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Botanical Gardens
Paignton Zoo is more than a zoo... It is also one of Devon’s most distinctive botanical gardens.
Across 80 acres, we cultivate around 1,600 species of plants, carefully designed to support animal welfare, conservation and visitor experience. From tropical glasshouses to open landscapes filled with seasonal colour, the gardens are an integral part of what makes Paignton Zoo unique.
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Seasonal Colour All Year Round
There is always something in bloom at Paignton Zoo.
Spring brings magnolias and blossom trees. Summer fills the tropical houses with vibrant hibiscus and lush foliage. Autumn transforms the grounds with rich tones from Japanese maples, while winter structure and evergreens maintain year-round interest.
The gardens have received Gold awards in the Britain in Bloom competition, recognising their quality and impact.
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Tropical and Desert Houses
Step inside our indoor habitats to discover plants from around the world.
Our tropical houses showcase giant bamboo, lush rainforest species and impressive specimens such as titan arum. The Desert House features rare and endangered cacti, succulents and arid-land plants adapted to survive extreme conditions.
These controlled environments allow visitors to experience global ecosystems, whatever the weather in Devon.
DISCOVER OUR GARDENS
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A Historic Botanical Heritage
Since opening in 1923, Paignton Zoo has been shaped by a passion for horticulture. Founder Herbert Whitley was an enthusiastic plantsman who cultivated rare and unusual varieties, including the blue-flowered mallow ‘Primley Blue’.
That tradition continues today. Our horticulture team combines scientific knowledge with creative design to produce landscapes that are both beautiful and functional.
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Plants with a Purpose
The botanical collection is not simply decorative. Every planting decision supports:
• Naturalistic habitats for animals
• Shade, shelter and environmental enrichment
• Browse production for species such as gorillas, giraffes and bongo
• Sustainable land management practices
Seasonal browse programmes provide fresh plant material throughout the year, reducing food miles while encouraging natural foraging behaviours.
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Conservation Through Cultivation
The botanical collection plays an active role in conservation. We cultivate a number of threatened plant species and collaborate with other botanical institutions through material exchange and shared expertise.
By combining zoological and horticultural knowledge, Paignton Zoo supports biodiversity both above and below ground.
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Visit our award-winning botanical gardens
Whether you are visiting for wildlife, photography, seasonal colour or quiet green spaces, the botanical gardens at Paignton Zoo offer a landscape to explore at your own pace.
Yes. Alongside its animal habitats, Paignton Zoo is also a botanical garden with around 1,600 species of plants cultivated across its 80-acre site. The gardens support animal welfare, conservation work and seasonal visitor experiences.
Visitors can discover a wide range of plant species, from tropical rainforest plants and giant bamboo to desert cacti and rare trees. Seasonal planting across the zoo also brings magnolias, blossom trees, Japanese maples and colourful wildflower displays throughout the year.
Yes. The botanical gardens are part of the Paignton Zoo experience and are included with your standard admission ticket. Visitors can explore the gardens freely while walking between animal habitats.
Plants play an important role in animal care and conservation. They help create naturalistic habitats, provide shade and shelter, and produce browse for animals such as giraffes, gorillas and bongo. Many species are also cultivated as part of plant conservation efforts.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the zoo’s gardens as part of their day out. With seasonal planting, indoor tropical houses and quiet green spaces, the botanical collection offers opportunities for wildlife photography, nature walks and horticultural interest alongside the animals.
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