A giant male mountain gorilla. They are immensely powerful animal that can wield power of 10 full-grown men.
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Linton Zoo

4.2
·2k reviews·Linton, United Kingdom

An intimate, family-run zoo offering close encounters with diverse exotic animals and a focus on conservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays (Spring/Autumn)

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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A giant male mountain gorilla. They are immensely powerful animal that can wield power of 10 full-grown men.

Linton Zoo

Best Time

Weekdays (Spring/Autumn)

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An intimate, family-run zoo offering close encounters with diverse exotic animals and a focus on conservation.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"A lovely little gem with a nice variety of animals to see, offering a relaxed and personal zoo experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic 🍕

No food inside the zoo, but a picnic area with a play park is available outside. Enjoy your meal before or after your visit!

Check Keeper Talk Times 👨‍👩‍👧

Don't miss feeding times and keeper talks for engaging insights into animal behavior and conservation.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Big Cats

Majestic Big Cats

Big Cat Enclosures

Witness the power and beauty of lions, tigers, and snow leopards up close. Their presence is truly awe-inspiring.

Hand-reared Lioness Safina

Hand-reared Lioness Safina

Lion Enclosure / Zoo Director's Area

See Safina, the lioness hand-reared by the Zoo Director, a testament to the zoo's dedication to animal welfare.

Dinosaur Discovery Trail

Dinosaur Discovery Trail

Designated Dinosaur Area

A fun surprise for kids, this trail features impressive dinosaur models and educational insights.

Conservation Success Stories

Conservation Success Stories

Various Enclosures

Learn about vital breeding programs, like the Eastern Quoll twins, highlighting Linton Zoo's conservation efforts.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Relaxed Visit

Linton Zoo is a smaller, intimate zoo, making it ideal for families with young children. To avoid crowds and ensure a more personal experience with the animals, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer quieter moments.

Embrace the Intimate Atmosphere

Unlike larger zoos, Linton Zoo offers a more personal encounter with its inhabitants. Visitors can get quite close to many animals, so be prepared for a more hands-on feel. Check feeding times and keeper talks for engaging educational moments.

Best Times

When
Weekdays (Spring/Autumn)
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Active animals, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend Afternoons
Why
More keeper talks and activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 @lintonzoo 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 🐒🦁 ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ .#lintonzoo#zoo#kidsdayout#familyfum#mumlife#kidsplayoutside#love#animals#wildanimals#funatthezoo
mrsverylucky
19 likes • 1.1K views

Pack a Picnic 🍕

No food inside the zoo, but a picnic area with a play park is available outside. Enjoy your meal before or after your visit! Reddit

Check Keeper Talk Times 👨‍👩‍👧

Don't miss feeding times and keeper talks for engaging insights into animal behavior and conservation. Reddit

Wow! So amazing witnessing this bond between Zoo Director Kim Simmons of Linton Zoo and Safina the lion, who Kim hand-reared. Tune into The Great Outdoors this Sunday 30th July from 10am on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire to hear more! #bbclocalradio #localtreasures #radio #thegreatoutdoors #presenter #presenterlife #radiolife #lintonzoo #lions #conservation #education #endangeredspecies
amirontheradio
11 likes • 208 views
🚨 Just 7 days to go until our incredible workshop at Linton Zoo! 🦓 We’re buzzing with excitement, and so is Bill, have a listen 🎉 Haven’t grabbed your ticket yet? No worries! There are still a few spots left, but they won’t last long! 🎟️ 📍 Book yours now and join us for an unforgettable experience! https://buytickets.at/campkinscameras/1507763
campkinscameras
19 likes • 544 views

Wear Comfortable Shoes 🥾

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the zoo, so comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant day out. Instagram

Embrace the Close Encounters 🐒

Linton Zoo is known for its intimate setting, allowing for amazing close-up views of many animals. Instagram

• 2nd February 2025 • Sunny day at @lintonzoo ☀️ . . We had a super time at Linton Zoo today. There was so much to see and we had some amazing close encounters! The big cats were stunning and so impressive. Lola got to stroke a tortoise and fell in love with the cheeky macaws! 🦜 #familydayout #lintonzoo #sunnysunday #cambridgeshire ☀️
escapingtothecountryside
8 likes • 400 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic 🍕

No food inside the zoo, but a picnic area with a play park is available outside. Enjoy your meal before or after your visit! Reddit

Check Keeper Talk Times 👨‍👩‍👧

Don't miss feeding times and keeper talks for engaging insights into animal behavior and conservation. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes 🥾

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the zoo, so comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant day out. Instagram

Embrace the Close Encounters 🐒

Linton Zoo is known for its intimate setting, allowing for amazing close-up views of many animals. Instagram

Dinosaur Fun for Kids 🦕

Kids will love the dinosaur display, making learning about these ancient creatures fun and engaging. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Linton Zoo is a charming, intimate zoo praised for its close animal encounters and family-friendly atmosphere, especially for younger children. While some areas show signs of age and could use updates, the friendly staff and conservation focus make it a worthwhile visit for a few hours of relaxed enjoyment.

