Help
How can we help?
Trending Topics
Yes, you must pre-book all visits at least 24hrs prior to your preferred visit date.
To access on the day return visits and a variety of other benefits, please explore upgrading to our Annual Pass+ or Conservation Membership ticket options here Tickets & Passes
Please ensure that you have activated your passes first – information on activating your passes can be found above.
Once your passes are activated, you can then click 'Book Now' when you are logged in to your account. Please select the ‘Book your return visit’ option followed by making sure you click 'Book Pass Holder' on each of the pass holders you'd like to book onto your next zoo day.
If you'll be visiting with someone who doesn't yet have a pass, you can 'Add' additional tickets to the same order underneath adding your return tickets.
When you purchase an Annual Ticket with free return visits for 12 months, you need to 'activate' your ticket after your first visit to enable you to book your future visits.
If you don't have an account and you checked out as a guest or you , you can set one up for the first time by clicking here. Once you've got an account you'll be able to follow the steps in your online account under 'Passes' and do things such as taking a picture of yourself to activate your pass.
If you have an account but need to login to activate your pass, click here.
General FAQs
Twycross Zoo is open daily, except for Christmas Day.
Tickets to Twycross Zoo include Adult (18+ years), Child (3-17 years) and Infant (under 3 years). Find out more about our prices by clicking the link below.
Remember to add gift aid to your ticket during check out. Twycross Zoo is a charity and your tickets help us protect endangered species both at our zoo and around the world. Gift Aid is at no extra cost to you, but allows us to claim tax back from the Government’s Gift Aid scheme. This means we receive an extra 25p for every £1 you spend at no extra cost to you.
Twycross Zoo is located on the A444 which can be accessed via the A5 and the M42 junction 11. Look out for the brown zoo signage on the roads on your journey. Click here for directions to Twycross Zoo.
Twycross Zoo is only place in the UK home to the four great apes. As well as being known worldwide as a specialist primate zoo, there are a variety of animals to see at Twycross Zoo. Click here to see a full list of our animals.
Our animals have access to both indoor and outdoor habitats. Just like us, animals like to have some peace and quiet and our habitats are designed to give them places they can relax – which may make it harder to spot them. If you cannot see an animal, we suggest checking back later during your visit. Alternatively ask at Guest Services or speak to a Zoo Keeper both of whom will be able to advise on the best time to see certain animals.
Cafes, toilets, and most of our animal habitats are accessible by wheelchair. Assistance dogs are permitted at Twycross Zoo, although they are not allowed in some selected habitats. Speak to Guest Services on arrival for more details. A changing places facility is also available to use. Find out more about accessibility at Twycross Zoo here.
Yes. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and strollers/buggies can be hired at Twycross Zoo. These are cleaned thoroughly after every use and remain safe to use across our zoo. Pre-booking recommended.
We pride ourselves on providing you with great value quality food. Our Himalaya Welcome Centre offers visitors a delicious array of food and drink featuring locally sourced ingredients from ethical suppliers. We also have a range of eateries on site, including The Catch Fish Bar and several open grassy areas and benches for picnics.
Twycross Zoo does not permit dogs. This includes in all car park areas and the Nature Reserve. We are unable to allow dogs as our animals may become distressed by the sight of a dog and also your dog may be upset by our animals. Assistance dogs are allowed into the zoo but are unable to go into several areas for the same reasons.
INFORMATION FROM THE RSPCA
Dogs must never be left in a car in warm weather, even with a window open. DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. On a warm day the temperature inside a car can quickly soar to 120˚F/49˚C or even higher. If an animal left in a car is panting for breath it may be on its way to suffering heatstroke. Heatstroke can kill an animal very quickly. Leaving windows open or putting a bowl of water in the car does not help. Owners who put an animal at risk in this way could face prosecution.
Animal Welfare Act
In April 2007 the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into force making it an offence for anyone to allow unnecessary suffering to an animal. Shutting a dog in a car on a warm day can cause it suffering as even a little sun can turn a car into an oven. Dogs only have sweat glands on the soles of their feet and up to 90% of their body is covered by hair. Panting and salivating causes them to lose massive amounts of fluid and they dehydrate quickly. On a hot day a dog’s temperature can rise very quickly and they could suffer from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.
Twycross Zoo will not allow suffering to any animals, domestic or wild. Please be aware that visitors who bring a dog to the zoo will be asked leave and take the dog off site.
Becoming a zoo keeper takes a lot of work. A love of animals is, of course, essential! We would recommend getting as much experience as possible in zoos and wildlife centres. An animal-related degree is always an advantage.
We receive a large number of requests for prizes for fundraising events. Twycross Zoo is a charity, so we only have a limited number of prizes available to give away. Please contact information@twycrosszoo.org.
