Frequently Asked Questions
Have a query? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below...
Visitor Information
If you are 65-plus years of age or a student with a valid student ID, you will qualify for a concessionary entry rate. We also offer reduced rates for Disabled visitors and their carers. For more information on pricing click here.
We have a limited number of manual wheelchairs available to hire free of charge. A limited number of electric mobility scooters are also available to hire for a small charge. Mobility scooter hire can be done online. It is recommended to make a wheelchair or mobility scooter reservation ahead of your visit online here or by calling us on 01302 535057.
Standard car parking is free of charge.
Unfortunately dogs are not permitted within Yorkshire Wildlife Park with the exception of Assistance dogs.
We also do not allow dogs to be left in vehicles whilst visiting the park.
Please ensure you check your spam/junk folder for your email confirmation. If you still do not have this, please email a description of the problem and your contact details in a message to our Contact Centre team on [email protected] and they will be able to manually send over your confirmation email.
Please only send one message, emails are answered in order of oldest to newest so sending more than one may delay response time.
Please see the Opening Times page for up to date park hours including last entry times.
PLEASE NOTE certain areas of the park will begin to close one hour prior to the advertised park closing time.
For all area opening times, head to the opening times page, select the day of your visit and all the times will be displayed.
For all area opening times, head to the opening times page, select the day of your visit and all the times will be displayed.
Yes, both single and double strollers are available to hire. To reserve a stroller for your visit click here
Cashback is available at both Safari Stores. There will be a £1 charitable donation to the WildLife Foundation.
Membership
Membership gives the holder unlimited access to book a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park during our regular opening hours. You will also receive an exclusive 10% off purchases in all catering outlets and select retail locations at the Yorkshire Hive. You will need to present your membership card to receive this discount.
From time to time we will also send you invitations and special offers for events and other exciting things happening at the park.
Make a visit reservation online prior to visiting.
On your first visit to the park you must first visit the Guest Services Office (located next to the main park entrance). Here, our team will take the member's photograph and issue you with a membership card. This card must be presented upon entering the park on each visit.
After purchasing the Gift Membership you will receive a voucher code which can be given to the person you are gifting the membership to. The recipient can then visit our website, add the corresponding product to their basket and enter their voucher / discount code at checkout. They will then be able to make online reservations to visit the park.
On their first visit to the park they will first be required to visit the Guest Services office (located next to the main park entrance). Our team will take the member's photograph and issue them with a membership card. This card must be presented upon entering the park on each visit.
Job & Volunteer Opportunities
You will need to gain practical experience working with a range of different animal species. In addition, there are college and university courses covering animal sciences.
Rangers at Yorkshire Wildlife Park all have a degree level qualification in a biological science subject and at least one years’ experience of working with animals.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept students on work experience.
For school, college and bachelor level research please apply using the application form found in the education department section of this website.
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow volunteers at the Park however the Wildlife Foundation are always looking for volunteers to help support their vital work!
Animal Experiences
Participants are required to wear closed, non-heeled footwear when taking part in any experience. You may be required to walk across uneven or rugged ground.
We advise ‘Meet the Animal’ experience participants to wear long trousers and long sleeve tops. We would also remind you to dress according the weather as all experiences are outdoors. Don't forget to pack sun cream or waterproofs depending on the forecast.
We also ask that all guests wear a face covering during animal experiences to protect yourself, our staff and animals.
Many of our experiences require walking around the park and climbing up / down steep staircases. If you are unsure, please call us to discuss your needs before making a booking on 01302 535057.
Children as young as three years old can take part in some animal experiences however they must be accompanied by a full paying participating adult until they become 16 years of age. Please see information about each individual experience for specific age restrictions and further details.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park offers a variety of animal experiences including carnivore encounters, giraffe feeds, lemur experiences and more. Each of these experiences is a unique gift for Christmas and Birthdays, promising a day of adventure and learning!