"Lovely little zoo to visit. Clean and tidy toilet area. No food inside the zoo, however there is a picnic area outside in the car park with a nice sized play park. Had a bacon and cheese burger which was delicious and the kids had the kids lunch box which they really enjoyed.
Animals look very well cared for. Staff were very friendly and helpful. At 1pm they came out with a tortoise and an African land snail for everyone to see and touch near the cafe area.
Kids loved the dinosaurs and the animal statues!

The zoo does look very dated and needs some upkeep. Such as a lick of paint here and there and some new fences etc.
A fair amount of the enclosures are very overgrown to the point you can’t see in at all.
There used to be a nice play park inside the zoo, but is no longer there, which is disappointing.

There were some beautiful flowers at the back of the zoo. Which really brighten the zoo up.
Lovely day out for the family for a few hours. Would visit again and recommend."

Zoe Buck

"Very small zoo, all animals look very tired like the zoo itself, it’s a shame as they do have few lovely animals there. Just need some work to modernise and bring it back to life.

Kids were disappointed as not much to do and see there. 1pm zoo keepers took a snail and a tortoise out were the highlight. We miss some feeding times as there is no timetable for the day. Only say it on the sign by the animal cage.

No picnic allowed inside, there is a small playground outside with some picnic tables.

With the price they charge, £40 one adult and two kids, I’d expect much more activities, the whole place just lacks of energy and it’s just dull."

Day Day Play

"Great little zoo. It is smaller than your average zoo but there are lions, tigers, snow leopards, zebras and a wide variety of birds. The entrance fee was ok but there was limited difference between an adult and a 13 and under as a child. There is no family ticket but there was advice that children under 16 had to be attended at all times which is contradictory to the entrance fee. Overall a very positive experience."

JK

What People Like

Close animal encounters
Friendly and welcoming staff
Dinosaur trail for kids

What People Dislike

Dated appearance
Overgrown enclosures
No internal play park

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Linton Zoo is located in Linton, Cambridgeshire. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi service from nearby towns like Cambridge or Saffron Walden is advisable. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at Linton Zoo. It's located in the car park outside the zoo entrance, where you'll also find a picnic area and a play park. Reddit

Public transport to Linton Zoo can be challenging. While buses may serve the village, direct routes to the zoo might be infrequent. It's best to check local bus timetables or consider combining a bus journey with a short taxi ride from a larger nearby town. TikTok

The nearest train stations to Linton Zoo are likely to be in Cambridge or Audley End. From these stations, you would typically need to arrange onward travel by bus or taxi to reach the zoo. TikTok

Linton Zoo is a smaller zoo, and while paths are generally accessible, some areas might be uneven. The zoo offers seating around the park, which is beneficial for senior visitors or those who need to rest. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for Linton Zoo can vary. While specific prices aren't always listed online, reviews suggest a reasonable entry fee. It's worth noting that there's limited difference between adult and child tickets for those over 13, and no family ticket is offered. Reddit

Information on specific Linton Zoo discount vouchers is not widely advertised. It's recommended to check their official website or social media pages for any ongoing promotions or special offers. TikTok

While specific discount vouchers aren't always prominent, keeping an eye on Linton Zoo's social media or local deal sites might reveal occasional offers. Some visitors have found the general admission price to be reasonable for the experience. Reddit

Booking Linton Zoo tickets in advance is generally recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Some events or workshops might require advance booking. TikTok

Linton Zoo's opening hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Linton Zoo houses a variety of animals including lions, tigers, snow leopards, zebras, tapirs, tamarin monkeys, lemurs, owls, parrots, giant tortoises, snakes, and tarantulas. They also focus on conservation breeding programs for endangered species like the Eastern Quoll. Instagram+1

Yes, Linton Zoo is considered very good for young children. Its smaller size makes it manageable for little legs, and the intimate encounters with animals are a big hit. The dinosaur trail is also a highlight for kids. InstagramReddit

Linton Zoo does have feeding times and keeper talks, though a clear timetable might not always be obvious. Visitors have noted that keepers sometimes bring out animals like tortoises and snails for interaction near the cafe. Reddit

While there used to be a play park inside the zoo, it is no longer there. However, there is a nice sized play park located outside the zoo in the car park area, adjacent to the picnic spot. Reddit

To best experience Linton Zoo, visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Arrive early to see animals at their most active. Take advantage of any keeper talks and enjoy the close encounters the zoo offers. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, picnics are not allowed inside Linton Zoo. However, there is a designated picnic area located outside in the car park, which is a convenient spot to enjoy your own food. Reddit

Linton Zoo has a cafe area where visitors can purchase food and drinks. Reviews mention delicious burgers and kids' lunch boxes, as well as good coffee. Reddit

The cafe at Linton Zoo offers a selection of food, including burgers (like bacon and cheese) and kids' lunch boxes. They also serve drinks, with coffee being mentioned positively. Reddit

Information on specific vegetarian or vegan options at the Linton Zoo cafe is not readily available. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff upon arrival for current menu offerings. Reddit

