Knowsley Safari is going even wilder this summer as Camp Knowsley returns with hands-on bushcraft adventures, woodland activities, campfire treats and the chance to sleep under the stars surrounded by more than 500 animals.
Running from Monday 20 July to Monday 31 August 2026, Camp Knowsley is back for the school holidays with a bigger programme of outdoor family fun, all set in the Safari’s natural woodland.
Designed for curious kids, adventurous adults and families looking for something a bit different this summer, Camp Knowsley gives visitors the chance to learn real survival skills, take on nature-inspired challenges and enjoy a full day out at one of Merseyside’s best-loved attractions.
What’s included at Camp Knowsley?
Camp Knowsley is packed with hands-on activities for families to get stuck into during the school holidays.
Visitors can try the Bushtucker Challenge, which includes survival tasks, crafts and even bug eating for the bravest explorers. There will also be paracord survival bracelet making, stone age tools pendant making, fire-lighting, first aid and more.
Out in the woodland, families can take part in nature trails, den building, pancake making, marshmallow toasting around a real campfire and water purification activities.
The daytime Camp Knowsley programme includes drop-in sessions and scheduled campfire activities, with things running across the afternoon.
Expect:
- Tipi drop-in activities from 12pm to 5pm
- Campfire sessions from 1pm to 1.45pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm
- Woodland drop-ins from 1pm to 4pm
- Nature trails and den building available throughout the day
The activities are included with regular admission to Knowsley Safari, making it a great-value summer day out for families. Some optional extras, such as paracord bracelet making, may carry a small additional fee.
Safari Sleepovers are back for 2026
For families who want to take the adventure even further, the Safari Sleepover is returning for selected Saturdays in August.
Taking place on Saturday 8 August, Saturday 15 August and Saturday 22 August 2026, the sleepovers offer a rare chance to stay overnight at Knowsley Safari in an explorer-style bell tent.
Guests will sleep under canvas with the sounds of the Safari around them, with animals including Southern white rhino, Amur tigers, giraffes, zebra and Andean bears nearby.
The Safari Sleepover includes Camp Knowsley bushcraft activities, songs around the campfire, marshmallow toasting, a VIP-style Safari experience, an early-morning Safari Drive, breakfast cooked on the campfire and exclusive use of a bell tent complete with beds and cosy blankets.
There are just eight tents available on each sleepover night, with each tent sleeping up to four people. Across the whole summer, that means only 24 tents are available, so early booking is recommended.
Safari Sleepovers cost £600 per tent.
Great value summer visits
Camp Knowsley daytime activities are included in the normal admission price, and families can also make the most of summer savings at the Safari.
Under the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, visitors can take advantage of reduced rates across the summer.
Knowsley Safari is also launching its own Great British Summer Pass from 6 July to 31 August, giving visitors unlimited summer visits for £45.50 per adult and £41.13 per child.
That means families can return throughout the holidays for more Safari Drive adventures, Foot Safari visits and Camp Knowsley activities.
Where is Camp Knowsley?
Camp Knowsley takes place at Knowsley Safari, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN.
The Safari is easy to reach by car, with visitors advised to use the postcode L34 4AN in their Sat Nav and follow the brown tourist signs. It is also accessible from Prescot, with Prescot train station a short taxi ride away or around a 25-minute walk.
Opening times
Knowsley Safari is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the Safari Drive open from 10am to 4pm.
Visitors should allow enough time to enjoy the Safari Drive, Foot Safari and Camp Knowsley activities, as the last admission and last entry to the Safari Drive is 4pm.
How to Book Knowsley Safari Sleepovers
Camp Knowsley daytime activities are included with a normal Knowsley Safari admission ticket.
Safari Sleepovers must be booked separately, with tents costing £600 and sleeping up to four people.
For more information and to book, visit the Camp Knowsley event page on the Knowsley Safari website.
Head of Marketing and Sales at Knowsley Safari, Helena Berry, said: “We’re thrilled to be expanding Camp Knowsley this year, offering families great value days out and even more opportunities to get hands-on, explore, learn new skills and immerse themselves in the great outdoors, as well as more chances to experience the Safari under the stars with our extra special Safari Sleepover.
“Guests can combine our action-packed bushcraft programme with the chance to see amazing animals up close. Running every day in the summer holidays, this will be our wildest summer ever!”
With bushcraft challenges, campfire treats, Safari adventures and overnight stays under the stars, Camp Knowsley is shaping up to be one of the wildest family days out near Liverpool this summer.