Our best value ticket is a Twycross Zoo Membership and more information can be found here. For information about admission tickets and the latest offers click here.
Yes, we accept most major credit and debit cards, and there is no charge for their use.
Twycross Zoo’s Conservation Welfare Fund has contributed way over £350,000 since it was created in 2006. It has supported over 55 conservation and welfare projects from 27 different countries. We currently support several conservation projects, find out more here.
We can take on work experience placements, however these are very popular. Please click here to see if we have any available placements.
Twycross Zoo welcomes research applications. Click here to find out more about previous projects and how to apply.
Twycross Zoo are members of BIAZA, EAZA, and WAZA and to ensure the health and welfare of our animals we can only accept animals from other members of these organisations.
If you find an animal in distress or are no longer able to care for a pet, we suggest contacting your local RSPCA Centre. Caring for an animal is a big responsibility that takes a lot of time and work, so please think carefully before buying any pet.
Twycross Zoo’s Nature Reserve is an inland water eco-system, developed to provide a natural habitat for rare and endangered native species. The Nature Reserve can be found towards the rear of our car parking area by following the signage.
Yes, we have plenty of outdoor picnic benches on site.
Yes, we have baby changing facilities in our Himalaya Welcome Centre and in our toilet facilities around the Twycross Zoo.
Yes, you can. Please inform a member of our team at our Ticket Kiosks if you intend to do this.
We have a team of fully first aid trained staff at Twycross Zoo. If you need first aid please ask the nearest member of staff for assistance. All of Twycross Zoo staff carry radios and can alert our team of first aiders.
Smoking and vaping is permitted only in the designated smoking/vaping area. This is located to the left rear side of Guest Services. Please ensure you dispose of all rubbish safely in the bin provided.
We don’t have a cashpoint on site, however the gift shop offers cash back on purchases over £5. All of our pay points take contactless card.
Ticket & Membership FAQs
Please ensure that you have followed the steps on our website to activate your pass by clicking here.
If you are still unable to activate your passes, please contact the team by clicking here, and provide us with your order number along with the full name, date of birth, postal address and email address of each person on your booking to enable us to activate and allocate each pass for you.
When you have activated your annual pass or membership you will be able to book return visits through the my account area here https://booking.twycrosszoo.org/user/my_account
When you are pre-booking your visit, you will be asked to pick a date and time slot. On the day of your visit, our Himalaya Visitor Centre will be open should you arrive early.
During peak periods, we may not be able to accommodate early entry therefore please do not head to our ticket gates until the time of your entry slot.
No, your tickets are digital and can be accessed in your confirmation email or via your account. Please keep your tickets safe to show to our team on arrival.
If you have not received a confirmation email or are unable to access your tickets, please speak to a member of the team on arrival who will be able to search for your booking details on our system.
If you forget your account details, you will be able to reset your password to gain access.
Only the original purchaser of each Annual Ticket and those associated with the account can use the tickets. Upon arrival at the zoo you will be required to present both your Annual Ticket and your digital photograph.
Yes, the value of the gift card can be used against annual tickets, annual memberships, soft play, mobility hire and animal experiences.
Yes, you can upgrade your Annual Ticket to a Conservation Membership within 28 days of your original Annual Ticket or Pass Plus purchase. If you wish to upgrade more than 28 days after your initial purchase the remaining time on your membership will be adjusted accordingly. Visit Guest Services or contact us via email at information@twycrosszoo.org
We offer Blue Peter badge holders free admission to Twycross Zoo . One paying adult is required for each Blue Peter badge holder obtaining free admission. There is no requirement to book a ticket in advance, just remember to bring your Blue Peter ID card to show at our admission kiosk on the day of your visit.
Available dates and times to visit Twycross Zoo can be found on our website here Opening Times for Twycross Zoo
The 12 month period is from your date of purchasing the Annual Ticket.
Yes you must pre-book all visits at least the day before.
Yes, you can. Please read our terms and conditions here https://twycrosszoo.org/terms-conditions/
We pride ourselves on providing you with great value quality food and locally sourced ingredients from ethical suppliers.
We have a range of eateries on site, including The Catch Fish & Chip shop, The View restaurant, serving an variety of pizza and pasta options, Costa Coffee and Oh Crumbs café, located in the Gruffalo Discovery Land alongside a number of snack and drink outlets across the zoo.
You are also welcome to bring your own picnic with you – we have several open, grass areas with benches around the zoo.
Our Annual Ticket is our standard entry ticket, giving you 12 months of free return visits. Our Annual Pass + and Conservation Membership give you additional benefits – for the full list of benefits and to find the perfect ticket for you, please head to our tickets page here Tickets & Passes for more information.
Ticket Updates - New for 2025.
We want to give more flexibility to our visitors, as well as introducing new perks and rewarding the loyalty of our members.
