similar (for a small charge) - but you do need to book. The restaurant there is lovely, and there is a free play area of mirrors. The museum itself though, you have to pay to enter. You do get a chance to watch glass blowing, a film, and visit the tunnels though (tunnels are not great for those with limited mobility). Liverpool has loads of attractions and some great (free ) museums.

noodles86

Don't go to Dudley zoo, as someone who is from the area I think the animal enclosures are so small, the animals just don't look happy! The castle is very good though! As sad as it would be I feel Dudley zoo has had it's day. We now live quite close to Twycross zoo and we love it, nice large enclosures and lots of monkeys! Have only been on nice days so cannot comment on whether the animals come out in the cold! There are usually kids go free vouchers floating around! Can highly recommended it. And unfortunately, I have never been to Knowsley (though the previous poster gives a great review!)

sjlou

Another vote for twycross zoo. It's lovely there and the animals seem so much happier and healthy than Dudley zoo.

A zoo is much nicer than being stuck in a car going round a safari park too.