Booking an animal experience gift is simple. Just visit our Gift Animal Experiences page, choose your preferred experience, and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
Yes, our animal experiences are suitable for children, however, some experiences may have age restrictions for safety reasons. Please check the details of each experience for more information.
Camping
We have 20 Bell Tents available for hire! Please see the Bell Tent hire section of the Website.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by calling (01302) 535057 or email us at [email protected]
Due to limited pitch numbers, advanced bookings are essential!
The campsite is located off the Warning Tongue Lane park entrance. The campsite is located in a large dedicated camping ground a short drive from the main road. Facilities including modern toilet and hot shower facilities. A dedicated pot wash area for dish washing is also available. Please be aware that the pot washing area does not have hot water supply.
Check-in opens from 3pm on your day of your arrival. On your day of departure, we ask that you check out by 10am. However, you can spend the day at Yorkshire Wildlife Park once your pitch is vacated (*valid park entry tickets required).
Caravans, Campervans and Motorhomes are welcome at Camp Lion. However, please be aware we do not have hard-standing pitches or electric hook up.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is accessible for guests with mobility restrictions. Please see the Accessibility Statement on our website for more details. Camp Lion may not be suitable for some guests with specific accessible needs.
If you have any queries or require accessible toilet / shower facility please contact us prior to booking on [email protected].
During the week we will kindly ask all guests to keep noise to a minimum after 9 pm as this will be our quiet time until 7 am the next morning. However, we do expect on Saturdays through August, due to the Wild Live concerts taking place a short distance from the campsite, that there will be more noise than normal. If you want an early night we advise that you avoid these dates.
Yes, all plots have space for one vehicle. Any additional vehicles can be left in the main car park near Camp Lion. We do have 24-hour security, however, all vehicles and belongings are left at the owners' own risk.
Campfires or fire pits are not allowed.
Yes, there are 2 taps on the camping field and an additional area for washing up. All tap water is suitable to drink unless stated.
You can use a raised BBQ on your designated pitch, there is plenty of space to use but please make sure that you dispose of waste and hot materials correctly. Please do not use any disposable BBQs on the grass due to fire risk.
Camping stoves can be used at least 2.5m from any tent, please ensure that these are kept well away from any children after use.
There are no ATM facilities at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. However, you can pay by card everywhere on-site.
Cashback is available from Safari Store in the Courtyard and The Yorkshire Hive.
We do not have a mini supermarket although we have very well stocked cafés that serve hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals throughout the day which you have access to with park tickets. We are also located close to Doncaster City Centre and the nearest large supermarket is located just a short drive away.
The Yorkshire Hive has several retail outlets stocking everything from snacks to Beers, see all the retailers here. Hex Wildlife Hotel Reception has a number of toiletries available for purchase.
As there aren’t any charging points on the campsite you will need to bring your own portable charging device.
There is no WIFI available on the campsite however there is WIFI available on the park. We would love you to switch off from the pressures of modern life and really enjoy a unique relaxing experience during your visit.
It depends on your network provider; some providers’ signals are better than others. See the coverage map on your providers' website for details.
Unfortunately, we cannot allow any pets onto the park or campsite.
Camp Lion is a family campsite, we do not accept large group bookings.
No, if it is a party you are after this is not the campsite for you, we pride ourselves on our peaceful environment for families.
Unfortunately, as we are only offering limited stays, we are unable to change dates after booking. We may look at this option in the future.
The campsite can be accessed via the Warning Tongue Lane entrance using postcode DN4 6TB. From here follow the signs to the Camp Lion campsite. If you are visiting the park before checking in, please use the main park entrance on Hurst Lane before driving around to park at your pitch after 3 pm on your check-in day.
Masai Café will be open to all camping guests each evening from 6.00pm. Pick up take-away Pizza, Beers, Wines and treats!
Take an evening stroll to the Yorkshire Hive where you can dine and unwind at Wilds Cafe Bistro or dine with Dinos at the incredible Evolution Experience Restaurant!
All other restaurants will open during normal park operating hours (valid park entry tickets required).
