Snow leopard at Marwell Zoo
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Marwell Zoo

4.4
·10k reviews·Colden Common, United Kingdom

Explore 140 acres of wild adventure with hundreds of exotic animals, playgrounds, and magical light trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
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Snow leopard at Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 140 acres of wild adventure with hundreds of exotic animals, playgrounds, and magical light trails.

4.4
(10k reviews)

"A great zoo with plenty of animals and areas for little ones to explore."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The zoo is 140 acres on a hill. Prepare for lots of walking!

🚂 Ride the Mini-Train

A fun way to see more animals and save energy, especially for kids.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 10,638 reviews

Type

Zoo

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

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Giraffes

Majestic Giraffes

Giraffe House

Witness these gentle giants up close, including recent new arrivals. A truly awe-inspiring sight!

Playful Penguins

Playful Penguins

Penguin enclosure

Watch these charming birds dive and waddle. A perennial favorite for all ages!

Snow Leopard's Grace

Snow Leopard's Grace

Snow Leopard enclosure

Marvel at the elusive beauty of the snow leopard, often seen rolling in the sun.

TikTok
Tropical House Wonders

Tropical House Wonders

Tropical House

Explore a vibrant world of sloths, free-flying birds, and a 70,000-litre aquarium.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Wild Walk

Marwell Zoo spans 140 acres, so wear comfortable shoes! Many visitors mention the zoo is on a steep hill, so be ready for some inclines. Consider the mini-train to save little legs or cover more ground. Reddit+1

Check for Special Events

Marwell Zoo hosts seasonal events like the magical 'Glow Marwell' light trail, which has been a hit with families. Check their schedule before your visit for unique experiences beyond the animal encounters. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings (event dependent)
Why
Magical light trails
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Busy but lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had the most amazing time at @marwellzooofficial Glowmarwell, the rain did not stop us having the most magical time ❤️
@sophiena_official
16.9K likes • 228.8K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The zoo is 140 acres on a hill. Prepare for lots of walking! Reddit+1

🚂 Ride the Mini-Train

A fun way to see more animals and save energy, especially for kids. InstagramReddit

We were very kindly invited by MarwellZoo to celebrate this years #GlowMarwell 🎄🎅🏼 honestly this was beyond magicial and i cannot believe how lucky we are to have been asked to come down, videos and pictures will just not do it justice is so pretty not just for children but the whole family 🥰 Thank you so much for having us ❤️ #gifted
@sophiena_official
4.2K likes • 64.7K views
Step into a wild adventure at @marwellzoo 🦓 Explore 140 acres of stunning parkland and get up close to hundreds of amazing animals, from majestic giraffes to playful meerkats and magnificent Amur tigers! 🐅🐒 Discover the incredible Energy for Life: Tropical House, home to sloths and free-flying birds, and be amazed by the 70,000-litre aquarium! Stroll through the wonderful Wallaby Walkthrough and ...
hantstopdaysout
245 likes • 9.6K views

🧺 Picnic Power!

Bring your own food; some visitors find food options limited. Reddit

✨ Check for Events

Look out for special light trails like Glow Marwell! TikTokInstagram

The secret’s out! 🦒⁠ ⁠ If you’ve visited Marwell over the last week, you may have noticed the giraffe house was closed and we’re thrilled to be able to announce why...⁠ ⁠ Learn more: Link in bio⁠ ⁠ Ruby, one of our female Rothschild’s giraffe, has given birth to a miraculous baby boy. After a challenging start, both Ruby and her little one are doing well thanks to our amazing Hoofstock and Veterin...
marwellzoo
2.9K likes • 45.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The zoo is 140 acres on a hill. Prepare for lots of walking! Reddit+1

🚂 Ride the Mini-Train

A fun way to see more animals and save energy, especially for kids. InstagramReddit

🧺 Picnic Power!

Bring your own food; some visitors find food options limited. Reddit

✨ Check for Events

Look out for special light trails like Glow Marwell! TikTokInstagram

👶 Free for Under 3s

Great value for families with very young children. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise Marwell Zoo for its spacious animal enclosures and the variety of species, with giraffes, penguins, and snow leopards being particular highlights. The zoo's family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and a mini-train, are well-received. However, some guests find the food options limited and the zoo's hilly terrain challenging for extensive walking.

"What an amazing place. Marwell been on the to do list for a while so glad finally found time to come.
Despite the cold weather alot of the animals were still out and about. Obviously this time of year or week not alot was open but plenty to see and do and experience.
Definitely on the redo list. Wish we came a week later to experience the Xmas Market and the Big Glow."

