Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Warwickshire brings families straight to Twycross Zoo, a renowned 100-acre zoological park located near Atherstone. This popular family zoo allows children to discover hundreds of fascinating animals, including the world's largest collection of great apes, majestic big cats, and colourful Humboldt penguins, through immersive walk-through exhibits and outdoor habitats.
Prices start from £21.55 for standard admission which includes a full year of return visits. Infants aged under two years enter completely free of charge. Visitors can spend hours exploring the extensive grounds, watching daily keeper talks, and enjoying interactive play zones.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines world-class primate conservation with an interactive story-themed discovery land, this Midlands attraction offers top value. Its famous Gruffalo Discovery Land, daily live animal shows, and expansive outdoor adventure areas make it a prime choice for a memorable family weekend trip.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood: Expansive community woodland area located directly adjacent to the zoo grounds.
- Conkers Discovery Centre: Family outdoor activity and adventure attraction situated a short drive away.
- National Forest Walking Trails: Scenic cycling and walking paths weaving through the surrounding Midlands countryside.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently praise the incredible variety of primates and the magical Gruffalo Discovery Land for younger children.
- Children love watching the active penguins, tigers, and taking part in interactive daily trail activities.
- The pass-for-a-year ticket structure offers fantastic long-term value for families planning multiple return visits.
- Visitors appreciate the clean pathways, friendly staff, and strong educational focus on conservation.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviewers note that walking the expansive 100-acre site can feel tiring for families with toddlers.
- Catering kiosks can experience long queues during peak lunchtime hours in the summer holidays.
- Parking areas can get busy during major seasonal event weekends.
- Public transport options from regional railway stations require connecting local bus or taxi journeys.
Park Attractions and Exhibits:
- The Gruffalo Discovery Land: Story-themed interactive walking trail.
- Gorilla House: Specialist indoor and outdoor home for great apes.
- Gibbon Forest: Elevated rope walkways and habitat for agile gibbons.
- Tiger Territory: Large woodland enclosure for Sumatran tigers.
- Penguin Shore: Aquatic habitat featuring Humboldt penguins.
- Butterfly Forest: Warm walk-through glasshouse filled with free-flying tropical butterflies.
- Plaza Stage: Open-air venue hosting daily live shows and family entertainment.
- Wetlands Area: Water-fringed boardwalks home to flamingos and waterfowl.
- Water Play Area: Outdoor splash pad zone for children during warmer months.
- Himalaya Visitor Centre: Main welcome building housing ticket desks, retail, and dining facilities.
New for 2026:
- Zoolapalooza Summer Takeovers: Seasonal family festivals featuring specialized weekly animal focus events, live stage shows, and interactive challenges.
- Room on the Broom Corn Maze: An all-new autumn adventure maze experience launching across the site.
- Enhanced Accessibility Pathways: Refurbished level walking loops connecting the main visitor centre directly to the central primate exhibits.
15.84 miles
