West Midland Safari Park

West Midland Safari Park is a safari park and zoo in Bewdley, Worcestershire, England, spreading across 200 acres. The site combines drive-through animal enclosures with walk-through themed areas, including an African section, a reptile house and an aquarium.

Jimmy Chipperfield opened the site in April 1973 with animals from his circus family and developed it into a permanent wildlife park. Over the decades, the collection and infrastructure grew until the park housed all five large African species.

The name reflects the park's location in the West Midlands, and the site follows the principle that vehicles move through enclosures while animals roam freely. Visitors often watch monkeys hop onto car roofs or giraffes graze directly next to windows.

Visitors book a time slot in advance for the drive-through animal enclosures, which is part of the admission fee. The pathways can be explored in a single day, and parking sits directly next to the entrances.

The site holds the largest populations of white lions, cheetahs, hippos and meerkats in Britain. An extensive lemur area allows visitors to walk among the animals, which often approach curiously within arm's reach.

Location: Worcestershire

Inception: April 17, 1973

Address: Spring Grove

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +441299402114

Website: http://wmsp.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.37550,-2.28825

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:51