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Welsh Mountain Zoo

4.4
·7k reviews·, United Kingdom

A conservation zoo with stunning coastal and mountain views, offering close encounters with rare animals like snow leopards and red pandas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, animals more active

CrowdLow
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Tiger...

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, animals more active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A conservation zoo with stunning coastal and mountain views, offering close encounters with rare animals like snow leopards and red pandas.

4.4
(7k reviews)

"This zoo offers a unique, intimate experience with animals and breathtaking views, making it a must-visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Online, Save Money!

Book tickets online in advance for cheaper prices and to secure family tickets.

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for inclines and declines for a comfortable visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards

Snow Leopard Enclosure

Witness these elusive big cats up close; keepers sometimes bring them to the glass for amazing interactions.

Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade

Penguin Enclosure

Don't miss the lively penguin parade, a crowd-pleaser for all ages, offering a fun and engaging experience.

Sea Lion Show

Sea Lion Show

Sea Lion Pool

Enjoy the entertaining and informative sea lion training sessions, a highlight for many visitors.

Stunning Views

Stunning Views

Various viewpoints

Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Welsh coast and mountains from many points within the zoo.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online for Savings

Save money by booking your Welsh Mountain Zoo tickets online in advance. On-the-day purchases are more expensive, and family tickets may not be available if you don't book ahead. This also helps avoid potential queues.

Prepare for Hills and Bring Snacks

The zoo is situated on a mountain, so expect hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes are a must! While there are cafes, some visitors found food options limited and pricey, so consider bringing your own snacks and drinks.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon animal talks
Why
Engaging keeper insights
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-peak seasons
Why
Quieter experience, better value
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

very greatful to the keeper that walked over to the window (the reason they came right to the glass) would fully recommend welsh mountain zoo we had a great day #snowleopard #welshmountainzoo #babysnowleopard #snowleopardcub #animals #zoo #conservation #babyanimals #cute #adorablemoment #zoo #Wales #adorableanimals #fyp #foryou
@j.nnzie
190.3K likes • 941.3K views

🎯 Book Online, Save Money!

Book tickets online in advance for cheaper prices and to secure family tickets. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for inclines and declines for a comfortable visit. Instagram

Visited the Snow Leopards at the Welsh Mountain Zoo! #snowleopard #bigcat #cat #silly #fyp
@cat_buns
62.6K likes • 237.8K views
🦝 Come to the Welsh Mountain Zoo with Us 🐧 Before we headed back home on Monday we had a visit to @welsh_mountain_zoo although the weather was awful it didn’t stop us from having fun. Wolf loved the sea lions and penguins it was so good to see their Penguin Parade. If you get the chance whilst visiting Wales its a great day out especially if the weather is good for some amazing views! Thanks so ...
emilywolfandwilde
678 likes • 3.2K views

🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food can be pricey and limited. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. Reddit

🐧 Don't Miss the Penguin Parade

A highlight for many, check timings for this fun and engaging animal display. TikTokInstagram

Welsh Mountain zoo📍📸 🏔️ Had such a lovely time here viewing alll the animals on show, they really do have a wide variety here and the opportunity to get really close 🆙😍 featuring funny meerkats, bears, tigers, alligators anddddd the cutest otters & penguins ! 🦦 🐧 😍 @welsh_mountain_zoo #welshmountainzoo #zoo #mountainzoo #northwales #wales #tigers #bears #penguins #otters #meerkats #zoophotograp...
wellnesswithlauren
13 likes • 417 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Online, Save Money!

Book tickets online in advance for cheaper prices and to secure family tickets. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for inclines and declines for a comfortable visit. Instagram

🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks

Food can be pricey and limited. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea. Reddit

🐧 Don't Miss the Penguin Parade

A highlight for many, check timings for this fun and engaging animal display. TikTokInstagram

🗣️ Attend Keeper Talks

Staff are knowledgeable and passionate, offering great insights into the animals. Reddit+1

🚗 Taxi from Station

If arriving by train, a taxi is recommended to get up the mountain to the zoo. Reddit

📸 Get Close to Animals

Many enclosures allow for surprisingly close views of the animals. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Welsh Mountain Zoo for its intimate feel, knowledgeable staff, and the opportunity to see animals up close. The stunning views and engaging animal talks, like the sea lion show, are frequently highlighted as positives. While some find the on-site food options pricey and the terrain hilly, the overall experience is highly recommended for a quality day out.

