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Experience only the best of Blackpool Zoo

Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
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Quick overview

  • Access included: Standard entry to Blackpool Zoo includes full-day admission with self-guided access to all animal exhibits and daily talks.
  • Zones & highlights: Explore elephants, big cats, giraffes, gorillas, orangutans, lemurs, plus Active Oceans for sea lions and penguins, and Lemur Wood.
  • Shows & feedings: Catch daily sea lion displays, penguin feeds, and keeper talks for primates and elephants at scheduled times throughout the day.
  • Ways to explore: Follow clearly marked paths across 37 acres, including immersive walk-through zones like Lemur Wood and Dinosaur Safari.
  • Queues & timing: Online booking is recommended at least 2 weeks in advance for weekends, school holidays, and peak summer dates. Peak hours are 11am–3pm, especially in good weather.
  • Best upgrade: Book animal encounters like giraffe or penguin feeding for close-up experiences with keepers, available in limited slots with advance booking.

What can you expect at Blackpool Zoo?

Children observing a lion through glass at Blackpool Zoo.
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Arrive and get your bearings

Enter through the main gates beside the car park and ticket office. Pick up a map and check the keeper-talk board. Paths form an easy loop, mostly flat for buggies. Allow 3–4 relaxed hours, longer if you’re adding playgrounds and the Dinosaur Safari.

Start with Project Elephant Base Camp

Head first to Project Elephant Base Camp before it gets crowded. Watch the Asian elephant herd move between indoor sand yards and outdoor paddocks. Huge viewing windows keep you close, even when Lancashire weather turns cold, windy, or wet.

Explore Giraffe Heights and big cats

Follow signs to Giraffe Heights and the Kidepo Trail. Stroll the raised wooden boardwalk for eye-level views of giraffes and sitatunga antelope sharing the savannah. Later, swing by the Big Cat Habitat to see lions lounging and an Amur tiger pacing.

Join talks and walk with lemurs

Check your photo of the timetable and time a keeper talk or feeding. Sea lion displays, penguin feeds, primate briefings, and elephant talks add stories you’ll remember. In Lemur Wood, walk through the trees as ring‑tailed lemurs leap and sunbathe nearby.

Balance your route with indoor stops

Use indoor houses and shaded paths as natural pauses between outdoor enclosures. Duck into the reptile house or orangutan and gorilla viewing areas during showers or midday crowds. Clear signage means you can loop back easily if someone has a favourite animal.

Pause for food and play

Near the centre, find cafés, kiosks, and picnic lawns for a longer break. Let children burn energy in outdoor playgrounds or the indoor Playbarn soft play while adults rest. Many visitors finish with a calm lap past birds and smaller mammals before the exit shop.

Things to know before booking your Blackpool Zoo tickets

Booking window

  • Pre-booking your entry tickets is strongly recommended for weekends, UK school holidays, and periods of good weather, when visitor numbers and entrance queues are typically at their highest.
  • This ticket is valid for a specific date, and capacity may be limited on busy days. Booking in advance helps secure your preferred date and avoids disappointment.

Entry & access

  • Entry is via the main Blackpool Zoo entrance off East Park Drive, next to the car park. Show your mobile or printed ticket at the admissions gates before passing through the turnstiles.
  • There is no separate fast-track lane for general visitors. Pre-booked tickets skip the ticket-purchase step at the ticket office but not the entrance or security queues.

What’s included

  • This Blackpool Zoo entry ticket gives you single-day admission on your chosen date, with access to all standard animal exhibits and main zones across the zoo during opening hours.
  • Your ticket includes daily keeper talks, feeding presentations, walk-through animal areas, and the Dinosaur Safari trail. Talks and feeds run at fixed times, while some zones may close temporarily due to weather, maintenance, or animal welfare needs.

Ways to explore

  • This is a self-guided visit. Most guests spend about 3–6 hours following the looped paths, watching animals, and fitting in a few talks or feeding sessions at their own pace.
  • Check the daily talks and feeds timetable near the entrance and plan your route around popular sessions such as sea lion, elephant, and big cat presentations.

Restrictions & policies

  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not permitted, although registered assistance dogs are allowed in most areas.
  • Feeding or touching animals is only permitted during supervised, pre-booked animal experiences, which require separate tickets.
  • The zoo is largely step-free, with mostly flat or gently sloping paths and level access to most viewing areas. Some inclines may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Plan your visit with our official map

Blackpool Zoo map

Zones at Blackpool Zoo

Elephants walking in an enclosure at Blackpool Zoo.
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Project Elephant Base Camp

Where: Near the entrance on the zoo’s main loop.

One of the first habitats you'll encounter, Project Elephant Base Camp combines a large outdoor paddock with a modern indoor viewing area. Home to Asian elephants, it offers views of the herd feeding, bathing, and interacting throughout the day.

Big Cat Habitat

Where: Along the western section of the zoo loop.