The Breakfast Den is situated on the campsite and offers hot food and drink options.
For opening hours speak to your campsite manager or refer to your handy guide which you will receive on arrival.
If you already have a park ticket, you can access the Wildlife Park from 9:45am at the Court-side Safari Store, just a short walk from Camp Lion.
We have 20 Bell Tents available to book. To find out more, click here.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by calling (01302) 535057 or email us at [email protected]
Please note: We do not allow third-party tent hire, camping is only permitted in your own tent or the tents provided by Camp Lion.
We do offer a discount for Annual Members on our Bell Tent stays. Please call us on 01302 535057 or email [email protected] for more information.
Unfortunately, we can not allow Generators on the Camp Lion Campsite.
Wild Live Concerts
Complimentary car parking is provided at the Park main entrance (Hurst Lane, Auckley, DN9 3HQ). This car park is approximately a 20-minute walk from the concert field.
Concert parking can be purchased in advance at an additional cost of £20.00 per vehicle and MUST be parked before 4pm when entry to the carpark will close. It can be accessed at any time from 9:45am if you have purchased tickets for a visit to Yorkshire Wildlife Park during the day.
Your ticket includes entry to Yorkshire Wildlife park throughout the day and tickets are valid any time from 9:45am.
Operational timings of the show will be released closer to the date.
If you have parked in the Yorkshire Hive car park, to get back to your car after the concert, please leave the field via the signposted exits and head to the rear of the show field following signs / instructions from stewards.
Yes, Children under the age of 3 MUST hold a valid under 3’s ticket to be admitted free of charge.
This year the Wild Live series includes day entry to Yorkshire wildlife Park.
Members of course do receive all day entry into the park for free as part of their membership. We will require members to book their day visit as policy.
Accessible Tickets - There will be a raised seated viewing area to the side of the stage (the “Accessible Area”) available for those who need to remain seated during the show and for whom the standard viewing areas are not suitable (for example. wheelchair users). There are limited tickets available for the Accessible Area, and once the Accessible Area is full, we will not be able to provide access for further guests. Please note that if you purchase an Accessible Area ticket, you will be required to remain seated throughout the performance. To reserve a space in the Accessible Area, subject to availability, please call Yorkshire Wildlife Park 01302 535057 during opening hours to speak with a member of our contact centre team.
Due to the limited space, guests using the Accessible Area may be accompanied by one other person only (who will also be required to remain seated throughout the performance to avoid obstructing the view for the other guests in the Accessible Area). Proof of disability will be required to provide you with access to the Accessible Area.
An accessible toilet will be located close by, and there will be a large screen which will be showing close-ups of the acts as they perform.
Disabled Concession Tickets - If you are disabled, you can purchase a disabled concession ticket which will allow you access to the Standard and Premium areas depending on the type of ticket you have purchased. Please note that a disabled concession ticket does not provide you with access to the Accessible Area. To sit in the Accessible Area, you will need to purchase an Accessible Ticket.
Proof of disability will also be required for those who purchase a disabled concession ticket.
Customers are advised that strobe and other lighting effects may be used during the performance.
Chairs including wheelchairs will not be permitted in front of stage or section barriers due to safety. If you require the accessible platform please call Yorkshire Wildlife Park 01302 535057
Accessibility information, about our concert events:
We want our Wild Live concerts to be enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Given the style of our concerts, the audience typically either stands, or sits on picnic blankets. We encourage everyone to bring your own portable seating / small fold-out chairs if required.
The site we use for the event is a green field – it’s a grass surface and doesn’t have any pathways. Mostly, the area is reasonably flat and even, as it’s regularly used for car parking. Nevertheless, please consider the ground conditions, and the possible impact of the changeable British weather, when deciding what facilities or equipment you wish to bring.
The entrance to the concert area is approximately a 25-minute walk from the new main entrance and car parks to the concert field. Guests with a blue badge will be able to park adjacent to the concert field in the stage side car park. Guests with mobility issues who do not have a blue badge are recommended to purchase a Stage Parking pass.
