Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a zoo in Branton near Doncaster, covering roughly 260 acres and home to over 500 animals from around 100 species. Visitors walk through spacious grounds where tigers, lions, polar bears, and leopards live in enclosures designed to resemble their natural surroundings.

The zoo opened in April 2009 on land that once belonged to Brockholes Farm, formerly used as a riding school. The transformation introduced new enclosures and facilities focused on the protection of species facing threats in the wild.

Rangers lead talks throughout the day, explaining how keepers work with animals and why conservation matters for species at risk. Families watch demonstrations that show daily routines and the way staff care for residents across the different zones.

The grounds offer wide paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it easy to move between enclosures. Morning hours tend to be quieter, and feeding times occur at different moments throughout the day, allowing visitors to see animals active in several areas.

The polar bear habitat spans several connected zones with deep pools and sandy areas that recreate arctic conditions. This layout lets the bears swim and dig as they would in the wild, offering a closer look at their natural behavior.

Location: Doncaster

Inception: April 4, 2009

Fee: Yes

Opening Hours: jan-mar: mo-su 09:45-16:00, mar: mo-su 09:45-17:00, apr-nov: mo-fr 09:45-18:00, dec m-f 09:45-16:00

Website: http://yorkshirewildlifepark.com

GPS coordinates: 53.50470,-1.04170

Latest update: December 22, 2025 20:06