Howletts Wild Animal Park
Bekesbourne, near Canterbury, East Kent
Image: Howletts Wild Animal ParkImage: Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts is a 100-acre wild animal park near Canterbury, run by The Aspinall Foundation and home to more than 300 animals. Walk between the enclosures, then explore the Animals of the Ice Age trail of prehistoric creatures, which is included in your ticket. Allow a full day.
Highlights
- More than 300 animals across 100 acres
- Animals of the Ice Age trail, included with entry
- The Pavilion Restaurant and Coffee House
- Conservation work of The Aspinall Foundation
Good to know
- Booking online is cheaper than paying at the gate
- Check the assistance dog policy before bringing a dog
Getting there
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Bekesbourne, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 5ELParking: Free parking, with designated disabled parking by the gatehouse.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against aspinallfoundation.org, aspinallfoundation.org. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve in the Stour Valley near Canterbury has the largest reedbed in south east England, mixed with fens, ditches and open water. Walk over 6km of footpaths, including a circuit of the whole site, and look for marsh harriers, kingfishers, bearded tits and the occasional bittern. It suits walkers and birdwatchers for a couple of hours.
Image: St Martin and St PaulSt Martin's Church
St Martin's is the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in use, and part of Canterbury's World Heritage Site with the cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey. Walk up to the church, look inside and wander the churchyard. It is about a ten minute walk from the city centre and an hour is plenty.
Image: St Augustine's AbbeySt Augustine's Abbey
Founded in AD 598, St Augustine's Abbey marks the return of Christianity to southern England and is part of Canterbury's World Heritage Site. Walk the extensive ruins, from the Saxon monastery to the Norman rebuild and the later Tudor royal palace, then visit the site museum. It sits just outside the city walls, a few minutes from the cathedral.