Please note: Blue Badge Parking must be parked no later than 4:00pm. Any arrivals after this time will not be able to access parking.
There is an allocated disabled car park for blue badge holders only. This is located next to the concert field, please show your blue badge on arrival. You do NOT need to book stage parking if you hold a disabled blue badge. Please note that this carpark will be held until the show field has emptied for guest safety.
We do offer a dedicated accessible viewing area for blue badge holders only which is close to the stage. This area must be pre-booked as capacity is restricted. Each guest can be accompanied by one carer in this area. Carers must provide the correct ID.
Spaces are limited and must be booked via email on a first come first served basis. To request accessible viewing tickets email [email protected] or call us on 01302 535057.
Please note: Blue Badge Parking must be parked no later than 4:00pm. Any arrivals after this time will not be able to access parking.
There will be a range of hot and cold food, plus non-alcoholic drinks on sale within the concert field. Alcohol can be purchased inside the Wildlife park prior to entering the show field.
You are welcome to pack the champers and hampers to accompany your evening. Food and drink will be allowed in the field for personal consumption. Cool boxes and hampers are also allowed. Other picnic equipment e.g. tables are not permitted. Fires, BBQs, flames or heating devices of any kind are strictly prohibited.
A bar is located just outside the event field. Due to licensing restriction we cannot have a bar directly on the event field.
Our health and safety guidelines mean that glass bottles can not be brought onto the Show Field, please either do not bring them with you or decant them prior to entering.
Glass is not permitted on the show field. Anyone bringing a glass bottle onto site will be asked to decant into a plastic cup. Please do not bring any other glass items including drinking glasses into the field.
Bags can be brought onto the Show Field however there will be a strict bag search policy in operation.
Foldable low back picnic chairs and picnic blankets are allowed. No tables or other equipment is permitted. Chairs will not be allowed immediately in front of the stage or section barriers due to safety for the safety of guests who choose to stand.
Awnings, gazebos or other tents of any kind are not allowed. These are likely to block the view of other guests.
Yes, we have two drop off and pick up points. The pick-up point closest to the field is located at our Warning Tongue Lane entrance (follow signs from DN4 6TB). Alternatively, we also have a pick-up point at the Yorkshire Hive car park (follow signs from Hurst Lane roundabout) but this will involve a 25 minute walk to or from the concert arena.
No bikes, scooters, balance bikes or skateboards are allowed in either Yorkshire Wildlife Park or the concert field. For those arriving by bicycle, racks are provided in the Hive entrance. Bikes are left at the owner’s risk. We do not provide facilities to recharge mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs.
To avoiding blocking the view for other audience members, it is better to bring a coat with a hood. Large golfing type umbrellas are not allowed in the concert field.
Photography / video taken at Yorkshire Wildlife Park cannot be used for any commercial purpose. Professional photographic equipment, video cameras, or audio recording devices are not allowed within the concert field. The use of Aerial Drones, radio-controlled helicopters and UAV devices of any design and configuration are strictly prohibited due to local air traffic restrictions.
Standard and accessible port-a toilets will be provided within the concert field.
There are no ATM machines at the venue. However, all outlets accept card, contactless and mobile payments. There is a cash back facility in the Safari Store retail stores inside the Wildlife park.
We do kindly request that you do not bring with you a banner or flag as this will hinder capacity and people’s view of the stage.
Pull along trolleys will not be allowed on the show field for safety reasons. If you need to bring a trolley there will be trolley parking points located outside the venue for you to leave your trolleys in.
Yes, Gold members do receive a Standard ticket to a Wild Live concert of their choice plus the standard members discount to all other shows
Standard members do receive a 25% discount on all shows and adult prices start from £30. A member can only purchase a discounted ticket for those with a valid membership at the time of the show.
If the event isn’t sold out, and tickets are available you will be able to purchase these on the day. However, we strongly advise to book now to avoid disappointment.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a discount for group bookings.
We class a senior concession rate to be for people aged 65 and over.
