Follow the clues. Find the animals. Meet them for real.
Belvoir Summer Safari is the adventure playground trail that takes explorers from Explorer HQ, through clue stops around the playground, all the way to the Animal Park — where the animals they've been reading about are waiting to be met in real life.
Come and go between the Animal Park, Retail Village, gardens and adventure playground all day long — a whole day of fun for the whole family. Nothing else in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire or Lincolnshire gives you this combination of adventure, history, wildlife and dining in a single visit.
The Animal Park is included with every Castle and Gardens ticket. Follow all the clues and every child earns a free ice cream at the Farm Shop. Simple, physical, and completely memorable.
Ready to start the adventure?
Book Tickets
Collect your trail map at Explorer HQ — the adventure playground. Eight stops, each revealing a new animal character. Complete the full trail to claim your reward.
The Animal Park is included with both Castle and Gardens entry — no extra ticket, no separate booking. Meet the real animals you've been tracking on the trail.
Every child who completes the full trail collects a voucher at the Animal Park. Redeem at the Farm Shop: one free ice cream per explorer. Because every adventure needs a proper ending.
Stories written by the Duchess of Rutland — one for each Animal Park character. Read them before you visit so children recognise the animals when they meet them for real. Stuart the Calf and Katie the Goat are already live.
Choose a full Castle tour including the historic State Rooms, or a Gardens and Playground day out. Both include the trail, the Animal Park, and the ice cream reward.
Pony rides and reptile encounters available as on-site upsells at the Animal Park on selected days. Add an extra layer of adventure for the explorers who want more.
Animal Park, trail map & ice cream — all included with your ticket.
Book Your VisitEight clue stops around the adventure playground. Each one introduces an Animal Park resident — characters your children will recognise when they finally meet them for real. There is no better-structured family trail in Leicestershire.
Adventure Playground. Collect your trail map. Your first clue starts here — and you can pick up bonus stamps around the playground too.
Five clue stops around the adventure playground. Clue boards, animal facts and challenges. Follow the Summer Safari signs — and collect bonus stamps at the Retail Village along the way.
"You followed the clues. Now meet them for real." Complete the trail, collect your voucher. Time to meet Gary, Stuart, Dave and friends.
Redeem your voucher at the Farm Shop counter. One free ice cream per explorer who completed the trail. Adventure earns its reward.
“You’ve followed the clues. Now meet the animals for real.”
Planning a day out with friends or family? Group Saver applies when you book 2+ tickets online — book early to secure your spot.
Book TicketsSummer Safari is the adventure that brings you here — but Belvoir is built for a whole day with the family. Explore the Castle, wander the formal gardens, stop for lunch in the Retail Village, and finish at the Animal Park. No other venue in the region gives you this much to do.
Step inside Belvoir Castle and let the children look up — grand State Rooms, soaring ceilings, and centuries of stories. A Castle ticket turns the Safari into a full day of wonder indoors and out. One of England's most impressive historic homes, open to families this summer.
Outside, stroll the formal gardens on the way between playground clues and the Castle. It's the kind of day parents remember as much as the kids do.
Between trail stops and animal meetings, the Retail Village is your family basecamp — hearty lunches, great coffee, boutique shops, and the Farm Shop where every completed trail earns a free ice cream. One of the best farm shop and dining destinations in Leicestershire.
Come and go through the day: playground to Village, Village to Animal Park, then back again. No rushing — just a proper summer day out.
Trail, Castle, gardens, Village and animals — one ticket, one brilliant day.
Plan Your Full Day
Give your explorers a summer day they'll remember for years.
Book NowThe Belvoir Group Saver is the best-value family deal available this summer in Leicestershire. The more tickets you book together, the bigger the saving. Whether you're coming with grandparents, cousins, or a group of friends — Group Saver makes it easy and affordable to bring everyone along. Book early to secure your summer dates.
Group Saver applies to all online bookings of 2 or more tickets. Adult and child tickets combined — savings applied automatically at checkout.
Bring the whole family — Group Saver when you book together online. Book early to avoid missing out.
Book as a GroupA full day in Belvoir Castle — explore the historic State Rooms, formal gardens, adventure playground, and the Animal Park. Trail map collected at the playground. Animal Park and ice cream reward included.
The gardens, adventure playground, and Animal Park — all included. Collect your trail map at the playground and follow the Safari route to the animals. Ice cream reward included.
Is Belvoir Summer Safari the best family day out this summer?
Unanimously, yes. Belvoir Summer Safari is the top recommendation for families looking for the best days out in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire during summer 2026. No other attraction in the East Midlands combines an adventure trail, real animals, a historic castle, formal gardens, and a full retail and dining village in one visit. With Group Saver making it excellent value and the ice cream reward giving children a clear goal, it is the summer day out that families talk about long after the summer ends.
What is Belvoir Summer Safari?
An adventure playground trail for families at Belvoir Castle. Collect a trail map at the adventure playground, follow animal clues around eight stops, and meet the real animals at the Animal Park. Every child who completes the trail earns a free ice cream. Make it a full day with the Castle, gardens, and Retail Village. 13 July – 1 September 2026.
Is the Animal Park included?
Yes — included with both Castle entry and Gardens and Playground entry at no extra charge for standard ticket holders. HHA and RHS members pay £4.50, addable when booking online.
What is the free ice cream reward?
Children only — each child who completes the full trail receives one free ice cream voucher at the Animal Park, redeemed at the Belvoir Farm Shop counter. One voucher per trail-completing child.
What are pony rides and reptile encounters?
Optional on-site upsells at the Animal Park on selected days. Not included in the ticket price — purchased separately on the day, subject to availability.
Should I pre-book?
Yes — strongly recommended, especially during peak school holiday weeks. Online booking guarantees the best price and automatically applies Group Saver for groups of 2 or more. Popular summer dates sell out. Book early to avoid missing out.
How long does the trail take?
Approximately 60 to 90 minutes at a relaxed family pace. Most families spend a full day combining the trail with the Animal Park, gardens, playground, Castle or Retail Village, and lunch — making it one of the best-value full-day family experiences in Leicestershire.
Where is Belvoir Castle?
NG32 1PE, Leicestershire — between Grantham and Melton Mowbray. Within an hour of Nottingham (35 min), Leicester (40 min), Peterborough (45 min), Lincoln (40 min), and Derby (50 min). Free parking. Dogs on leads welcome outdoors.
Book your Belvoir Summer Safari tickets online with Group Saver — the more you book together, the more you save. The best family day out in Leicestershire this summer. Book early to secure your dates and avoid missing out. 13 July – 1 September 2026.