Please note, this review is based on our visit in summer 2020, so areas may change in line with Covid guidelines

Peak Wildlife Park was somewhere we’d had our eye on for a while, so we were super excited to visit on our camping trip to the Peak District this summer.

Things may have been a little different due to Covid-secure restrictions, but it didn’t stop us having a fantastic day out.

Location

Peak Wildlife Park is situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, just 20 miles from Derby and Stoke on Trent, making it a fantastic day out if you are visiting the Peak District. It was well signposted and easy to get to, with plenty of free parking.

Arrival and booking

Under Covid guidance, you need to book a timeslot before arriving in order for them to control visitor numbers and support social distancing. They have put in a new entrance outdoors following Covid reopening, which is really easy and clear to follow thanks to the animal footprints on the floor.

We had the first timeslot of the day, and despite it being mid-summer, there was noone else around – so much so that I double-checked my booking 🙂 the staff were really welcoming and gave us a brief run-down of what to expect.

There are two main one-way systems around the park, with the main reception, toilet and food areas back in the middle. We did get muddled with the one-way system where the two paths crossed, but as the park was so quiet, we still felt so safe.

You can access the park map using a QR code at the entrance, check it out here, or save the below map on your phone!

Things to do

Peak Wildlife Park is such a unique place to visit with so much to do up close to the animals.

There are several main areas where you can walk with the animals, which are all wheelchair friendly and accessible. There are gates in between each area and clear information about all the areas you are entering. You can also see zebras, tortoise and more!

Lemur Heights

Lemur Heights is bursting with Madagascan lemurs.

The lady who worked here was just amazing and introduced Lily to the lemurs, telling her about the three different types and giving her some lovely facts about them.

It really was a beautiful area, surrounded by all the nature the lemurs would be used to in Madagascar.

Penguin Paths

One of the areas we were most excited about (and lapped about 3 times) were the penguin paths, where you can get up close to the penguins.

On our visit, the penguins were happy playing in the water rather than on the paths, which is why we really want to head back and try again, but it was lovely to get so close to them.

You can follow the paths around the penguin area, or watch them swim in their pool through the glass or even watch them from above from the balcony.

Wallaby Wanderland

Another of Lily’s favourite places was the Wallaby Wanderland, another separate walk-through area where you can get up close to the wallabies.

The area was a fun home for the beautiful wallabies, with information about the wallabies, a clear path around the enclosure, and even the change to see the joey in its mama’s pouch!

African Village

Meet the Pygmy goats, chickens and more in the African Village as well as the meerkats right at the entrance.

Nature Walk

Lily loved the nature trail, a one-way walk around the grounds, past the beautiful deer and alongside all kinds of nature. There are picnic benches along this peaceful area as well as signs telling you about everything you can see along the way.

Play areas

The play areas were not open when we visited however have since reopened. There are both an indoor and outdoor play area as well as bouncy castles – so keep an eye on their website for more information about what is open in line with the latest guidelines.

Food and drink

The Peak Wildlife Park have plenty of options for food, with online ordering available too. They have hot/cold drinks, sandwiches and even stonebaked pizzas available, with indoor seating available, a family room, outdoor seating and picnic benches around the park too.

There are also vegan and gluten-free options too.

Toilet facilities

There are plenty of toilet facilities including disabled facilities and baby changing too.

Accessibility

The walkways around the whole of the Peak Wildlife Park are designed to be accessible and wheel-chair friendly for everyone to be able to enjoy all the animal walks.

According to the website: “The whole of the Park is accessible by wheelchair and able-bodied pusher. The paths are wide and can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.”

Gift Shop

There is a beautiful gift shop which is also the exit, where you can find a whole range of lovely gifts for adults and children alike, including soft toys, pocket money toys and souvenirs.

Conclusion

There is so much to do at Peak Wildlife Park and a great place to visit if you want to get up close to animals.

It really is such a unique place to visit and so different from other days out to zoos or wildlife parks that we’ve been to.

Although we got a but lost on the one-way system a couple of times (it seemed to stop in a couple of places), we really felt so safe and we will definitely be back again. Lily is desperate to get up close with the penguins, and their animal experiences sound fantastic too.

If you’re looking for a day out with the family in the Peak District, we really do recommend the Peak Wildlife Park.

Address and Postcode

Peak Wildlife Park, Winkhill, Leek ST13 7QR

Find out more about Peak Wildlife Park here

Animal Encounters at the Peak Wildlife Park are part of our gift guide for kids who love the outdoors. Find out more here.

We stayed close by to Peak District Wildlife Park, just 15 minutes away at Upper Hurst Farm campsite. Find out more here.

For another day out with the family in the Peak District, we also recommend Dovedale Stepping Stones. Check out our review here