No dogs will be allowed inside the concert field. As the welfare of animals is one of our key objectives, we do not allow pets to be left in vehicles and the authorities will be advised of any animals left in cars.
We have two bands of tickets, plus an accessible area. Prices start from £40 for an adult. The bands are Premium, which is closest to the stage, then Standard at the rear of this area.
Gold Membership
Members can upgrade to Gold at our Guest Services building.
Unfortunately this cannot be done over the phone as you will need to hand in your old membership card in exchange for gold.
Simply show your gold membership upon ordering/checkout.
Simply head to our ticket kiosks where a member of the team will scan your Membership card for entry.
Memberships are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled once activated.
Please visit our Guest Services building to renew your Gold membership, alternatively call us on 01302 535057.
Invites will be sent out via email for all exclusive Gold member events.
This discount is for all catering outlets within Yorkshire Wildlife Park including Safari Cafe, Masai, Caramba and more.
The 20% off discount is redeemable at our two Safari stores.
Education
No, a member of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park education team will meet you upon arrival at the park and will escort your party into the park through a separate school entrance located off Warning Tongue Lane. We will confirm numbers in your party and take a contact number from your trip leader in case of any emergencies.
Pre-booked school visits MUST enter the park via the Warning Tongue Lane entrance only. Please use postcode DN4 6TB.
Yes, a large, dedicated education group coach and car park is accessible via an intercom-controlled gate from Warning Tongue Lane, DN4 6TB. Pre-booked education groups should NOT enter via the new entrance from Hurst Lane! Ensure your driver is aware of this before departing.
No, we are unable to accept payment on the day of your visit. All visitors must pre-book and pre-pay for their visits in advance.
Refunds are unavailable for both admission & pre-booked sessions once the payment is made. We can however re-arrange your educational visit to a different day.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park does not offer storage for students’ belongings. Teachers should plan for bags to be carried by children or school staff. Please also make sure that no food or drink is consumed inside the animal walkthrough areas.
Some pathways are narrow, and others have a one-way system in place which are not suitable for large groups. We are asking all visitors to the park to be mindful of others during their visit. Please use your free adult ratios wisely to do this.
Yes, you can book the sessions dependant on availability. The content / topic of the sessions may have changed since your last visit, so please check the education session pages for details.
The education team can check availability of the sessions before you book your visit. We also have virtual and outreach programmes in place. Please see the education pages on this site for more info.
Many toilets are available as you first enter the park, which are more suitable for larger school groups. These are located within the Monkey Play House. A member of the team can direct you upon entry.
There is a disabled toilet available in the Safari café toilets in the courtyard with a hoist facility.
Yes, we would advise visiting in smaller groups to save any queuing on the day. Schools can also pre-order and pay for goody bags.
We recommend this, as it will help you plan your day and your route around the park. Once you have booked your school visit to us, please complete the pre-visit form to receive your ticket.
If you book Monday – Friday, the YWP education team are available to offer further advice and discuss your education sessions.
Please note that if family members wish to join you when you complete your pre-visit, they will need to pre-book a timed entry admission ticket.
There is a map available to download from our main website or you can download it on our App, rather than the paper version. The YWP App is free through the Apple App Store or via Google Play for android device, simply search for Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
In line with government regulations, it is not mandatory for guests to wear face coverings when visiting but please do so if you wish.
We have lots of outdoor picnic areas around the park ideal for taking a break at lunchtime. A large undercover picnic area can be found at the Pyramid tent near Into Africa! Extra indoor seating is available by the classrooms in the courtyard using the Safari Shop entrance. This indoor area is available on a first come first served basis and must be cleared and tidied by the group after use.
Winter Illuminations
The Winter Illuminations will run on the following dates:
Friday 15th November - Saturday 16th November
Friday 22nd Saturday November - Saturday 23rd November
Thursday 28th November - Sunday 1st December
Thursday 5th December - Sunday 8th December
Thursday 12th December - Tuesday 24th December
Thursday 26th December - Tuesday 31st December
Thursday 2nd January - Friday 3rd January
YWP and the Winter Illuminations will be closed on Christmas Day, 25th December.
