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Paignton Zoo
Type:Zoo
- Book Tickets
- Reviews
- Events
- About
- Enquiry
- Map & Directions
Book Tickets Online
Opening Dates and Times
| Open Christmas |
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| Open New Year |
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| 2026 Opening (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026) |
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Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Please go to the Paignton Zoo website to find full information regarding current day admission prices.
About
VISIT PAIGNTON ZOO FOR AN INSPIRING DAY OUT…
With thousands of astonishing animals amid 80 acres of glorious gardens, Paignton Zoo offers a fantastic day out in South Devon!
Discover gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, tigers, red pandas, and rhinos as you explore specially designed habitats from savannah to tropical forest. Brave the wobbly bridge over Lemur Wood, marvel at our cheeky troop on Baboon Rock, and venture inside our immersive Crocodile Swamp exhibit.
To refuel during the day, there are various food outlets around the site to grab a drink or snack, or you can enjoy a spot of lunch at the Island Restaurant in the heart of the zoo. Situated in the main entrance, the Living World gift shop is stocked full of unique gifts, cuddly toys, souvenirs, and an eco-friendly range.
Paignton Zoo is a registered charity, so not only do you get a great day out, you know your money is going to a good cause: supporting education, scientific research and practical conservation. Owned by Libema, Paignton Zoo supports a number of projects in the UK and overseas that aim to conserve wildlife in the wild, as well as playing a key role in breeding programmes for rare and endangered species.
Paignton Zoo is open from 10am every day (except Christmas Day).
Closing times and last entry varies throughout the year so please see their website to find out more.
Paignton Zoo exists to protect wildlife and inspire people to care about the natural world. Through conservation breeding, scientific collaboration, education and sustainable horticulture, we contribute to global efforts to safeguard endangered species. Every visit supports this work.
Paignton Zoo is an active member of:
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
We participate in numerous EAZA Ex situ Programmes (EEPs) and manage international studbooks for selected species, including the southern cassowary and Sulawesi crested macaque.
The zoo is home to eleven Critically Endangered species, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, and Bornean orangutans.
Our work connects local action in Devon with global conservation networks.
Gradings
- Quality Assured - Visitor Attraction Visit England
Awards
- Visit England
Visit England - Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2019 - TripAdvisor Awards
TripAdvisor - Certificate of Excellence - 2020 2020 - Regional and Miscellaneous -
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
TripAdvisor
- Excellent3637
- Very Good1335
- Average505
- Poor279
- Terrible239
Recent Reviews:
- davidsmith1990Great zoo trip
25/05/2026Had a lovely trip to the zoo with family luckily we have a membership so come often I always loved seeing the monkeys & meerkats On this occasion we visited the restaurant and have too say we loved... Read full review - Rebecca CLion experience at Paignton Zoo26/05/2026My daughter participated in the Lion Experience at Paignton Zoo during our visit this May. Cindy was a fabulous host from beginning to end and provided answers to questions and advice on career... Read full review
- wildab2862Overpriced, too much construction, too many paths were closed
28/05/2026We went on 20th May 2026, it was a warm day, they had no water refill sites, didn't sell bottled water in the restaurant and didn't have any of the ice cream stalls open. There was so much... Read full review
Facilities
Children & Infants
- Facilities for children
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
Facilities
Other
- Gift Shop
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- Facilities for Disabled Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted - Not near the Big Cats
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Attraction Facilities
- Shop
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant - Restaurant seating 400 max, and bar; snack kiosk, outdoor seating for 50.
- Picnic Site
Children & Infants
- Facilities for children
Establishment Features
- On-site Restaurant/Cafe
- Open All Year
- Picnic Area
- Shop
- Tea / Coffee Shop
- Toilets
Key Features
- Approx length of visit - An average visit to the zoo is 4 to 5 hours or a whole day, for guests who like to see everything around the site.
- In countryside
- In town/city centre
- Outdoor Attraction
Parking & Transport
- Free Car Parking
- On Bus Route
- Parking (free)
Payment Methods
- Booking essential
- Contactless payment accepted
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards children
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Sustainability
- Waste - Plastic-Free
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
Travel & Trade
- Group discounts available
- Wi-fi available
View Less
Paignton Zoo
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Paignton Zoo is located on the A3022 Totnes Road, 1 mile from Paignton town centre. Once in Paignton follow the brown tourist signs, marked with an elephant and 'Zoological Gardens'. The zoo is situated near to Morrisons supermarket. The car park for the zoo is to the left from the roundabout.
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