Find the perfect stay near Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo spreads across 32 acres of spacious parkland and provides a home for over 1,000 animals from across the globe. This popular site has earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and is a great place to enjoy a slower pace while learning about wildlife conservation. You can stroll through the different habitats to spot everything from tall giraffes to noisy sea lions in a setting that feels friendly and easy to explore. It is a lovely way to spend a few hours surrounded by nature and some truly interesting creatures.

You can enjoy a day out surrounded by animals from all over the world just a short distance from the seaside. It is a great choice if you want to swap the sandy beach for woodland walks and large enclosures. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will be covering quite a bit of ground across the 32-acre site.

Planning your visit to the park

An entry fee applies to access the grounds, and you should check the official site for current opening times and seasonal schedules. The site is easy to navigate on foot, and most pathways are flat, making it accessible for prams and wheelchairs. If you are driving, there is a large car park on-site where a parking fee applies for the duration of your stay.

You can find several places to eat, including a main café and various seasonal snack kiosks. There is also a large indoor play area called Playbarn, which is designed for children under a certain height or age. For any specific details regarding daily talks or feeding times, you should check the official landmark site for up-to-date information.

What to see and do

You can walk through different zones that mimic natural habitats, from the African savannah to the tropical rainforest. One of the main attractions is Project Elephant Base Camp, which features a huge grassed outdoor area and one of the largest indoor elephant facilities in the UK. You can also head to the sea lion pool to watch the animals during their scheduled displays.

The park is home to over 1,000 animals, including tigers, gorillas, and giraffes. You can get a closer look at some species in the walk-through areas, such as the Lemur Wood or the wallaby enclosure. If you enjoy learning about birds, the large aviaries allow you to see various species flying in a spacious environment.

Exploring the natural features

The site is set within a mature parkland that provides plenty of shade and green space. You will find large lakes and ponds that are home to many water birds and local wildlife. It feels much more peaceful than the busy seafront, offering a quiet escape into nature.

The enclosures are designed to give the animals plenty of room while allowing you to get a good view from various vantage points. You can follow the winding trails through the trees to discover hidden corners of the park. Many of the older trees on the site have been preserved to maintain the natural feel of the woodland.

Planning a trip to Blackpool Zoo is simple thanks to the well-connected local roads and public transport links. There are many places to stay in the vicinity, allowing you to reach the zoo gates without any fuss.

Where to stay for your visit

If you want to be as close as possible to the animals, look for accommodation around the Stanley Park area. This part of town is much quieter than the seafront and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of green space. You will find a good mix of family-friendly guesthouses and budget-conscious hotels that cater well to those travelling with children. Staying here means you are only a 1-mile walk or a very short drive from the main entrance. For those who prefer a bit more action, the Blackpool Town Centre is a great alternative. It provides a wider variety of hotels, from simple bed and breakfasts to larger establishments, and you can still reach the zoo in about 10 minutes by car or bus.

Getting to the site

You can easily reach the zoo from Blackpool North Station, which is the main railway hub located about 2 miles away. From there, a taxi ride takes roughly 10 minutes, or you can hop on a local bus that drops you right near the entrance. If you are coming from the Blackpool Promenade, several bus routes run regularly and will get you to the park in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. For those driving, the site is well-signposted from the M55 motorway, and there is a large on-site car park available for a daily fee.

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