Bowland Wild Boar Park
Nestling beside the River Hodder in a remote valley beneath the rugged ridgeline of the Bleasdale Fells, Bowland Wild Boar Park maintains a tradition dating back to the middle ages – along with a host of fun activities for the whole family.
The Wild Boar was a fearsome creature which once roamed wild across the ancient Forest of Bowland – inspiring fear and reverence among local foresters in equal measure.
Today, wild boar continue to flourish in the Forest of Bowland, but only within the confines of one of the Forest of Bowland’s most popular – and sustainable – visitor attractions. And as well as nurturing the Forest’s only remaining population of wild boar, the park is home to a whole host of fascinating animals – from owls and deer to ostriches and meerkats.
Located between the pretty farming village of Chipping and the ancient hamlet of Whitewell, the Wild Boar Park lies at the heart of an especially scenic corner of the National Landscape known known as ‘Little Bowland’.
As the name suggests, visitors can expect to get up close and personal with the area’s population of wild boar – and usually a handful of super-cute stripey boarlets – but the park’s other residents are equally engaging – especially for children.
Alongside traditional farm animals like rare breed sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks, visitors can also see native species like red deer and rabbits. In addition, the park has a whole menagerie of altogether more exotic species, ranging from the perennially popular meerkat family, to emus and ostriches, alpacas and llamas. Some of these animals can be hand-fed and petted at certain times of day – check the website for details as timings vary.
The park also has an adventure playground and zipwire, tractor and trailer rides and signposted short wildlife walks suitable for the whole family. And after a busy morning getting to know all manner of furry and feathered friends, why not adjourn to the café for hot and cold snack? There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a separate ice cream parlour for those long hot days of summer.
We also have our Rare Breed meat sales in the shop. Indoor activities come rain or shine in the Barn and Education Centre next to the Playground.*
- Ice Cream Parlour and Café serving homemade food (Take away only)
- Barrel, Tractor and Trailer rides *
- Lamb Feeding, Chick Holding *
- Tank Experience
- See Llamas, Red Deer, Ostriches and lots more!
- Camping pods
- Mobility scooter/Tramper available to book
The park is open weekends and midweek during peak season from 10.30am to 4.30pm and dogs on leads are welcome.
Prices: Entry from £9 (£30 family of 4) Infants under 2 years: Free
Green Tourism Awards GOLD
Bowland Wild Boar Park, Leagram, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2QT
01995 61075
email: info@wildboarpark.co.uk
Sustainable Tourism
Coming from a farming background, the park’s owners are passionate about educating the next generation on the importance of farming to the health of the wider environment. The park is a member of LEAF: Linking Environment and Farming, which promotes more sustainable agriculture by supporting positive action for climate, nature, economy and society.
The park’s energy needs are met almost entirely from its own sustainable sources – namely a wind turbine and solar arrays located within the park itself and the attraction is a proud holder of a Green Tourism Gold Award.
For visitors who arrive by bike, there is dedicated bike parking and for visitors who would like to use public transport, the park is a picturesque three-mile walk from the bus stop at Chipping. (Service No 5/5A from Clitheroe)
