Woburn Abbey: See the Big Five on home soil

Woburn Abbey overview

Catching a glimpse of the Big Five animals doesn't have to entail a sojourn to Africa. In fact, this feat can be achieved by travelling just 50 miles out of London to Woburn Safari Park.

Located on the Woburn Estate in the sleepy town of the same name in Bedfordshire, the safari park offers visitors of all ages the chance to see a variety of wildlife, from lions, tigers and penguins.

With the park reporting that the average length of a visit to the safari totals five to seven hours, it is an attraction that captures people's imagination.

There is also a wide variety of local attractions nearby, including Woburn Abbey where famous musical acts such as Elton John have performed in the past.

Woburn Abbey Location

The safari park is located one hour out of London, Oxford, Cambridge and Birmingham, making it well-positioned for a number of animal-loving day trippers.

It can be accessed easily from the M1, at junctions 12 and 13, depending which direction visitors approach from.

There are also good motoring links from the A5, if drivers follow signs for Woburn village, from which there will be sign posts to the attraction.

Woburn Sands train station is an alternative way of accessing the attraction for those without cars. However, visiting a safari park on foot might prove to be a little difficult.

Why Visit Woburn Abbey?

Upon entry to the safari park, all guests are given a road map which outlines what animals are located where around the park.

Visitors then make their way around the English landscape where animals from far warmer climes incongruously sit grazing on the grass seemingly oblivious to the near-constant drizzle.

However, once the concept of lions and tigers roaming carelessly around the home counties has been overcome, Woburn Safari park is a delightful day out.

From Kingdom of the Carnivores to the African Forest and the Simba Hills, Woburn safari park has a wide range of animals. Furthermore, unlike at London Zoo where those animals can play a frustrating game of hide and seek in their indoor enclosures, this landscape is extremely visible, meaning a drive around is sure to guarantee a number of exciting sightings.

Animals at the park include camels, buffalo, rhino, zebra, giraffes and monkeys.

There are also a range of demonstrations happening throughout the day. Bear feeding, sea lion shows, birds of prey flying demonstrations and keeper talks at feeder time are just some of the attractions visitors can make the most of.

Furthermore, there is a sizeable lake in the middle of the park which visitors can hire small pedal-boats to go out on, which in-keeping with the animal theme are shaped like swans.

There is also a light railway which takes guests around the park's ground - keeping them a safe distance from the potentially dangerous animals.

A fully-stocked gift shop is on site to ensure children have somewhere to drain their piggy-banks, while a canteen-style restaurant provides a range of food.