Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo is one of the UK’s leading conservation zoos and a registered botanical garden, housing over 2,000 animals across 80 acres of naturalistic habitats.

Location & Accessibility
Address: Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU.
Getting There: It is located 1 mile from Paignton town centre, next to a Morrisons supermarket. It is accessible by car (via the A3022), bus (Stagecoach routes 12, 22, and Gold), or a 1-mile walk from Paignton Railway Station.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available for over 1,100 cars.

What to See & Do
Animal Habitats: Explore zones ranging from savannah to tropical forest, featuring gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, Sumatran tigers, African lions, red pandas, and rhinos.
Unique Exhibits: Walk through the Lemur Wood on a wobbly bridge, visit the humid Crocodile Swamp, or watch primates at Baboon Rock.
Activities: Attend daily ranger and keeper talks, watch feeding sessions, or take a ride on the Jungle Express train (seasonal).
Play Areas: For children, there is a large indoor soft play area (Jungle Fun) for under-12s and multiple outdoor play parks.

Who Should Go & When
Ideal For: Families with children, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts. It is largely wheelchair and pushchair friendly, though some paths are hilly.
Best Time to Visit: Arrive early at 10 am to see animals at their most active after breakfast. Weekdays and mornings are typically quieter than weekends and school holidays.
Rainy Days: It is a “rain or shine” destination with several indoor exhibits like Tropical Trails, Bugs at Home, and the Ape Centre.

What Makes it Unique
Unlike many standard zoos, Paignton is a combined zoo and botanical garden. It was founded in 1923 from the private menagerie of eccentric millionaire Herbert Whitley and remains a major centre for international conservation research.

Booking Tips & Offers
Online Discount: You can save approximately 15% by booking tickets online in advance compared to gate prices.
Concessions: Discounts are often available for students, over-65s, and emergency workers (NHS) through platforms like CodeUK.
Carers: Visitors with disabilities can bring one carer for free (with valid documentation like a Blue Badge or DLA letter).

Membership Benefits
Joining as a member of the Wild Planet Trust offers several perks:
Unlimited Entry: Year-round access to both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.
Reciprocal Entry: One free visit per year to other UK zoos, including Marwell, Chester, and Bristol Zoo (check specific terms as some memberships vary).
Discounts: Typically 10–15% off in zoo shops and cafés, plus discounts on Animal Experiences (like feeding lions or giraffes).
Off-Peak Option: A cheaper “Off Peak” membership is available for unlimited entry specifically between September and March.