Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park: Hours, Address, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a conservation and education charity located in South Devon. With around 2,500 animals across 80 acres, we have more species than anyone else in the South West. These include: lions, tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, rhinos, lemurs, flamingos, meerkats, orang-utans, Komodo dragon... the list is endless! We also have indoor and outdoor play areas, the Jungle Express train, a seasonal bird show and numerous food and drink outlets. With something for guests of any age to enjoy, you'll need all day to experience what we have to offer! Paignton Zoo is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
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31 within 5 kms
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0.1 kmNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
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1,116
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1.9 kmScenic Walking Areas
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2 kmMarinas
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4.4 kmNeighbourhoods
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390
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Popular mentions
4.5
5,182 reviews
Excellent
3,338
Very good
1,217
Average
387
Poor
144
Terrible
98
jaq
Stevenage, UK1 contribution
Don't waste your time or money.
Jun 2021 • Family
You advertise on your Web page the animals to see. Unfortunately elephants have not.been there for over 2 years according to your staff. The enclosures are empty and where you do keep and if there are supposed to be an animal its so overgrown you can't see a thing. With lockdown are would of thought this gave them plenty of time to maintain. Especially knowing for social distancing they closed the raised lookout huts. All we see in the whole time walking round was flamingos and beautiful gorilla (only because he was in an out waiting for food) giraffes. Oh and sheep. Three quarters of the zoo had nothing to be seen. I don't know this but it made me feel that the zoo was soon to be closing and the animals moved to Newquay zoo. Waste of money
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nigzyboy
Bromborough, UK25 contributions
Amazing Zoo
Jun 2021
One of the nicest Zoo's we have been too. We are members of Chester Zoo, so it is inevitable that we would compare all Zoo's against Chester and Paignton holds it's own very well.
What we loved about the Zoo was the layout of the enclosures along meandering paths that take you up gentle inclines with something to see everywhere.
The tropical and desert area's were very impressive with some excellent exhibits and an amazing free flight area.
One negative note, which may be down to covid, was the amount of overgrown vegetation throughout the zoo in both unused pens and general areas.
What we loved about the Zoo was the layout of the enclosures along meandering paths that take you up gentle inclines with something to see everywhere.
The tropical and desert area's were very impressive with some excellent exhibits and an amazing free flight area.
One negative note, which may be down to covid, was the amount of overgrown vegetation throughout the zoo in both unused pens and general areas.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Abi
Rugeley, UK501 contributions
Disappointed!
May 2021 • Friends
On a recent holiday to Paignton we decided to take my 2 year old niece to Paignton Zoo.
We’d read the reviews and it seemed a great day out. Not sure whether we were just unlucky but I do not feel that the visit was worthy of anymore than 3/5.
It is a big zoo and there is lots and lots of walking to do. We were there for just over 4 hours so if walking is hard for you be warned you will need lots of pit stops! Good news there are plenty of benches to use to rest weary legs.
We found the signposts confusing and often had to double back to see animals we’d missed, and overheard others having a similar experience.
Some of the animal enclosures were closed and others were very overgrown so even if animals were in there it would be difficult to spot them.
It was busy although this didn’t hinder our and social distancing was observed.
Restaurant had plenty of seating and tables were clean. Good food choices for little ones and great value for money. Not so for the grown ups … we had wraps they were ok but we’re very disappointed with our cheesy chips ! They were not at all what we expected or what we’ve had before .. a polystyrene carton of warm chips and a carton of grated cheese with the idea of putting the cheese on your chips … needless to say it didn’t melt and just made a mess … I would avoid.
Also be careful if having ice cream at one of the snack huts as the seagulls will dive bomb to get it and also make sure it’s secure on the cone. My sisters wasn’t and dropped off as we walked away, seagulls were happy they were instantly eating it.
My niece enjoyed it which was the focus for our visit so it was good from that point of view as she got to see tigers and giraffes but I wouldn’t return in a hurry 🙃
We’d read the reviews and it seemed a great day out. Not sure whether we were just unlucky but I do not feel that the visit was worthy of anymore than 3/5.
It is a big zoo and there is lots and lots of walking to do. We were there for just over 4 hours so if walking is hard for you be warned you will need lots of pit stops! Good news there are plenty of benches to use to rest weary legs.
