Mudpie Fridays >> Hampshire >> Marwell Zoo A Complete Guide

Marwell Zoo A Complete Guide

We have been visiting the outdoor attraction, Marwell Zoo for years, in fact, our first visit was back in 2017 and we have been for Christmas. It is by far the boy’s favourite zoo. And it holds a soft spot in the adult’s hearts too. I have lost track of the number of times we have visited Marwell wildlife over the years. There really is something about the 140-acre wildlife park that puts conservation at the heart of everything it does. I am sharing today answers to a number of questions I have been asked including Marwell Zoo prices and a short review. As well as some top tips for your visit and most importantly our favourite parts, brickosaurs and animals at Marwell Zoo not to miss.

AD – we were gifted tickets in return for sharing our day on social media. I have chosen to write this blog post – Marwell Zoo Review because we love it and think you will too.

Marwell Zoo Review

It is no secret that we love Marwell zoo. It is hard to explain but it just has such a nice feeling about it. I think a lot of it is to do with the fact that the animals at Marwell Zoo are put at the centre of everything. With conservation, the main objective the enclosures are large with plenty of outdoor space for them to roam. They also have a large number of endangered animals. I feel that here you also get great value for money. With Marwell Zoo prices are very reasonable when compared to other zoos we have visited. Plus in the summer months, they run their Brickosaurs event. It is worth keeping an eye on this as they also hold special event days throughout the holidays. It is such a great family day out.

Where is Marwell Zoo?

Marwell zoo is located near Winchester in Hampshire in the South of England. It is around 18 minutes (8 miles) in the car from central Winchester and about 25 minutes (12 miles) north of Southampton. Tucked away in the countryside it is easy to find using the postcode SO21 1JH. Or follow the brown tourist signs which will lead you right to the entrance.

When we visit we drive to the zoo from West Sussex. Although it is serviced by public transport you do need to make sure you pick the right route. As not all buses will bring you to the entrance. Instead, the bus stop is a twenty-minute walk down a 50mph road with no proper pavement. You can find out more about public transport links on their website.

Parking at Marwell Zoo

There is free parking in the car park right next to the zoo entrance. Although we have been before when it is full. So my advice would be to arrive early if you can as it is included in the Marwell Zoo prices. As you will need the time to see everything that the zoo has to offer.

Who is the zoo suitable for?

Anyone that is an animal lover. The boys are now aged 10 and 6 and we had a brilliant time when visiting at the weekend. We first visited the zoo when Charlie was 5 Harry was still a baby. I would suggest that it is best suited for four-year-olds and above. But younger children will still enjoy the experience. It is spread out though so you will want a buggy for young ones as you will beat your daily steps count when you visit! And it your kids love lego then they will also really enjoy the Brickosaurs.

How long do need at Marwell zoo?

The website suggests you need 4-5 hours although we often spend a full day there. As the zoo is quite spread-out over a 140-acre park. So there is a lot of walking involved. Not to mention the five different play areas that the kids will want to stop in. Plus in the Summer months the brickosaurs trail. I would definitely set aside a whole day to make the most of it and it makes the Marwell Zoo prices even better value.

How much does it cost – Marwell Zoo prices

In comparison with other day-out attractions, the Marwell zoo tickets are well priced. You need to buy your Marwell zoo tickets online before arriving. Booking can be done via the website up to a week in advance. Marwell zoo tickets are for the whole day but allow a staggered start to ensure that there are not too many people arriving at once. When we visited it was not possible to buy Marwell zoo tickets at the main entrance so make sure you book in advance.

The zoo is a global conservation charity and so you are encouraged to make a donation with your ticket purchase. Marwell zoo prices are adult full ticket prices are £25 or £22.48 without a gift aid donation for a day ticket. Marwell zoo prices for children aged 3-16 are £21 or £18.88 without. Under 2s are free. With concessions starting at age 60 and cost £22.50 or £20.23. If you live locally then you can also buy annual membership at £66 for an adult and £46 for a child. You can find up-to-date admissions prices on their website as it is slightly cheaper in the winter months.

