Name: Dartmoor Zoo
Rating: 5.0

Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth, Devon PL7 5DG, England, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

2072
0
0

Description

If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Devon, Dartmoor Zoo is a brilliant choice. This popular wildlife park gives families the chance to see lions, tigers, and wolves set within a sprawling countryside landscape. It provides an engaging, educational day out where children can explore outdoor animal enclosures, interactive discovery sessions, and woodland paths.

Standard adult tickets cost £22.95, while child tickets for ages 3 to 15 are priced at £16.95. Toddlers under 3 years old are admitted completely free of charge. Concessions, family tickets, and annual membership passes are also available online and at the gate.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines thrilling wild animals with beautiful moorland views, this zoo is a top option. It offers an inspiring, down-to-earth environment that makes learning about wildlife conservation exciting for all ages.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Conservation and Rescue Focus: A dedicated educational charity offering a permanent home to rescued and endangered exotic animals.
Daily Keeper Talks: Engaging talks and feeding sessions where keepers share direct facts about the resident species.
Educational Day Out: Informative signage and hands-on workshops highlighting global wildlife protection and animal welfare.
Diverse Habitats: A mix of open paddocks, wooded enclosures, a reptile house, and indoor educational centers.

Top 5 Highlights

The Big Cat Enclosures: Watch magnificent lions and tigers roam through their expansive outdoor spaces. Children find watching these powerful predators up close an unforgettable highlight of the park.
The European Wolves: Observe the resident pack of wolves as they interact and patrol their wooded enclosure. It is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about pack behavior in a naturalistic setting.
The Reptile and Bug House: Step inside to discover a fascinating collection of scaled and armored residents, including snakes, lizards, and invertebrates. It provides an educational look at cold-blooded species for curious young explorers.
The Jaguar Habitat: Visit the specialized enclosure built to showcase agile big cats. Families can catch incredible views of the jaguar moving through climbing structures and water features.
Daily Animal Feeds and Keeper Talks: Join the animal care team for scheduled feeding times across various species yards throughout the day. These sessions let families get closer and learn direct facts from the expert keepers.

Facilities

Toilets: Public restrooms with accessible and baby-changing facilities are located near the main entrance and restaurant.
Food Options: The Jaguar Restaurant offers hot meals, snacks, and drinks, alongside multiple outdoor picnic areas.
Buggy Parking: Designated buggy parking areas are available near major indoor exhibits and dining venues.
Gift Shop: A retail shop offering wildlife souvenirs, toys, books, and adoption packs.

Pro-Tips

Footwear Choice: Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, as the zoo is set on hilly moorland terrain with sloping paths.
Arrival Timing: Arrive right when the gates open in the morning to catch the most active periods for the big cats and secure close parking.
Book Online: Purchase tickets online in advance to save on standard gate prices and speed up your arrival entry.

Targeted FAQ

Is Dartmoor Zoo worth it for toddlers? The zoo is well-suited for toddlers because it features manageable walking routes, an outdoor adventure playground, and friendly farm animals alongside exciting big cats that capture young imaginations.
How long does a family visit take? A standard family visit lasts between 3 and 4 hours, giving you ample time to explore the animal enclosures, attend keeper talks, and enjoy lunch at the restaurant.
Do I need to book tickets in advance? Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to secure discounted entry rates and ensure quick, hassle-free access upon arrival at the gate.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Dartmoor National Park: Explore the wider open moorlands, rugged tors, and scenic walking trails surrounding the zoo.
Plymouth Hoe and Barbican: Visit nearby historic waterfront areas featuring maritime heritage, independent shops, and family eateries.
National Marine Aquarium: Discover extensive marine life exhibits located just a short drive away in Plymouth.

What Visitors Love:

The inspiring real-life rescue story behind the zoo gives the park a genuine, community-focused feel.
Friendly and passionate staff who deliver engaging keeper talks filled with fascinating facts.
Stunning countryside views surrounding the enclosures that make walking around a pleasure.
Great balance of animals, play areas, and picnic spots to keep children thoroughly entertained.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Steep slopes and hilly paths can make pushing buggies or walking for long periods quite tiring.
Catering queues can build up quickly during peak school holiday periods.
Certain outdoor sections can get muddy during heavy autumn and winter rainfalls.

Attractions & Animal Zones

Big Cat Territory: Dedicated habitats housing lions, tigers, and jaguars.
Wolf Wood: Natural woodland enclosure for the park's wolf pack.
Reptile House: Indoor shelter for exotic snakes, lizards, and amphibians.
Monkey and Primate Paddock: Enclosures featuring lemurs, monkeys, and smaller primates.
Farm Yard and Small Animals: Home to domestic farm species, meerkats, and raccoons.
The Jaguar Restaurant and Play Area: A central hub featuring dining options and an outdoor children's adventure play zone.

New for 2026

Refurbished Visitor Walkways: Upgraded paths and viewing platforms designed to improve accessibility across all weather conditions.
Expanded Conservation Talks: New interactive daily educational sessions focusing on rescue rehabilitation stories and global biodiversity projects.
Upgraded Play Spaces: Enhanced outdoor adventure zones featuring new climbing frames and family seating areas.
Enhanced Sensory Trails: Specially designed quiet routes and sensory engagement stations for neurodivergent visitors.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £22.95.
Concession (65+ & Students): £20.95.
Child (3–15 years): £16.95.
Children 2 and under: FREE.
Family (4 people, maximum 2 adults): £67.95.

Pricing URL: https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/yourvisit/tickets-and-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Dartmoor Zoo offers dedicated children's birthday party packages that include zoo entry, a dedicated host, animal-themed activities, and party food options.
Enquiries: Please contact the zoo events team directly via email at [email protected] or through their official website enquiry form.

Normal Opening: 7 days a week, 10am–4pm.
Summer Opening: 7 days a week, 10am–5pm (18 July–6 September 2026).
Last Entry: 1 hour before closing.
Closed: 24–26 December, inclusive.

Address: Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth, Devon PL7 5DG, England, UK

Post Code: PL7 5DG

Council: Plymouth

County: Devon

By Bus: The 59 bus service stops outside the zoo main entrance. Route 59 operates from Monday to Saturday. There is no service on Sundays and bank holidays. The 59 leaves Royal Parade (stop A13) in Plymouth City Centre takes around 30 minutes, stopping at Sparkwell village and then right outside the zoo entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes in the opposite direction from the George Park and Ride outside of Plymouth.
By Car: Arriving from the A38-If you’re arriving from the A38, take the Deep Lane turn off signed for Plympton, follow the signs for ‘Wildlife Park’ from the roundabout at Chaddlewood. This will take you past Langage Business Park to Sparkwell village, which we are just on the far side of. Once you get to Sparkwell, drive through the village and you’ll find us approximately 300 yards further on. Arriving from Plympton-Continue on the B3416 towards the Chaddlewood roundabout, then go straight ahead and follow the signs to Sparkwell. Once you get to Sparkwell, drive through the village and you’ll find us approximately 300 yards further on.
By Train: The closest local train station is at Ivybridge. There is a good taxi service which can take you to the Zoo.
Car Parking: A large, free on-site car park is available directly outside the main visitor entrance.