Winding through beautiful ancient woodland on raised walkways, watch our magnificent bears as they roam below in Bear Wood!
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Bristol Zoo Project

4.4
·6k reviews·, United Kingdom

A developing zoo focused on spacious, naturalistic habitats for animals from Africa and Madagascar, offering an engaging experience for families.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Winding through beautiful ancient woodland on raised walkways, watch our magnificent bears as they roam below in Bear Wood!

Bristol Zoo Project

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A developing zoo focused on spacious, naturalistic habitats for animals from Africa and Madagascar, offering an engaging experience for families.

4.4
(6k reviews)

"It has been cleverly thought out and designed perfectly for both visitors and animals/wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking involved across the expansive site.

🥪 Pack a Picnic

Food and drink can be pricey, so bring your own snacks.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 6,526 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Encounter

Giraffe Encounter

African Plains

Get up close to these majestic creatures in their expansive habitat. A truly memorable experience!

Reddit
Bear Woods

Bear Woods

Bear Woods

Witness bears emerging and interacting in a naturalistic setting. A highlight for many visitors.

Reddit
Andy's Adventure Theme

Andy's Adventure Theme

Various locations

Engaging themed activities and play areas, especially fun for younger children.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Space: It's a Roaming Experience

Bristol Zoo Project prioritizes spacious, naturalistic enclosures. While this means fewer animals than traditional zoos, the focus is on quality viewing and animal well-being. Be prepared for a good amount of walking as you explore the expansive grounds. Reddit

Under Construction, Big Potential

The zoo is a work in progress with ongoing development. While there's plenty to see and enjoy now, especially for younger children, anticipate future expansions. This means some areas might be temporarily inaccessible, but the vision for a great zoo is clear. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy outdoor play areas
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

How good is the Bristol Zoo Project?

I'm having a bug birthday soon and I'm thinking of what to do for it. I thought Bristol Zoo only to ind out it had closed and this new Project thing had replaced it due to lock down. Is it any good? If so, how does it compare to OG Bristol Zoo? Ant and all replies are…

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking involved across the expansive site. Reddit

🥪 Pack a Picnic

Food and drink can be pricey, so bring your own snacks. Reddit

reddit.com

Bristol Zoo

Drove past the zoo today. It closed almost 18 months ago. I’m 43 and this place was a big part of my childhood and I went many times, including the last few years. I wonder what it’s like in there now after 18 months of being left to Mother Nature. I bet it’s really really…

reddit.com

Bristol zoo... good?

Hi guys, im thinking of visiting the zoo tomorrow or today was wondering if anyone knows how to get it cheaper and other attractions to make the day. Website got 29% discount but does not work. How long will take for the visit?

☀️ Check Weather Forecast

Best enjoyed on a pleasant day with outdoor exploration. Reddit

🎯 Look for Keeper Talks

Informative and engaging talks add to the experience. Reddit

reddit.com

4/5 days in Bristol with young children

I'm considering a city break to Bristol with my husband, 3 year old and 6 month old and have a few questions. I've seen recommendations for a few attractions - any I'm missing or any that wouldn't work for this age group? Considering we the curious, Bristol aquarium, m shed.…

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking involved across the expansive site. Reddit

🥪 Pack a Picnic

Food and drink can be pricey, so bring your own snacks. Reddit

☀️ Check Weather Forecast

Best enjoyed on a pleasant day with outdoor exploration. Reddit

🎯 Look for Keeper Talks

Informative and engaging talks add to the experience. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Play Areas

Great for kids of all ages, especially during themed events. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise Bristol Zoo Project for its spacious, naturalistic animal enclosures and the engaging experience it offers, particularly for families with young children. While the zoo is still under development with ongoing construction, the vision for a high-quality facility is evident. Some guests note the limited number of animals compared to traditional zoos and find the on-site food and drink prices to be on the higher side.

"I had a lovely day here. There’s a lot of space for the animals and it’s nice that they are able to roam around. There’s not as big a selection of animals, but there are still plenty there to see. We got lucky and managed to see all the animals. There’s still work in progress, and there’s some work under construction. The highlight for me was seeing the giraffes. One of the giraffes was really close. It was amazing to see. The bear woods was good too, as we managed to see the bears come out at the perfect time. We got ice cream at the end, which was delicious. I had a really nice day here at the zoo. I’d highly recommend it for a day out."

Kayleigh Price

"Took our 3 kids (all 4 and under) for the day. Staff were really welcoming and they had 'Andy's adventure' theme with lots of extra bits around the park. These were hosted by staff and really clever and fun for the kids. The theme ran across the whole park and there were some really clever bits the kids got to be involved with. There are still some areas of the park under construction but there is still plenty to see and explore. You can definitely see the vision and it will be a great zoo over the next few years.
There were some lovely play parks and climbing bits for the kids. Not many animals but this will increase. The animals they did have were in some great enclosures with easy visibility and unique viewing points. The bear walk was lovely and memorable! Paths were lined with blackberry bushes which felt really natural and aided in the wildlife support. Lots of fun signs and interesting bits for the kids to see along the way. My kids loved the maze too. We had a lovely day out and will return again see what changes and animals are there. It has been cleverly thought out and designed perfectly for both visitors and animals/wildlife."

Helen Humphries

"Nice little zoo, aimed at younger children. Lots of walking around to the different exhibits. We looked at everything at a leisurely pace with several drinks and food stops in under six hours. The site is expanding. Hopefully they will also build more toilets - the current lack of being really my only criticism. Probably best visited when the weather is half decent."

Ian Roberts

What People Like

Spacious animal enclosures
Engaging for young children
Naturalistic design

What People Dislike

Expensive food/drink
Ongoing construction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is easily accessible by car, located just off Junction 17 of the M5 motorway. There's a spacious car park available for visitors. Reddit

Information on public transport routes can be found on the official Bristol Zoo Project website. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance. TikTok

There is a spacious car park at the Bristol Zoo Project, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Parking is generally included or free with admission, but it's always best to check the latest information on their website before your visit. Instagram

While specific cycle paths might not be highlighted, many visitors cycle to attractions. Check for local cycle routes and consider bringing a lock. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, with family tickets often available. A family ticket can cost around £65-£75, potentially including a donation. It's recommended to book online in advance for potential savings. Reddit

Check the official Bristol Zoo Project website for specific pricing tiers, which may include concessions for children, seniors, or students. TikTok

Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase on the day of your visit, but booking online in advance is often recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit. Reddit

Inquire about membership or annual pass options on their website, which can offer great value for frequent visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The zoo focuses on animals from Madagascar, East Africa, and the Congo, including giraffes, bears, cheetahs, wolves, and red pandas. Not all animals may be visible every day. Reddit+1

Yes, it's particularly well-suited for younger children with themed activities like 'Andy's Adventure' and several playgrounds. Reddit

Absolutely! There are several well-designed playgrounds for children of different ages, including a maze. Reddit+1

There are places to sit and have food and drink, but prices for food and beverages can be quite expensive. Bringing your own picnic is a popular option. Reddit+1

The paths are generally well-maintained, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The expansive nature of the site means there's a good amount of walking. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The giraffe enclosure offers fantastic close-up photo opportunities. The Bear Woods also provides memorable shots, especially when the bears are active. Reddit

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check the zoo's official guidelines regarding photography equipment to ensure compliance. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permission. TikTok

Mornings often offer more active animals and softer light. However, late afternoons can also be good as animals prepare for their evening routines. Reddit

Look for the naturalistic elements like the blackberry bushes lining paths, or unique viewing points designed for animal observation. Reddit

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