This modern habitat is designed around large viewing windows that bring you surprisingly close to some of the zoo’s most powerful predators. Watch lions and tigers roam outdoor enclosures or relax in indoor spaces visible through floor-to-ceiling glass.

Gorilla Mountain & Primate Areas

Where: Central section of the zoo.

A highlight for many visitors, this area is home to western lowland gorillas and several monkey species in naturalistic habitats. Outdoor climbing structures and indoor viewing areas make it easy to observe different behaviours throughout the day.

Orangutan Outlook

Where: Adjacent to the main primate areas in the centre of the zoo.

This indoor rainforest habitat features towering climbing frames and multi-level viewing areas behind floor-to-ceiling glass. Bornean orangutans can often be seen climbing, foraging, and swinging overhead, making every visit different.

Active Oceans

Where: Near the centre of the zoo, close to the lower pathways.

Dedicated to marine and coastal wildlife, Active Oceans combines sea lion and penguin habitats with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Daily talks and feeding sessions offer a closer look at animal behaviour, while underwater viewing windows provide a unique perspective.

Sea Lion Pool & Penguin Exhibit

Where: Within the Active Oceans zone.

Home to the UK’s largest sea lion pool and an underwater penguin viewing area, this exhibit is one of Blackpool Zoo’s biggest crowd-pullers. Watch sea lions during scheduled presentations before heading indoors to see Magellanic penguins dart through the water.

Dinosaur Safari

Where: Outdoor trail connected to the main visitor route.

This family-friendly trail features life-size animatronic dinosaurs hidden among trees and landscaped pathways. Interactive displays introduce prehistoric species while moving models create an immersive atmosphere. It offers a fun change of pace between animal habitats and is especially popular with younger visitors.

Lemur Wood

Where: Along a shaded walk-through path on the main zoo circuit.

Unlike traditional exhibits, Lemur Wood lets you share the same space as free-roaming ring-tailed lemurs in a Madagascar-inspired setting. As you follow the pathway, lemurs often climb, sunbathe, or leap between nearby structures.

Giraffe Heights

Where: On one of the zoo’s main walking routes near the African animal habitats.

Giraffe Heights features elevated viewing platforms that place you almost eye-level with the zoo’s Rothschild’s giraffes. The open habitat offers excellent views of feeding and social interactions, making it one of the best spots in the zoo for close-up photos.

Species to look for at Blackpool Zoo

Elephant walking in an outdoor enclosure at Blackpool Zoo.

Asian Elephant

Where: Project Elephant Base Camp
Watch Blackpool Zoo's Asian elephant herd explore a large outdoor paddock and indoor habitat. Keeper talks offer insight into their intelligence, social bonds, and conservation challenges.

Gorilla standing on grass at Blackpool Zoo.
Orangutan with baby at Blackpool Zoo on a rope structure.
Giraffe eating hay at Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, Japan.
Sea lion perched by waterfall at Blackpool Zoo.

Visiting Blackpool Zoo with kids?

Blackpool Zoo is designed for family-friendly days out, with mostly flat, buggy-friendly pathways, plenty of seating, and facilities spread throughout the park. Baby-changing facilities are available across the zoo, while cafés and kiosks offer child-friendly meals, snacks, and indoor seating for breaks throughout the day.

Kid-friendly highlights include:

  • Dinosaur Safari: Follow a trail of life-size animatronic dinosaurs hidden among trees and landscaped pathways.
  • Lemur Wood: Walk through an immersive habitat where free-roaming ring-tailed lemurs often wander close to visitors.
  • Children’s Farm: Meet friendly farm animals and enjoy hands-on experiences designed for younger children.
  • Active Oceans: Watch sea lion presentations and penguin feeds, two of the zoo’s most popular family attractions.
  • Playbarn: An indoor soft-play area (additional charges may apply) that provides a weather-proof option for younger visitors.

Picnic areas, shaded seating, and indoor spaces throughout the zoo make it easy to take breaks, helping families comfortably spend a full day exploring at their own pace.

Plan your visit to Blackpool Zoo

Red panda walking on a branch at Blackpool Zoo.
  • Opening hours: Daily from 10am.
  • Closing hours: Vary throughout the year, typically between 3pm and 5:45pm depending on the season.
  • Last admission: 45 minutes before closing.

Weekday mornings are usually the quietest time to visit, especially outside UK school holidays. Spring and early autumn often offer a good balance of pleasant weather and lower crowds.

Flamingos standing by a pond at Lisbon Zoo, Portugal.

  • Peak season: Runs from July to August and includes school, bank holidays, and sunny weekends. Summer brings the warmest weather and longest opening hours, with all outdoor habitats, talks, and feeding sessions running throughout the day. Expect the busiest crowds between 11am and 3pm, especially around Active Oceans, Gorilla Mountain, and Project Elephant Base Camp.