We found the signposts confusing and often had to double back to see animals we’d missed, and overheard others having a similar experience.
Some of the animal enclosures were closed and others were very overgrown so even if animals were in there it would be difficult to spot them.
It was busy although this didn’t hinder our and social distancing was observed.
Restaurant had plenty of seating and tables were clean. Good food choices for little ones and great value for money. Not so for the grown ups … we had wraps they were ok but we’re very disappointed with our cheesy chips ! They were not at all what we expected or what we’ve had before .. a polystyrene carton of warm chips and a carton of grated cheese with the idea of putting the cheese on your chips … needless to say it didn’t melt and just made a mess … I would avoid.
Also be careful if having ice cream at one of the snack huts as the seagulls will dive bomb to get it and also make sure it’s secure on the cone. My sisters wasn’t and dropped off as we walked away, seagulls were happy they were instantly eating it.
My niece enjoyed it which was the focus for our visit so it was good from that point of view as she got to see tigers and giraffes but I wouldn’t return in a hurry 🙃
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gareth0704
Salisbury, UK49 contributions
Good day out
Jun 2021 • Family
We came here during a family holiday to Paignton. The zoo has a supermarket next door to it to get your lunch sorted :-)
The zoo itself is a large site and well worth a visit. Our 3 year old loved it. There is a massive variety of animals and it really is a full day out. As the site is large I would say be prepared to walk a lot and if you have young children definatley take your pushchair!
I knocked a star off the review just because there seemed to be quite a few empty enclosures
Covid - the zoo is allowing limited numbers in at the moment and there was lots of room to socially distance, there were a few paths that were one way and this was really well thought out
Over all a decent day out!
The zoo itself is a large site and well worth a visit. Our 3 year old loved it. There is a massive variety of animals and it really is a full day out. As the site is large I would say be prepared to walk a lot and if you have young children definatley take your pushchair!
I knocked a star off the review just because there seemed to be quite a few empty enclosures
Covid - the zoo is allowing limited numbers in at the moment and there was lots of room to socially distance, there were a few paths that were one way and this was really well thought out
Over all a decent day out!
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
yvonne o
England, UK244 contributions
Zoology at its best
Jun 2021 • Couples
Wow, an amazing day out at this beautiful zoo, we have visited many zoo's in the past but this one really stands out, the zoo is spread out and the grounds are kept well, the animals are kept as much as possible in their natural environment which is nice to see, there are plenty of places to grab a snack or even a meal, the social distancing has been well thought out and getting round is easy.
Written 17 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cornish1234
Redruth, UK26 contributions
Fabulous day out
Jun 2021
Wow, what a fantastic day. We booked our slot and this worked out very well. Large range of animals to see, very clean and organised, staff very friendly. Very impressed with the covid measures in place, must have cost a fortune for all the signage, sanitiser. We spent 6 1/2 hours here and only sat down for 45 mins in total, we saw everything. As locals we come every year and this time was just as enjoyable. Well done to all the staff who contribute to running this zoo. You all do a fabulous job.
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Meg
20 contributions
Hot hot day
May 2021 • Couples
Visited a couple of days ago, during a holiday. Love love this place. People moaning about it being overgrown in the cages…obviously don’t realise it’s for the benefit of the animals. Places to hide, enrichment of different grasses and bushes etc…just because the animals aren’t bang out in the middle. Be patient, look for bushes rustling. It provides shade in these hot days…it’s a benefit for the animals.
They do so much for conservation and education. Shame people can’t see that. I appreciate it so thank you very much! Beautiful ice creams as well!
They do so much for conservation and education. Shame people can’t see that. I appreciate it so thank you very much! Beautiful ice creams as well!
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taylors777
Cheltenham, UK4 contributions
An air of dejection.....
Jun 2021 • Couples
We came to support the work of the zoo hoping our entrance money can help a tiny bit to maintain the care of the animals.... Dont usually feel very comfy seeing animals in cages but do support the conservation of endangered species.
We know we are living through difficult times. We know many businesses have been hit hard financially. We hear many staff at the zoo have been laid off. This was all sadly reflected in the atmosphere of the place, in the shut exhibits, empty cages, overgrown enclosures, etc.
