Paignton Zoo
Discover lions, tigers, giraffes, and more at Paignton Zoo, a conservation-focused sanctuary with engaging exhibits and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Paignton Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover lions, tigers, giraffes, and more at Paignton Zoo, a conservation-focused sanctuary with engaging exhibits and family fun.
"One of the best Zoos we have visited! Spent 6 glorious hours here. So much to see and really pretty gardens."
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Save money by booking tickets online in advance. Prices are often cheaper than buying on the day.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large with many hills. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Red Panda Encounter
Red Panda Enclosure
Meet the adorable and energetic red panda, a recent star attraction that's captivating visitors with its playful antics.
Crocodile Swamp
Crocodile Swamp exhibit
Explore the newly reopened Crocodile Swamp, home to impressive Cuban Crocs, Caiman Lizards, and various Gharials.
Majestic Big Cats
Lion and Cheetah enclosures
Get up close to powerful lions and swift cheetahs, offering thrilling viewing opportunities for animal lovers.
Tropical House
Tropical House
Immerse yourself in a humid, vibrant environment filled with fascinating reptiles, insects, and exotic plants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Comfortable Shoes are a Must!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Save money by booking tickets online in advance. Prices are often cheaper than buying on the day.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large with many hills. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds.
🗺️ Mark Your Map
The zoo is extensive and easy to get lost in. Use a pen to mark your location on the map.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Food and drink can be pricey. Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Save money by booking tickets online in advance. Prices are often cheaper than buying on the day.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is large with many hills. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds.
🗺️ Mark Your Map
The zoo is extensive and easy to get lost in. Use a pen to mark your location on the map.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Food and drink can be pricey. Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money.
📸 Look for Hidden Animals
Some animals are shy or hidden. Be patient and spend time observing enclosures for the best sightings.
🚗 Consider Public Transport
The number 22 bus can take you back to Paignton Harbour, saving on parking.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
Plan your visit around good weather for the best outdoor experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paignton Zoo is widely praised as one of the best zoos visited, offering a vast array of animals and beautiful gardens. Visitors appreciate the close-up views of many species and the engaging atmosphere, making it a great family day out. However, some find the terrain challenging due to inclines and note that maps may need updating for facilities.
"A great zoo with a large verity of animals a few of which wasn’t out for you to see but it wasn’t a massive issue. You can see some of the animals quite close up like the orangutans, lions, cheetahs, baboons etc. There is a lot of inclines if you’re someone with mobility issues you may struggle but it is well worth the money you pay to get in. There is a lot of tree coverage so you’re not baking in the sun while walking around. Would definitely recommend"
Amie Pawson
"Me and my family really enjoyed our day here. Definitely enough animals to make a day out for the family. My kids loved the seeing all the animals but the giraffes, crocodiles and monkey's definitely stood out for us. Maps need updating for toilets as we found some in a different area than listed. Enjoyed the play areas, food areas and a little win a teddy section. Also enjoyed a lovely icecream. Would recommend!"
Stephanie Curran
"Visited here midweek during the late August bank holiday break in Paignton. We booked in advanced and got a slight discount was around £60 odd pounds for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). The site is huge and is a lot of up and down hill so wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk. There are loads of animals, cafes, play areas for kids to enjoy and they really had a blast. We were tired by the end but was a great family day out, would recommend you visit here if you in or near to Paignton."
David Kenton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paignton Zoo is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. You can also reach it via public transport; the number 22 bus stops nearby and can take you back to Paignton Harbour.
Yes, Paignton Zoo offers on-site parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times as parking can fill up.
Yes, it's possible to walk to Paignton Zoo from Paignton Harbour, which takes approximately 25 minutes.
The best way depends on your starting point. Driving offers flexibility, while public transport is a good option if you're staying locally.
The nearest train station is Paignton, from which you can take a bus or taxi to the zoo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance can offer discounts. A family of 4 can expect to pay around £60.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but booking online is recommended for potential savings and to guarantee entry during busy periods.
Paignton Zoo often offers family packages and discounts for online bookings. It's worth checking their official website for current offers.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Paignton Zoo website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, Paignton Zoo is a registered charity, and your visit contributes to their conservation efforts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, gorillas, crocodiles, snakes, red pandas, and many more. 
Yes, Paignton Zoo has indoor soft play areas and outdoor play areas for children to enjoy.
The zoo aims to be accessible with pram-friendly and accessible routes, though some areas may have inclines.
The terrain varies significantly, with many inclines and hills. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended. +1
Yes, Paignton Zoo often hosts animal talks and feeding demonstrations, which are great opportunities to learn more about the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and kiosks serving hot and cold food and drinks.
Absolutely! Paignton Zoo is picnic-friendly, and bringing your own food is a great way to save money.
Some visitors find the food and drink options to be a bit expensive.
You can find a range of food options, including ice cream, hot meals, and snacks.
While specific options aren't detailed, most cafes offer a variety of choices that may include vegetarian or vegan dishes. It's best to check on the day.
📸 📸 Photography
Mornings are often best as animals can be more active, and the light is softer.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash where it might disturb the animals.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing distant animals, but even a smartphone can capture great shots.
The red panda enclosure and the Crocodile Swamp often provide excellent photo opportunities due to their visibility.
Popular subjects include the big cats, primates, reptiles, and the vibrant plant life in the Tropical House.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for seasonal events like the Great Summer Expedition trail and the Wild Immersion VR Experience for added fun. The zoo is pram-friendly and has accessible routes, making it easier to navigate with little ones. Many visitors highlight how much their children enjoyed seeing animals like the giraffes, crocodiles, and monkeys.
💰 Budget Travelers
While admission is an investment, the zoo offers a full day's entertainment with a wide variety of animals, play areas, and educational talks.
If you're staying locally, explore options like using public transport, such as the number 22 bus, to save on parking costs. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1 The zoo's beautiful gardens and varied terrain provide a pleasant walking experience, and you can easily spend several hours here. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
You can also take advantage of the animal talks and feeding sessions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the wildlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Paignton Zoo's Conservation Efforts
+1 This commitment extends to research and education, working with organizations like Educating Animals to improve animal welfare and training techniques. +1The zoo participates in global conservation initiatives, contributing to the survival of species that are under threat in the wild. Visitors can learn about these efforts through informative talks and signage throughout the park, understanding the importance of their support. The zoo's dedication to conservation is a core part of its mission, making every visit a contribution to a larger cause.
From breeding programs for vulnerable species to research on animal behavior, Paignton Zoo is actively involved in protecting wildlife. Their work with various animal species, including potoroos and pygmy goats, highlights their broad impact.
This dedication ensures that the zoo remains a leader in animal welfare and conservation science, offering visitors an educational and inspiring experience. Navigating Paignton Zoo: Terrain and Accessibility
To make the most of your exploration, consider marking your map with your current location, as the extensive layout can be disorienting.
Despite the inclines, many visitors find the zoo's layout to be well worth the effort, offering close-up views of animals like orangutans, lions, and cheetahs.
Family Fun and Activities at Paignton Zoo
During the summer, they often host special events like the 'Great Summer Expedition' trail, adding an extra layer of excitement to the visit. For an even more immersive experience, Paignton Zoo has introduced features like the Wild Immersion VR Experience, allowing visitors to engage with wildlife in new and exciting ways.
Animal talks and encounters are also a highlight, offering educational insights and close-up views of various species. The zoo's commitment to being family-friendly is evident in its accessible routes and pram-friendly facilities, ensuring a comfortable day out for everyone. Many families report that their children absolutely loved their visit, with specific animals like giraffes, crocodiles, and monkeys being particular crowd-pleasers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit