Peak Wildlife Park is an animal park located on the edge of the Peak District in Winkhill, Staffordshire. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your visit.
This guide was last updated in April 2026 to reflect the current seasonal opening hours and the peak/off-peak pricing structure now used for all online bookings.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | £17.95 – £25.95 (varies by age and date) |
| Address | Winkhill, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7QR |
| Nearest transport | Moorlands Connect bus service; Free on-site parking |
| Typical visit time | 3 to 4 hours |
Peak Wildlife Park opening hours
Peak Wildlife Park is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The park operates every day of the year with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Last entry to the park is typically one hour before closing time at 4:00 pm.
During the winter months (November to February), outdoor walkthrough enclosures may close slightly earlier than the main park to allow animals to return to their indoor quarters before dusk. Seasonal events, such as Santa’s Grotto in December or evening “Twilight” sessions, may result in extended or adjusted operating hours for specific dates.
Peak Wildlife Park ticket prices
Ticket prices are tiered based on whether the date of visit is considered Off-Peak (term-time weekdays) or Peak (weekends and school holidays). For adults (17-64), advance online tickets cost £21.95 for off-peak and £22.95 for peak dates; gate prices are higher at £25.95 for all dates. Children (2-16) cost £17.95 off-peak and £18.95 peak, while toddlers under 2 years old enter for free.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to Peak Wildlife Park
The park is situated on the A523 road between Leek and Ashbourne in the village of Winkhill. From the M6 motorway, take junction 15 or 16 and follow signs for the A50 toward Uttoxeter, then follow the A52 to Leek. For those using satellite navigation, the postcode ST13 7QR will lead directly to the main entrance off Ellastone Road.
Public transport is limited but available through the Moorlands Connect service, a demand-responsive bus that allows visitors to book transport from surrounding towns like Leek or Ashbourne. There is no direct rail link to the park; the nearest major railway stations are Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield, both of which require a taxi or bus connection to reach Winkhill.
Parking at Peak Wildlife Park
Parking is free for all guests in the large on-site car park located immediately outside the visitor centre. The car park features a solid surface and includes designated bays for Blue Badge holders near the main entrance to minimize walking distances. During peak summer holidays and event days, additional overflow parking is provided in an adjacent field.
How long to spend at Peak Wildlife Park
A typical visit to the park lasts between 3 and 4 hours. This duration allows sufficient time to walk through the various animal enclosures, attend at least two keeper talks or feeding demonstrations, and use the indoor or outdoor play areas. Visitors who choose to dine at the Peak Café or book a 30-minute animal experience should plan for a full-day visit.
Accessibility at Peak Wildlife Park
Peak Wildlife Park is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible, featuring wide, level paths made of tarmac or compacted gravel throughout the site. All walkthrough enclosures have gated entrances designed to accommodate mobility aids, and there are no steep gradients that would prohibit independent wheelchair use. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the main visitor hub and the café area.
To support visitors with hidden disabilities, the park provides a map highlighting “Quiet Spaces” for those needing a sensory break and “Loud Places” where noise levels are typically higher. Registered carers are admitted free of charge when accompanying a disabled visitor, provided they present valid documentation such as a DLA/PIP letter or a Carer’s ID card at the entrance.
Inside Peak Wildlife Park
The park is designed around large, immersive walkthrough exhibits where visitors can enter the same space as the animals.
- Lemur Heights: A large enclosure where visitors can walk among several species of lemur as they sunbathe and climb.
- Penguin Bay: Home to a colony of Humboldt penguins, featuring a specialized viewing area for watching scheduled feeding sessions.
- Wallaby Walkthrough: An expansive grassed area where visitors can walk alongside free-roaming wallabies and purchase specialist food to hand-feed them.
- Polar Bear Exhibit: One of the park’s major conservation features, providing a large, naturalistic habitat for rescued polar bears with elevated viewing platforms. Along with the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster and Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland, this is one of the few UK zoos and wildlife parks to house polar bears.
- Peak Café and Play: An indoor facility serving stone-baked pizzas and snacks, situated alongside a large indoor soft play area and an outdoor adventure playground.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice |
| Timing | Check the daily schedule of keeper talks upon arrival to plan your route around the penguin and bear feedings. |
| Crowds | Visit on a weekday during school term-time to enjoy the walkthrough enclosures with significantly fewer people. |
| Layout | The park is compact and circular; start with the walkthroughs at the far end of the park to avoid the initial morning rush near the café. |
| Entry process | Use the “Reschedule” tool on the official website if you cannot make your date; note there is a small fee for this service. |
| Logistics | Most animal enclosures are outdoors; ensure you wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing as the site is exposed to the elements. |
Frequently asked questions about Peak Wildlife Park
| Question | Answer |
| Is Peak Wildlife Park suitable for children? | Yes, it is designed for families and includes large play areas and animal walkthroughs for all ages. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Peak Wildlife Park? | Yes, booking online in advance is required to secure the discounted off-peak or peak rates. |
| Is Peak Wildlife Park open on Sundays? | Yes, the park is open every Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at Peak Wildlife Park? | Yes, but visitors must ensure no food is taken into the animal walkthrough enclosures for safety. |
Things to do near Peak Wildlife Park
- Alton Towers Resort: A major theme park and resort located approximately 15 minutes away by car. I’ve written a guide to visiting Alton Towers with an eight-year-old, a guide to Alton Towers parking costs and tips on the best weather to visit Alton Towers in.
- Churnet Valley Railway: A heritage steam railway offering scenic journeys through the Staffordshire Moorlands.
- Thor’s Cave: A natural limestone cavern with a spectacular entrance, located within a 20-minute drive for hiking.
- The Roaches: An impressive gritstone edge popular with walkers and climbers, offering views across the Peak District.
- Moorland View Farm: A nearby farm shop and café providing local Staffordshire produce and light refreshments.
More West Midlands travel
Other West Midlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What to know before visiting Tudor World in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Visitor tips for Stokesay Castle in Shropshire.
- What you need to know before visiting Buildwas Abbey in Shropshire.
- Lichfield Cathedral: Ticket prices, opening hours & visitor guide.
- Plan a visit to Witley Court and Gardens in Worcestershire.