"Brilliant zoo with brilliant talks. Alex was excellent with the bear talk, she was so knowledgeable, not just with bears but with a lot of other animals. Sea lions and the show were fantastic. Food in the penguin view place was really nice and reasonably priced. We took about 5 hours to go around the whole zoo with a 3 year old and 5 year old and stuck around for two talks. We didn’t go at a rushed pace around the park. Gift shop is pricey but then they always are in these places. All in all, a great day out! Just a heads up, it’s cheaper if you book online before the day you choose to go. Don’t book on the day you’re going because it’s more expensive. No family ticket available if you don’t book before the day you go."

Emma Madden

"Now this is a Zoo! I went here with my partner and 10yr old son. We absolutely loved it from start to finish. The animals were brilliant. The staff went above and beyond; answering any questions or just talking to us about the animals they cared for. I made some amazing core memories with some of my favourite animals. I will be back as soon as I can that's for sure. There are accessible parts of the zoo but it is very much hills and slopes at parts. There are plenty of food places and toilets dotted around the place. There is always some fun activity for the kids to do to keep them busy and interested throughout your visit. Could not recommend this Zoo more highly! It's amazing!"

Paula Dolan

"Such a unique place. Staff are friendly and helpful, we went to a few talks which we don't normally do but was easy to get around, not too busy and well worth going to them. The enclosures are a little smaller compared to some other larger zoos but the animals are well loved and cared for. Fabulous views, great playground. A couple of cafes. We got chips/drinks from the safari which were reasonably priced. Plenty of parking and right by the beach so we went there after. Would highly recommend. My 13, 11 and 7 year old loved it. We will definitely go back. Arrived about 10:15 and left approx 15:30."

Sarah Gregson

What People Like

Close animal encounters
Knowledgeable staff
Beautiful views

What People Dislike

Hilly terrain
Pricey food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is located in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. If arriving by car, follow signs for the zoo. If using public transport, you can take a train to Colwyn Bay station. From there, a taxi is recommended to reach the zoo as it's uphill; walking is possible but strenuous. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at the zoo. It's generally free for visitors, making it convenient for those driving. Reddit

While local bus routes may pass near Colwyn Bay, the zoo is situated on a hill, making a direct bus to the entrance less common. A taxi from the town centre or train station is often the most practical option. Reddit

From the A55 North Wales Expressway, take Junction 20 for Colwyn Bay. Follow signs towards the town centre and then up towards the zoo. The route is well-signposted. Instagram

The nearest train station is Colwyn Bay. From there, it's a short taxi ride uphill to the zoo. Buses may serve the general area, but direct access to the zoo entrance via bus is limited. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is significantly cheaper than purchasing on the day. Family tickets may only be available when booked online. Check the official website for current pricing. Reddit

Yes, you can buy tickets at the gate, but it will be more expensive than booking online. It's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance to save money and potentially avoid queues. Reddit

Family tickets are often available when booking online in advance. Group discounts may also be offered; it's best to check the zoo's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Welsh Mountain Zoo website for the most current opening and closing times before your visit. Instagram

Yes, family tickets are typically available, especially when booking online in advance. These often offer better value for groups. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the snow leopards, sea lions, penguins, and red pandas. The zoo houses a variety of rare and exotic animals, offering close encounters. TikTokInstagramReddit+2

Absolutely! Kids love the animal encounters, the penguin parade, and the sea lion show. There's also a playground. The hilly terrain might be challenging for very young children, but many families have a great time. InstagramReddit+1

The zoo is built on a mountainside, so expect it to be quite hilly with slopes and inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. InstagramReddit

Yes, the zoo offers engaging animal talks and demonstrations, such as the sea lion training. These are highly recommended for learning more about the animals. Reddit+1

There are cafes, toilets, and a gift shop. Some areas offer stunning views of the coast and mountains. There's also a playground for children. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are cafes and food outlets, including the Penguin View cafe and the Safari restaurant. Options can include baguettes, hot dogs, and chips. Reddit+1

