Bowland Wild Boar Park

Updated August 11, 2025

Description

Bowland Wild Boar Park is the kind of place that reminds you why you sometimes need to step away from the usual tourist trail and just breathe in the countryside. Tucked away in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, it’s a working rural wildlife park where you can get up close to animals without feeling like you’re in some over-commercialized zoo. You’ll find wild boars, of course, but also a whole mix of farm animals, smaller critters you can hold, and even some more unusual residents that make you stop and look twice. It’s not flashy – and that’s part of its charm. There’s a certain honesty to the place, like the owners genuinely care about the animals and the land rather than just ticking boxes for visitors.

Walking through, you’ll notice how much space there is – 62 acres of it – with riverside trails, open fields, and shaded woodland paths. It’s a park that invites you to slow down, wander, and maybe even lose track of time. And while it’s a hit with families (kids go wild for the feeding sessions and the adventure play area), it’s equally enjoyable for adults who just want a calm day out in nature. Sure, there are a few rough edges here and there – a muddy path after rain, a pen that could use a fresh coat of paint – but that’s part of the reality of a genuine countryside attraction. It’s not pretending to be anything it’s not.

There’s also a small café that’s surprisingly good for a mid-visit bite, especially if you’ve just spent an hour chasing your little ones around the zip wires and slides. The food leans towards hearty, simple fare, and in my experience, a hot cup of tea tastes better here when you’ve got muddy boots and a bit of hay stuck to your jumper. Whether you’re here for the animals, the open air, or just a change of pace, Bowland Wild Boar Park has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a slower, friendlier world.

Key Features

• Home to wild boars and a variety of farm and exotic animals
• Hands-on animal feeding sessions and opportunities to hold smaller animals
• Tractor rides offering a fun way to see more of the park
• Large children’s adventure play area with slides, swings, and zip wires
• Riverside walks and woodland trails with scenic views
• On-site café serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks
• Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and parking
• Free on-site parking for visitors
• Family-friendly atmosphere suitable for kids’ birthdays
• Open seasonally from February to October, with extended hours during school holidays

Best Time to Visit

If you’re after fewer crowds, weekdays outside of school holidays are ideal – you’ll have more space to wander and the animals seem a bit calmer too. Spring is lovely because you might catch sight of baby animals, and the riverside paths are lined with fresh greenery. Summer brings warmer weather, which is great for picnics and longer walks, but it can get busier, especially on sunny weekends. Autumn has its own magic – the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the park feels quieter again. I’d avoid the wettest winter days because some paths can get muddy, and parts of the park may be closed out of season.

Morning visits are often the most rewarding. The animals are more active, and you can enjoy the trails before the midday rush. Plus, if you’re bringing kids, they’ll have more energy for the play areas earlier in the day (and you might just get a peaceful drive home if they nap afterwards).

How to Get There

Reaching Bowland Wild Boar Park is part of the adventure. The drive winds through the Forest of Bowland, with views that make you want to pull over for photos. If you’re coming by car, it’s straightforward – there’s plenty of free parking on site. Public transport options are limited, so a car is definitely the easiest way. For those who enjoy cycling, it’s possible to get there by bike, but be prepared for some steep climbs and narrow country lanes. The roads are scenic but can be slow-going, especially if you get stuck behind a tractor (which, honestly, feels fitting for the area).

Once you arrive, the entrance is clearly marked, and the layout is easy to navigate. Accessibility is well thought out, with wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities, though some of the more rugged trails may be trickier for those with mobility issues.

Tips for Visiting

Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot, and some paths are uneven or grassy. If it’s rained recently, waterproof boots are a lifesaver. Bring a bit of cash as well as a card; while the café and main entrance take cards, smaller stalls or seasonal events sometimes don’t. If you’re planning to feed the animals, check the feeding times when you arrive so you don’t miss out. And if you’ve got kids, pack a change of clothes – between the play area, the animal pens, and the occasional splash by the river, they’ll probably need it.

Photography lovers should bring a zoom lens for wildlife shots, but also take time to just watch without the camera. The boars, in particular, can be surprisingly entertaining when they’re rooting around or play-fighting. For a more relaxed visit, aim to arrive early and take the longer walking routes first, then wind down with a coffee at the café before heading home. And don’t rush – part of the park’s appeal is in slowing your pace and just enjoying the countryside for what it is.

Key Highlights

• Home to wild boars and a variety of farm and exotic animals
• Hands-on animal feeding sessions and opportunities to hold smaller animals
• Tractor rides offering a fun way to see more of the park
• Large children’s adventure play area with slides, swings, and zip wires
• Riverside walks and woodland trails with scenic views
• On-site café serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks
• Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and parking
• Free on-site parking for visitors

Location

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