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Frequently asked questions
Planning a visit to Paignton Zoo? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about tickets, travel, facilities and your day at the zoo.
If you cannot find the information you need, please contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Tickets & Planning your visit
We strongly recommend booking tickets online before you visit.
Online booking allows you to secure your preferred date and access the best available prices. Tickets purchased at the gate may be higher and availability cannot always be guaranteed on busy days.
Paignton Zoo covers around 80 acres and most visitors spend four to five hours exploring the zoo.
With daily ranger talks, indoor habitats, gardens, play areas and nature trails, many families choose to spend the whole day discovering the zoo at their own pace.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the zoo covers 80 acres. Visitors may also wish to bring weather-appropriate clothing, a refillable water bottle and a camera to capture wildlife moments throughout the day.
Paignton Zoo is open year-round and every season offers something different. Spring and summer are ideal for seeing animals active outdoors, while autumn and winter can be quieter and provide a more relaxed experience for visitors.
Yes. Paignton Zoo offers several indoor habitats and covered areas, making it a great day out whatever the weather.
Visitors can explore tropical houses, indoor exhibits and cafés while moving around the zoo between animal habitats.
Yes. The zoo accepts most major debit and credit cards, although American Express is not currently accepted.
Getting here
Paignton Zoo is located on Totnes Road in Paignton, Devon. The zoo is around one mile from Paignton town centre and is well signposted with brown tourist signs marked “Zoological Gardens”.
Address:
Paignton Zoo
Totnes Road, Paignton
Devon, TQ4 7EU
Yes. Paignton Zoo has free on-site parking for more than 1,100 vehicles, with additional overflow parking available nearby.
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed during very busy periods.
Accessible parking spaces are located close to the main entrance.
Yes. Several bus services stop close to the zoo, including Stagecoach Route 22 and Stagecoach Gold services.
Please check the Stagecoach website for the latest timetables before travelling.
Bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not permitted inside the zoo.
A bike rack is available at the main entrance where visitors can securely leave their bicycles during their visit.
Accessibility & Facilities
The zoo’s mobility scooter hire service is currently under review and is not available at the moment.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs.
Yes. Baby changing facilities are available in several locations across the zoo.
The largest facility can be found in the Island Restaurant, and most accessible toilets across the site also include baby changing stations.
Yes. The zoo offers accessible routes, accessible toilets and designated disabled parking spaces close to the main entrance.
We recommend checking the Accessibility page before your visit for detailed guidance to help you plan your day.
Yes. Paignton Zoo offers unique venues for business meetings, conferences and private events.
For enquiries about corporate events, please visit our group bookings page.
Animals
Paignton Zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing nearly 190 species.
These include Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Bornean orangutans, red pandas, giraffes and many other rare and endangered species from around the world.
While we hope you will see many animals during your visit, we cannot guarantee that every species will be visible at all times.
Animals may be resting, sheltering from weather conditions, or temporarily off-show due to welfare requirements.
To ensure the welfare of our animals, visitors are not permitted to touch or handle the animals.
However, Paignton Zoo offers several animal experiences where visitors can get closer to selected species. These experiences must be booked in advance.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted inside the zoo, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
Dogs are welcome at Primley Wildlife Reserve, which is located next to the zoo and open to the public year-round.
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