Wingham Wildlife Park is home to the only moon bears and chimpanzees in Kent, and home to fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds!
It’s grown into one of the county’s most-visited family attractions and one of the best things to do in Canterbury for families.
The park sits on the far side of Canterbury from Broome Park, between Canterbury and Sandwich.
Originally a bird park
It originally opened as Wingham Bird Park in 1986, with aviary birds, waterfowl and not much else.
The mammals came later, starting with pygmy goats and pigs, and the name changed to Wingham Wildlife Park in the mid-1990s to match what was actually there.
The big transformation came after 2008, when new owners took over and the collection grew by almost 100 new species over the following three years.
The park joined the International Species Information System and the International Zoo Educators Association in 2010, and now holds over 200 species across 26 acres.
What You’ll See
Wingham is the only place in Kent where you can see moon bears or chimpanzees, alongside tigers, red pandas, mandrills, penguins and a walk-through enclosure with flamingos and lemurs.
A permanent Dinosaur Zoo, added in 2016, has close to thirty animatronic models and is included in the standard admission price rather than charged separately.
Beyond the Animals
There’s a fair amount here that has nothing to do with animals at all: an 18-hole mini golf course, go-karts, a large indoor soft play area, and a small museum with fossils, including a mammoth tooth.
Free animal talks and feeding sessions run throughout the day, and there are paid experience days if you want more time with a particular animal than a standard visit allows.
Before You Go
The park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Ticket prices and the daily schedule of talks change fairly often, so it’s worth checking the park’s own website close to your visit rather than an old guide, including this one.
Getting There from Broome Park
Wingham sits on the opposite side of Canterbury from Broome Park, estimate around twenty-five minutes by car, mostly because the route skirts around the city rather than cutting straight through it.
FAQs
What animals can you see at Wingham Wildlife Park?
Wingham Wildlife Park is home to moon bears and chimpanzees, the only place in Kent to see either, alongside tigers, red pandas, penguins, mandrills and over 200 other species.
Is Wingham Wildlife Park good for young children?
Yes. Alongside the animals, Wingham Wildlife Park has an indoor soft play area, mini golf and go-karts, plus regular animal talks aimed at families.
How far is Wingham Wildlife Park from Broome Park?
Wingham Wildlife Park is around twenty-five minutes by car from Broome Park.
Is Wingham Wildlife Park open all year?
Yes, Wingham Wildlife Park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
