TL;DR: Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure at Twycross Zoo in 2026! We’re super excited about the brand-new Gorilla Takeover event, kicking off on August 8th, which promises incredible trails, engaging shows, and fascinating keeper talks. This amazing zoo is home to a spectacular collection of animals, including all four great ape species, and offers fantastic facilities like a huge soft play area for the little ones. Plus, every ticket gives you 12 months of return visits, making it fantastic value! Don’t miss out on exploring one of the UK’s best wildlife attractions.
| Key info at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Twycross Zoo’s address is East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 3PX. |
| Admission | All ticket options offer 12 months access to Twycross Zoo. |
| Best for | Soft Play is suitable for children 12 and under. |
| Booking | Lanterns of the Wild is a magical event available for booking. |
What is the Twycross Zoo Gorilla Takeover 2026?
Get ready for an absolutely epic event heading to Twycross Zoo in 2026: the Gorilla Takeover! This is going to be one of the summer’s most exciting happenings, focusing on the incredible gorillas that call Twycross Zoo home. Imagine a whole event dedicated to these magnificent creatures!
The Gorilla Takeover event kicks off on August 8th, so mark your calendars! It’s set to feature a whole host of captivating activities, ensuring there’s something thrilling for every member of your family. We’re talking about interactive trails that will lead you on a journey of discovery, bringing you closer to the world of gorillas than ever before.
In addition, you can look forward to engaging shows that will entertain and educate, showcasing the amazing behaviours and unique characteristics of these primates. Plus, for those curious minds, there will be special keeper talks. These are an amazing opportunity to hear directly from the experts who care for the gorillas every single day. You’ll gain fascinating insights into their conservation, their personalities, and how Twycross Zoo helps protect them. It’s an unmissable chance to celebrate these powerful and intelligent animals!
What Can You See and Do at Twycross Zoo?
Twycross Zoo is an award-winning conservation charity and a fantastic day out for families of all ages, all year round! Operated by East Midland Zoological Society LTD, a Registered Charity No. 501841, it’s not just a zoo, it’s a centre for wildlife conservation and education. You’ll be amazed by the incredible array of animals you can encounter here, from majestic primates to colourful birds and fascinating reptiles. It’s truly a global adventure in the heart of the UK!
Meet the Amazing Animals!
Twycross Zoo is renowned worldwide as a specialist primate centre, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves monkeys, apes, and lemurs! Did you know it’s the ONLY place in the UK where you can see all four great ape species? That’s right, you can wave hello to gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos all in one incredible place! We think that’s pretty special.
But the animal encounters don’t stop there! You can also marvel at magnificent big cats like snow leopards, spot playful penguins, and observe towering giraffes. Wander through their habitats and discover exotic species from around the globe, making every turn a new adventure. Keep an eye out for new animal arrivals too, as Twycross Zoo is constantly working to support conservation efforts and introduce new incredible creatures.
Twycross Zoo is passionate about connecting people with wildlife and contributing to vital conservation work, both in the zoo and around the world. Every visit helps support their incredible mission to protect endangered species.
Fun for All Ages!
Beyond the amazing animal exhibits, Twycross Zoo offers a fantastic range of activities to keep everyone entertained. For the energetic youngsters, there’s a brilliant Soft Play area that is suitable for children 12 and under. It’s the perfect spot for them to burn off some steam, climb, slide, and have a roaring good time, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating!
During the festive season, you can even visit Santa’s Grotto! Imagine the magic of meeting Santa himself amidst the wonderful animals. Plus, if you’re looking for something truly unique, keep an eye out for special events like Lanterns of the Wild, a magical experience available for booking during specific times of the year.
Throughout your visit, don’t forget to participate in the daily prize hunts. These are a super fun way to explore the zoo, discover new things, and maybe even win something exciting! There’s always something happening to make your day extra special.
Twycross Zoo Tickets and Booking 2026
Planning your trip to Twycross Zoo is simple and straightforward, ensuring you can focus on the fun ahead! We always recommend checking out their official booking page for the most up-to-date information and to secure your spots, especially for popular events like the Gorilla Takeover. You can find their booking portal here: Official Website.
One of the absolute best perks of visiting Twycross Zoo is that all ticket options offer an incredible 12 months access! That means your initial ticket isn’t just for one day, but for a whole year of return visits. How amazing is that? It offers incredible value, allowing you to experience the zoo across different seasons and see how the animals change and grow. This is fantastic for families, as you can spread out your visits and enjoy the zoo again and again!
For even more convenience and potential savings, remember that Day Out With The Kids is a leading platform for booking family attractions. We offer a ‘best price guarantee’ and instant mobile ticket delivery via email to help you skip the queues! You can explore and book your tickets for Twycross Zoo directly through us here. Additionally, our VIP membership, available for just £1, unlocks deeper discounts on a wide range of attractions. You can find out more about tickets and memberships on our Attraction Tickets page.
Twycross Zoo also participates in the Access Card scheme, offering an Essential Companion ticket for Access Cards with a +1 or +2 symbol. This ensures accessibility for everyone, which we think is incredibly important.
Twycross Zoo Opening Times 2026
While specific daily opening and closing times can vary throughout the year, especially depending on the season and special events, Twycross Zoo generally offers extensive opening hours to ensure you have plenty of time for a fantastic day out. We always advise checking their official website, Official Website, directly for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times for the specific date of your visit in 2026. This is especially important if you are planning to attend a special event like the Gorilla Takeover in August!
