Blackpool Zoo is a magnificent day out for the whole family, with over 1,350 animals spread out across 32 acres of lush and spacious parkland. From tiny creepy crawlies, birds, and reptiles to gorillas, elephants, big cats, and every wolf and wallaby in between, you won’t fail to be impressed by the wild and wonderful species you can admire and get close to.

With a firm focus on care and conservation, a visit to Blackpool Zoo isn’t just fun-filled and fascinating, but educational too, no matter what your age. Discover endangered species, experience hands-on encounters and even get involved at feeding times. After all, feeding a giraffe is on everyone’s bucket list, right? Add to all this the extra activities, play areas, gift shop and eateries, it’s easy to see why it’s a must-visit, award-winning attraction.

Blackpool Zoo - one of the highlights of 10 Best Family Things to Do in Blackpool and 10 Best Things to Do in Blackpool (Read all about Blackpool here)

What are the highlights of Blackpool Zoo?

Blackpool Zoo is one of Blackpool’s top attractions, and with good reason. There are plenty of unmissable exhibits with some pretty big names in the animal kingdom taking centre stage.

The Orangutan Outlook is home to Ramon and his 3 lady friends, Cherie, Summer and Jingga. Take your pick from the upper or lower viewing area and observe these critically endangered Bornean orangutans showing off their impressive climbing skills.

Project Elephant Base Camp is Blackpool Zoo’s biggest investment and has been specially designed to benefit the gentle giants’ welfare and conservation. Embark on a journey of discovery through Asia, meeting Kate and her fellow female elephants, while learning how to protect their species’ future.

Other must-see enclosures include Gorilla Mountain with its 6 western lowland gorillas, the walk-through Dinosaur Safari (spoiler alert: there are no real dinosaurs) and Giraffe Heights, where you have the opportunity to hand-feed the leggy ladies that reside there.

foto door Immanuel Giel (CC BY-SA 4.0) bewerkt

What else can you do at Blackpool Zoo?

Blackpool Zoo has enough going on to fill a whole fun-filled day out and there’s plenty to do in addition to seeing the animals. When you’re not exploring the Wallaby Walkabout or wandering through Lemur Wood, you can take a ride on the miniature railway or, if you’re visiting with little ones, take time to enjoy the kids’ indoor soft play area, the Playbarn. There’s also an on-site gift shop, too.

Of course, with so much fun and adventure to be had, you’ll no doubt work up quite an appetite while visiting Blackpool Zoo. Luckily for you, you won’t go hungry. The Lake View Café serves hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks, with the adjoining conservatory serving light refreshments. There’s also a coffee shop selling Starbucks at the main entrance, as well as various kiosks throughout the zoo selling things such as BBQ food, Asian cuisine and ice creams.

foto door Stuart Jamieson (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

Good to know about Blackpool Zoo?

Blackpool Zoo is easily accessible from Blackpool itself, just a short, 5-minute drive from the town centre, or a leisurely 30-minute walk. The number 15 and number 16 buses run from town directly to the zoo, so you can hop on either one of them in the town centre or at the Blackpool North train station.

If you’re driving to the zoo from elsewhere, the nearest motorway to get you there is the M6. Leave at junction 32 and take the M55 to junction 4. From there, you can follow the brown elephant signs to the zoo. There’s ample car parking on-site and it’s possible to buy tickets on arrival. Even so, it’s often cheaper to book online in advance. It’s also worth noting that the last admission to Blackpool Zoo is 45 minutes before closing time, but you’ll need around 4 hours to fully appreciate all the best bits.

Blackpool Zoo

Locatie: East Park Drive, Blackpool FY3 8PP, UK

Openingstijden: Daily from 10 am to 4.45 pm

Telefoonnummer: +44 (0)1253 830830

Sadie Geoghegan-Dann | Schrijver