An animal lovers guide to Liverpool

From captivating wildlife parks to immersive experiences, there’s a treasure trove of places across the city catering to those who adore creatures great and small.

For those who adore animals and seek an enjoyable day out with loved ones, exploring Liverpool’s animal-centric attractions is an absolute must! Dive into our animal lovers guide to Liverpool to see all the amazing experiences the city has to offer.

Knowsley Safari

Just a stone’s throw away from Liverpool is Knowsley Safari – a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

This expansive park offers a thrilling safari drive, allowing visitors to encounter majestic lions, curious giraffes, and awe-inspiring elephants up close.

The Foot Safari provides additional adventures with meerkats, playful monkeys, and captivating bird of prey displays, promising a day filled with wonder and excitement.

Find out more HERE.

World Museum: Aquarium

National Museums Liverpool — Credit: Gareth Jones

Come face to face with hermit crabs, starfish, and brightly-coloured wrasse from Liverpool’s Irish Sea coastline. Peek through viewing bubbles for an immersive encounter with the terrapins, the beloved rescue pets who love a friendly visitor.

Explore the new projections, delving into conservation initiatives safeguarding our seas. Learn about marine habitats, including local rock-pool discoveries across the UK.

Rest assured, the Nemo fish, rays, skates, and friendly sharks eagerly await your visit! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable aquatic experience!

For more info click HERE.

World Museum: Bug House

Step into a fascinating world of bugs and marvel at beetles, spiders, scorpions, and an assortment of creatures up close!

Navigate through the enormous drainpipe and be welcomed by thriving colonies of leaf cutter ants, tarantulas, and various other intriguing creepy crawlies.

Engage with the engaging displays to discover more about these tiny beings sharing our world. Don’t miss the chance to greet the colossal two-meter fly upon your entrance!

Please be aware that some interactives and collection drawers in this section are temporarily unavailable due to conservation.

Find out more HERE.

Croxteth Park Farm

Nestled within sprawling parklands, Croxteth Hall and Country Park invite visitors to explore its idyllic surroundings and encounter a variety of animals.

From charming farmyard animals to magnificent horses, this historic estate provides an escape from the urban hustle and bustle, perfect for families and animal lovers alike.

Find out more HERE.

Farmer Teds Adventure Farm

Located near Ormskirk in Lancashire, Farmer Ted’s Farm Park is a family-favourite countryside attraction offering an array of activities for all ages.

This expansive park provides interactive experiences, from close encounters with farm animals like sheep, cows, pigs, and rabbits to engaging shows, go-karts, and both indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring a day filled with both entertainment and education.

Also, Farmer Ted’s and Aardman, the multi-award winning creators of Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit have joined forces to create the Shaun the Sheep Adventure. The Farm will reopen Feb 8.

Find out more HERE.

Park Palace Ponies

Based on Mill Street, in the heart of Toxteth, an old theatre was transformed into a starter inner-city riding school. Park Palace Ponies was the first of its kind in the country, offering riding lessons to children in the local area.

Find out more on their Facebook page HERE.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is one of the most popular zoo’s in the UK, with over 20,000 animals on display over 128 acres.

The zoo comprises a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, veterinary experts, botanists, wildlife managers, animal behaviourists, endocrinologists and environmental policy influencers! Together they are fighting wildlife extinction.

Find out more HERE.

Acorn Farm

For an up-close encounter with adorable farm animals, Acorn Farm is a charming destination.

Situated near Kirkby, this farm offers hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to interact with pigs, goats, rabbits, and other friendly creatures. With activities suitable for all ages, it’s a delightful spot for a day of animal-themed fun.

Find out more HERE.

Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm

Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, in Birkenhead, offers a unique countryside experience catering to families, school groups, and visitors of all ages.

This community-oriented farm provides hands-on encounters with a variety of friendly animals including goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens, encouraging visitors to engage in feeding and petting activities, fostering a deeper understanding of farm life.

Situated on Bidston Hill on the Wirral, the Tam O’Shanter historic cottage and free urban farm is run by a charitable trust with the aim of providing an enjoyable and educational experience for kids and adults alike.

Find out more HERE.

Blue Planet Aquarium

Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, invites visitors to explore the wonders of aquatic life. With captivating displays of marine creatures, including sharks, jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish, this attraction offers an immersive underwater experience that’s sure to delight marine enthusiasts.

Find out more HERE.

Rice Lane City Farm

Rice Lane City Farm has thrived on the grounds of the former Walton cemetery (Rawcliffe Road), boasting 24 acres of verdant fields and woodland.

Home to an array of farmyard animals, including Ryeland sheep and Berkshire pigs. Visitors can enjoy interactions with these affable creatures.

The woodland walk offers a unique chance to observe and listen to wildlife you may not find anywhere elsewhere in Liverpool, and they ensure accessibility with wheelchair and buggy-friendly paths throughout the site… although some trails may be unpaved and prone to mud during inclement weather.

Find out more HERE.

Martin Mere

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a wetland nature reserve and visitor attraction in Burscough, Lancashire.

Open 364 days a year, the site offers visitors of all ages and abilities a host of unforgettable and accessible wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery whatever the weather.

Established since 1975, every season brings a host of wild experiences from the autumn goose spectacular when 40,000 pink-footed geese will roost on the reserve, the winter swan spectacular when up to 2000 whooper swans will feed everyday on the mere, to the spring new life as ducklings, goslings, chicks and cygnets hatch and the summer flora, forna and insects; meaning no two visits are the same.

Supported by dedicated and knowledgeable staff and enthusiastic volunteers, it is committed to offering the best possible experience for visitors. In addition to wildlife spotting, there is a canoe safari, play areas pond dipping, loads of great food & drink and, of course, the option to lose yourself in nature on a wild walk.

Find out more HERE.