Gorilla reaching for corn attached to a red chain setup among trees in a natural habitat. Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Discover things to do at Paignton Zoo

Whether you’re braving the Wobbly Bridge, exploring our nature trail, or letting your little monkeys run wild in our play areas - there's an adventure for explorers of all ages at Paignton Zoo! Discover all the exciting things to do and must-see exhibits below and start planning your visit today

A smiling toddler in a navy jacket and hood playing outdoors near a large wooden playground structure shaped like an animal.

Hangout play area

Need to burn off some energy? Head to The Hangout and let your little monkeys run free! Built from eco-friendly, sustainably sourced timber, our outdoor play area offers a range of climbing frames, swings, and slides for the kids to explore.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, the Hangout encourages creative free play for children of all abilities, including those with special educational needs (SEN). Let them play the day away while you enjoy a much-deserved break!

Child in a blue jacket walking on a wooden bridge, followed by an adult in a gray coat and brown pants.

Wobbly Bridge

Are you brave enough to conquer the Wobbly Bridge? Take on our famous family challenge and see Lemur Woods from a brand-new perspective! This high-flying adventure is perfect for explorers of all ages, and allows you to watch our lemurs play while you wobble over the stream and through the trees.

To keep the adventure flowing, please follow the bridge's one-way system as you explore!

Four children sitting on wooden benches on a nature trail, laughing and talking, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Nature trail

Step off the beaten track and into the wild! Just beyond Lemur Wood lies the tranquil, ancient woodland of Clennon Gorge, and this hidden gem is your best chance to spot Britain’s native wildlife in its natural habitat.

Perfect for a quick 15-minute detour, our Nature Trail offers a gentle, easy-going route that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the zoo. How many native birds, butterflies and plants can you spot?

A toddler in a purple outfit is stacking colorful soft blocks indoors, concentrating on adding a large purple block to the stack.

Jungle Fun

Jungle Fun is our indoor soft play area, designed to provide safe and exciting experiences for children of all ages. It's divided into four tailored zones for the following age ranges:

  • Infants (0-12 months)

  • Toddlers (1-3 years)

  • Explorers (2-6 years)

  • Adventurers (5-10 years)

We believe play should be part of every adventure, which is why entry to our indoor soft play area is now free for all visitors!

A vibrant red hibiscus flower blooming in Paignton Zoo's Tropical Trails indoor exhibit

Botanical gardens

Beyond the animals, Paignton Zoo is a world-class botanical garden. From spring blossoms to autumn maples, our grounds provide vital habitats for native wildlife and a home for rare, endangered plants. Our expert gardeners work year-round to cultivate an impressive collection of global species. From exotic tropical plants to hardy trees from across the continents, every corner of the zoo tells a different botanical story.

Many of these plants aren't just for show; they are also grown to provide fresh, nutritious food for our animals

Discover our exhibits

Chinese crocodile lizard sitting on a branch at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Crocodile Swamp

This immersive habitat brings you face-to-face with some of the world’s most formidable reptiles, including our impressive Cuban crocodile and deadly Sunda Gharial. As you navigate the boardwalks, keep your eyes peeled for our vibrant fish and smaller reptiles tucked away in the dense, tropical greenery

Young child walking on a path through a lush, green botanical garden, surrounded by various plants and trees.

Tropical Trails

Trek through our toasty Tropical Trails and discover a range of lizards, turtles, snakes and frogs that are native to hot, humid climates. Don't forget to keep an eye out for Ria and Mo, our famous Linne's Two-toed sloths as they climb their way along the ropes above you

A variety of unusual cacti and succulents in Paignton Zoo's Arid Lands desert house exhibit

Arid Lands

Step into the Arid Lands, a striking landscape that showcases the beauty and resilience of life in the world’s driest environments. Wander through a stunning desert habitat featuring fascinating plants, Lithops (live rocks) and more. Plus, don't miss the chance to see our impressive Cape porcupines who live in this rugged landscape

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

Ape Centre

Explore the Ape Centre, home to our magnificent gorillas and gentle orangutans. From the open grasses of Gorilla Island to the high-climbing structures of Orangutan Island, enjoy watching the curiosity and physical agility that defines some of our closest living relatives

A small, translucent yellow frog with a green speckled pattern rests on a large green leaf.

Amphibian Arc

This immersive exhibit offers a unique look at the incredible diversity of the amphibian world, and the vital conservation work being done to protect these species from extinction. Discover the striking variations of poison dart frogs, meet rare Lake Titicaca water frogs, see our native newts and more

A group of ring-tailed lemurs with striking black and white tails sit closely together, surrounded by green foliage.

Lemur Woods

Travel through Lemur Wood, home to a vibrant community of Madagascar’s most iconic primates. On selected days during the summer months, you may be lucky enough to see them roaming freely through the canopy above you, providing a unique experience to watch their natural agility up-close

Close-up of a scarlet ibis with vibrant red-orange feathers and a long, slender beak against a blurred neutral background at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

ABC - Avian Breeding Centre

Take a look at a stunning range of vibrant, tropical birds from across the globe. Plus, this unique space offers a window into our Avian Breeding Centre, where you can watch the keepers preparing specialist food and enrichment, or see eggs being carefully incubated if required during breeding season

Diana monkey family sitting in the grass at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Monkey Heights

Discover Monkey Heights, home to a diverse collection of smaller primate species from across the globe. From the striking Sulawesi crested macaques to the tiny, charismatic tamarins, this multi-level habitat showcases the incredible variety of primate life

A tiger crouches in tall grass, its intense eyes focused forward. The fur is vividly striped with a mix of orange, black, and white.

Thinking about getting a membership?

Find out more