Some visitors found the food to be quite pricey, with a basic baguette costing around £9. Bringing your own food and drinks is a common recommendation. Reddit+1

Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted and recommended by many visitors due to the cost of on-site options. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is limited, but standard cafe fare like baguettes and chips are usually available. It's best to inquire directly or bring your own suitable food. Reddit

The Penguin View cafe and the Safari restaurant are mentioned. While prices can be high, they offer convenient options. Many visitors prefer to picnic. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Look for areas with clear views of the animals, especially the snow leopards and penguins. The panoramic views of the coast and mountains also make for great scenic shots. TikTokInstagram

Yes, many enclosures are designed to allow for surprisingly close views, making it easier to capture detailed photos of the animals. TikTokInstagram

While enclosures can sometimes present challenges, the zoo's design often provides good vantage points. Patience and good timing, especially during keeper talks, can yield great results. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens is beneficial for capturing distant animals. However, even a smartphone can capture excellent shots due to the close proximity of many animals. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Check for any specific signage. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will be thrilled by the chance to see animals up close, especially during the popular penguin parade and sea lion shows. The zoo's commitment to conservation means there are always interesting facts to learn, making it an educational outing. TikTokInstagramReddit

Be prepared for the zoo's hilly layout; comfortable shoes are a must for both adults and children. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a smart move, as food prices can add up. Consider booking tickets online in advance to take advantage of potential savings and family ticket offers. InstagramReddit+1

🚶 Budget Travelers

To make your visit more budget-friendly, book your tickets online in advance. This is consistently recommended as it offers significant savings compared to on-the-day prices and may be the only way to access family ticket deals. Reddit

Another key tip is to pack your own food and drinks. Many visitors find the on-site cafes to be pricey, so bringing a picnic or snacks can help keep costs down. While there's an entrance fee, the overall experience can be very rewarding without breaking the bank if you plan ahead.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Welsh Mountain Zoo offers excellent opportunities for photographers, especially due to the close proximity of many animals to viewing areas. The snow leopards, in particular, are a highlight, with keepers sometimes bringing them very close to the glass. TikTokInstagram+1

Beyond the animals, the zoo's location provides stunning scenic backdrops of the Welsh coast and mountains. Consider bringing a camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife shots, but even a smartphone can capture great images. Be mindful of lighting conditions and any potential barriers within enclosures.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Landscape and Views

Perched atop Colwyn Bay, the Welsh Mountain Zoo offers more than just animal encounters; it boasts spectacular panoramic views of the North Wales coastline and the surrounding mountains. This unique location means visitors should be prepared for a hilly terrain, making comfortable footwear a must. The landscape itself is a significant part of the visitor experience, providing a beautiful backdrop for the animals and a pleasant environment for a day out. Instagram+1

Many visitors highlight these stunning vistas as a key feature, adding an extra dimension to the zoo visit. The combination of wildlife and scenic beauty makes it a memorable destination. It's worth taking moments to pause and appreciate the scenery, especially from elevated points within the zoo. InstagramReddit

Animal Encounters and Conservation

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is known for providing opportunities to get surprisingly close to its inhabitants. Visitors frequently mention the intimate feel of the zoo, where animals often appear more accessible than in larger, more crowded zoos. This proximity allows for fantastic viewing and photography opportunities, particularly with species like the snow leopards, where keepers have been known to bring them right up to the glass. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Beyond the close encounters, the zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation. It houses a diverse collection of around 80 species across its 37 acres, playing a role in breeding programs and raising awareness. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about their work, and attending their talks is highly recommended for gaining deeper insights into the animals' lives and the zoo's conservation efforts. InstagramReddit+1

Family Fun and Practicalities

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a popular choice for family days out, with children often captivated by the animals and interactive elements like the penguin parade and sea lion shows. While the hilly terrain can be a consideration, many families find it manageable and enjoyable. There's a playground on-site to keep younger visitors entertained. InstagramReddit+1

Practical advice from visitors often revolves around booking tickets online to save money and avoid higher on-the-day prices. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is also a frequently shared tip, as on-site food can be perceived as expensive. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable due to the zoo's mountainous location. InstagramReddit+1

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