Dartmoor Zoo Guide: Best Time to Visit, Tickets & Insider Advice

February 4, 2026 - By Noor

Dartmoor Zoo is not a flashy, city-centre zoo designed to rush you from enclosure to enclosure. It’s set in the edge of Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by open countryside, steep paths, and wide skies. That setting shapes the entire experience. If you arrive expecting a polished theme-park style attraction, you might miss what makes this place special. But if you go in with the right expectations and a bit of planning, Dartmoor Zoo can be a genuinely rewarding day out.

This guide covers the best time to visit, ticket information, and practical insider advice to help you make the most of your time there.

Best Time to Visit Dartmoor Zoo

Timing matters at Dartmoor Zoo more than at many other UK zoos, largely because of its rural location and outdoor layout.

Spring and Early Summer

Late April through June is widely considered the best period to visit. The weather is usually mild, animals are more active, and the zoo is quieter than during peak summer holidays. This is an ideal time if you want a relaxed visit without crowds.

Summer Holidays

July and August are the busiest months. The zoo is livelier and better suited to families with school-age children, but queues for food and popular viewpoints can form. Arriving early in the day helps avoid the busiest periods.

Autumn

September can be an underrated time to visit. Crowds drop off quickly after schools return, and cooler temperatures often mean animals are more visible. It’s also a calmer, more peaceful experience overall.

Winter

Winter visits are quieter but limited. Some animals may be less active, and weather conditions can make walking routes muddy or slippery. Always check opening hours and weather forecasts before planning a winter trip.

Dartmoor Zoo Tickets and Pricing

Tickets for Dartmoor Zoo can be purchased online or at the gate, but buying in advance is usually the better option.

Booking in Advance

Online tickets often come with small savings and guarantee entry during busy periods. Advance booking also speeds up entry on arrival.

Family and Group Tickets

Family tickets offer better value than buying individual passes, especially for groups with younger children. Group discounts may be available for larger parties or educational visits.

Annual Memberships

If you live locally or plan to visit more than once a year, annual passes can quickly pay for themselves. They also support the zoo’s conservation work.

Refunds and Changes

Tickets are usually date-specific, so double-check plans before booking. Policies can change, so always review terms at the time of purchase.

Insider Advice for Visiting Dartmoor Zoo

These are the small but important details that can improve your visit significantly.

Wear Proper Footwear

Dartmoor Zoo is built on uneven terrain with steep slopes. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially after rain.

Allow More Time Than You Expect

While the zoo isn’t huge, the layout means walking between enclosures takes time. Plan at least three to four hours to explore without rushing.

Bring Layers

Weather near Dartmoor can change quickly. Even on sunny days, temperatures can drop, and wind can pick up.

Visit Enclosures More Than Once

Animals move around throughout the day. If you don’t see much activity initially, come back later. Patience often pays off.

Use Quiet Moments

Early mornings and the final hour before closing are often the best times to observe animals without crowds.

Facilities and Food

Dartmoor Zoo has cafés and picnic areas, but options are more limited compared to large city zoos. Bringing your own snacks or lunch is a good idea, especially during busy periods. Picnic areas allow you to enjoy the surrounding countryside while taking a break.

Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available, but due to the layout of the zoo, it’s worth planning bathroom stops ahead of time.

Is Dartmoor Zoo Good for Families?

Yes, particularly for families who enjoy nature and walking. It’s less about rides or entertainment and more about learning, observation, and appreciation of wildlife. Children who enjoy animals and outdoor exploration tend to get the most from the experience.

Final Thoughts

Dartmoor Zoo offers a quieter, more grounded zoo experience that feels connected to its natural surroundings. It’s not about rushing through attractions or ticking boxes. Instead, it rewards visitors who slow down, observe, and appreciate the animals and environment. With good timing, sensible footwear, and realistic expectations, Dartmoor Zoo can be a memorable and meaningful day out.

This guide is based on general visitor experiences and publicly available information. Ticket prices, opening times, animal availability, and facilities may change. Always check the official Dartmoor Zoo website before planning your visit.

#DartmoorZoo #DevonAttractions #UKZoos #FamilyDaysOut #WildlifeExperiences #DartmoorNationalPark #ZooVisitTips #Anslation #Carrerbook