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Day Plans

Whether you’ve got a full or half day to spend with us, our itineraries can help you make the most of your visit.

Top tips to get the most from your day

  • Pick up a paper map or download our sitemap – the best way to make sure you don’t miss anything!

  • Check the Admissions welcome board on arrival to see the animal talk and feed times, as well as information on food and drinks on site, and any extra events and activities.

  • Bristol Zoo Project is a beautiful natural environment. As well as our animals, depending on the time of year, you’ll see native birds, butterflies, squirrels and fungi. See what treasures you can spot during the day.

  • Loved your visit? Become a member and visit as often as you like. Bristol Zoo Project is always changing, and there’s always something new to discover.

Half-day itinerary

10am Head straight to Bear Wood!

Go back in time to an ancient British woodland where bears, wolves, wolverines and lynxes still roam. Explore the raised boardwalk overlooking the predators’ natural woodland enclosure, and be inspired by our native species too.

11.15am Bear Wood talk

Catch the brilliant Bear Wood talk, where you’ll learn about these incredible species.

11.45 Play time!

Head back to the entrance for some playtime in the undercover Fun Fort, or go wild on Explorers Basecamp, our three-storey, conservation-themed play area.

12.30pm Lunch

Head to the Courtyard Café for a sandwich or sausage roll, or Base Camp Pizzeria overlooking the cheetah enclosure. Watch the cheetahs prowl while you enjoy your stone-baked pizza. (Check for opening times at the notice board by admissions).

Brought a picnic? There are picnic benches dotted around the site, including plenty in the scenic Tower Meadow.

1.15pm Lemur talk and feed

Head to the Lemur Walkthrough to come face to face with ring-tailed, ruffed, mongoose and gentle lemurs! Watch the fun and interactive talk which takes place at feeding time and learn all about these Madagascan animals.

On your way to the exit, be sure to say hello to the giraffes, zebras and elands.

Full-day itinerary

10am Arrival

Be among the first visitors on site and make the most of our free parking. Visit our beautiful cheetah brothers – can you tell who is who by the markings on their faces?

11am Discover Bear Wood

Go back in time to 8,000BC to an ancient British woodland where bears, wolves, wolverines and lynxes still roam. Catch the brilliant talk and take your time exploring the raised boardwalk overlooking the predators’ natural woodland enclosure (it’s a massive eight acres with plenty of space for the animals to roam, and climb trees) and don’t forget to chat to our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who can help you spot the animals.

12pm Lunch

After leaving Bear Wood, you’re perfectly positioned for lunch in Base Camp Pizzeria – enjoy stone-baked pizza overlooking the cheetah enclosure. Check opening times at admission.

Brought a picnic? There are plenty of picnic areas around site – your nearest two are by the entrance to Bear Wood, or by the Geladas.

1pm Madagascar

Our Madagascar exhibit takes you past pygmy goats and into the wild Lemur Walkthrough. Get up close and personal with the lemurs in their enclosure and watch them being fed by the keepers.

1.30pm Discover the giraffes at our Bénoué National Park

Find zebras, giraffes and elands in the Bénoué National Park Exhibit. Don’t forget to climb the walkway and head into the raised giraffe house – getting face-to-face with the world’s tallest animal!

And older children and adults can challenge themselves with the high ropes adventure course Leap of Faith (charges apply).

2.30pm Walled Garden

Head to the Walled Garden, going past the ostrich enclosure (say hello to Drummer!). The whole family will love meeting our mob of meerkats in the Walled Garden and watching the keepers give them their lunch. While you’re there, take a look at our conservation aviaries, which house the Endangered Visayan tarictic hornbills, and listen out for the noisy weaver birds and Sumatran laughing thrush.

3pm Play time, coffee and cake

Head back towards the entrance via the red river hog habitat and try to spot them snuffling and foraging among the trees.

There are great play areas to explore – little ones can burn off some energy in the Fun Fort, or all ages can go wild on Explorers Basecamp, our three-storey, conservation-themed play area.