Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Step into a humid, lush tropical rainforest and zoo, a surprising urban oasis in Swansea. Discover exotic plants and diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a humid, lush tropical rainforest and zoo, a surprising urban oasis in Swansea. Discover exotic plants and diverse wildlife.
"A small, but lovely zoo, beautifully laid out with a very reasonably priced gift shop."
🎯 Pre-book for Savings
Booking online offers discounts and ensures entry, especially on busy days. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Revisit Exhibits
Animals behave differently throughout the day; a second loop might reveal more activity. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tropical Rainforest Immersion
Indoor Glass Pyramid
Step into a humid, lush jungle with exotic plants, waterfalls, and rainforest sounds. A true escape from the everyday.
Diverse Wildlife Encounters
Various Habitats
Discover a surprising variety of animals, from tortoises and meerkats to parrots and crocodiles. Educational and engaging for all ages.
Interactive Children's Trail
Throughout the Zoo
Engage kids with a fun quiz and trail, encouraging them to learn about the plants and animals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pre-book for Savings
Booking online offers discounts and ensures entry, especially on busy days. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Revisit Exhibits
Animals behave differently throughout the day; a second loop might reveal more activity. :camerawithflash:
💧 Beat the Heat
It's a tropical environment, so expect humidity and warmth. Dress accordingly!
🧩 Engage with the Trail
The children's trail adds focus and fun, making the visit more interactive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pre-book for Savings
Booking online offers discounts and ensures entry, especially on busy days. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Revisit Exhibits
Animals behave differently throughout the day; a second loop might reveal more activity. :camerawithflash:
💧 Beat the Heat
It's a tropical environment, so expect humidity and warmth. Dress accordingly!
🧩 Engage with the Trail
The children's trail adds focus and fun, making the visit more interactive.
🚗 Parking Availability
Free parking is available, but the car park can get very busy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plantasia Tropical Zoo is a surprisingly diverse and engaging indoor attraction, praised for its immersive tropical environment and variety of animals. Visitors appreciate its suitability for families and its effectiveness as a rainy-day escape. Some find it a bit small for the price, and the gift shop can be expensive, but the friendly staff and unique atmosphere generally lead to positive experiences.
"It’s a small zoo but I wasn’t expecting it to be any bigger as it is in a retail park. I was definitely surprised by the variety of animals and plants. I loved how the whole place looks like if it is in the jungle and also that are different levels. My favourite were the Egyptian and red foot tortoises."
Claudia Bula
"A small, but lovely zoo, beautifully laid out with a very reasonably priced gift shop. We did the loop numerous times and saw the animals doing lots of different things. If you can't see something on the 1st time around, I would recommend going back as this worked well for us."
Amie Jones
"For a zoo on a retail park this was very reasonable and fun to visit.
It’s cleverly ‘layered’ to give it lots of interesting perspectives and heights. The wildlife selection was decent for young children, of course you can’t help but feel sad for some in captivity, like the Macaw for example. But I guess that’s zoo’s for you.
We arrived but hadn’t booked. It was full booked but they advised there were slots available later and to book online. Which was fine for us to do and wonder the many other retail outlets before going back.
Overall perfect experience on a day with bad weather."
Rajen Mistry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plantasia is conveniently located at Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea SA1 2AL, right in the city centre. It's about a 50-minute drive from Cardiff, depending on traffic on the M4.
As it's in the city centre retail park, it's likely accessible via local bus routes that serve Swansea city centre. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
There is free parking available at the Parc Tawe Retail Park where Plantasia is located. However, visitors have noted that the car park can become exceptionally busy, especially on days when Plantasia is a popular choice for escaping bad weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are around £8.95 for adults and £6.95 for children, with under 2s free. Pre-booking online can offer savings. +1 A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) can expect to pay around £34.00.
It is highly recommended to pre-book tickets online. This not only saves money but also guarantees your entry, as the zoo can be fully booked, especially during peak times or inclement weather.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Plantasia website or social media for the most current information before your visit.
While it's possible to visit without pre-booking, you might find it's fully booked. Staff may advise on available slots later in the day, but pre-booking is the most reliable way to secure your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Plantasia offers an immersive tropical rainforest experience with a variety of exotic plants, waterfalls, and a surprising range of animals including tortoises, meerkats, parrots, and crocodiles.
Most visitors find that Plantasia can be explored within an hour to an hour and a half at a relaxed pace. However, some enjoy revisiting exhibits to see animals in different states of activity.
Yes, Plantasia is very family-friendly and great for young children. The indoor environment is perfect for a rainy day, and the children's trail provides an engaging activity. +2
Plantasia occasionally hosts special events, including themed nights like Halloween adventures and dinosaur encounters.
It's worth checking their schedule for any upcoming events.
+1
The zoo is designed to offer good viewing opportunities for most animals. Some visitors have noted specific animals like the Macaw, while visible, might evoke feelings of sadness due to captivity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about on-site dining options is limited in user-generated content. It's advisable to check the official Plantasia website or contact them directly for details on cafes or food services.
There is no specific mention of a policy on bringing outside food. Given its location in a retail park, there are likely many external dining options nearby if you prefer to eat outside the attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush tropical environment, diverse plant life, and various animals offer many picturesque moments. Look for hidden secret locations that provide eye-catching views.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special events like dinosaur days Consider pre-booking tickets online to save money and ensure entry.
👫 Couples & Adults
It's a great spot for a quiet afternoon, away from the usual city bustle. Beyond the general visit, Plantasia has hosted escape rooms
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking is free, which is a significant saving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tropical Experience
This immersive atmosphere is a key draw, offering an escape from the typical Welsh weather and providing a vibrant, sensory experience. The zoo's design cleverly uses different levels to create a sense of depth and discovery, making the most of its space within the retail park setting. The attraction houses a surprising variety of exotic plants and wildlife, including a range of animals that are educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
From colourful birds to fascinating reptiles and insects, there's plenty to observe. The staff are often praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall visitor experience. While it's a contained environment, the commitment to creating an authentic tropical feel is evident. It's a popular choice for families and anyone looking for a unique day out, especially when the weather is less than ideal.
Wildlife and Conservation
Some reviews mention the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity, with specific observations about individual animals like a Macaw.
For those interested in conservation, it's worth noting that Plantasia is part of a larger effort to educate the public about biodiversity and the importance of protecting natural habitats. While not a large-scale conservation centre, it plays a role in raising awareness within its community.
Family Fun and Activities
The zoo's layout, with its different levels and hidden spots, keeps younger visitors entertained and curious.
Some visitors have also highlighted the availability of escape rooms within Plantasia, offering an additional layer of adventure for families or groups looking for a more challenging experience. Beyond the standard visit, Plantasia has hosted special events like 'Dinomania'
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit