Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is a leading conservation-focused wildlife park in Cornwall, set within 13 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens. It houses approximately 1,000 animals across 130 species, with a strong emphasis on protecting rare and endangered wildlife through the Wild Planet Trust.

Location & Getting There
Address: Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ.
Accessibility: It is a short, 10-minute walk from Newquay town centre.
Parking: A large Cornwall Council-owned car park is adjacent to the zoo (seasonal charges apply).
Transport Benefit: Visitors arriving via sustainable transport (bus, train, or bike) can receive a £1 discount on entry with a valid ticket.

What to Enjoy
Animal Exhibits: Get close to favorites like red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, and Humboldt penguins.
Major Zones: Explore the African Savanna (zebras and wildebeest), the Tropical House (sloths and reptiles), and Gems of the Jungle (a walkthrough aviary for songbirds).
Activities: Take part in free daily ranger talks and feeding sessions, or let children burn energy on the Tarzan Trail adventure course and play areas.
Unique Experiences: For an extra fee, you can book Animal Experiences to meet and feed lemurs or penguins.

Best For & When to Visit
Who should go: It is primarily designed for families with young children, though its tranquil gardens and rare species appeal to all animal lovers.
Best Time: Mornings are recommended to see animals at their most active.
Duration: Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the site.
Weather: It is a popular “rainy day” option in Cornwall due to indoor exhibits like the Tropical House.

What Makes It Unique
Botanical Beauty: Unlike standard zoos, it is also a sub-tropical garden featuring an Oriental Garden with Japanese and Asian plants.
Rare Species: It is one of only two UK zoos housing the elusive brown hyena and is a key player in the Carpathian lynx rewilding programme.
Eco-Friendly: The zoo holds a Gold award for Green Tourism and was one of the first in Britain to achieve ISO 14001 environmental certification.

Booking Tips & Member Benefits
Online Savings: You are strongly advised to book tickets online in advance to guarantee the best price; online rates are not available at the gate.
Group Discounts: Exclusive rates are available for groups of 10 or more.
Membership: Joining as a member provides year-round entry to Newquay Zoo and often includes entry to its sister site, Paignton Zoo.
Charity Support: As a registered charity, all admission funds (including Gift Aid) directly support global wildlife conservation.