We really loved our visit to Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. It opened in 2017 and is part of Askham Bryan College, tied in with their animal management and conservation programmes. That means it’s both a public attraction and an educational space. On a weekend, when the students aren’t around, it feels peaceful and relaxed, absolutely perfect for families to wander at their own pace and discover an incredible variety of creatures. The park is home to over 170 species, from mammals and birds to reptiles, amphibians and fish, many of which are threatened.
Park Overview
Where is it located?
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is in the small village of Askham Bryan, about six miles south-west of York. When you arrive, it feels calm and rural, with houses dotted around and a free, easy-to-use car park right next to the entrance.
The History and Conservation Work
The park is part of Askham Bryan College and was designed to support teaching and research in animal care and conservation. It is accredited by BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), which means it meets high standards of welfare and education.
Conservation highlights include:
- Breeding programmes: Participation in European Endangered Species Programmes for species like white-lipped tamarins and black lemurs.
- Local work: Involved in projects such as the Tansy Beetle Action Group to protect rare native beetles.
- Global support: Fundraising for organisations like World Land Trust, Shark Trust, and Painted Dog Conservation.
Students at the college use the park for hands-on training, and there are Wildlife Academy workshops for children and teens to get a behind-the-scenes experience.
What is there to do?
Animal Encounters
The highlight of the park is, of course, the animals. Matilda and Barney loved feeding alpacas over the fence and were fascinated by the giant tortoises — we spent ages watching them and even stroked their shells. Matilda was enchanted by the bushbabies with their enormous eyes, while Barney was transfixed by the monkeys leaping around.
The darkened nocturnal room with bats, bushbabies and fish was another favourite.
Playground
There’s a playground on site, bigger than expected, though we didn’t use it this time as we had other plans. It’s definitely on the list for next visit.
Trees and Nature
As a family, we all enjoy trees and plants, and the park has plenty to admire. Informative signs help you spot and learn about different species, including some impressive redwoods.
Picnic Spots
There are lots of benches and undercover areas, as well as decking that’s kept in great condition. We saw families enjoying picnics together and it gave the park a lovely community feel.
Facilities
- Café: The Hive Café, open 10am–3pm, serving drinks, snacks and sandwiches.
- Craft Room: Unstaffed but stocked with creative materials. When we visited, clay was out for making animals (ours made a butterfly and a monster), a really thoughtful addition.
- Shop: A small but lovely gift shop selling eco-friendly toys, teddies made from recycled bottles, stationery and small souvenirs.
- Accessibility: Accessible toilets and mostly flat paths, though some gravel and lips can make it trickier in places. Assistance dogs are welcome by arrangement.
- Animal Experiences: Bookable extras for older children and adults to feed or interact more closely with animals.
- Parking: Free and straightforward.
Areas for Improvement
There weren’t many. A couple of enclosures were empty, and it would be useful to have signs letting you know when that’s the case.
Would you recommend it?
Yes, absolutely. Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is peaceful, well-designed, and family-friendly. It offers a chance to see a wide range of animals up close without feeling rushed or crowded, and the conservation and education ethos behind it adds real value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a café?
Yes, The Hive Café is next to the entrance, open 10–3.
What was your favourite part?
We loved the relaxed pace. It’s somewhere you can really take your time. The giant tortoises and bushbabies were highlights for the kids.
Is it suitable for dogs?
No, only assistance dogs are allowed.
How much is it?
Adults £8.50, children £6.50, under 2s free, concessions £7.50, family ticket £29.50.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking right next to the entrance.
We had a brilliant time at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. It’s not overwhelming, but instead a simple, relaxing day out where you can enjoy animals, trees and peaceful surroundings as a family. We’d happily recommend it for anyone looking for a low-stress, family-friendly wildlife experience near York.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, never felt rushed or crowded
- Wide variety of animals, from giant tortoises to bushbabies
- Free parking right by the entrance
- Great picnic areas and well-kept decking/benches
- Extra touches like the craft room and eco-friendly shop
- Educational and conservation focus adds real value
- Family tickets make it reasonably priced
Cons
- A couple of enclosures were empty with no signage to say so
- Some paths (gravel or lips) are less accessible for pushchairs/wheelchairs
- Café has limited opening hours (10–3) and a fairly small menu
Wilflife Park enjoyment rating
Last Updated on October 1, 2025 by Ryan
Hi I am Beth, mummy to Barney & Matilda and wife to Ryan. I love to do many things – explore, exercise, spend time with loved ones, read – to name a few. For paid work I teach primary children, I teach Bikeability, I work on our businesses, and we are always dabbling in something together. I like to write for our blog, and I am here for our children every day wherever they need me, and for that, I am very happy. We love to experience new and old adventures, whether that’s on our bike or via foot or further afield. Whatever you do in life, try to do it with passion, care and kindness.