Information for visitors | Welsh Mountain Zoo

FAQs

In line with government guidance on COVID-19, we’ve made some changes to our Zoo operations. For the latest updates on safety measures in place please click here.

Yes. The Zoological Society of Wales (Z.S.W) Association, (registered charity no. 507970) offers membership to individuals and families. There are two different types of membership; full membership and associate membership. Full membership offers Free admission and reduced admission for Groups, lectures and talks, participation in Association activities, social events and regular newsletters.

Associate membership offers One Free admission to the Zoo per person per year, lectures and talks and regular newsletters.

To join, visit www.zswa.org

For further information write to: ZSW Association c/o Welsh Mountain Zoo Colwyn Bay North Wales LL28 5UY or email: zswa@welshmountainzoo.org

For more information please click here.

Yes. The Welsh Mountain Zoo is open all year, every day except Christmas Day. In the event of bad weather, snow, ice or strong winds please telephone 01492 532938 and key 3 to speak to the Zoo Operator after 9am on the morning of your visit. If the office is unattended the Zoo is closed. For more information on our opening times please click here.

Yes. Learning sessions cover a wide range of subjects all designed around the National Curriculum. We offer a first class educational service for all ages and abilities, from nursery groups to junior and secondary schools and colleges and universities. Learning Sessions can be delivered in both Welsh and English. Contact the Education Department for more information (01492) 532938.

For more information please click here.

The Zoo opens daily from 9.30am, for our opening times please click here.

Please note that the Zoo is closed on Christmas day. Last admissions are just over an hour before closing time.

Please click here to view our admission prices.

For more information please click here.

For more information please click here.

Welsh Mountain Zoo, Old Highway, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5UY
The Zoo is situated approximately ½ a mile from the town of Colwyn Bay . The free Zoo Mini Bus service from Colwyn Bay railway station will commence from 6th April 2019 and will run until 8th September 2019. The first trip from the station will start at 10:00am and will then run on a continuous loop throughout the day. You should not have to wait longer than 30 minutes for the minibus to arrive for collection. The last trip down from the Zoo will be just before 4:45pm. If you are organising a group wishing to use the minibus service please contact the Zoo Office first: 01492 532938 key 3 when the call attendant service begins. *** Please note passengers under three years old cannot travel on the minibus without the correct seat restraint. Passengers can use their own child seats providing that they correctly install the seat and also strap the under 3 year old into the seat. The minibus driver cannot install this seat for passengers. There is also one child seat provided by the Zoo for children from birth to 4 years (0 – 18kg). The minibus driver will install the seat in the correct position based on the weight provided by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must strap the child into the seat and the driver will then perform a visual check to ensure that the child is strapped in safely in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines . If you do not have your own seat and the Zoo’s seat is already in use, you must wait until the seat is free again on the next journey. ***

Due to its location, visitors with mobility constraints may have trouble accessing certain areas of the Zoo. Wheelchair users are given free entry into the Zoo due to the terrain only. Please click here to see our Accessibility Statement for more details.

Yes. Free wheelchair hire is available from the Zoo’s Office.
No. Unfortunately we do not hire out pushchairs or buggies

We do not allow pet dogs in the Zoo as this may endanger the welfare of the animals, but fully trained registered assistance dogs are permitted. If you have a registered guide or assistance dog please let the Zoo office know in advance of your visit so that staff can be informed. We do not encourage anyone to leave their dog in the car for prolonged periods, and certainly not in warm weather, but we appreciate that responsible dog owners sometimes take their dog on holiday. We strongly advise that you do not bring your dog with you when you visit the Zoo, but if you do have your dog with you it is important that you make this known at the gate. You will be given one of the reserved shaded parking spaces which are easily accessible and you will be required to return frequently to your car to check your dog. This area is monitored throughout the day by our staff. You will be allowed to exercise your dog out of the car (in a responsible manner and on a lead at all times) on the part of the car park furthest from the animal facilities. If at all possible, please leave your dog at home or with a carer so that you can enjoy your visit to the Zoo secure in the knowledge that the dog is safe, secure and contented.

The Zoo and its gardens cover an area of 37 acres.

Yes. We have a central coach and car park situated opposite our Zoovenir Gift Shop. Also during busier times we may use our overflow car park. There is still access to this throughout the day.

All of the parking here is free of charge.

The Zoo has catering facilities all year round. The Penguin Cafe and Safari Restaurant serve a variety of hot and cold food and refreshments throughout the day. There is also an ice cream shop and a sweet shop open during the busy periods. For dietary requirements please call 01492 532938 ext 3. and ask for the Café or Restaurant or email zoo@hotelsandtaverns.com.

There is a microwave available for visitors use in the Safari restaurant for the purpose of heating up baby food.

Please note that during quieter periods only one of the Catering outlets may be open. For more information please click here.

The Zoo has several picnic areas located around the attraction. There are also plenty of open spaces to sit and enjoy a picnic as well as our fantastic views.

Welsh Mountain Zoo now has free Wi-Fi access throughout the park to download the Welsh Mountain Zoo app and use the Welsh Mountain Zoo website.

Yes. The Zoovenir Gift Shop is the Zoos’ extensively stocked shop, full of zoo and animal related items for sale.

Yes. This facility is available adjoining the Zoolicious sweet shop and it is also available in the toilets adjacent to the Tiger enclosure.

Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the Zoo.

Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings around the Zoo, including all covered areas and it is not permitted adjacent to any of the eateries. It is also not permitted in any of the playground areas.

We ask smokers to be considerate of other visitors and we discourage smoking in all open areas of the Zoo. Smoking is not permitted where visitors are gathered together to view exhibits or to watch our displays. During periods of dry weather open grassland and woodland areas of the Zoo can be at risk of fire. We ask smokers not to smoke in these areas and to exercise caution with naked flames. Please dispose of all rubbish in the bins provided.

No. All parking is free of charge. Cars are parked in the Welsh Mountain Zoo car park at their owners’ risk and we cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to vehicles, their contents or persons.

Yes. Please ask if you require disabled parking.

Yes, we do. For more information on this please click here.

Having printed tickets does make things slightly quicker, but it's not essential, you can just show us on your phone or tablet.

Yes, we do. However, the rate is substantially reduced for both and is available even cheaper online. For prices please click here.

DLA / PIP Letter, DWP Book, Blue/Orange badge or letter from GP.

At present we do not offer these discounts. However, the Zoo accepts Ten Top Attractions vouchers which entitles the payee to a saving of £1.50 off the price off an adult ticket (when accompanied by another adult paying full admission) or £1 off one family ticket. Please click here to visit the Ten Top Attractions website for more details.

We also accept the Attractions of Snowdonia pass. Please click here to visit the Attractions of Snowdonia website for more details.

Please read the vouchers for terms and conditions.

For more information on our Mini Bus Service please click here.

*** Please note passengers under three years old cannot travel on the minibus without the correct seat restraint. Passengers can use their own child seats providing that they correctly install the seat and also strap the under 3-year-old into the seat. The minibus driver cannot install this seat for passengers.

There is also one child seat provided by the Zoo for children from birth to 4 years (0 – 18kg). The minibus driver will install the seat in the correct position based on the weight provided by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must strap the child into the seat and the driver will then perform a visual check to ensure that the child is strapped in safely in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you do not have your own seat and the Zoo’s seat is already in use, you must wait until the seat is free again on the next journey. ***

At present we do not have any indoor areas, however, there are undercover areas situated around the site.

For dietary requirements please call 01492 532938 ext 3. and ask for the Café or Restaurant or email zoo@hotelsandtaverns.com.

At present we do not offer locker facilities.

We have a disabled toilet near the centre of the Zoo and there are also spaces centrally for disabled visitor parking.

Please click here for our accessibility statement.

Please check out the range of experiences offered here at the Zoo, where you'll find all the information you need, plus details of how to book.

For Keeper for the Day click here.

For California Sea Lions encounter click here.

For Primates encounter click here.

For Humboldt Penguin encounter click here.

For Meerkats encounter click here.

For Snow Leopards encounter click here.

There’s certainly a lot to explore in our 37 acre site! Roam the wooded trails, relax on the grassy slopes and meander through the miles of pathways spending a lovely day learning about many rare and endangered species from Britain and around the world.
As we are an outdoor attraction, please ensure that your clothing is appropriate for the time of year and the current weather. As the site is based on a hilltop, flat shoes are a must!

Small wheeled electric scooters will have difficulty due to uneven surfaces. We do not have electric scooters or wheelchairs for hire however, we do offer free manual wheelchairs for hire. Free wheelchair loan is available at the Zoo office.

Can I bring my bike/scooter/skate boards into the Zoo?

All bicycles, scooters, children's cars, skate boards and rollerblades are not permitted within Zoo as this can put yourself and other visitors in danger.

Yes, the Welsh Mountain Zoo does charge the required 5p for a single carrier bag. All shops in Wales must charge this fee as stated by the Department for Environmental Food & Rural Affairs.

Due to security we are unable to hold bags or belongings for visitors. We ask visitors to leave bags and belongings they do not wish to carry around the park at home, in their accommodation or in their car.

We do keep all lost property items found for approximately a month. After this time any unclaimed items are given to charity organisations. If you have an enquiry on something you have lost during your visit to the Zoo, please call our Office on 01492 532938 ext. 3and a member of staff will be happy to assist you.

Yes. All major cards are accepted except American Express.
We have fully trained First Aid staff on site. If you require assistance please report to the Zoovenir Gift Shop or the Zoo Office. Alternatively speak to the nearest member of Zoo staff.
We are unable to sell cat dung for health and safety reasons due to the raw meat contained in their diets.
Unfortunately we are unable to take any animals or unwanted pets. To seek advice on what to do with an unwanted animal or pet please contact the RSPCA or similar charity.

Yes, we guarantee our best prices are when you book online in advance as we offer a 5% discount on online ticket purchases. Tickets need to be purchased before midnight the night before your intended visit. To buy click here.

For any enquiries please email education@welshmountainzoo.org or call us on 01492 532 938. For more information on prices and bookings please click here.

We also offer a range of educational sessions for different key stages and groups which all have links to the national curriculum and are designed to enhance student learning within an alternative classroom setting. For more information please click here.

All bicycles, scooters, children's cars, skate boards and rollerblades are not permitted within Zoo as this can put yourself and other visitors in danger.
At present we do not have a cash machine on site. However, all of our retail and catering outlets accept card payments.
We can never guarantee if a particular animal will be very active at the time of your visit. If it is a very cold day and an animal wishes to stay in their sleeping area there are still plenty of indoor viewing areas as well as outside ones. Coming during a quiet time is often very rewarding, having full visibility of enclosures without the crowds.
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