Yorkshire Wildlife Park is offering one of the most unique staycation opportunities going this summer and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
It’s no secret that staycations are on the up this year due to the number of overseas travel restrictions currently in place amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and that camping in the countryside is filling that holiday hole for many Brits, but how does pitching your tent up beside a pride of lions sound?
Yes, we’re not kidding – camping next to lions is a thing and the pleasure is all yours from just £50 a night.
The popular walk-through wildlife adventure park – Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP), based in Doncaster – is home to the ‘Roar and Snore’ camping experience and it’s exactly what the name suggests.
According to the YWP website, Roar and Snore camping is a chance to “experience a traditional wild camping escape in the heart of nature… where campers of all ages can enjoy an unforgettable fun family night (or two) under the stars.”
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Whilst “traditional” isn’t the first word that springs to mind when we think of this, we’re definitely intrigued.
We are pleased to announce our new Roar & Snore Campsite!?️ Experience a traditional camping escape at Yorkshire Wildlife Park!? Where campers of all ages can enjoy a family night under the stars⛺ ? Find out more and book your camping pitch now at-https://t.co/WP4ro8IwcQpic.twitter.com/KlbZF4RPuc
— Yorkshire Wildlife Park ? (@YorkshireWP) July 11, 2020
This new camping option at YWP includes a 10m x 15m socially-distanced camping pitch, which is enough for one large tent or two smaller tents, and allows access to on-site washrooms and shower facilities. Guests are able to camp just next to the entrance of the park and if they’re lucky enough, will even get to hear the lions roaring in the morning from inside their tents.
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On-site food facilities are available, including a pizzeria with pizza, beer and wine, and a breakfast wagon is on hand to serve up some good grub in the morning.
Campers will have to pre-book their pitch and take their own tents too, but do note that Roar and Snore experience is for tent camping only as Yorkshire Wildlife Park is unable to accommodate caravans and camper vans/motorhomes at this time.
While tickets to the park are not included in the Roar and Snore rates, families will get discounted deals to enter the attraction, and if you fancy some alone time with the animals, you can even book an out-of-hours Safari tour too, which will take place an hour before or after the park opens.
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How ace is that?
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Camping pitches are available for up to six people per pitch, with tickets starting from just £50 per night and any additional nights costing an extra £40.
Tickets for Roar and Snore camping are available from Wednesday 22nd July – Monday 31st August.
Reduced-rate day tickets for the park will then cost £15.50 for kids and £19.50 for adults.
If this sounds right up your street, then you can book your Roar and Snore camping experience here, and for more information, visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Park website here.
What's On
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail to take over Stockport town centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail takes over the town.
Following huge success in London and North Tyneside, Stockport visitors are being told to get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.
Kicking off from the start of next month, the trail will be making its North West debut in Stockport, and organisers say it’s guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays.
Oh and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld – a lifestyle brand that’s dedicated to true emotional expression – the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail is taking over Stockport town centre this summer / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured everywhere from the Merseyway Shopping Centre, to Stockport Underbanks, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, and more.
Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles, and doodles for kids, all of which will be available to download ahead of time.
Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.
“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport,” commented Charlie Langhorne, who is the Managing Director and co-founder of Wild in Art.
“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail is taking over Stockport from 4 July through to 15 September 2025, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Scott Kershaw Photography
What's On
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”