Five safaris and wildlife parks a short distance from Leeds to visit this International Tiger Day
Looking for a summer day trip? From endangered Amur tigers in Doncaster to family-friendly local reserves in Leeds, here are 5 safaris and wildlife spots to visit for International Tiger Day
While some local wildlife enthusiasts are still holding out hope for the return of hippos to Armley - following the famous 1851 discovery of 130,000-year-old hippo fossils near what is now the Armley Gyratory - this week, the spotlight shifts from prehistoric semi-aquatic giants to living big cats.
International Tiger Day (held annually on July 29) was first established in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit.
The global day of awareness was created to highlight the dramatic decline in wild tiger populations, promote the protection of their natural habitats, and support international conservation efforts to safeguard these magnificent apex predators from extinction.
With the six-week summer break underway, celebrating International Tiger Day offers the perfect excuse to pack up the car and give the kids a day trip to remember.
From world-class conservation reserves housing endangered Amur and Sumatran tigers to budget-friendly local spots right on our doorstep, here are 5 safaris and wildlife parks in and around Leeds worth visiting this summer.
5 safaris and wildlife parks near Leeds to visit for International Tiger Day
.png?trim=53,0,53,0&width=640&quality=65)
Yorkshire Wildlife Park (Doncaster)
- Location: Badsworth Road, Branton, Doncaster DN3 3NH
- Distance from Leeds: 45 minutes
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is arguably the region's premier big-cat destination. Its famous Land of the Tigers reserve is a stunning, naturalistic enclosure housing endangered Amur tigers.
Visitors can walk along elevated boardwalks to watch these magnificent animals swim and roam, alongside lions, polar bears, and leopards.
Knowsley Safari Park (Merseyside)
- Location: Prescot, Merseyside L34 4AN
- Distance from Leeds: 1 hour 15 minutes
If you want a classic drive-through safari experience, Knowsley is hard to beat. Alongside its famous 5-mile safari drive (featuring baboons, camels, and rhinos), the park has a dedicated foot safari, the Amur Tiger Trail.
The purpose-built habitat offers floor-to-ceiling glass viewing points so you can get remarkably close to these apex predators.
Flamingo Land Resort (Malton)
- Location: Kirby Misperton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 6UX
- Distance from Leeds: 1 hour 10 minutes
While widely known for its rollercoasters, Flamingo Land is also home to an award-winning zoo that actively participates in global conservation.
Their big-cat habitat houses critically endangered Sumatran Tigers, alongside African lions, rhinos, and giraffes—making it a great option for families wanting a mix of theme park thrills and wildlife.
Lotherton Hall & Wildlife World (Aberford)
- Location: Lotherton Lane, off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB
- Distance from Leeds: 25 minutes
While you won't find tigers here, Lotherton is an unbeatable, low-cost option located right in the Leeds district.
Wildlife World is ideal for younger children, featuring Humboldt penguins, flamingos, capybaras, and tapirs. Combined with the expansive estate grounds, play areas, and historic hall, it makes for a budget-friendly day out.
Tropical World (Roundhay)
- Location: Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER
- Distance from Leeds: 15 minutes
Another brilliant local Leeds spot, Tropical World in Roundhay Park offers a great indoor alternative if the Yorkshire weather takes a turn.
While tailored to smaller species, kids can explore climate-controlled zones filled with meerkats, crocodiles, tropical birds, and butterflies.
Looking to beat the back-to-school rush in September? Take a look at some of the items currently available and on offer from Sports Direct and Ryman with our handy back-to-school guide.