The Safari Park origins can be traced back to the 18th Century. Samuel Skey (1726-1800) began his business life as an apprentice grocer in Bewdley. He amassed a considerable fortune, however, through the manufacture of dyestuffs and sulphuric acid, which was his chief claim to fame. With some of this money he bought 270 acres of land from Lord Foley in 1775 on which he built Spring Grove House (now to be found situated between the Animal Reserves and Amusement Area).

Completed in 1790 and landscaped by Capability Brown, this large house has a commanding view of much of the Park, including the lakes; some natural, some man-made, utilising the ground springs which bubble up through the underlying sandstone, from which the area derives the name "Spring Grove". Many of the estate buildings are made of sandstone blocks cut from the ground on site.

The Painter, John Constable, visited the house frequently between 1811 and 1835 to see his future wife, Maria Bicknell, a relative of Samuel Skey. Several sketches still exist of the estate and the nearby River Severn, which were done during these visits.

The house remained in the Skey family until 1871 and in private hands until 1970. The last private owner was a Major Harcourt Webb, founder of the well-known firm of Webbs Seed Merchants.

Spring Grove was opened as the West Midland Safari Park in 1973 and Spring Grove House was incorporated into the Park and used as a cafeteria. Soon after, the first rides and entertainment were introduced. In 1984 the park was taken over by private owners and the non-residential Spring Grove House was beautifully re-furbished with an interior that echoed the essence of the opulent Victorian era with crystal chandeliers, drapes in palest pink and silvery blue, marble pillars and a sweeping limestone staircase. It became renowned locally as the perfect venue for Wedding Receptions, Dinner Dances, Conferences, Corporate Hospitality and Sunday Luncheons with a traditional Christmas celebrations throughout the festive season.