If you prefer to eat your own food, bringing a picnic to enjoy in the designated outdoor area is a good option. If you'd rather purchase food, the cafe offers a convenient selection of meals and snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities at Linton Zoo are often at the big cat enclosures, where you can capture their majestic presence. The close encounters with animals like tortoises and snails also make for memorable shots. Instagram+1

Yes, Linton Zoo's intimate setting often allows for great close-up shots. However, some enclosures can be overgrown, which might obscure views. Visiting during active periods like feeding times can also yield better photographic results. Reddit

Linton Zoo has hosted photography workshops in the past, offering unique opportunities to capture wildlife. Keep an eye on their social media or event listings for future workshop announcements. TikTok

A versatile lens, such as a 70-200mm or a similar zoom, is recommended for capturing animals from a distance. A wider lens can be useful for general zoo scenery and any dinosaur models. Instagram

It's generally advisable to avoid using flash photography at zoos, as it can disturb and stress the animals. Always check for specific signage or ask a zookeeper if flash is permitted in certain areas. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Linton Zoo is an excellent choice for families with young children due to its manageable size and intimate animal encounters. Kids will be thrilled to see lions, tigers, and snow leopards up close. The dinosaur trail is a guaranteed hit, making learning fun and exciting. Instagram+1

Remember that the internal play park is no longer available, but a playground is located in the car park. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated area outside the zoo, as food is not permitted inside. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for little ones. Reddit

Budget-Conscious Visitors

While specific discount vouchers aren't always advertised, Linton Zoo is generally considered to offer reasonable entry prices for the experience it provides. Visitors have noted that the cost is worthwhile for the close encounters and the variety of animals. Reddit

To maximize value, consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the outdoor picnic area, saving on food expenses. Visiting on a weekday can also contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience without the peak weekend crowds. Reddit

Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts

For those passionate about wildlife and conservation, Linton Zoo offers a unique perspective. The zoo actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species, such as the Eastern Quoll, showcasing a commitment to global conservation efforts. Instagram

Visitors can appreciate the opportunity to see a diverse range of animals, from majestic big cats to smaller, fascinating creatures. The zoo's intimate setting allows for a deeper connection with the animals and a better understanding of their behaviors and habitats. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Conservation at Linton Zoo

Linton Zoo is deeply committed to conservation efforts, playing a vital role in breeding programs for endangered species. A notable success story is the birth of Ned and Annie, twin Eastern Quolls, who are part of a European Breeding Programme. This initiative is crucial as the Eastern Quoll has been extinct on mainland Australia for over 50 years. Instagram

The zoo's focus on education means visitors can learn about these conservation challenges and the importance of protecting wildlife. By supporting Linton Zoo, visitors contribute to these essential breeding and conservation programs, helping to safeguard the future of vulnerable species. The zoo aims to provide a safe haven and breeding ground for animals facing threats in the wild. Instagram

This dedication to conservation is a key aspect of the Linton Zoo experience, offering visitors more than just a day of animal viewing. It's an opportunity to understand and support global wildlife preservation efforts. The zoo's work with species like the Eastern Quoll highlights the critical role small, dedicated institutions play in the larger conservation landscape. Instagram

A Family-Friendly Day Out

Linton Zoo is frequently praised as a fantastic destination for families with young children. Its intimate size is a major advantage, making it easy for little ones to navigate without becoming overwhelmed. The zoo offers a more personal experience, allowing children to get closer to a variety of animals, which is often a highlight for them. InstagramReddit

Beyond the animal encounters, Linton Zoo provides additional attractions that appeal to families. The dinosaur trail is a particular hit with kids, offering a fun and educational element that sparks their imagination. While there isn't an internal play park anymore, a good-sized playground is available outside in the car park, providing a space for children to burn off energy before or after their zoo visit. Reddit

Parents appreciate the zoo's focus on making the experience enjoyable and accessible for younger visitors. The friendly staff and the opportunity for close encounters contribute to a memorable day out. It’s a place where learning about animals and conservation can be both fun and engaging for the whole family. Instagram+1

The Unique Charm of Linton Zoo

Linton Zoo is often described as a 'lovely little gem' and a 'great little zoo', distinguishing itself from larger, more commercial wildlife parks. Its charm lies in its intimate atmosphere and the ability for visitors to get up close to hundreds of exotic creatures. This personal touch creates a more relaxed and engaging experience compared to more sprawling zoos. InstagramReddit

While some reviews mention that the zoo could benefit from some modernization and upkeep, with areas appearing dated or overgrown, this doesn't detract significantly from the overall positive experience for many. The friendly and welcoming staff are frequently highlighted, enhancing the visitor experience and contributing to the zoo's warm, community feel. Reddit

The zoo's emphasis on conservation and education adds another layer to its appeal. Visitors can appreciate seeing a diverse range of wildlife while also learning about the importance of protecting these species. This blend of engaging animal encounters and educational value makes Linton Zoo a worthwhile visit for those seeking a more personal and meaningful zoo experience. Instagram

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