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Original poster

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

20 replies

Leeds2 · 07/01/2019 23:26

Has anyone been to Yorkshire Wildlife Park? What was it like?
Has anyone done the individual animal experiences? Which one? Do you think it was worth it, and suitable for what age?
Is the Park near a train station (I cannot visit by car, so would be reliant upon public transport, coming from the south)?
All information gratefully received!

OP posts:
SushiMonster · 07/01/2019 23:44

It’s really good.

Animals especially the polar bears are fab. Decent play area.

Original poster
Leeds2 · 07/01/2019 23:46

Do they have black/brown bears, as well as polar bears, Sushi? I'm sure I have read (on FB!) that they do, and it is these bears I am particularly interested in!

OP posts:
SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 07/01/2019 23:49

Hi it's 5 mins away from me and unfortunately not near train station,you'd have to get a taxi to it

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TooManyButtons · 07/01/2019 23:52

Yes they have some lovely rescued brown bears!

Sauvingnon you can't be far away from me - I can hear the lions roar from my garden Smile

RomaineCalm · 07/01/2019 23:55

Definitely worth a visit. The nearest train station is Doncaster - there is a direct bus from the train/bus interchange to the park or you'd need to get a taxi. I think the transport details are on the website,

Lwmommy · 07/01/2019 23:56

Looks like you would need to get the train to Doncaster then a bus to the wildlife park.

Franheaton · 07/01/2019 23:56

You can get a bus from Doncaster station. If you buy your tickets for the park from the bus driver you get a discount to the park which works out that transport to and from the park is effectively free. The park is less than a ten minute walk from the bus stop. Doncaster is on the east coast main line so book in advance for cheap tickets.

It's a nice day out and the animals are well looked after. The primary emphasis is on conservation. Go when the weather is warmer to see the monkeys etc running around outside.

emma123456 · 08/01/2019 00:25

Definitely worth a visit.

Original poster
Leeds2 · 08/01/2019 00:34

Thank you so much for responses - it sounds like the transport wouldn't be a problem which I was concerned about.

I want to do the bear experience as a birthday present for my (adult) daughter. The conservation aspect would definitely appeal!

As some of you seem to live nearby, are there nice hotels near Doncaster station? I think we would need to do an overnight stop and, whilst I have been to Doncaster station several times, I have never stayed there.

OP posts:
TooManyButtons · 08/01/2019 00:42

There's a fairly new Premier Inn across the road from the Station/bus interchange, it's in the town centre so handy for restaurants.

I love the Wildlife park, they're currently starting on a big expansion which when completed, I'll be able to see animals from my bedroom window Smile

Original poster
Leeds2 · 08/01/2019 00:48

What animals TooMany? I am well jell!

What will the expansion be? And will it be ready for this summer?! Must admit, I had never heard of YWP until very recently and now I definitely want to visit. Also nice to hear there is a hotel handy for the town centre/station - I stay away quite a lot, and always like my base to be near the station so that I am confident I can get back!

OP posts:
purpleme12 · 08/01/2019 00:50

Wow I'm so jealous of you being right next to the park hearing them!

BarbaraofSevillle · 08/01/2019 08:26

Oh, that's great to hear about the expansion. We went in the last year or two, and the plans for the brown bears were announced days after we went and I was disappointed that we'd missed them and thought that we'll have to go back, and wondered if it would be worth it. If it expands, it sounds like it will be.

I thought it was great, even as a childfree couple, but one disappointment was that all the cafes and coffee kiosks were soooo slow. We stood in line for a coffee but they'd hardly served anyone after about 10 minutes, so we gave up, so if we go again, I think we'll take snacks and drinks so we don't need to buy anything if it's like that again.

Minor highlight was seeing baby wallabies hanging out of their mum's pouches really close up.

sparklepops123 · 08/01/2019 08:40

Personally I think ywp is the best place we've been to see animals, the way it is set out is really good, clear view of the tigers etc and they have a lot of different animals.

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 08/01/2019 08:52

@TooManyButtons 😁

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 08/01/2019 08:53

Hilton Garden inn is new and it's nearer than premier inn

purpleme12 · 08/01/2019 08:55

We went in October and didn't even get to see the brown bears! They were completely hidden in their hidey bits not even a glimpse!

lucysmam · 08/01/2019 09:23

We live in Doncaster, two bus rides each way to the YWP but it's really easy & most bus drivers will let you know the right stop. It's only a short walk up from the bus stop so wouldn't spend taxi fares from the train station I don't think, unless you need to.

Sauvignon & TooMany you must live close-ish to my dad, he's only a five minute drive away.

He's renewed the girls' annual passes for Christmas so we're looking forward to another year of days out for just bus fares :)

SalrycLuxx · 08/01/2019 09:26

It’s excellent. Definitely recommend it.

1hello2hello · 08/01/2019 10:13

We love it. The animals have a decent amount of space & are mainly rescued or in conservation programmes. The polar bears can be hilarious. Haven't tried the experiences.

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