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It might not be a surprise to you if I said that these pictures were taken in England. After all, like most places we have our fair quota of safari parks and animal related attractions. What might be unexpected is that you don't have to pay a penny to get this close to elephants, giraffes and other magnificent creatures that don't belong in the UK.

Britain has a unique arrangement of public footpaths, and while these are often unmarked, with a good map it is possible to explore some of the most prestigious and interesting parts of the country for free. All you need is access to an Ordnance Survey map (now available freely online via multimap.com) to show you where the rights of way pass; often through stately homes and the grounds of palaces that normally charge hefty admission costs if you enter through the main entrance.

These pictures were taken at Woburn, home to a famous abbey and a safari park. I visited this park several times in younger years, and this time wanted to take a walk from the village, but wasn't inclined to spend a full day there. By walking along a public right of way that passes through the park, we passed a great herd of deer, the elephant enclosure, and got distant but clear views of the giraffes and zebras and enjoyed the pleasing views of the rolling countryside that surrounds the park. I am not suggesting this is a substitute for a full day visit to Woburn Safari Park, which offers more than just a peek over the fence. But if your main aim is taking a good walk in the fields from a small and pleasant  English village, then what a bonus to see an elephant on your way!