Gharial with a long, slender snout partially submerged in water, surrounded by reflections of trees and foliage.

School Visits at Paignton Zoo

Bring learning to life with a school trip to Paignton Zoo.

From discovering incredible animals from around the world to exploring the importance of wildlife conservation, a visit to the zoo gives pupils the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience the natural world first-hand.

Whether you’re planning a first zoo visit for pre-school children, a curriculum-enriching day for primary pupils or a more in-depth learning experience for secondary and sixth form students, our school visit packages make it easy to create a day that works for your group.

New booking system launching soon! For enquiries in the meantime please email education@paigntonzoo.uk

Children smiling while playing on Paignton Zoo's wooden meerkat statues

Pre-School Visits

£13 per child

Introduce younger children to the wonder of wildlife with a fun day exploring Paignton Zoo.

With animals to discover throughout the zoo, a school visit offers plenty of opportunities for children to observe, ask questions and learn about the natural world around them.

You can enjoy a self-guided visit or add a short animal-focused session with a member of our Education Team.

Optional add-on: 20-minute Mini Session – £15

Add a short, engaging learning experience at one of our animal enclosures. These bite-sized sessions are a great way to introduce younger children to one of the animals they can see during their visit and add a focused learning moment to their day.

Mini Sessions are available Monday–Thursday, subject to availability.

Kinderen spelen bingo tijdens kinderfeest in Eindhoven Zoo

Primary School Visits

£13 per child

Turn a day at the zoo into an unforgettable learning experience for your class.

Primary school groups can explore Paignton Zoo independently or add an educational session to complement their visit. You'll be able to select the appropriate Key Stage when making your booking.

There are two optional learning experiences available for primary groups.

Educational School Workshop – £33

Add a structured educational workshop delivered by our Education and Engagement team. Workshops provide an opportunity to explore a topic in more depth and complement learning taking place back in the classroom.

20-minute Mini Session – £15

A shorter session based at an animal enclosure, ideal for groups looking to add a focused encounter with one of our animals to their day without booking a full workshop.

Educational workshops and Mini Sessions are available Monday–Thursday, subject to availability.

Please note that Walk and Talk sessions are not available for primary-aged groups.

Woman with blonde hair in foreground observes a gorilla sitting on grass in a lush, green habitat with trees in the background.

Secondary School & Sixth Form Visits

£14.75 per student

Give students the opportunity to explore wildlife, conservation and the natural world in a setting that brings classroom learning to life.

Secondary school and sixth form groups can visit the zoo independently or enhance their day with one of three educational options.

Educational School Workshop – £66

Our most in-depth educational option, providing a structured session with a member of the Education and Engagement team. Workshops are ideal for groups looking to explore a subject in greater detail as part of their visit.

Walk and Talk – £33

Take learning out into the zoo with a guided Walk and Talk. Led by a member of our team, these sessions provide an opportunity to explore topics while moving through the zoo and seeing relevant animals and habitats along the way.

20-minute Mini Session – £15

Add a shorter focused session at an animal enclosure to introduce students to an animal, its biology or the wider themes connected to its conservation.

Educational sessions are available Monday–Thursday, subject to availability.

A toddler wearing a bib with playful lion prints sits at a table, smiling and eating a piece of toast.

Add lunch to your visit

Take some of the organisation out of your school trip by pre-booking lunch for your group.

Cold Lunch Box – £6 per person

Includes:

  • Sandwich

  • Apple

  • Crisps

  • Orange juice

Hot Lunch – £6.20 per person

Includes:

  • Fries

  • Sauce

  • Can of cold drink

Lunches can be added when booking your school visit.

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Getting here and parking

Paignton Zoo is located in Paignton, Devon, and is easily accessible for school groups travelling from across Devon and the South West.

Parking at Paignton Zoo is free, including parking for visiting school groups. Coaches can drop-off pupils outside the main entrance in our turning circle, or park in our overflow car park on Battersway Road.

We recommend allowing plenty of time for your group to arrive, organise pupils and enter the zoo before any pre-booked sessions.

Young female bornean orangutan looking at the camera at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Why visit Paignton Zoo with your school?

A zoo visit gives pupils the opportunity to encounter animals and habitats that would otherwise only be experienced through books, screens and classroom resources.

Throughout the day, pupils can observe animal behaviour, discover adaptations, consider the different habitats species depend upon and learn more about the challenges facing wildlife around the world.

Most importantly, spending time around animals can help create memorable connections with the natural world and inspire conversations about the role we can all play in protecting it.

New booking system launching soon! For enquiries in the meantime please email education@paigntonzoo.uk