Paignton Zoo

The South West’s biggest animal attraction, Paignton Zoo in Devon draws visitors from far and wide to discover magical animal kingdoms. From world wetlands to the sprawling African savannah to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia and South America and more, you can cover all corners of the globe and discover their wild and wonderful residents.

An unforgettable experience for all, from the many years young to the young at heart, you can explore the zoo at your own pace. An extensive site home to 2,500 animals across 80 acres, you will need a whole day (if not more!) to really see and do all that is on offer. Gather up your children for a fun-filled family day or couple up and get ready for a roaring adventure.

Starting your day, you enter the site from the main entrance and immediately are met with the vibrant pink garbs of the zoo’s flamboyance of flamingos, both dazzling and regal. From here, the path splinters and branches off in several different directions. Make your way to the reptile house or perhaps go straight to the big cats. For cheeky monkeys, the ape centre is the place to be, while little adventurers will love hopping aboard the Jungle Express Train.

Adding to the eclectic mix, Paignton Zoo hosts a number of events both throughout the day and the calendar. Pay attention to special days of the year, including Bee Week and World Lion Day, and also look out for the regular feeding sessions held daily. For something really unique, the zoo’s award-winning animal experiences for children (8+) and adults allow you to get up close and personal with animals and learn all about their lives.

A registered charity, Paignton Zoo is part of Wild Planet Trust and puts education and conservation at the core of everything it does. Recognising the very real problems facing our planet and global wildlife populations, from climate change to poaching, habitat loss to pollution and much more, the zoo strives to raise awareness and push towards a world safe for the wild.

Take in the sights, fall in love with all the furry and feathered faces and even take one of the residents home with you (sort of) by adopting an animal. Open every day of the year apart from Christmas, you can look forward to year-round visits whatever the weather, revisiting old friends and welcoming the zoo’s new arrivals. If you are looking forward to a luxury group holiday with your nearest and dearest, the zoo offers discounted admission on groups of 15 people and over.

Feeling inspired? Take a look through our gorgeous Devon retreats here.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU | 01803 697500 | www.paigntonzoo.org.uk