Families exploring Bowland Country Park
Countryside walks at Bowland Country Park
Wild boar at Bowland Country Park
Forest of Bowland • Chipping, Lancashire

A proper countryside family day out

Fresh air, friendly animals and relaxed countryside days in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. Explore at your own pace, enjoy outdoor adventure and unwind at Trough & Brew Café.

£6.50Per car, everyone inside
Closed todayNext open Thu 5 Nov
Dog friendlyWell-behaved dogs on leads
Est. 1999On the banks of the River Hodder
The countryside at Bowland Country Park
Welcome to the Park

A great family day out, centred around our countryside café

Situated in the heart of the beautiful Forest of Bowland, a National Landscape, Bowland Country Park is just a short distance from the picturesque village of Chipping. Surrounded by rolling fells and ancient woodland, and set along the peaceful banks of the River Hodder, our park offers space to breathe, explore and reconnect with the countryside.

Spend the day meeting our animals, discovering woodland walks and letting the children burn off energy in our outdoor play areas, including our go-karts. Whether you're planning a relaxed family day out, a catch-up with friends, or an educational school visit, there's room here to explore at your own pace.

Featured Experiences

Something for everyone

Enjoy great coffee, outdoor adventure, dog-friendly walks and plenty of space for kids to play - all in one beautiful countryside setting.

Eat, drink, enjoy!
Trough & Brew

Eat, drink, enjoy!

Our completely rebuilt countryside café is the heart of the park - breakfasts, lunches, great coffee and sweet treats, with views across the fields.

What's On

Coming up at the park

Children playing on the adventure play area
For the Whole Family

Fun for everyone - packed with kids' activities

We provide a wide range of family-friendly activities designed to entertain, inspire and engage children of all ages. Set in a beautiful outdoor setting, it's a place where families can relax, explore and enjoy time together.

From hand feeding the animals to go-karts, climbing frames and woodland trails, there's plenty to fill a day - and plenty of space to slow down too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your visit?

Answers to our most common questions - from finding us and parking to pricing, dogs and what's included once you're inside.

Where is Bowland Country Park located?

We are located near Chipping, Preston, in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. Our postcode is PR3 2HB, although some sat navs may work better using PR3 2QT - then simply follow the brown tourist signs to the park entrance.

Get Directions

What are your opening hours?

During term time, we are open Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm. During school and seasonal holidays, we are open Thursday to Sunday from 10am - 4pm. We are also open on most Bank Holidays - please check before arriving.

Last admission is advised at least 30 minutes before closing. As a countryside park, opening days may occasionally vary for special events or seasonal changes, so we always recommend checking the calendar before travelling.

View Opening Hours

How much does it cost to enter?

We believe in simple, family-friendly pricing. When we are open, entry is charged per vehicle rather than per person, at £6.50 per vehicle - making it one of the best value days out in Lancashire. Please check the website before you travel.

Pricing & Tickets

Is entry free?

We only charge a per-vehicle rate, so once you have paid the parking charge, entry to the park is included.

Is the park suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?

The park is set within natural countryside surroundings, so some paths can be uneven, particularly in wet weather. We recommend suitable footwear and sturdy pushchairs where possible. We also have two mobility scooters available to hire for £10 to help visitors explore more comfortably.

Access & Facilities

Are dogs allowed?

Yes - well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times to protect our animals and wildlife. Dogs are not permitted inside the café, playground or any indoor animal areas, but outdoor seating is available near Trough & Brew Café.

Dog Friendly

Is hand feeding included?

Hand feeding is one of the highlights of a visit. Animal feed can be purchased from the on-site shop on arrival so you can enjoy the experience safely during your visit. Availability may vary depending on the season and animal welfare requirements.

Meet Our Animals

Do I need to book in advance?

General entry does not require pre-booking - simply arrive during opening hours. However, some seasonal events (such as Easter or Halloween activities) may require advance booking due to limited spaces.

What's On

What facilities are available on site?
  • An outdoor adventure play area
  • Woodland walks
  • The newly rebuilt Trough & Brew Café
  • An on-site shop
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Highchairs available in the café

Explore The Park

Can we bring a picnic?

You are welcome to enjoy your own picnic in designated outdoor areas. Alternatively, Trough & Brew Café serves breakfasts, lunches, drinks and sweet treats throughout the day.

Trough & Brew Café

How can I contact Bowland Country Park?

If you have a question about your visit, group bookings, seasonal events or accessibility, our team will be happy to help. You can find full contact details on our Find & Contact Us page, or email us directly and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Find & Contact Us

Bowland Country Park

Ready to make a day of it?

Check the opening calendar, see what's on and head for the hills - we look forward to welcoming you.