Name: Shaldon Zoo
Rating: 5.0

Shaldon Zoo

Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Ness Drive, Shaldon, Teignmouth, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in South Devon, Shaldon Zoo is a brilliant choice. Set in peaceful woodland above the coastal village of Shaldon, this intimate zoo lets families get unusually close to rare and endangered small animals. It is a wonderful destination for parents wanting an educational day out that helps children appreciate wildlife in a relaxed, unhurried environment.

Standard admission prices start from £10.95 for children (aged 3–15) and £12.95 for adults, with family saver tickets available for £37.50. Children under 3 go completely free. These base rates exclude a 10% voluntary donation, which supports the zoo’s vital conservation efforts.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines animal conservation with a quiet, scenic coastal setting, this zoo is a premier choice. It provides an engaging, manageable experience where children can observe exotic species in a space designed for curiosity rather than commercial spectacle.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Toilets: On-site facilities available, including baby-changing areas.
Accessibility: The zoo is set on a steep hill with steps in the older sections; while much is accessible, it is best to check the site’s specific access guide before visiting with a large pushchair.
Buggy Parking: The site’s compact, woodland nature means some paths are narrow or sloped, so consider a lightweight stroller if possible.
Food Options: Picnic areas are available throughout the zoo; visitors often choose to eat in the nearby village for a wider selection.

Pro-Tips

Check Keeper Talks: Upon arrival, check the noticeboard at the entrance for that day’s feeding schedule to avoid missing the most exciting animal activity.
Wear Sturdy Shoes: Because the site is built on a hillside with natural paths, trainers or sensible walking shoes are a must for both adults and children.
Use Free Re-entry: The zoo allows free re-entry on the same day, so you can head into Shaldon village for lunch and return for a second look at the animals.

Targeted FAQ

Is Shaldon Zoo worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is excellent for toddlers because the zoo’s small, quiet layout is manageable for little legs and offers close-up animal encounters that aren't possible at larger, commercial theme-park style zoos.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1 to 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to explore the zoo's compact woodland paths, watch the animals, and enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.
Where is the best place to park? There is no parking on-site, so the best strategy is to use the public car parks located in Shaldon village, which are just a short, pleasant walk from the zoo entrance.

Facilities

Toilets: On-site facilities available, including baby-changing areas.
Accessibility: The zoo is set on a steep hill with steps in the older sections; while much is accessible, it is best to check the site’s specific access guide before visiting with a large pushchair.
Buggy Parking: The site’s compact, woodland nature means some paths are narrow or sloped, so consider a lightweight stroller if possible.
Food Options: Picnic areas are available throughout the zoo; visitors often choose to eat in the nearby village for a wider selection.

Pro-Tips

Check Keeper Talks: Upon arrival, check the noticeboard at the entrance for that day’s feeding schedule to avoid missing the most exciting animal activity.
Wear Sturdy Shoes: Because the site is built on a hillside with natural paths, trainers or sensible walking shoes are a must for both adults and children.
Use Free Re-entry: The zoo allows free re-entry on the same day, so you can head into Shaldon village for lunch and return for a second look at the animals.

Targeted FAQ

Is Shaldon Zoo worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is excellent for toddlers because the zoo’s small, quiet layout is manageable for little legs and offers close-up animal encounters that aren't possible at larger, commercial theme-park style zoos.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1 to 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to explore the zoo's compact woodland paths, watch the animals, and enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.
Where is the best place to park? There is no parking on-site, so the best strategy is to use the public car parks located in Shaldon village, which are just a short, pleasant walk from the zoo entrance.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Shaldon Village: A charming fishing village perfect for a post-zoo ice cream or walk along the beach.
Teignmouth Ferry: Take the short river crossing from the village to explore the neighbouring town of Teignmouth.
Shaldon Beach: A local sandy spot ideal for families to burn off extra energy after the zoo.
South Devon Railway: A heritage steam railway experience located a short drive away in Buckfastleigh.

What Visitors Love:

The small, unhurried atmosphere makes it much less overwhelming for toddlers than larger, noisy commercial zoos.
Staff are consistently described as knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about conservation.
The ability to get very close to the animals is a highlight that children remember long after the visit.
The compact scale means families can see everything without feeling exhausted or needing a full day.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The steep slopes and steps on the hillside site can be a workout for parents with strollers.
Some visitors note that the limited on-site catering means they prefer to bring a picnic or eat in the village.
Peak summer weekends can occasionally lead to crowded viewing windows at the most popular enclosures.

Animals & Exhibits

Primates: Including marmosets, tamarins, and lemurs.
Reptiles: Various species of lizards and snakes housed in climate-controlled environments.
Amphibians: Specialized tanks for rare frogs and toads.
Invertebrates: A dedicated collection of unusual bugs and beetles.
Tropical Birds: Exotic species known for their striking plumage.
Small Mammals: Including meerkats and civets.
Conservation Breeding Zones: Off-display areas dedicated to the zoo’s world-leading breeding programmes.

New for 2026

Visual & Sensory Stories: Free downloadable resources available directly from the official website to help families prepare for and navigate sensory-friendly visits.
Award-Winning Accessibility Partnership: Enhanced site information provided via partnership with AccessAble to map out detailed pushchair and mobility aid routes.
Borrowable Sensory Bags: Free-to-use sensory bags stocked with fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones to support visitors across all animal areas.
Site Environmental Signage: Simple new signage highlighting sudden sensory shifts, such as warmer indoor habitats and brighter lighting zones.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission Prices

Adult (16+): £12.95
Child (3–15): £10.95
Concession (NUS Student or 65+): £11.95
Family Saver (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children): £42.50
Under 3s: Free admission
Disabled Adult (16+): £8.00
Disabled Child (3–15): £6.00
Disabled Concession: £7.00
Carer: £2.50

Animal Experiences

Meet the Meerkats (8+): £65.00
Keeper for a Day (16+): £130.00
Minibeast Madness: £6.00 per child or £10.00 for 2 children (zoo admission not included)

Memberships

Individual Membership: £45.00
Joint Membership: £80.00
Junior Membership: £35.00
Senior Membership: £40.00
Joint Senior Membership: £75.00
Family Membership: £125.00

Other

Animal Adoption: £25.00
Gift Vouchers: £5.00–£100.00
Donations: £5.00–£50.00

Pricing URL: https://shaldonwildlifetrust.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: The zoo does not currently list specific birthday party packages. For private event inquiries or group visits, contact the zoo team directly at [email protected].

Summer (April–September): 10:00am–5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm)
Winter (October–March): 10:00am–4:00pm (last entry at 3:00pm)

Address: Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Ness Drive, Shaldon, Teignmouth, UK

Post Code: TQ14 OHP

Council: Teignbridge

County: Devon

By Bus: Stop at Ness Drive.
By Car: We are situated just off the A379 Torquay to Teignmouth Road. Satnav: TQ14 0HP
By Train: The nearest Station is Teignmouth, then take the river ferry or local bus to Shaldon where the zoo is on the headland.
Parking: There is no dedicated zoo car park; visitors are advised to use the nearby public parking available in Shaldon village.