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Visiting Welsh Mountain Zoo in North Wales
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in North Wales, welcoming thousands of visitors every year to its stunning hillside location overlooking Colwyn Bay.
Often referred to as the National Zoo of Wales, the attraction is home to an impressive collection of animals from around the world, including snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, penguins and sea lions.
Combining conservation, education and entertainment, the Welsh Mountain Zoo offers a fantastic day out for visitors of all ages. The spectacular coastal views, beautifully landscaped grounds and exciting daily animal talks make it one of the best family visitor attractions in North Wales. Whether you’re planning a family holiday or simply looking for a memorable day trip, a visit to Welsh Mountain Zoo is an experience that should not be missed during your next holiday in North Wales.
Where is Welsh Mountain Zoo?
Welsh Mountain Zoo is located in the seaside town of Colwyn Bay on the North Wales coast. Perched on a hillside above the town, the zoo enjoys breathtaking views across the Irish Sea and surrounding countryside.
The attraction is easily accessible from the A55 North Wales Expressway. Drivers should leave the A55 at Junction 20 and follow the clearly signposted route to the zoo. Visitors arriving by train can travel to Colwyn Bay railway station before taking a short taxi ride to the entrance.
For Sat-Nav users, the postcode for Welsh Mountain Zoo is LL28 5UY.
Welsh Mountain Zoo Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary slightly depending on the time of year and whether tickets are booked online in advance. At the time of writing, standard adult admission costs approximately £22, while tickets for children aged 3+ is £18 while those under 3 can enter for just £3. Senior citizens and students can usually enter for £20. The zoo also offers family ticket packages which can provide savings compared to purchasing individual tickets.
Visitors can often benefit from these discounted prices by booking online ahead of their visit. As admission prices are subject to change, we strongly recommend checking the official Welsh Mountain Zoo website before travelling to confirm the latest ticket prices and special offers.
Welsh Mountain Zoo Opening Times
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is open throughout the year and welcomes visitors every day except Christmas Day. During the main season, opening hours are generally from 10:00am until 5:00pm, while winter opening hours are typically reduced to 4:00pm. Special opening hours apply on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, when the zoo usually closes earlier than normal.
Last admission is generally around an hour before closing time, allowing guests enough time to explore the zoo and enjoy the animal exhibits. The attraction may occasionally close due to severe weather conditions, particularly during winter, so it is always worth checking ahead before setting off.
Welsh Mountain Zoo Car Parking
Visitors arriving by car will find a large on-site car park located directly beside the main entrance. This is by far the most convenient place to park when visiting Welsh Mountain Zoo and allows easy access to the ticket office, gift shop and zoo entrance.
Parking is free for visitors, with designated accessible parking spaces available close to the entrance for Blue Badge holders. During school holidays, weekends and peak summer periods, the car park can become busy, so arriving early is advisable.
Is Welsh Mountain Zoo Dog Friendly?
Unfortunately, Welsh Mountain Zoo is not dog friendly for general visitors. Dogs and other pets are not permitted within the zoo grounds due to the welfare and safety of the animals housed at the attraction.
The only exception is for registered assistance dogs, which are welcome in designated areas of the zoo. Visitors planning a pet friendly holiday in North Wales with their canine companions may wish to explore the many nearby dog friendly beaches, attractions and walking routes along the North Wales coast instead.
Is Welsh Mountain Zoo Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for one of the best family attractions in North Wales, Welsh Mountain Zoo is well worth visiting. The attraction combines an impressive variety of animals with spectacular scenery and educational experiences that appeal to both children and adults.
One of the highlights of any visit is the famous daily penguin parade, which remains a firm favourite with families. Visitors can also enjoy animal talks and feeding sessions throughout the day, providing opportunities to learn more about the zoo’s conservation work and the species in its care.
The combination of exotic animals, stunning sea views, beautiful gardens and family-friendly facilities makes Welsh Mountain Zoo one of the best days out in North Wales for families with children of all ages.
5 Facts About Welsh Mountain Zoo
When Was Welsh Mountain Zoo Opened?
Welsh Mountain Zoo first opened its gates to the public in 1963. It was founded by Robert Jackson and has grown significantly over the decades to become the National Zoo of Wales.
How Many Animals are there at Welsh Mountain Zoo?
At the time of writing, the zoo is home to approximately 1,500 animals from around the world, ranging from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians.
How Many Different Species of Animal are there at Welsh Mountain Zoo?
Visitors can discover more than 150 different species during their visit, making it one of the most diverse wildlife attractions in Wales.
How Long Does it Take to Walk Around Welsh Mountain Zoo?
Most visitors spend between three and five hours exploring the zoo. Families who stop for animal talks, feeding demonstrations and lunch can easily enjoy a full day out at the attraction.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Welsh Mountain Zoo?
The zoo can be enjoyed throughout the year, but many visitors consider spring and summer to be the best times to visit. Warmer weather often means animals are more active, gardens are in full bloom and all outdoor exhibits can be enjoyed to their fullest. However, quieter visits can often be enjoyed during autumn and winter when visitor numbers are lower.
Stay Nearby with Pario Holiday Parks
If you’re planning to visit Welsh Mountain Zoo during your North Wales holiday, Pario Holiday Parks offers the perfect base from which to explore the attraction and the surrounding coastline. With holiday parks located within easy reach of Colwyn Bay, guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation while discovering some of the very best attractions North Wales has to offer.
After an exciting day meeting penguins, snow leopards, red pandas and countless other fascinating animals, you can return to your holiday accommodation and continue making memories with family and friends. For anyone looking to visit Welsh Mountain Zoo, a stay with Pario Holiday Parks provides the ideal combination of comfort, convenience and access to some of the very best visitor attractions in North Wales.