Blackpool Zoo
A 32-acre woodland zoo featuring big cats, gorillas, elephants, with interactive exhibits and a focus on breeding programs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Blackpool Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 32-acre woodland zoo featuring big cats, gorillas, elephants, with interactive exhibits and a focus on breeding programs.
"A fantastic zoo, well-kept with great exhibits, and just the right size for a family day out!"
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. Great for families with young kids!
🐦 Feed the Birds
Don't miss Rainbows End for a unique bird-feeding experience. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Lion Pool
Marine Mammal Area
Witness the impressive agility and intelligence of sea lions in their specially designed enclosure.

Orangutan Habitat
Great Ape House
Marvel at the beauty of the orangutans, with a special mention of a 'baby orangutan' being a highlight.
Rainbows End
Aviary
An interactive aviary where birds eat from your hands – a truly memorable experience for all ages.

Lemur Walk-Through
Lemur Enclosure
Get up close and personal with these charismatic primates in a unique walk-through exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key
Family Fun & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. Great for families with young kids!
🐦 Feed the Birds
Don't miss Rainbows End for a unique bird-feeding experience. Bring your camera!
🦧 See the Orangutans
The baby orangutan is a must-see! A truly beautiful sight.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Zoo is well-kept and not too hilly, perfect for little legs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active. Great for families with young kids!
🐦 Feed the Birds
Don't miss Rainbows End for a unique bird-feeding experience. Bring your camera!
🦧 See the Orangutans
The baby orangutan is a must-see! A truly beautiful sight.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Zoo is well-kept and not too hilly, perfect for little legs.
🗣️ Talk to Staff
Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, happy to share insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Blackpool Zoo for its well-maintained enclosures, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and engaging animal exhibits. Highlights include the sea lion pool, orangutans, and interactive areas like Rainbows End. While most experiences are positive, some visitors have noted a lack of staff intervention regarding disruptive behavior from other guests.
"Loved it! Not too far between various animals. Kiddies playground etc. Really liked the glass viewing windows & thought the Sea lion enclosure was brilliant! Also this is only the second time I've seen a Red Panda, (first time was at Blackpool Zoo too!) Congratulations Blackpool Zoo on an excellent day out for our family & our two year old grandson too! :)"
Sheila Bowling
"Visited with family, it was lovely to see all the breeding programs in place and the babies being born. The staff we saw were friendly and very informative and knew their stuff.
The only thing disappointing was there was enough staff just walking round to ensure parents who couldn't care if their children were chasing the geese were told to stay away from them"
Vicky Graves
"Absolutely fantastic zoo. A large array of animals on show. All looking extremely well looked after. Staff looking happy, and also knowledgeable in there chosen specialty.
The stand out for me would be the baby Orangutan, absolutely beautiful. Would definitely recommend a visit here."
Jamie Goulding
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blackpool Zoo is located on East Park Drive, FY3 8PP. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options include local bus routes that stop nearby. Many visitors find it a straightforward journey, especially if staying in Blackpool.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Blackpool Zoo. It's usually included with your admission or a small fee, making it convenient for those driving to the zoo.
Certainly! Several local bus services operate routes that stop close to Blackpool Zoo, making it an accessible option for visitors without a car. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Blackpool Zoo is a short drive or bus ride from the main town center, making it an easy addition to your Blackpool itinerary. It's situated in a pleasant parkland area.
For families, driving and parking is often the easiest. Alternatively, local buses are a good option, and the zoo is generally easy to navigate once you arrive, minimizing travel stress within the attraction itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and concessions. It's always best to check the official Blackpool Zoo website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, which can sometimes offer discounts. Family tickets are often available.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the gate upon arrival. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry and potentially save money.
Blackpool Zoo often has special offers, including member discounts and sometimes seasonal promotions. Checking their website or signing up for their newsletter is a good way to stay informed about potential savings.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season. Generally, the zoo opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Always verify the exact opening and closing times on the official Blackpool Zoo website before your visit.
While there isn't a specific 'fast-track' option advertised, arriving early, especially on weekdays, can help you avoid longer queues at the ticket booths and enter the zoo more quickly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the sea lions, the orangutans (especially the babies!), and the lemurs in the walk-through exhibit. The zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including big cats and elephants, offering something for everyone.
Yes, Blackpool Zoo has a dedicated children's playground, which is a big hit with families. It's a great place for kids to burn off energy between animal viewings.
The zoo schedules various feeding times and keeper talks throughout the day for different animals. These are excellent opportunities to learn more about the animals and see them at their most active. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
Absolutely! The zoo is well-maintained, not too hilly, and has a playground. The walk-through exhibits and interactive areas like Rainbows End are particularly engaging for younger children.
Yes, many exhibits are designed for close viewing, including glass-fronted enclosures and walk-through areas like the lemur exhibit. Rainbows End allows birds to feed from your hands, offering a very close encounter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Blackpool Zoo has a cafe and other food outlets where you can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks. Options typically include hot food, sandwiches, and treats.
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own picnics and drinks to enjoy within the zoo grounds. There are often designated picnic areas available.
The zoo cafe usually offers a range of family-friendly options, such as burgers, chips, sandwiches, salads, and children's meal deals. They also serve hot and cold beverages.
While specific menus can change, most zoo cafes aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check with the staff at the cafe upon arrival for the most up-to-date vegetarian and vegan choices.
Food prices at attractions can be higher than outside. Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money, especially for families. If purchasing food, consider it part of your day's budget.
📸 📸 Photography
The walk-through lemur exhibit and Rainbows End offer fantastic opportunities for close-up shots. The sea lion pool and orangutan enclosures also provide great photographic moments. Look for areas with good natural light.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb and stress the animals. Many exhibits are well-lit, and your camera's low-light settings can often compensate.
While general photography is usually permitted, be mindful of any signage regarding specific animal enclosures or areas where photography might be restricted for animal welfare reasons.
A telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm or longer) is ideal for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance. A wider lens can be useful for capturing the habitat or group shots.
Be patient! Wait for animals to be active or in good light. Try to get down to their level if possible. Focus on their eyes for engaging portraits. Look for opportunities to capture natural behaviors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Blackpool Zoo with Young Children
When planning your visit with toddlers or young children, consider arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds and to see the animals when they are most active. The walk-through lemur exhibit is another highlight, allowing for close encounters that captivate young imaginations. The zoo's commitment to breeding programs and the presence of baby animals also add to the appeal for families eager to see new life. Remember to check the daily schedule for feeding times and keeper talks, as these can be highly engaging for children and provide educational insights into animal behavior.
Maximizing Your Visit: Animal Encounters & Keeper Talks
Beyond the scheduled events, many exhibits are designed for excellent viewing. The glass-fronted enclosures allow for clear observation, and the walk-through habitats, like the lemur enclosure, offer an immersive experience. Visitors often highlight the sea lion enclosure and the orangutan habitat as particularly impressive. Don't forget to explore Rainbows End for a chance to interact with birds, a truly unique experience that many visitors cherish. Checking the daily schedule upon arrival will help you plan your route to catch as many of these engaging encounters as possible.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit