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Bri tol Zoo Project Ticket : Price , Di count & Vi it Guide

Arthur Oliver Davies Clarke • 2026-05-27 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

Few family outings come with the built-in feel-good factor of a conservation project. The Bristol Zoo Project, run by the Bristol Zoological Society, combines a day with giraffes and lemurs with a clear mission: every ticket helps fund wildlife protection.

Adult ticket (with donation): £27.00 ·
Adult ticket (without donation): £24.54 ·
Child ticket 2–14 (with donation): £21.75 ·
Children under 2: Free ·
Location: Blackhorse Hill, Bristol

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact weekday vs weekend visitor numbers are not published (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Specific dates for future redevelopment of the old Clifton site remain unconfirmed (same)
3Timeline signal
  • Bristol Zoo Gardens closed its Clifton site in 2022 (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Bristol Zoo Project opened at the Wild Place site (same) (Day Out With The Kids)
  • African Forest exhibit access included from 1 April 2024 (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)
4What’s next
  • Bristol Zoological Society continues to expand conservation programmes at the new site (Bristol Zoo Project official site)
  • Advance booking remains recommended to secure entry, especially during school holidays (Day Out With The Kids)

Six key details, one pattern: the zoo’s pricing is straightforward once you understand the optional donation and family discounts.

Label Value
Official website bristolzoo.org.uk
Adult ticket (with donation) £27.00 (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)
Child ticket (with donation) £21.75 (same)
Children under 2 Free (same)
Average visit duration 2–3 hours (Day Out With The Kids)
Old Bristol Zoo Gardens closure 2022 (Day Out With The Kids)

How much is entry to the Bristol Zoo Project?

Standard ticket prices

  • Adult (with donation): £27.00 · without donation: £24.54 (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)
  • Child (2–14) (with donation): £21.75 · without: £19.77 (same)
  • Children under 2: free (same)
  • Family ticket options are available — select “Family” on the booking page for a discounted rate (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)

Donation vs. non-donation pricing

The prices include an optional 10% voluntary donation that goes directly to the Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation work. Opting out is straightforward at checkout — the base prices without donation are £24.54 adult and £19.77 child (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing).

The upshot

The optional donation adds only £2.46 per adult and £1.98 per child. For most families, the extra amount is a small price for supporting wildlife — and it’s tax-deductible for UK taxpayers.

Discounts and concession options

  • Members of Bristol Zoological Society enter free with a valid membership card (Bristol Zoo Project official site)
  • Carers accompanying a disabled visitor receive free entry upon proof of eligibility (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Voucher websites occasionally offer reduced rates, but booking directly through the official site guarantees the best price and availability (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)

The takeaway: paying the donation is a simple way to support conservation without feeling like an extra cost, especially when the alternative discount is only a few pounds.

Visitors can save money by booking online and opting for the family discount, while the optional donation directly supports wildlife conservation.

What is the best time of year to visit Bristol Zoo Project?

Seasonal highlights

  • Spring (March–May) brings mild weather and blooming gardens, making it ideal for outdoor exhibits (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Early autumn (September–October) offers similar conditions with fewer families on holiday (same)
  • Winter months (November–February) are quieter but many outdoor areas remain open; some animals have indoor viewing (Bristol Zoo Project official site)

Crowd levels by month

Weekdays during term time are the least crowded. School holidays and bank holidays see the highest attendance — especially during summer, Easter, and half-term breaks (Day Out With The Kids). If you want space to stroll, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

Weather considerations

The zoo is entirely outdoors, so rain can significantly shorten your visit. The mild months of May, June and September offer the best balance of temperature and lower rainfall — check the forecast before you go (Met Office).

Why this matters: picking a quiet weekday in spring or autumn means you’ll see the animals at their most active without queuing for entry or the café.

Families who choose a weekday in spring or early autumn will enjoy fewer crowds and comfortable weather, maximizing the outdoor experience.

Why did Bristol Zoo close?

Reasons for the closure of Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens on Clifton Down closed its doors in 2022 after more than 180 years of operation. The society cited financial pressures and the age of the city-centre site as primary reasons — the 12-acre plot was not large enough to deliver modern, conservation-oriented animal habitats (Day Out With The Kids).

Transition to Bristol Zoo Project at Wild Place

The conservation work did not stop. Bristol Zoological Society moved its operations to the Wild Place site in south Gloucestershire, rebranding it as the Bristol Zoo Project. The new 136-acre site allows for larger enclosures and a stronger focus on breeding programmes for endangered species (Bristol Zoo Project official site).

The pattern: the old site’s closure was a necessary trade-off — losing a historic landmark in exchange for a much larger, conservation-focused facility that can house species like giraffes and lynxes more naturally.

The move from the historic Clifton site to the larger Wild Place site enables better animal habitats and conservation efforts, a shift that benefits both the zoo and its visitors.

How long does it take to walk around the Bristol Zoo Project?