The zoo must have had to spend so much on covid signage... 10 out of 10 for one way systems, social distancing reminders, hand gel etc. Shame some people obviously don't feel any of these safety measures apply to them but that's no fault of the zoos.
Just came away feeling rather sad....
We know we are living through difficult times. We know many businesses have been hit hard financially. We hear many staff at the zoo have been laid off. This was all sadly reflected in the atmosphere of the place, in the shut exhibits, empty cages, overgrown enclosures, etc.
The zoo must have had to spend so much on covid signage... 10 out of 10 for one way systems, social distancing reminders, hand gel etc. Shame some people obviously don't feel any of these safety measures apply to them but that's no fault of the zoos.
Just came away feeling rather sad....
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie T
9 contributions
Enjoyable visit pity about other people
Jun 2021 • Family
10 out of 10 to the zoo for their clear signs on how to move around the zoo safely during the pandemic we are all in.
Just a pity people do not adhere to the signs otherwise this would have work perfectly and been a stress free visit.
Instead (because of people ignorance and "there is only me" attitudes) it was quite stressful having to get out of the way of other people.
Clearly states to walk over to the left side but nooooooo they walked the opposite or in a line across both sides, and the one way round system, most adhered to but then you always get them don't you... No, it clearly states one way and you get people coming in the opposite direction....honestly why can't people follow "simple" rules.. It is for the sake of themselves as well.
Zoo toilets very clean, eating places well organised, overall good visit but could have been better. No fault of the zoo I may add
Just a pity people do not adhere to the signs otherwise this would have work perfectly and been a stress free visit.
Instead (because of people ignorance and "there is only me" attitudes) it was quite stressful having to get out of the way of other people.
Clearly states to walk over to the left side but nooooooo they walked the opposite or in a line across both sides, and the one way round system, most adhered to but then you always get them don't you... No, it clearly states one way and you get people coming in the opposite direction....honestly why can't people follow "simple" rules.. It is for the sake of themselves as well.
Zoo toilets very clean, eating places well organised, overall good visit but could have been better. No fault of the zoo I may add
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
barticus67
Southampton, UK111 contributions
Loved it
May 2021 • Couples
Spent half a day here whilst on holiday. Loved the zoo, it has so many different things to see. Covid-19 precautions are in place and there are hand gel stations and one way systems. We particularly enjoyed the Pygmy goats and the rhinos. One of the best zoos in the country.
Sign posts coming from Totnes could be improved, particularly at the last junction.
Sign posts coming from Totnes could be improved, particularly at the last junction.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jonathanf452
Derbyshire.20 contributions
coulld anyone tell me if i book tickets on line how do i get my tickets .Do i have to print them off or do they come to my phone THANK YOU
Mooke1972
Bristol, UK66 contributions
You will be given a booking reference by email. We took that to the entrance at the right time slot (eg. 11-11.30 in our case) and you are checked off a list of expected visitors. Worked a charm for us. Bear in mind that the slot is to ensure that queues don't form and for social distancing, so don't miss your slot!!!
carrieb50
Worcester, UK48 contributions
Can you walk pets around the zoo
Kevin2105
Nottingham51 contributions
No, you definitely can't, except guide dogs. We have a dog and this meant only half our family could come, the others looked after the dog. Nearly all zoos miss a trick here, they could provide a chargeable dog sitting service and then more people could come, without any overall cost to them.
Amanda W
Leicestershire, UK2 contributions
Are there places to shelter if it is wet?
dominoking2018
Shrewsbury, UK65 contributions
Hi Amanda, Yes there are places to go in bad weather, cafes indoor animal houses, but the best way is to enjoy the zoo is to go on a good day, even take the train ride for fun.
breezababe
Wigan, UK123 contributions
Can you pay on the day and how much to get in
Lear S
London, UK21 contributions
It costs £19.60 for an adult ticket if you pay on the day, but you may have to queue so it might be worth buying online and picking up at the gates so you get more time in the zoo.
Tracey S
3 contributions
do you have mobility scooters for hire?
rediffusion
Hertfordshire, UK222 contributions
Yes they do, I don't believe you have to pre-book but if it is a busy time, you might want to contact them in advance and check to make sure you will get one.