Marwell Zoo is open all year round with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It opens at 10 am (with staggered entry). The last entry is 90 minutes before the zoo closes at 5 pm.

Food options at Marwell Zoo review

The zoo actively encourages you to bring your own picnic with plenty of picnic areas across the zoo for you to sit and enjoy it. There are even tables undercover for the good old reliable English weather. In addition to this, there are several other places to eat. We tend to favour the Graze Cafe which makes a natural pit stop on the righthand side of the zoo as you work your way around. It is a walk if you happen to be on the other side and kids decide they are hungry. But then there is the Bushtucker Bites which is close by.

The Graze Cafe has a self-service buffet with light bites, hot and cold food. It is popular so expect a queue from late morning onwards. There is seating inside but also some picnic tables outside that are undercover. However, you can not eat your own picnics here. As well as the cafe in the Summer there is a little tent selling burgers and hot dogs which are barbequed while you wait and are delicious. They are priced at £6 for a burger or hot dog.

We have also eaten at Bushtucker Bites which is on the opposite side of the zoo. Right next to a play area it is also popular. Offering a selection of different pasta dishes to take away with picnic benches dotted around. There is also a meal deal option including garlic bread and a drink. I really like that all the menus for the restaurants are available online. So if you want to check for picky eaters then it is easy to do so. There are also various ice cream shops located close to many of the play areas and of course the ability to get a hot coffee while the kids have good fun on the play equipment.

Top Tips for a visit – Marwell Zoo Review

Download the Marwell Zoo app

The free new app acts as your interactive map and includes details of the animal feeding times and talks. As well as details about all the animals at Marwell Zoo. You can download it before you arrive from the app store. Although if you forget there are posters at the entrance with the QR code. Don’t miss the animal feeding times and talks. There are normally

Reusable bottles

Bring your own water bottles. A can of water is £1.80! And the zoo has various water fountains for you to fill up. Including the one we always use by the Opaki play area.

The land train

Operates around the zoo to save little legs. It is a non-stop your departing every thirty minutes or so from the Opaki play area. It costs £2 per person. When we visited the mini train was not running but before we have taken this through the enclosures and the boys really enjoy the trip. It costs £2.50 per person.

How to pay

Card payments only throughout the zoo park all payments must be made by card, worth thinking about if the kids have pocket money to spend. The gift shop is located by the exit and you do not have to walk through it to leave. Which scores highly in our books. I hate that so many attractions make you exit through the shop. The shop does have a good range of pocket money toys so you do not need to purchase something that really increases the cost of a day out and Marwell Zoo prices.

Lucky dip

Tombola, although saying that we often get caught by the lucky dip on the path on the way out. Where you can buy tickets and win a prize if the number ends in certain digits. The prize is your very own fluffy animals of Marwell Zoo. The money goes straight to supporting the animals so we don’t mind. Although the winning odds are not high in our experience and it normally leads to a few tears when lady luck does not make an appearance. Tickets cost a £1 each and payment is via card.

Information cabin – Marwell Zoo Review

Paper map, if you want one of these then you can normally pick it up from the information cabin. Plus they also have stickers for kids which you can put your mobile number on. The information cabin is located at the entrance once you have passed through the ticket desks. There are also details of th new arrivals to the zoo on a poster close by.

What not to miss animals at Marwell Zoo

There is so much to see and do at Marwell Zoo but these are our favourite bits. I love the layout of Marwell Zoo. All the animals have huge enclosures which allow them the freedom they need. It also has a natural walking route round which starts with the penguins. There are lots of different animals at Marwell Zoo to see including a number of large cats including Amur Tigers and Snow Leopards.

Feeding time at the humboldt penguins

If you can time it so that you see the penguins being fed then do! When we visited they were fed at about 11.30. But you can couple check the feeding times in the app. We watched from downstairs where you can see the penguins swimming around under the water.

Giraffe house

The majestic giraffes are my favourite animals at Marwell Zoo. It is possible to walk through the giraffe house and see these beautiful creatures close up. They are free to wander in and out of their home but you can normally find some of them inside and some outside. It is also possible to walk along a wooden platform and see them outside feeding. It is a popular spot so be prepared to wait to get the best views.

