Surprises around every corner
Nestled away in a village just outside Leicester, Twycross Zoo has the biggest collection of monkeys and apes anywhere in Europe (or even further afield). Beyond that, meet endangered animals from around the world, and hear the fascinating stories of conservation - and the race to save these special species. There's something for everyone, with cafes, shops and plenty of soft play areas to keep even the littlest guests entertained. Plus, when you sign up for Kids Pass, you can enjoy unmissable Twycross Zoo discounts to save money on your day out.
The top three things to do at Twycross Zoo
The great ape tour
There are hundreds of fascinating animals at Twycross Zoo, but none more so than our closest ancestors. Twycross Zoo is actually the only place in the UK that you can see all of the four great apes in one place! This means that amongst the 125 species you can find at the zoo, some of the star attractions are the gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos.
Tiger encounter
Sumatran Tigers moved to Twycross Zoo in 2019 and the best way to see them up close and in action is through booking a tiger encounter. The encounter includes a meal of your choice at the zoo so you can discuss your favourite tiger whilst enjoying delicious food.
Keeper for a day
During a keeper experience, you will get an intimate experience with wallabies and can help the trained keepers prepare meals for some of the most ferocious animals at the zoo. From feeding primates to helping to clean enclosures your day as a keeper will be busy but very enjoyable!
What other facilities are there?
Visitors to the zoo are well catered for, with a choice of places to eat - including the View Restaurant, overlooking the Snow leopard habitat. There are also great soft play areas for little ones and lots of special events throughout the year that allow them to learn about conservation and animal protection.
What age group is Twycross Zoo suitable for?
Twycross Zoo is a great day out for the whole family - children of all ages can enjoy the animals and educational exhibits, and there is also a range of play areas to keep them entertained. There's plenty for adults to enjoy as well, with lots to see and some pleasant places to stop for coffees or food.
When is the best time to visit?
The zoo is open all year round, with a reasonable provision of covered viewing areas and indoor areas. That said, some of the animals are most likely to be visible and active in dry weather, so you may wish to choose a sunnier day if you can.
What else is there to do in the area?
A little further north you can find another great outdoor attraction for the family, with the assorted wildlife trails and conservation centre at Rosliston. For wet weather, or if you just fancy something different - one of the biggest attractions in nearby Leicester is the National Space Centre, which can comfortably keep a family entertained for many hours with fascinating space stories and interactive exhibits.