  • Low season: Runs from January to March and mid-September to November. These quieter months offer shorter queues, easier access to popular viewing areas, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Weekday mornings are particularly peaceful, making it easier to attend keeper talks and spend longer observing animals, while indoor habitats remain open year-round.

Address: East Park Drive, Blackpool FY3 8PP | Find on maps

Getting there

  • By car: Follow the M55 to Junction 4, then follow the brown elephant signs to the zoo. On-site parking is available (£4.50 per day).
  • By train: Blackpool North Station is the recommended arrival point. From there, take a bus or taxi to the zoo. Blackpool South Station is around 3 miles away.
  • By bus: Blackpool Transport's 5B service stops near the zoo entrance. The Resort Rider service also connects the zoo with key Blackpool attractions and holiday parks.
Restroom sign with symbols for men, women, and wheelchair accessibility.
  • Parking: Large on-site car park available. Accessible parking spaces are located close to the entrance.
  • Toilets & baby changing: Toilets, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities are available throughout the zoo.
  • Changing Places facility: Includes an adult-sized changing bench, ceiling hoist, privacy screen, and accessible toilet.
  • Dining: Family-friendly dining is available at the Lakeside Café, Playbarn, and other food outlets across the zoo.
  • Stroller hire: Single and double strollers are available to hire with advance booking and a refundable deposit.
  • Breastfeeding facilities: Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the zoo, with private spaces available on request.
  • Gift shops: Souvenir and gift shops are located near the entrance and key visitor areas.
  • Taxi freephone: Available inside the main entrance for onward travel arrangements.
Wheelchair user facing stairs with limited access.
  • Wheelchair access: The zoo is accessible, with wheelchair-accessible entrances to all public buildings and level access to most viewing areas.
  • Wheelchair hire: Available free of charge with a refundable deposit. Advance booking is recommended due to limited availability.
  • Mobility scooters: Can be arranged through a local mobility scooter provider for zoo delivery and collection.
  • Accessible parking: 14 accessible bays and 30 reserved spaces are available near the entrance.
  • Essential Companion tickets: One free companion ticket is available per paying visitor with a disability, subject to valid proof.
  • Hearing support: Hearing loops are available at admissions, visitor services, retail outlets, cafés, and selected facilities.
  • Sensory resources: An accessibility map and social story help visitors prepare for sensory experiences around the zoo.
  • Makaton signage: Available across animal habitats and visitor facilities.
  • Sign Language Safari: Offered during selected periods, including school visits and seasonal programmes.
Peameal bacon sandwich with mustard, Toronto's signature dish.

Blackpool Zoo offers several family-friendly dining options throughout the park:

  • Lakeside Café: The main restaurant serving hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and children's menu options.
  • Playbarn Café: Located beside the indoor play area, ideal for families with younger children.
  • Outdoor kiosks: Seasonal snack outlets serving drinks, ice cream, and light refreshments around the zoo.
  • Picnic areas: Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and use designated picnic spaces throughout the grounds.

High chairs, children's meals, and facilities for warming baby food are available at key dining locations.

Security screening with handheld metal detector before tour.
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Do not feed, touch, or tease the animals unless participating in a supervised animal experience.
  • Pets are not permitted. Registered assistance dogs are welcome in most areas.
  • Large suitcases and oversized baggage are not allowed.
  • Follow all staff instructions and stay within designated visitor areas.
  • Some animal habitats or walk-through exhibits may close temporarily for animal welfare, maintenance, or weather-related reasons.
  • Visitors and bags may be subject to admission and security checks.

Visitor tips

  • Time your arrival: Get there near opening to see elephants, giraffes, and big cats before paths and the car park get busy. Weekday mornings outside school holidays are usually calmer.
  • Plan around shows and feeds: Photograph the keeper-talk board at the entrance and build your route around sea lion, penguin, and elephant sessions. Aim to reach arenas 10–15 minutes early on weekends and bank holidays.
  • Pace the day with kid breaks: Alternate animal zones with Dinosaur Safari, outdoor play areas, and the Playbarn so children don’t burn out. Keep snacks and water handy to avoid mid-visit meltdowns in queues.
  • Beat café bottlenecks: Eat a bit earlier or later than the main lunch rush to avoid long waits. Bringing a picnic is popular and cheaper, and there are plenty of picnic spots.
  • Respect animal spaces: Don’t feed animals, tap glass, or call out to get their attention, especially in Lemur Wood and primate houses. Switch off flash indoors to protect sensitive species.
  • Use weather-smart routing: On wet or windy days, hop between indoor primate and reptile houses, then loop back to outdoor paddocks when showers ease. With buggies or wheelchairs, allow extra time for slopes and crowd pinch points.

Frequently asked questions about Blackpool Zoo tickets

Yes. Pre-booking online secures your ticket on busy days and helps avoid long queues. It also often guarantees a better price and the choice of a timed entry slot, making your visit more relaxed and predictable.

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