Lemur loop

With the pandemic, this has been closed when we have the last couple of times. As many of the lemurs that the zoo has are on the critically endangered list. But it is possible to walk through their outside space and see these beautiful creatures up close. Normally there is a keeper on hand to answer questions and tell you about the individual characters.

Rhinos

The zoo is home to four white rhinos which wander freely in the large safari field in front of Marwell House. Another of my favourite animals at Marwell zoo. They can also be seen in the wild explorer’s area which is where they sleep. With Northern White Rhinos now being extinct in the wild do not miss your chance to see these magnificent animals. Top Tip – you can normally catch them in the morning opposite the giraffe house if you peek through the beech hedge. Which was where this photo was taken.

Life’ Tropical House

A relatively new addition to the zoo. The new Tropical House is home to a two-toed sloth among other birds and reptiles. Entering near the top of the building you work your way downwards through the building that is similar to a hot house down to the bottom. Weaving through the different enclosures in a tropical climate. There is normally a keeper on hand to point you in the direction of the sloth. Who is normally hiding in the trees. Surprisingly fast if you get really lucky it will be helping itself to food and much closer to the walkway. It draws quite a crowd.

Life among the trees

Starting at the gibbons and walking through behind historic Marwell Hall is a collection of monkey exhibits. Many of the Tamarins on show are endangered species. There are also some more lemur catta which you can get close to. The route will bring you out into the hall’s formal garden. Which is planned with beautiful plants, herbs and apple trees. The children will not be able to resist the large hill which is perfect for rolling down. It is an ideal spot to stop for a refreshment break.

New wallaby walkthrough experience

Just past the red pandas, there is a wallaby walkthrough experience. When we visited the whole area was a sea of white daisies with the cute wallabies happily sitting in amongst them. Watching the visitors walk past. You can get very close to these docile creatures.

Pygmy Hippos

These are located on the far side of the zoo from the entrance. With inside water pens and outside roaming area, these unusual cute animals are a little stinky. But it is worth seeing them floating in their muddy water. The zoo has recently got a new addition to the family from a zoo in Europe.

Adventure playgrounds

There are several located across the zoo aimed at different age groups which I think is a very clever idea. You can see a full list on the Marwell website. Although the boy’s favourite is Okapi and where the blow photos were taken. With lots of climbing opportunities and a really large slide, it was an instant hit. I like that it’s located next to the loos and there is also coffee on hand.

Brickosaurs

If you are visiting over the school holidays then you will also be treated to a trail of dinosaurs made from lego bricks. The lego dinosaurs – Brickosaurs. Normally running from May through to September the various Brickosaurs models are located around the zoo. You can use the app to follow the Brickosaurs trail and learn dinosaur facts along the way. Each Brickosaurs model will tell you how many people it took to build it, the number of bricks and the number of hours. There are 24 in total!

Marwell Zoo Review Video

As I mentioned we have been visiting Marwell Zoo for a number of years, this video was made during one of our previous trips. This was before the zoo ran Brickosaurs and instead they had lego animals. But it should still give you a feel for the zoo.

Other things to do in the local area

It takes us about an hour and a half to drive to Marwell Zoo in Hampshire. For this reason, we normally look to stay over for the weekend and pick up another attraction while there.

The brilliant theme park Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World which is half an hours drive to the West approx 16 miles
Alice Holt Woods offer various Julina Donaldson-themed trails and a fantastic play area in the woods. It is fifty minute drive Northeast approx 29 miles
The Watercress Line for a glorious steam train journey and they also have special Thomas events throughout the year. It is a twenty-five-minute drive Northeast and approx 12 miles.
Perhaps one more for the adults, Mottisfont National Trust is around thirty minutes away to the west and offers beautiful gardens and a river to explore. Approx 15 miles.

We had a really good day out in the fresh air learning about the incredible projects and conservation issues. Have you visited Marwell Zoological Park or taken part in the Brickosaurs trail? I would to hear about your favourite bits in the comments below. I hope you have enjoyed this article – Marwell Zoo Review. please share it with your friends and family.