If you’re planning a day out in the heart of England, a visit to Twycross Zoo offers a solid choice for families craving a blend of animal encounters and outdoor fun. This award-winning attraction boasts hundreds of animals, engaging play zones, and an environmentally conscious mission that makes your visit feel meaningful. Based on the feedback from visitors, we’re here to give you a straightforward, honest look at what to expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.
What we especially like about Twycross Zoo is its variety of engaging activities and kid-friendly spaces. The animal exhibits are well cared for, with many species, including some of the world’s most endangered, adding a touch of conservation awareness to your day. Plus, the play areas—indoor soft play, splash pad, and The Gruffalo Discovery Land—help keep little ones busy and happy.
A potential drawback? The ticket only grants access to the zoo’s outdoor areas; soft play experiences and animal encounters cost extra. So if you’re hoping for a full day of indoor activities or special animal feeds, you might need to budget additional expenses. Still, for a straightforward day spent exploring animals and enjoying outdoor play, this is a solid choice for young families and animal lovers.
Who will enjoy this experience most? If you’re seeking a family-friendly day out that’s casual, educational, and fun without breaking the bank, Twycross Zoo is a good fit. It’s especially suited for those wanting to combine animal discovery with active play.
Key Points
- Family-focused: Designed with kids in mind, with plenty of play options.
- Wildlife conservation: Supports important research and preservation efforts.
- Outdoor activities: Includes splash pads and soft play, making it ideal for active children.
- Community reviews: Generally positive, with many praising animal care and cleanliness.
- Extra costs: Soft play and animal experiences are not included in the main ticket.
- Location advantage: Situated on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border, offering scenic surroundings.
A Detailed Look at Twycross Zoo
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Leicestershire.
Setting and Overall Feel
Twycross Zoo covers around 100 acres in a scenic part of Leicestershire, right on the border with Warwickshire. This size allows for a wide range of animal exhibits without feeling overly crowded, and it gives visitors space to wander, relax, and take in the views. The layout is accessible and well-maintained, with clear signage guiding you from one exhibit to the next.
One of the first impressions that visitors often mention is how clean and well-kept the zoo is. According to reviews, the animals appear to be well cared for, and the entire grounds feel welcoming and family-friendly. The zoo’s status as an internationally recognized conservation charity adds a layer of purpose to your visit—knowing your ticket helps fund ongoing conservation projects.
The Animal Encounters
We loved the way Twycross Zoo emphasizes endangered species and conservation efforts. While you won’t have access to specialized animal experiences included in your ticket, the main exhibits offer plenty of chances to see animals like giraffes, monkeys, and various birds. One review highlights the joy of watching giraffes being fed by the public, which is both entertaining and educational.
Visitors often appreciate that the animals are presented in naturalistic enclosures, allowing for good viewing opportunities. The zoo’s commitment to animal welfare is apparent, and this adds to the overall quality of the experience. For those interested in learning more, the signage and staff are generally friendly and knowledgeable.
Play Areas and Family Fun
One of the biggest draws for families is the variety of play zones. Outside, you’ll find playgrounds and splash pads that are perfect for hot days or just to give little legs a break from walking. The indoor soft play area and The Gruffalo Discovery Land are hits with young children, providing a safe, lively space for energy to be released—though these are not included in your general ticket and cost extra.
Visitors frequently comment on how these spaces contribute to a relaxed, enjoyable day—kids can burn off energy without the need to leave the premises. This makes Twycross Zoo especially convenient for families with young children or for those looking for a balance of animal viewing and active play.
More Great Tours NearbyFood, Drinks, and Facilities
While the ticket price includes entry to all outdoor play areas, food and drinks are not included. The zoo offers a selection of cafes and restaurants, but prices can be on the higher side, as is typical in such attractions. Many visitors recommend bringing snacks or a picnic, especially if you’re trying to keep costs down or want to stay longer.
Parking costs £3 per vehicle, and the grounds are wheelchair accessible, making it manageable for visitors with mobility needs. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult, which emphasizes the family-friendly nature of the place.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Check availability in advance, especially during peak times or school holidays, as entry is valid for one day only.
- Consider bringing your own food or snacks to save money, since food outlets are available but pricey.
- If you’re interested in animal experiences or soft play, expect to pay extra—these aren’t part of the base ticket.
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience, especially if visiting in summer.
- If visiting with a carer for a guest with special needs, note that one carer can enter free of charge with an adult or child ticket, but additional carers do need their own tickets.
Visitor Feedback and What to Expect
From reviews, it’s clear that most visitors leave satisfied:
- Beverley raves about how clean everything is and how well-cared-for the animals look, highlighting the giraffes and public feedings as particular highlights.
- Jane was pleased with how animals come out in their enclosures, although she wondered if there are specific feeding times—something to keep in mind if your goal is to see active animal behaviors.
- Rebecca appreciated how easy and effortless the process was, emphasizing that she and her daughter had a lovely day, particularly enjoying the outdoor spaces and viewing opportunities.
A minor critique from some visitors points out the absence of a reptile house—a feature that could enhance the diversity of exhibits and appeal to reptile enthusiasts.
The Sum Up: Is Twycross Zoo Worth Visiting?
Twycross Zoo offers a well-rounded, family-friendly experience that balances animal viewing, conservation education, and active play. Its size and variety of attractions mean that you can spend a relaxing day exploring the animal exhibits and letting kids enjoy the outdoor and indoor play areas. The cleanliness, animal welfare, and scenic setting are notable strengths.
The main thing to keep in mind is that additional costs for soft play and animal experiences are not included in the entry ticket, so budget accordingly if those are part of your plans. The ticket price itself offers good value, especially since it supports important conservation work.
This tour is best suited for families with young children or anyone looking for a casual, educational outing that combines wildlife with outdoor fun. It’s ideal if you want a straightforward day with plenty of opportunities for kids to run around and for adults to enjoy the animals.
In summary, Twycross Zoo is a solid choice for a day trip—offering both entertainment and a chance to connect with nature, all within a setting that supports meaningful conservation efforts. It’s a place where families can make memories, learn about endangered animals, and enjoy the outdoors all in one visit.
FAQ
Is the ticket valid for more than one day?
No, the ticket is valid for just one day. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Can I buy animal experiences or soft play access on the day?
Yes, but these are not included in the general admission. They cost extra and can be purchased separately.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is charged at £3 per vehicle. It’s convenient and close to the main entrance.
Is the zoo accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the zoo is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs.
Do children need to be supervised?
Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What’s the best time to visit?
Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the animals when they’re most active.
Are there any restrictions on bringing food?
While food isn’t included, bringing snacks or a picnic is encouraged, especially if you want to save money. Food outlets are available but can be pricey.
This detailed review aims to help you decide whether Twycross Zoo fits your family’s interests and expectations. With its balance of engaging animal exhibits and fun outdoor spaces, it’s a reliable choice for a laid-back, educational day out in Leicestershire.
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