Average visit length

  • Most visitors spend 2–3 hours covering the main exhibits and walking paths (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Animal talk and feeding sessions add 30–60 minutes if you plan to attend them (Bristol Zoo Project official site)
  • The site is spread out with open-air exhibits, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water on warmer days

Factors affecting time needed

Children’s interests, lunch breaks, and weather can stretch a visit to 4 hours. The zoo also includes a play area, picnic spots, and a gift shop — all of which can add time (Day Out With The Kids).

Tips for efficient exploration

  • Start at the African Forest to see the giraffes early, then loop back through the lynx and lemur exhibits (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)
  • Check the daily schedule on arrival so you don’t miss feeding talks — they’re usually listed at the entrance (Bristol Zoo Project official site)
The trade-off

The zoo is smaller than the old Clifton site, but the open-air layout and animal talks make a 2–3 hour visit feel fuller than it looks on paper — you won’t feel short-changed.

The implication: visitors should plan for at least 2 hours, but the open layout and talks make the time pass quickly.

A typical 2–3 hour visit covers all main exhibits, and adding animal talks can extend the experience without feeling rushed.

Can you pay on the door at the Bristol Zoo Project?

On-the-day ticket purchase

Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit. However, the zoo may reach capacity during busy periods, especially school holidays and weekends (Day Out With The Kids).

Advance booking options

Booking online in advance guarantees your entry and often yields the best price. The official ticketing system allows you to select a date and time slot, which helps manage crowd flow (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing).

Online ticketing benefits

  • Secure your spot — no risk of turning up to a sold-out day (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Skip the queue at the entrance by showing your QR code on a phone (Bristol Zoo Project ticketing)
  • Access to the family ticket discount is only available online (same)

What this means: paying on the door is possible but risky — book online for peace of mind and the best value, especially if you’re travelling a distance.

Booking online ahead of the visit guarantees entry and unlocks the family discount, removing the risk of sell-outs during peak times.

Has anyone recently been to the Bristol Zoo Project?

Visitor feedback highlights

  • Recent reviews praise the spacious grounds and the educational value of the conservation-themed exhibits (Day Out With The Kids)
  • Families especially enjoy the giraffe feeding experience and the walk-through lemur enclosure (Bristol Zoo Project official site)
  • Many recommend booking online to avoid queues and secure a slot during busy periods (Day Out With The Kids)

Recent reviews praise the spacious grounds and the educational value of the conservation-themed exhibits.

— Day Out With The Kids

Common praise and critique

Positive notes often mention the friendly staff and the sense that entry fees directly fund conservation. On the downside, some visitors note the animal variety is less diverse than at the old Bristol Zoo Gardens — the new site is still developing its species collection (Day Out With The Kids).

The zoo is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Last admission is at 16:00.

— Bristol Zoo Project official site

The implication: reviewers agree the Project is a solid family day out, but those expecting the breadth of a traditional large zoo may want to adjust expectations — the focus here is quality of habitats and conservation impact over raw quantity of animals.

Families value the conservation mission and friendly staff, though the smaller animal collection means the experience prioritizes habitat quality over quantity.

Planning a family day out often comes with a handful of questions: will the kids enjoy it, is it worth the drive, and how much will it cost? For anyone considering the Bristol Zoo Project, the answers are more straightforward than you might think. The attraction, run by Bristol Zoological Society, offers adult tickets from £24.54 and admission for under-2s is free. The optional donation of roughly £2.50 per adult goes directly to conservation — a small cost for supporting wildlife. If you’re flexible on timing, choose a weekday in spring or early autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy the outdoor exhibits at their best. Booking online is the safest bet for securing a spot and unlocking the family discount, while on-the-day tickets remain available but risk sell-outs during school holidays. For families in the Bristol area, the choice is clear: buy online ahead of your visit, skip the queues, and spend your time with the giraffes instead. Families seeking additional day-out ideas can browse the Maris Grand Waterpark Resort or the Grand Opera House Belfast.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Bristol Zoo Project?

The zoo is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Last admission is at 16:00. It is closed on 25 and 26 December (Day Out With The Kids).

Is Bristol Zoo Project wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the site is fully accessible with paved paths and accessible toilets. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis (Bristol Zoo Project official site).

Can I buy a membership instead of single tickets?

Yes, Bristol Zoological Society offers annual membership giving unlimited entry to Bristol Zoo Project and access to member-only events. Membership starts at £49 for an adult and £98 for a family (Bristol Zoo Project official site).

Are dogs allowed at Bristol Zoo Project?

Only assistance dogs are permitted on site. The zoo does not allow pet dogs, and there are no kennel facilities at the entrance (Day Out With The Kids).

Where is the best place to eat near Bristol Zoo Project?

The zoo has its own café with sandwiches, hot meals and children’s options. For a wider choice, the nearby Cribbs Causeway retail park (5 minutes by car) has restaurants including Nando’s, Pizza Express and a food court (Bristol Zoo Project official site).



Arthur Oliver Davies Clarke

About the author

Arthur Oliver Davies Clarke

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