Our ticketing changes will launch next week, and begin from 15 February 2025.
No, there is no increase or change to the price of standard entry to Twycross Zoo. Tickets start at £26.95 per adult, when purchased in advance online.
Yes, everyone who buys a day ticket to Twycross Zoo can benefit from automatically becoming an Annual Pass holder, gaining 12-months free access to the zoo.
If you’re an existing Annual Pass holder, you will receive an email when our tickets launch with your upgrade options and instructions.
Car Parking FAQs
Parking charges apply from the 15th February 2025
Over the next 2 years, as a charity, we need to spend £1.5 – 2 million on essential infrastructure improvements to our car parks. This work is vital and unavoidable to ensure we maintain a safe, enjoyable experience for our visitors.
Thank you for your understanding, we look forward to you seeing the improvements on your future visits.
Car parking will be a flat rate of £3 per vehicle. This will not increase during school holidays, weekends, or any other seasonal peaks.
Yes, there is no change in parking costs on any day.
Payment can be made in advance when booking your first visit or a repeat visit on our website. Payment can also be made on the day of your visit using one of our parking pay points
This is a daily charge. Car park charges will not adjust to time spent at the zoo.
No, there is a 30-minute grace period for dropping-off and picking-up at the zoo.
Yes, all visitors using the zoo facilities must pay the £3 car parking charge.
No, our Twycross Zoo Conservation Members do not pay for parking as this is one of their many membership perks to enjoy.
Yes, you can pay for parking in-advance of your visit on the Twycross Zoo website. We recommend this for all visitors.
No, our car park will be operated using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) there is no barrier, and no need to display a ticket in your vehicle.
Yes, your vehicle can leave and re-enter the Twycross Zoo car park on the same day without being charged more than once.
Yes, all vehicles must pay the £3 parking charge.
No, there is no discount for accessible parking, all vehicles cost £3.
Our car park will operate using an ANPR system that will recognise your registration plate entering and exiting the zoo.
If you don’t pay for your parking, you will receive an enforcement penalty charge of £40.
Yes, if you don’t pay for parking, you will receive a £40 enforcement penalty. If this is paid within 14 days, the penalty will reduce to £20.
No, sorry, parking payments cannot be backdated. Please ensure you pay in advance or on the day to avoid parking fines.
General Admission FAQs
For the best renewal price available, please login to your account on our website.
Yes, Annual Tickets are valid during peak-times and school holidays, as long as they have a valid reservation. There may be select dates that Annual Ticket holders do not have access to reserve, for example if the zoo is closed for a training day.
Yes, you can visit as often as you like with an Annual Ticket, as long as you have a valid reservation. There may be select dates that Annual Ticket holders do not have access to reserve, for example if the zoo is closed for a training day.
Annual Pass Plus FAQs
To upgrade to an Annual Pass Plus ticket and benefit from amazing discounts and free parking, please speak to a member of the team on your next visit or contact us here.
Yes, but Annual Pass Plus ticker holders can take advantage of same-day reservations.
Conservation Membership FAQs
The exclusive members-only early bird tour will give our Conservation Members exclusive access to the zoo, guided by one of our wonderful zoo experts. Learn more about our amazing animals and the inner workings of our charity zoo.
We have recently made some changes to the reciprocal zoo's you can visit with your Membership. Until 1st May 2025, Members can visit Chester Zoo, Bristol Zoo Project, and Paignton & Newquay Zoo.
We will continue to have reciprocal entry with Marwell Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, Highland Wildlife Park, Dublin Zoo, Belfast Zoo and new for 2025…Hertfordshire Zoo.
Our reciprocal partner zoos, may offer only one visit per annum, please enquire for more information.
No, Conservation Members don’t need to reserve their visit in advance and can simply show up to the zoo.
No, Conservation Members don’t need to pay for parking on any of their zoo visits.
No, there will be no changes to your existing membership, in fact you will instantly benefit from increased discounts and free parking until the end of your current membership.
Lanterns of the Wild
What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes entry to Lanterns of the Wild, over a mile-long illuminated trail through Twycross Zoo after dark. You’ll explore glowing animal lanterns, vibrant habitats and immersive light displays throughout the experience. Food, drink, and rides are not included in the ticket price.
Will I see animals during Lanterns of the Wild?
Lanterns of the Wild does not include access to zoo animals during the evening, if you want to see our animals you can book a ticket for the daytime and then stay for the lanterns.
Are the rides included in the ticket price?
Rides are available during the event for an additional cost. Ride tokens can be purchased on the day – look out for our festive fairground near the main entrance.
Where is the trail located?
The lantern trail is located entirely within Twycross Zoo. It follows a specially mapped route, starting at the main entrance and winding through key areas of the zoo – including The Gruffalo Discovery Land. You’ll receive a digital trail map before your visit and signage will guide you on the night.
