Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is an award-winning, conservation-focused zoo and working farm. Spanning 100 acres of Somerset countryside, it is home to over 100 species, including African elephants, white rhinos, giraffes, lions, and spectacled bears.
Location & Accessibility
Address: Clevedon Road, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PG.
Distance: Approximately 6 miles west of Bristol city centre.
Transport: Easily reached by car via the M5 (J19 or J20), with free parking available on-site. Local bus services (First Bus 8 or 9) also stop nearby.
Things to Do
Animal Encounters: View big zoo animals, attend interactive Keeper Talks every 30 minutes, or watch daily Birds of Prey displays.
Adventure Play: There are 15 indoor and outdoor play zones, including a giant indoor play barn (ArkiVentures), a soft play for under-5s, and a massive 3.4km hedge maze.
Farm Activities: Enjoy tractor rides (£2 per person) or hand-feed domestic animals in the show pens.
Paid Experiences: Pre-bookable “Keeper for a Day” or up-close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, or elephants are available for an extra fee.
Visit Duration & Suitability
Typical Stay: Most families spend 4–6 hours to see everything.
Best Suited To: Families with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, due to the extensive mix of animals and playgrounds. It is also highly rated for visitors with accessibility needs through its “Ark For All” programme.
Best Times to Visit
For Quiet: Mid-week during term time or Sunday mornings. Afternoons from 3 pm to 5 pm during school holidays are also typically quieter.
By Season: Summer offers the best weather for outdoor play, but the zoo is an all-weather attraction with significant indoor facilities for winter or rainy days.
Unique Features
Elephant Eden: This is the largest elephant facility in the UK and northern Europe, designed specifically for the welfare of African bull elephants.
Maze: It features the UK’s longest hedge maze, themed around British wildlife.
Sustainability: The zoo is a “green zoo,” generating over half its electricity from renewable sources like solar panels and its own wind turbine.
Offers & Membership Tips
Online Booking: Tickets are typically cheaper when bought in advance through the official booking site. Booking at least 5 days in advance can sometimes offer a 20% discount.
Late Entry: A discounted “Late Entry” ticket is often available for arrival after 3:30 pm.
Mid-Week Specials: Visitors aged 65+ can sometimes access discounted rates (e.g., £14) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Membership: If you plan to visit more than 5 times a year, an Annual Membership is the most cost-effective option, offering unlimited entry and other perks.
Rainy Day Guarantee: They occasionally offer a free return visit within 14 days if it rains heavily during your trip.