Why visit Blackpool Zoo in Lancashire?
Blackpool Zoo is a 32-acre (13-hectare) zoological attraction located in Blackpool, Lancashire, owned by Parques Reunidos and opened in 1972 on the site of the former Stanley Park Aerodrome. Home to over 1,000 animals representing species from around the world, Blackpool Zoo is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), contributing to global conservation and research projects.
- To skip the explanation and just book Blackpool Zoo tickets, head this way.
The zoo’s elephant programme achieved historic success in September 2025 when endangered Asian elephant Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf named Zaiya at 10.30pm — the first elephant birth at Blackpool Zoo in its 53-year history. The zoo maintains the largest elephant facility in the UK, Project Elephant Base Camp, which opened to the public in March 2018 and includes spacious indoor areas with 9-metre-high ceilings and outdoor ranges. In October 2019, bull elephant Emmett arrived from Whipsnade Zoo as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, becoming the first bull elephant at Blackpool Zoo in 47 years.
Blackpool Zoo houses the only gorillas in the north-west of England within Gorilla Mountain. The zoo also maintains the largest sea lion pool in a British zoo, opened in its current form in May 2010 following a £1 million renovation. The 250-seat arena allows visitors to watch California sea lions interact with trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques. Blackpool Zoo is the only UK zoo keeping Magellanic penguins, housed in an enclosure opened in 2009 next to the sea lion pool.
What to see at Blackpool Zoo
Project Elephant Base Camp allows close viewing of the Asian elephant herd through viewing windows showing indoor management areas and outdoor habitats where elephants roam, bathe in pools, and interact socially. Giraffe Heights, opened in 2008 following £0.5 million investment, houses four female giraffes named O’Grady, Evie, Olympia, and Tiye. Visitors can book giraffe encounters to hand-feed them from an elevated walkway. During summer months, two blesbok antelopes share the outdoor paddock.
Gorilla Mountain showcases the bachelor group of western lowland gorillas in naturalistic settings. Orangutan Outlook, opened in 2014, provides up-close viewing of Bornean orangutans. The renovated Big Cat House features African lions (lionesses Hira, Emma, and Narla from West Midland Safari Park, plus male Khari) and Amur tigers (female Alyona and male Rusty from Longleat). The lion and tiger areas underwent major renovations in 2022-2023.
Lemur Wood, opened in 1999 as the zoo’s first walk-through enclosure, houses ring-tailed lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, and red ruffed lemurs that visitors walk amongst. Active Oceans features sea lion shows with educational commentary and entertaining demonstrations. Rainbow Landings displays colourful parrots. Dinosaur Safari — the Lost World — features 32 life-size dinosaur models including T-Rex and Pterodactyl along a walking trail.
Additional attractions at Blackpool Zoo include the Miniature Railway touring parts of the site, children’s adventure playgrounds, Amazonia walk-through enclosure with squirrel monkeys, Wolf Ridge housing Iberian wolves, and Farmyard Friends offering hands-on experiences with donkeys, pigs, goats, and other domesticated animals.
Visiting Blackpool Zoo near Blackpool: practical information
Blackpool Zoo opening times and admission
Blackpool Zoo is open daily except Christmas Day from 10.00am year-round. Closing times vary seasonally: For most of the year, it’s 5.45pm, but on some winter dates it closes as early a 3.00pm. Last admission operates 45 minutes before closing time.
Admission prices to Blackpool Zoo vary by season and booking method. Standard gate prices are: adults (16+) from £21.99, children (3 to 15 years) from £17.99, seniors (60+) from £19.99, carers (with proof) free, children under 3 free. Off-peak prices available on selected weekdays are often a little cheaper. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) cost £87.99 on the door. Booking Blackpool Zoo tickets online usually provides discounts. Annual membership at Blackpool Zoo costs from £66.99 for adults, providing unlimited entry plus 10% discounts at gift shops and cafés.
Car parking at Blackpool Zoo costs £4.50 per vehicle per day. Blackpool residents receive 20% discount on admission with valid proof. Tesco Clubcard Reward Partner codes can be redeemed at the zoo for full-priced tickets. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 hours at Blackpool Zoo.
Getting to Blackpool Zoo in Blackpool
Blackpool Zoo is located at East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 8PP, approximately 2 miles east of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the Stanley Park area.
Reaching Blackpool Zoo by car: The zoo is easily accessible from M55 motorway. On-site parking costs £4.50 per vehicle. Blue Badge holders should contact the zoo in advance regarding disabled parking arrangements.
Getting to Blackpool Zoo by bus: Blackpool Transport routes 15 and 16 run approximately every 30 minutes from Blackpool town centre and Blackpool North Railway Station directly to the zoo. Day saver tickets offer good value, available at Paypoint shops or Blackpool Transport Travel Centres.
Reaching Blackpool Zoo by train: trains run to Blackpool North Station (recommended — 5-minute walk from town centre, then bus to zoo) and Blackpool South Station. Layton Station sits approximately 30 minutes’ walk from the zoo.
Blackpool Zoo accessibility and facilities
Blackpool Zoo accessibility varies throughout the property. Most areas are accessible by wheelchair and pushchair, though some exhibits present challenges due to natural terrain. Wheelchairs, pushchairs, and mobility scooters are available for hire from the information centre. Wheelchair spaces operate at the Sea Lion Display, though pushchairs and prams are not permitted in the auditorium (designated pram parks available outside).
Sunflower Lanyards at Blackpool Zoo identify visitors with hidden disabilities who may require additional assistance. Two unisex accessible toilets with hoists operate in the courtyard beside the shop and restaurant, with two more beside the car park towards entrance. All toilet blocks contain accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities. The Equatorial Express railway includes a separate carriage for wheelchair users.
Facilities at Blackpool Zoo include Lake View Café with Subway (first at a UK zoo), Starbucks, Nawala Street Food Asian outlet, barbecue kiosk, multiple ice cream kiosks, gift shops, picnic areas, and the Miniature Railway. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Dogs are not permitted at Blackpool Zoo (including emotional support animals).
Tips for visiting Blackpool Zoo
- Book tickets online for cheapest prices — gate prices are higher.
- Arrive at 10.00am opening during weekends, school holidays, and summer when crowds increase.
- Consider annual membership (from £66.99) if visiting three or more times — it pays for itself plus provides discounts.
- Don’t miss the sea lion show — check daily schedule for times.
- Blackpool residents should bring proof of address for 20% discount.
- Visit during autumn/winter/spring for off-peak prices (adults from £19.99).
- Allow at least 4 hours to see everything properly.
- Bring £4.50 cash or card for car parking.
Nearby attractions to Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is 2 miles west with iconic rollercoasters including Big One and ICON, Valhalla water ride, and Nickelodeon Land. Blackpool Tower offers the Tower Circus (the oldest permanent circus in Britain, dating to 1894), ballroom, and tower eye observation deck. The Blackpool Illuminations light up the promenade for approximately 66 nights from late August/early September. Stanley Park surrounds the zoo with Italian gardens, lake, and an Art Deco café. The Sandcastle Waterpark provides indoor waterslides and wave pools. North Pier, Central Pier, and South Pier extend into the Irish Sea with amusements and entertainment. Blackpool Tramway — Britain’s only surviving first-generation tramway — runs along the promenade.
