Windsor Safari Park first opened its gates in 1969 on the historic St Leonard's Estate near Windsor. Created by the Smart brothers, sons of circus owner Billy Smart Sr, the park was billed as "The African Adventure" and quickly became one of the UK's most popular family attractions. At its peak, it attracted as many as 2.5 million visitors a year.
Families could drive through safari enclosures filled with lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears and baboons, while the mischievous monkeys became famous for pulling windscreen wipers and wing mirrors from passing cars. The attraction was also home to giraffes, zebras, elephants, hippos, chimpanzees, buffalo, camels and llamas.
Another of its biggest draws was the Seaworld dolphinarium, where visitors could watch dolphins, sea lions, penguins and a killer whale called Winnie. Guests could also enjoy jeep safaris, riverboat rides, a petting zoo and even elephant rides.
Financial struggles and closure
By the late 1980s the attraction began to struggle. Public attitudes towards keeping large marine mammals in captivity had started to change, while stricter regulations pushed up operating costs. Nearby Chessington World of Adventures was drawing visitors with a mix of zoo animals and modern theme park rides, increasing competition.
The owners tried to breathe new life into the park by building a large Egyptian-themed entrance and shopping area, but the investment came just as visitor numbers declined during the early 1990s recession. The company behind the attraction entered receivership in January 1992 with debts reported to be around £40 million, and Windsor Safari Park closed for good on October 25 that year.
Rebirth as Legoland Windsor
After searching hundreds of possible locations around the world, the Lego Group chose the former safari park as the home for its second Legoland resort. Legoland Windsor officially opened on March 17, 1996, following an investment of around £85 million. Today, it features more than 55 rides and attractions across 12 themed lands and is the largest Legoland park in the world by land area.
Surviving reminder
There is still one surviving reminder of Windsor Safari Park. The old funicular railway that once carried visitors up the steep hillside remains in operation today as the Hill Train.