We recommend that all tickets need to be purchased in advance; key dates will sell out very quickly, so we suggest booking sooner rather than later!
As this is a special event outside our usual opening hours, tickets for the Winter Illuminations are not included with Annual Memberships.
Members are of course welcome to make a reservation to visit during standard daytime opening hours throughout the winter season.
If you are a Gold Annual Member, you will receive a voucher code for one free admission to this event.
On average we are expecting it to take around 90 minutes. The trail is a one-way circular route and is approximately 2.4km, or 1.5 miles.
The Park is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Some areas of the Winter Illuminations may be over mildly uneven ground. Certain areas of the trail may be dimly lit. The full one-way circular Winter Illuminations route is flat and involves no steps or stairs.
There will be catering outlets open during the Winter Illumination as part of the route where you can buy festive food and hot drinks.
Some of the food items on offer include: Pastries, Pizzas, Sandwiches and Fries.
Evolution Restaurant will also be open, so if you fancy a meal in a uniquely themed restaurant make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Click here to book your table.
Alternatively, Wilds Cafe Bistro will also be open for bookings. Kick back in this casual but elegantly themed dining venue with an inviting atmosphere and great service. Click here to book your table.
We advise booking in advance for all our restaurants to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable after purchase.
The event takes place outdoors, please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter weather. The events will only be cancelled in the extreme event of wild weather which causes a health and safety concern.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the park and pets cannot be left in vehicles in the car park.
Yes, we need to clear the park prior to opening the Winter Illuminations event each evening. Therefore, if you wish to visit for the day and stay for the evening event, we would recommend booking an earlier time slot to save you waiting around. Alternatively, while you wait why not explore the shops, play areas and restaurants at the Yorkshire Hive!
No, the old Warning Tongue Lane / Brockholes Lane entrance will not be open for Members or any other guest during the Winter Illuminations evening event.
We have a limited number of manual wheelchairs available to pre-book free of charge. Click here to book.
Alternatively, you can hire a mobility scooter for a small fee per day. Click here to book a mobility scooter. Hire is for the full day from time of collection.
Upon booking your wheelchair/mobility scooter you will be asked to choose a 10am time slot. This is a full day reservation which can be collected at any time.
If all wheelchairs and mobility scooters are fully booked on the day you are attending, please ask on arrival if we have any availability, however we cannot guarantee there will be any for you to hire, so please try to book in advance where possible.
Day time park entry is not included in your Winter Illuminations Ticket. You can upgrade to both Day and Winter Illuminations Entry during the checkout process.
You can upgrade by adding a daytime for only £10pp or Christmas Fair and Park Entry for only £12pp.
Daytime park tickets purchased along with Winter Illuminations entry are valid any time from 9:45am (until final entry at 2pm) on the day of your visit.
Fair dates are as followed;
12th -15th and 19th - 22nd December
Adopt an Animal
All adoptions boxes come with a certificate of adoption, photograph and fact sheet of your animal, admission voucher and adopters day voucher (1st Sunday in October). Various options are available including adoption packs with a thermal cup, cuddly toy, or exclusive animal experiences.
Each adoption is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Yes, fill out your name, or the name of your gift recipient when purchasing your animal adoption box!
Disabled Memberships
The carer is a non named individual that is present to support your during your visit. It does not need to be the same person on each visit.
Along with all the other benefits of a Gold/Standard Annual Membership, you can bring a +1 carer with you!
No a carer is automatically booked in with your online booking.
We accept blue badge holder ID’s, PIP and DLA as valid proof. This will only need to be presented at purchase point/initial pick up of membership card.
Yes. Just call into the Guest Services building on arrival of your visit and we can transfer your membership to a disabled membership. Please remember to bring valid proof of disability on this visit.
Yes. As with all standard membership categories we ask that you book online in advance of your arrival.
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