Usually, the zoo opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. This allows ample time to explore all the animal habitats, enjoy the shows, and let the kids run wild in the Soft Play area. Remember, with 12 months access included with your ticket, you don’t have to cram everything into one day, but knowing the daily hours will help you plan your perfect visit!
Tips for Your Visit to Twycross Zoo
- Pre-book Your Tickets: To guarantee entry and often save time, we always recommend pre-booking your tickets online. This is especially true for popular events like the Gorilla Takeover and during peak seasons.
- Take Advantage of 12 Months Access: Your ticket includes 12 months of return visits! Don’t feel pressured to see everything in one go. Plan multiple trips to truly make the most of this amazing value.
- Plan for Mobility: Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushchairs, and pull-along carts are available for hire. Pre-booking is advised, especially during busy periods, to ensure availability.
- Pack for All Weathers: Being in the UK, the weather can be unpredictable! Make sure to bring layers, raincoats, and comfortable shoes for exploring the vast grounds.
- Parking Information: Car Parking is available at Twycross Zoo. Eligible users who sign into their Twycross Zoo Account can enjoy free parking. Remember to check their website for details on eligibility.
- Bring Your Camera (and check file size!): You’ll want to capture those amazing animal moments! If you’re uploading customer photos, note that the maximum upload file size is 2 MB.
Nearby Family Attractions to Twycross Zoo
While Twycross Zoo offers a full day, or even a year, of family fun, you might be looking for other fantastic days out in the surrounding area to complement your visit. The Midlands is packed with incredible family-friendly attractions!
| Attraction Type | Example Nearby |
|---|---|
| Theme Park | Alton Towers Theme Park |
| Farm Attraction | Cockfields Farm |
| Other Zoos | Chester Zoo |
| Waterpark | SC2 Rhyl Waterpark (a bit further, but great fun!) |
For even more inspiration, why not check out our comprehensive guide to summer things to do in 2026? It’s packed with over 7,000 UK family activities and attractions, perfect for planning your next adventure. You’ll find everything from indoor activities to outdoor adventures, ensuring there’s always something new to discover for your family!
Our Verdict: Why Twycross Zoo is a Must-Visit in 2026
Twycross Zoo stands out as an absolutely brilliant destination for families in 2026, and we couldn’t recommend it enough! From the moment you arrive at its address, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 3PX, you’re embarking on an adventure that’s both fun and incredibly educational. It’s not just about seeing animals, it’s about connecting with nature and supporting vital conservation efforts.
The highlight for 2026 is undoubtedly the new Gorilla Takeover event, kicking off on August 8th. It promises to be an immersive and engaging experience that will bring you closer to these magnificent primates with exciting trails, shows, and keeper talks. This event alone makes it a top contender for your family’s summer plans!
But even beyond the special events, Twycross Zoo offers so much. It’s the only place in the UK where you can see all four great ape species, a truly unique opportunity! The Soft Play area is a fantastic bonus for younger children, and the daily prize hunts add an extra layer of excitement to your visit. Plus, the incredible value of 12 months access with every ticket means you can enjoy the zoo again and again throughout the year.
We believe Twycross Zoo offers a truly enriching and memorable day out for families who love animals and want to learn more about our planet’s incredible wildlife. It’s a place where fun meets conservation, creating an experience that’s both entertaining and inspiring. So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your visit to Twycross Zoo – it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure!
Frequently asked questions
What is the Twycross Zoo Gorilla Takeover 2026?
The Gorilla Takeover is an exciting event at Twycross Zoo in 2026, kicking off on August 8th. It will feature interactive trails, engaging shows, and special keeper talks focused on the incredible gorillas living at the zoo.
When does the Gorilla Takeover event start?
The Gorilla Takeover event at Twycross Zoo is set to kick off on August 8th, 2026, so mark your calendars for this exciting summer event!
What animals can you see at Twycross Zoo?
Twycross Zoo is home to a spectacular collection of animals, including all four great ape species (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos), snow leopards, penguins, giraffes, and many more exotic species from around the world.
Do tickets for Twycross Zoo offer return visits?
Yes, one of the best perks of visiting Twycross Zoo is that all ticket options offer an incredible 12 months access! This means your initial ticket allows for a whole year of return visits, offering fantastic value.
Does Twycross Zoo have a soft play area?
Yes, Twycross Zoo offers a brilliant Soft Play area that is suitable for children 12 and under. It’s a perfect spot for youngsters to burn off some steam and have fun, especially if the weather isn’t ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Twycross Zoo Gorilla Takeover 2026?
The Gorilla Takeover is an exciting event at Twycross Zoo in 2026, kicking off on August 8th. It will feature interactive trails, engaging shows, and special keeper talks focused on the incredible gorillas living at the zoo.
When does the Gorilla Takeover event start?
The Gorilla Takeover event at Twycross Zoo is set to kick off on August 8th, 2026, so mark your calendars for this exciting summer event!
What animals can you see at Twycross Zoo?
Twycross Zoo is home to a spectacular collection of animals, including all four great ape species (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos), snow leopards, penguins, giraffes, and many more exotic species from around the world.
Do tickets for Twycross Zoo offer return visits?
Yes, one of the best perks of visiting Twycross Zoo is that all ticket options offer an incredible 12 months access! This means your initial ticket allows for a whole year of return visits, offering fantastic value.
Does Twycross Zoo have a soft play area?
Yes, Twycross Zoo offers a brilliant Soft Play area that is suitable for children 12 and under. It’s a perfect spot for youngsters to burn off some steam and have fun, especially if the weather isn’t ideal.