Bristol Zoo Project
The Bristol Zoo Project is an immersive conservation zoo owned by the Bristol Zoological Society. Spanning 136 acres, it is designed around large, natural habitats where 90% of the species will be directly linked to global conservation work by 2035.
Essential Visitor Information
Location: It is situated at Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP, conveniently located just off Junction 17 of the M5.
Typical Duration: Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours exploring the site. If you have young children who enjoy the extensive play areas, you may want to allow up to a full day.
Best Suited For: It is ideal for families with children, nature lovers, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation. It also serves as a peaceful setting for couples or groups of friends looking for a scenic walk.
Best Times to Go:
Season: Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather for the outdoor trails.
Daily: Arriving at 10:00 AM (opening) is recommended to beat the crowds, secure free parking, and catch early animal talks.
Special Sessions: Keep an eye out for “Summer Lates” for evening access.
Unique Experiences
What sets this site apart from traditional city zoos is its focus on spacious, wild environments rather than high animal density.
Bear Wood: A 7.5-acre woodland where you walk on a raised treetop boardwalk to see brown bears, wolves, lynx, and wolverines in a habitat similar to ancient British forests.
Lemur Walkthrough: An immersive experience where you can walk through the enclosure with ring-tailed and ruffed lemurs.
Giraffe Walkway: A raised platform that allows you to see eye-to-eye with giraffes.
Outdoor Adventure: Features the Leap of Faith (an outdoor climbing challenge), a Butterfly Maze, and the Barefoot Trail.
Membership & Booking Tips
Membership Benefits: Annual membership (starting from approx. £54 for adults and £42 for children) includes:
Unlimited entry for one year.
Free reciprocal entry to several other UK zoos, including Chester Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, and Marwell Zoo.
10% discount in the gift shop and on “Animal Experiences”.
Exclusive events, such as early opening days and “Member Bring a Friend” days.
Booking Tips & Offers:
Online Discount: Purchasing tickets in advance via the Bristol Zoo Project Website typically offers a 10% discount compared to gate prices.
Family Saver: A “Family Saver” ticket offers a discount for groups of 2 adults and 2 children (or 1 adult and 3 children).
Membership Credit: If you enjoy your day, you can often claim back the cost of your day ticket against the price of an annual membership if you sign up on the same day.
Pay What You Can: Look out for seasonal initiatives, such as the “Pay What You Can” offer sometimes available for afternoon slots in late winter/early spring.