Clive Griffiths

"Brought the family here on an inset day so it was quieter and we all had a wonderful time.

I thought the grounds were very clean, the staff was friendly and helpful.

Only complaint is the food and drinks are quite pricey but that's expected. Next time we'll opt to bring our own lunches as they offer picnic areas."

Kevin

"Big zoo, plenty to do, been wanting to take the kids for ages and didn't disappoint at all. Easily can spend 4-5hrs there. A lot of walking due to size of zoo. Plenty for kids to do, nice little parks and a cafe area with a good view. Will be going back at some point."

Brent Serrao

What People Like

Spacious animal enclosures
Variety of animals
Family-friendly facilities

What People Dislike

Limited food options
Hilly terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Marwell Zoo is located in Hampshire. Visitors often drive, and there's free parking available. Instagram For those using public transport, you can take a train to Winchester or Southampton and then a bus or taxi to the zoo. Some visitors have found the zoo layout not very intuitive, so planning your route is recommended. Reddit

Yes, Marwell Zoo is generally considered accessibility friendly. Many reviewers note that the grounds are well-maintained, though be aware it's on a steep hill. Reddit+1

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Marwell Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.

Yes, Marwell Zoo offers free parking for visitors, which is a significant plus for those driving to the attraction. Instagram

Unfortunately, Marwell Zoo does not permit pets, with the exception of assistance dogs. This is to ensure the welfare of the resident animals.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but some visitors have found great deals, with adult tickets sometimes as low as £10. Instagram It's always recommended to book tickets online in advance, as this can sometimes offer better rates and guarantee entry, especially during peak times or special events.

Yes, Marwell Zoo offers free entry for children under 3 years old. Instagram Keep an eye on their website for potential seasonal offers or family packages. Booking in advance online is often the best way to secure the best prices.

While it's usually possible to purchase tickets at the gate, booking online in advance is highly recommended. This helps avoid disappointment, especially during busy periods, and can sometimes offer a better price.

Refund policies can vary depending on how and when you book. It's advisable to check the specific terms and conditions on the Marwell Zoo website or your booking confirmation for details on cancellations or changes.

During peak seasons or for special events, booking a timed entry slot might be required to manage visitor numbers. Always check the Marwell Zoo website for the latest requirements before your visit.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the giraffes, penguins, and snow leopards. TikTokInstagram Don't miss the playful meerkats and the fascinating Tropical House with sloths and birds. Instagram Many animals have ample space in their enclosures. Reddit

Yes, Marwell Zoo boasts five playgrounds, offering plenty of opportunities for kids to burn off energy and have fun. Instagram

Absolutely! Marwell Zoo has a mini-train that circles the park, which is a fantastic way to see more animals and rest your feet, especially for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Glow Marwell is a popular after-dark event featuring a magical nature light trail with stunning displays and interactive experiences. It's been described as 'beyond magical' and is a hit for the whole family. TikTokInstagram+2

Given its 140-acre size, a full visit can take several hours. Many visitors recommend dedicating at least half a day, or even a full day, to explore thoroughly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Marwell Zoo has catering facilities, including a restaurant. However, some visitors suggest bringing your own picnic as they'd prefer more 'normal' food options like chips and burgers. Reddit

While specific menus can change, most zoo restaurants offer a range of options. It's advisable to check the Marwell Zoo website or inquire upon arrival for the most current vegetarian and vegan choices.

Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great option, and many visitors do so to save money or cater to specific dietary needs. Reddit

Yes, there are cafes and snack bars located within the zoo grounds, offering refreshments and light bites throughout your visit.

Catering prices at Marwell Zoo are generally considered reasonable by visitors. Reddit Bringing a picnic can be a more budget-friendly alternative. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The giraffe enclosure offers stunning opportunities, especially with the open landscape. The snow leopard enclosure, when the animal is visible, can also yield dramatic shots. TikTok The Tropical House provides lush backdrops for bird and sloth photography. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use at Marwell Zoo. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions, especially regarding flash photography near sensitive animals.

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance. A wider lens can be useful for landscape shots of the enclosures and the zoo grounds. Instagram

Yes, drone usage is typically prohibited at zoos and wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals and for safety reasons. Always check Marwell Zoo's official policy on drone usage.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, with softer shadows. This is also when animals are often most active. TikTok

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