It had been years since my last visit to Twycross Zoo—so long ago, I was just a child myself. With its convenient location just a 30-minute drive from Birmingham, I’m surprised it took me so long to return.
Now, with my own little girl who recently turned one, a visit to Twycross Zoo felt like the perfect family outing. We chose to go during the start of the February half-term, anticipating busy crowds, but to our delight, the zoo was pleasantly manageable, allowing us to take in all the sights at a relaxed pace.
I had read mixed reviews online, with some visitors saying it was difficult to spot animals or that the ticket price wasn’t justified. From my experience, those opinions don’t tell the full story. Animals have their own schedules and aren’t always visible, but we saw an incredible variety: gorillas, gibbons, chimpanzees, tigers, giraffes, leopards, zebras, penguins, and meerkats, among others. The only animals we missed were rhinos and flamingos—the flamingos were safely indoors, away from the cold.
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My daughter was utterly captivated, especially by the gorillas in their outdoor enclosures. Her smile lit up as she watched them roam around. The meerkats, fluttering butterflies, and colorful lorikeets also caught her undivided attention. It was heartwarming to see her fascination and joy.
Though it was a chilly February day, limiting playground fun and closing the splash park, I could tell these areas would be fantastic during warmer months. There’s also a soft play area available for a small fee, ideal for slightly older toddlers. Food options are plentiful with several eateries on-site as well as picnic benches for those who bring their own meals.
An unexpected highlight was spotting a few Lego animal sculptures scattered throughout the park. These delightful installations are remnants of last year’s “Bricktacular” event, providing fun photo opportunities that added a playful touch to our visit.
Our absolute favorite part was Gruffalo Discovery Land. This immersive experience brings the beloved story of The Gruffalo to life. We wandered through the deep, dark wood, meeting interactive characters like Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake, and of course, the Gruffalo himself. There were buttons to press, things to spin, touch-and-feel stations, and film clips — all designed to keep children engaged. This magical area became our top highlight, and I’m certain my daughter will love it even more as she grows.
We also returned to Twycross Zoo later in the year to enjoy their Lanterns of the Wild event, which added a whole new layer of enchantment to our visits.
Overall, our time at Twycross Zoo was fantastic. It offers excellent value for money, a wide range of animals, and plenty of activities for the whole family. I’m confident it will become one of our favorite day trips.
Tickets start from £22.45 for adults and £16.45 for children, with free entry for under-twos. Plus, your day ticket includes free return visits for a full year. Parking is £3.50 per vehicle. Twycross Zoo is located off Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX.
This visit was gifted as part of a review, but all opinions are my own.