Knowsley Safari Park is one of the top choices for a family day out in the north. The 550-acre park on the Earl of Derby's estate has been one of the region's leading all-day attractions for more than 30 years, offering a unique five-mile safari drive along roads lined with exotic animals from all over the globe. The park first opened its gates to the public in July 1971 and staff are now preparing for its 35th summer season. It is the only safari park in the North West and one of only five in the UK and welcomes up to 500,000 visitors a year. Top attractions include the two mischievous elephant toddlers, Ashanti and Nala, who can be seen in the jumbo nursery. In fact, there is a long history of keeping animals on the Knowsley estate. In the 19th century Edward, the 13th Earl of Derby, kept one of the largest private menageries in the world with 90 species of mammals and 300 species of birds! These days Knowsley's 500 mammals include rhinos, camels, buffalo, bison, wildebeest, lions, tigers, zebra, baboons, monkeys, deer, antelopes, wallabies and otter. Although the baboons are one of the most popular attractions, a big plus point for Knowsley is that it now offers an alternative car-friendly route around the outside of the monkey jungle for those wishing to avoid any potential damage to their vehicle. Visitors taking this route still have an excellent view of the baboons. Other must-see attractions at the park include sealion and exotic bird shows, fun fair rides and a walkaround animal area where elephants, giraffe, meerkats and otter can be viewed at close quarters. Meanwhile, Knowsley's Bug House offers everything from snakes to lizards and cockroaches, attractions in stark contrast to the goats, lambs, cattle and horses for the youngsters to enjoy at Children's Lake Farm. As well as the 'exotic' animals at Knowsley the park offers a wide range of native British wildlife. 10 species of waterfowl nest around the lake, kestrels and buzzards can be spotted in the woodland and brown hares, stoats, weasels, grey squirrels and red squirrels can also be seen. Knowsley Safari Park has an excellent location close to the national motorway network. Leave the M62 at junction six then leave the M57 at junction two and follow the brown Safari Park signs. The park is open daily from 10am and tickets cost just £9.50 for adults and £6.50 for children with a family ticket on offer at £28 for two adults and two children. For more details ring the 24-hour information line on 0151-430 9009 or log on to www.knowsley.com | 
