My son has been pretending to be a monkey for most of the summer holiday - a cheeky, mischevious and sometimes smelly little 4 year old monkey. Consequently I got asked a million or so times if we could go and see some real monkeys.
As we live in Kent I decided that we could manage a visit to Howlett Wild Animal Park which in theory is an hour down the A2, 3 miles on from Canterbury. Unless of course you account for the perennial roadworks and inexplicable closures, then it takes a further 1 and a half hours via the M20 and Ashford.
Despite this minor hiccup and the feeling that I should have got the train to Canterbury and then to Bekesbourne which is a 10-15 minute walk from the animal park - we got there eventually.
The car parking was free and there was no trouble parking.
It cost me £11.95 to get in and my son £8.95 which was further sweetened by a discount voucher taking £4.00 off the bill. [Nothing shocks me anymore after remortgaging to enter Legoland]. They also gave us more vouchers for money off trips to Howletts or Port Lympne.
I had previously checked out the prices and route on the website which can be found at: www.howletts.net The website is informative and has webcams in some of the cages. Unfortunately when I visited the site the webcam had been struck by lightening and couldn't be accessed.
Once in we encountered a slight hitch - my son wanted the toilet after 2 and a half hours in the car. The first set of toilets have 2 cubicles for the females - consequently there was a long, long queue. And the state of the toilets confirmed their overuse and undermaintained state. Not impressed. There were two other toilet sites - one in the centre which was slightly cleaner but still only had 3 cubicles. And one at the furthest end which we didn't visit.
Also, to get in and out of the park you have to walk through the gift shop. Parents beware of being fleeced. I bought a programme for £1.99 because it had a map and pictures of monkeys for the munchkin.
Once in we were confronted with the lemurs which delighted my son, there was also a wolf who was pacing around the perimeter of his fence looking a bit freaked by all the visitors. It was at this point that I remembered how much I hate zoos and caged animals - I am not an animal lover - I sneeze at fur and frankly think most of them smell even more than humans but I do respect nature and frankly we are crap at recreating it artificially. I am no Dr. Dolittle but most of the animals give off the lethargic/suicidal vibe as you pass them by.
We visited the gorilla cages - they were all sitting around limply doing very little. The highlight for my son was watching one do a wee from a height. Hurrah. There was a frankly catatonic python in a puddle behind glass - I'm pathologically terrified of snakes but I wanted to give this one a cuddle and say, "Cheer up old bean." The cages are well labelled - so at least you know what you should be seeing even if you can't.
There were exhausted tigers and big ole elephants - we ate our packed lunch whilst watching them being fed which was mildly interesting. There were a lot of different types of monkeys - which pleased the little one.
My main gripe was that a lot of the cages were empty and there was no sign to say so - this meant peering into a cage hoping to catch a glimpse of something and then giving up after 5 minutes.
Facilities wise this is not great. I have mentioned the toilet situation. Food wise - you can get coffee and tea, ice creams and soft drinks at various kiosks on the way round. The prices are fairly acceptable but the range is not great. At the furthest end of the park you can buy a hot meal and there is more choice. I would suggest bringing a packed lunch and drinks. Also bring some anti-sting stuff as the picnic areas attract lots of wasps.
There are 3 or 4 gift shops - none of which are very overpriced. Lots of animal theme stuff and the funds go towards the upkeep of the park. Boy does it need it. It lacks a play park for the kiddies - I know they have come to see the animals but it is a very long walk and I was glad to have brought the buggy for my son - after being wheeled around for all that time he could have let off steam on a playground.
There is a cash point machine at the farthest end of the park but it is one of those that charges you £1.25 for the transaction.
It is a charity and is obviously in need of funds. The animals are endangered species that would otherwise die out in their natural habitat. But they still look sad and I think the place needs a face lift. You can sponser an animal (see the website) and there is a kids club called the Zoom Club for £16 a year. If you bring a birthday party there - the adults get in free and eat free. They have an information line on: 09068 800 605
I am going to recommend this not because I thought it was particularly mindblowing but because the place obviously needs a boost - for the good of the inmates as much as for the public.
TOP TIPS
1. If you need the loo - grab a map and use the facilities further in.
2. Avoid using the A2 unless you want to go via Scotland.
3. Bring a packed lunch.
4. Bring a buggy - it is a long walk for little legs.
5. Smile at the animals - they look like they need it.
More details
Is it worth visiting?
Family Friendly
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