Can I visit the zoo and the lanterns on the same day?
Yes! You’re welcome to visit both – just be aware that the zoo will close at 3:30pm before the lantern trail opens at 4:30pm. Our Himalaya Centre (toilets, Costa and shop) remains open during this gap. Lanterns entry requires a separate ticket.
What dates are Lanterns of the Wild available?
Please see our full opening calendar HERE
The trail runs from 14 November 2025 to 22 February 2026 on selected evenings.
What time is last entry?
Last entry varies by night but latest entry is 8:00pm and the event closes at 90 mins after last entry. The Himalaya Centre (shop, café and toilets) will remain open until event close time.
What time will the zoo be open during Lanterns of the Wild?
Please see our full opening calendar HERE
Some days following the lanterns event evenings we’ll be opening slightly later to give our animals an extra bit of rest.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Parking is £3.00 per vehicle.
Annual Pass Plus and Conservation Members receive free parking but must register their vehicle in advance to avoid a fine. You can also pay on the day.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your booking confirmation email with your QR code ready for scanning. We recommend dressing for the weather – the trail is outdoors and can get chilly in winter, so warm, waterproof clothing and comfy footwear are essential.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my visit?
Lanterns of the Wild will go ahead in most weather conditions, including rain. In the case of severe weather, we’ll notify ticket holders by email with updates or rescheduling options.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
We recommend booking online in advance as popular dates may sell out. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day, but we cannot guarantee entry without a booking.
Is the trail accessible?
Yes – the trail is step-free and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Accessible toilets are available throughout the route. If you require assistance or have specific access needs, please contact us ahead of your visit.
Are there strobe lights or lasers on the trail?
No – there are no strobe effects or lasers used in the trail. Lighting effects are gentle and family-friendly. Our SEN-Friendly Evenings includes even further sensory adjustments.
How long is the trail and how long does it take?
The trail is approximately 1.5km long and takes around 60–90 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Can I bring a scooter or bicycle?
No, sorry – scooters, bikes and balance bikes are not permitted anywhere onsite for safety reasons.
Will there be refreshments available?
Yes – a selection of festive food and drink options will be available along the trail, including hot drinks, seasonal snacks, and warm meals. Our Costa Coffee in the Himalaya Centre will also be open.
When is the grotto open?
The grotto is open selected dates from November 16th, with dates and timeslots here LINK. You must book a dedicated timeslot in advance.
When should I book my grotto ticket for?
The show and Grotto location is at the start of the lantern trail, so we recommend booking your santa time just after your lantern entry time as it will only take you 5-10 mins to get to the location.
Do I need a zoo or Lanterns ticket to access the grotto?
Yes – a valid Twycross Zoo day ticket is required for grotto bookings before 4pm. For grotto visits after 4:45pm, you must hold a valid Lanterns of the Wild ticket.
What’s included in the grotto ticket?
Your ticket includes access to the grotto, a visit with Santa, and a heartwarming Christmas show.
Will my child receive a present?
Yes – all children with a paid for ticket will receive a Christmas gift from Santa. Children under 6 months are free but will not receive a present, if you want a present then you can select a child ticket.
Do I need to book a ticket for a baby?
Children under 6 months are free but we do require them to book a ticket.
Is there a photo experience?
Professional photography is available and photos will be available for purchase.
Where is the grotto located?
The grotto is located inside The Gruffalo Discovery Land. It’s clearly signposted from the main entrance.
Is the grotto accessible?
The Grotto is step free and accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Can my child visit the grotto alone?
No – all children must be accompanied by a supervising adult (18+) at all times.
-
Children must be supervised at all times.
-
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
-
You must show your ticket QR code on arrival.
-
Parking charges apply.
-
Entry is only valid on the date and timeslot shown on your ticket.
-
Late arrivals may not be admitted – please arrive promptly.
-
Grotto gifts are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
-
For full terms and conditions see HERE
Lanterns of the Wild SEN Evenings
Reduced Capacity –
to create a calmer, less crowded trail experience
Gentler Lights & Sound –
lowered music and static lights throughout the route
Sensory Map – download your guide to help you plan your visit
Calm Spaces – dedicated quiet zones to pause, reset and take a break
Support Staff –
our team will be on hand to assist throughout the evening
Carer Tickets -
Essential carers can enter free of charge with a paying guest (proof of carer status may be requested)
- Thursday 27th November 2025
- Thursday 11th December 2025
- Friday 16th January 2026
- Sunday 8th February 2026
Creating inclusive experiences is central to who we are.
Lanterns of the Wild isn’t just about stunning lights – it’s about connecting everyone with nature in a meaningful and accessible way.
