Newquay Zoo

Description

If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Newquay, Newquay Zoo is a brilliant choice. Set within Trenance Gardens, this popular 13-acre zoo lets families get close to hundreds of amazing animals, including endangered species, playful primates, and Humboldt penguins. It is a wonderful destination for parents wanting an educational day out that gets children interacting directly with nature in a compact, accessible setting.

Price starts from £19.00 for Adults(16 years and over), £15.50 for Children(3-15 years & under 5s free). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines exotic wildlife conservation with lush botanical gardens, this zoo is a premier choice. It provides an engaging, manageable walkthrough experience where children can burn off energy in play areas while learning about global wildlife preservation.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Outdoor Play Area: Dedicated children's play space located near the meerkat enclosure for little ones to let off steam.
  • The Tarzan Trail: Adventurous rope and wooden climbing course situated above the old bus stop area.
  • Daily Keeper Talks & Feeds: Scheduled talks where expert staff share fascinating facts about penguins, carnivores, and primates.
  • Subtropical Gardens: Thirteen acres of lush botanical pathways and relaxing lawns perfect for family picnics.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Red Panda Enclosure: Spot the charming red pandas as they navigate the leafy branches of their specialized habitat. Their inquisitive nature makes them an instant favourite for young children and photography enthusiasts alike.
  • Humboldt Penguin Pool: Watch the lively colony of penguins dive, swim, and splash around their water exhibit. Kids love watching them dart underwater from the viewing panels during feeding times.
  • The African Savanna Exhibits: Catch a glimpse of energetic zebras and other savanna residents moving through spacious paddock environments. It gives children a vivid look at large exotic mammals right in the heart of Cornwall.
  • Primate Walkways and Monkey Islands: Observe cheeky lemurs, monkeys, and apes swinging through custom island habitats. Their playful antics provide endless amusement for toddlers.
  • The Tarzan Trail and Play Park: Let older kids tackle the high rope obstacles of the Tarzan Trail while younger tots enjoy the ground-level play equipment near the meerkats. It is an ideal spot to break up the walking tour with high-energy fun.

Facilities

  • Toilets: Public accessible restrooms and baby-changing facilities located conveniently on-site.
  • Accessibility: Paved pathways make the 13-acre site manageable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, though hilly sections reflect the local terrain.
  • Buggy Parking: Designated buggy parking areas are available near major indoor or busy exhibits.
  • Food Options: Café Lemur and seasonal kiosks provide hot meals, light snacks, ice cream, and drinks.

Pro-Tips

  • Book Online Before 10 AM: Purchase tickets online prior to 10:00 AM on the day of your visit to secure special online discounts.
  • Guard Your Picnic: If bringing your own food to enjoy on the lawn, keep a close eye on local gulls who target outdoor lunches during summer.
  • Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: The zoo features sloping garden paths across its 13 acres, so flat trainers are best.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is Newquay Zoo worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is ideal for toddlers because the compact 13-acre layout prevents little legs from getting exhausted, and close-up animal viewings keep young children captivated throughout the trip.
  • How long does a visit take? Families typically spend between 2 and 3 hours exploring the animal exhibits, watching keeper talks, playing on the Tarzan Trail, and stopping for lunch.
  • Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is the council-owned public car park located directly outside the main entrance to the zoo in Trenance Gardens.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Trenance Leisure Park: Surrounding council-managed park featuring miniature golf, pedal boats, and a leisure pool.
  • Newquay Beaches: Famous golden sands including Fistral Beach and Towan Beach located within walking distance.
  • Blue Reef Aquarium: Marine life attraction situated nearby in the town centre for combined aquatic adventures.
  • South West Coast Path: Scenic clifftop walking routes offering dramatic coastal views across Cornwall.

What Visitors Love:

  • The intimate, compact scale of the 13-acre site prevents young children from getting overwhelmed or exhausted by massive walking distances.
  • The proximity to animal enclosures allows kids to get unusually close to species like sloths and lemurs.
  • The integration with Trenance Gardens provides a peaceful, green setting that feels relaxing even during busy periods.
  • The combination of animal exhibits and the Tarzan Trail keeps children engaged for hours.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Certain animal pools and older enclosures can occasionally show signs of wear or require maintenance updates.
  • Catering queues can swell during peak lunch hours in the main summer holidays.
  • Parking directly outside requires using council-owned public car parks rather than a dedicated zoo-operated car park.

Animals & Attractions

  • Humboldt Penguins: A colony of coastal seabirds housed in a dedicated pool habitat.
  • Red Pandas: Arboreal mammals residing in a leafy, vertically complex enclosure.
  • African Zebras: Striking hoofed mammals featured in the open paddock areas.
  • Asian Lions or Carnivores: Rare predators showcased in secure, enriched naturalistic habitats.
  • Sloths: Gentle tree-dwelling mammals known for their slow-paced, fascinating behaviour.
  • Meerkats: Inquisitive small mammals sharing space near the primary children's play area.
  • Café Lemur: On-site main eatery serving hot meals, children's lunch boxes, coffee, and cake.
  • Seasonal Food Outlets: Additional snack kiosks open during peak visitor seasons.

New for 2026

  • Updated Interactive Maps: Brand-new digital and physical maps highlighting newly redesigned animal territories.
  • Habitat Enhancements: Ongoing infrastructure investments improving visitor viewing windows and animal welfare spaces.
  • Refreshed Catering Menus: Expanded family-friendly meal options and local treats available at Café Lemur.
  • Streamlined Mobile Ticketing: Upgraded online checkout portal offering fast-track mobile barcode scanning at the gates.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard Tickets

  • Adult (16+): From £19.00
  • Child (3–15 years): From £15.50
  • Toddler (1–2 years): From £3.00
  • Infant (Under 1 year): Free of charge

Summer Saver Tickets

  • Adult (16+): From £19.00
  • Child (3–15 years): From £15.50
  • Toddler (1–2 years): From £3.00
  • Infant (Under 1): Free of charge

Flexi Tickets

  • Adult (16+): £21.00 per person
  • Child (3–15 years): £17.00 per person
  • Toddler (1–2 years): £3.50 per person

Pricing URL: https://www.newquayzoo.uk/tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The planned package includes:

  • Birthday card – A special birthday card for the birthday child.
  • Plush animal gift – The birthday child receives a cuddly animal toy to take home.
  • Discounted group entry – Party guests can benefit from discounted group admission.
  • Animal-themed bingo – A fun bingo activity for children to enjoy while exploring the zoo.
  • Outdoor play areas – Guests can enjoy multiple outdoor play areas during their visit.
  • Zoo adventure – Families can explore the zoo and discover animals and species from around the world.

Please visit website for more information.

  • Spring/Summer (30 March – 28 September): 4.00pm-5.00pm
  • Autumn (29 September – 24 October): 3.30pm-4.30pm
  • Autumn Half Term (25 October – 2 November): 4.00pm-5.00pm
  • Autumn Half Term (25 October – 2 November): 3.00pm-4.00pm

Address: Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ

Post Code: TR7 2LZ

Council: Cornwall

County: Cornwall

  • By Bus: There are regular bus services that stop at Newquay Zoo. For more information, please visit: firstbus.co.uk.
  • By Car: Set your Sat Nav for TR7 2LZ. Newquay Zoo is located at Trenance Gardens, just off the A3058, one mile from Newquay town centre.
  • By Train: Newquay train station is located in the town centre, which is just a short 10 minute walk to Newquay Zoo. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from the train station which will bring you directly to Newquay Zoo. 
  • Parking: Visitors can use the council-owned public car park situated immediately outside the main entrance gates, which includes bike racks for cyclists.

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