Yes, you can take a picnic to West Midlands Safari Park. The park has designated picnic areas, including covered areas near the main car park toilet block and uncovered benches throughout the Discovery Trail. Many visitors recommend taking a picnic, especially for families with young children, as there is a great area for toddlers with play equipment, hills, and tunnels.
Picnic Areas at West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park offers several designated picnic areas for visitors to enjoy their own food and drinks:
- Covered Picnic Areas: These are located near the main car park toilet block, providing shelter from the elements.
- Uncovered Picnic Benches: Scattered throughout the Discovery Trail, these benches offer a scenic spot to enjoy your picnic.
- Toddler Play Area: This dedicated area for young children features play equipment, hills, and tunnels, making it a great spot for families to picnic.
Food and Drink Options Inside the Park
While you can bring your own picnic, West Midlands Safari Park also offers various food and drink options within the park:
Dining Experiences
- Dino Diner: An immersive dining experience for dinosaur lovers, with a menu catering to both carnivores and herbivores, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- Burger Co.: Provides a range of burger meal deals, mini burgers, and nuggets, also offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Food Court
- Lost City Food Court: Houses ‘Amigos’, offering Mexican favorites like open burritos, loaded fries, and churros, and ‘Safari Sweets’ for Pick ‘N’ Mix and confectionery gifts.
- Safari Delights: Offers fresh doughnuts, whippy ice cream, bubble waffles, soda slush, and hot & cold drinks.
Snack Shacks
- Positioned throughout the park, these shacks offer hot and cold drinks, ice creams, iced slush drinks, and other fun hot food offers.
Pros and Cons of Bringing a Picnic
Bringing a picnic to West Midlands Safari Park can have its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Cost Savings: Bringing your own food and drinks can be more cost-effective than purchasing from the park’s dining options.
- Dietary Preferences: You can cater to specific dietary requirements or preferences by packing your own food.
- Convenience: Having your own picnic allows you to enjoy your meal at your own pace and in the designated picnic areas.
Disadvantages
- Food Quality: Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the quality of the food available within the park, suggesting that a picnic might be a better option.
- Carrying Supplies: Transporting a full picnic, including food, drinks, and any necessary equipment, can be more cumbersome than relying on the park’s dining options.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, you can take a picnic to West Midlands Safari Park. The park offers designated picnic areas, both covered and uncovered, as well as a dedicated toddler play area, making it a great option for families. While the park also provides various dining experiences and snack options, some visitors have found that bringing a picnic can be more cost-effective and better suited to their dietary needs. Ultimately, the choice between a picnic or dining within the park will depend on your personal preferences and the needs of your group.
References:
– Mumsnet Discussion on Taking a Picnic to West Midlands Safari Park
– TripAdvisor Review Mentioning Picnic Areas
– West Midlands Safari Park’s Food and Drink Options
– TripAdvisor Review Discussing Food Quality
– West Midlands Safari Park’s Picnic Area Information