Anyone been to Woburn Safari Park?

[Shufflebumnessie]

We're off to meet friends at Woburn Safari Park in in mid July & none of us have been before. When I posted on MN previously asking about visiting Longleat, I got some really useful replies, such as heading to the boat as soon as you arrive to avoid longer queues later in the day.

I was just wondering if anyone has been to Woburn recently and has any hints/tips to ensure we get the most out of the day (it's a fair distance from us so it's unlikely we'll be going back any time soon).

Am I right in thinking that you have to do the safari part before entering the main walk-around area?
Would you suggest we get there for opening to avoid long queues through the safari (our friends are suggesting getting there around 11.30am, but I feel half the day will be gone by then!).

Any useful information would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

When we arrived at 10 am the queue to show tickets and get in was quite long so be prepared for that. I don’t if that’s actually better by 11:30 though but might be. I don’t think you’ll have queues once you’re in the walk around, look at shows in advance . The outdoor sealions at 1pm is free and you get close up, the indoor one at 3:30 has a fee, it’s not much and probably more tricks etc but the outdoor one was perfect for young children. We had a pushchair and it’s quite uneven and hilly so be prepared for that. Lots of places to picnic. The train goes on the half hour on a loop and the other half hour just to some alpacas so check in advance. The loop was for a train ride but you don’t really see any animals close up other that alpacas so it was a good opportunity to sit and have a snack and enjoy the train rather than seeing animals. Make sure you see the otters by the restaurant, they are always playing and rolling and good entertainment. Wallaby walkthrough is great too. It also has a huge soft play for a place like a safari park.

Thank you very much, that's really helpful.