General FAQs

Got a question? Read through the below FAQ's and see if we've answered it....

  • Tickets & Booking

    How do I redeem a General Admission voucher?

    If your voucher is via a third party (e.g. Buyagift), you must complete a General Admission Voucher Submission Form.

    If your voucher was purchased directly from Hoo Zoo, you can redeem it when booking tickets online.

    How do I redeem an Experience voucher?

    Please follow the instructions and watch the booking video available here.

    How do I book a VIP experience?

    You can book your VIP experience here.

    Do I still need a ticket for a child under 2?

    Yes. Under 2 tickets are free, but they must be added to your booking to help us manage visitor capacity.

    Do carers come in free?

    All concession tickets and free carer tickets must be applied for through Nimbus Disability’s online portal.

    We recommend applying at least one week before your visit. This helps us provide a fair and consistent process for visitors who require additional support.

    Find out more

    Can I buy tickets on the day?

    Yes, subject to availability. We recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry and access the best prices.

    Do I need to print my tickets?

    No. Tickets can be presented on your mobile device upon arrival.

    Are tickets refundable?

    Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for details regarding cancellations and refunds.

    Can I amend or transfer my booking?

    Please contact our team as soon as possible. Amendments may be possible depending on notice given and availability.

  • Annual Passes & Promotions

    How do Blue Peter badge tickets work?

    Blue Peter badge holders receive free entry when accompanied by a full-paying adult.

    Please note:

    • The Blue Peter badge must be presented on arrival.
    • One badge holder is permitted per full-paying adult.
    • The offer is valid for the badge holder only.
    • The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, discount, or free ticket offer.
    • Blue Peter tickets are not eligible for the Rainy Day Return scheme.

    When booking online, please select a Blue Peter Card Holder admission ticket for the card holder.

    How does the Rainy Day Return work?

    If it rains continuously for two hours or more during your visit, you’ll receive a FREE day ticket for a return visit within one month.

    Full Terms and Conditions

    Do you offer annual memberships?

    Yes. Annual Passes offer unlimited visits during standard opening hours and additional benefits throughout the year.

    Find Out More

  • Planning Your Visit

    What time is last entry?

    Last entry is at 3:30pm.

    Our standard opening hours are:

    • Open: 10:00am
    • Close: 5:00pm

    Visit our Opening Times pages for more information.

    How long do people spend at Hoo Zoo?

    Most visitors spend between 3.5 and 4 hours at the zoo.

    We recommend revisiting animal habitats throughout the day, as some species are more active at certain times. Attending our talks, feeds and activities will help you get the most from your visit.

    Can I leave and re-enter the zoo during my visit?

    Yes. Please speak to a member of staff before leaving to arrange re-entry.

    Can I bring my own food and drink?

    Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring packed lunches and non-alcoholic drinks. Picnic areas are available throughout the zoo.

    Do you have a café?

    Yes. Our T-Rex Tea Room serves a range of hot and cold food, drinks and snacks.

    Are there toilets and baby changing facilities?

    Yes. Toilet and baby changing facilities are available on-site.

    Is parking free?

    Yes. Parking is free for all zoo visitors.

    Do you have coach parking?

    Yes. Coach parking is available. Please contact us in advance if you are organising a group visit.

  • Accessibility

    Is the zoo accessible for wheelchair users?

    The zoo is situated on predominantly gravel pathways, which may be challenging for some wheelchair users.

    Visit our Accessibility Page to Find Out More.

    What are the pathways like?

    The zoo is situated on predominantly gravel pathways and the site is generally flat.

    Following periods of heavy rainfall, some areas may become uneven and puddles may form.

    Are pets allowed?

    No. Pets are not permitted on-site unless they are registered assistance dogs and the handler holds a valid Assistance Dog Access Card.

    Visit our Accessibility Page to Find Out More.

    Please note that assistance dogs are restricted from certain areas of the zoo.

    Can mobility scooters be used at the zoo?

    Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility scooters. Please note that some surfaces may be more difficult to navigate following adverse weather conditions.

  • Visiting the Zoo

    Can I leave and re-enter the zoo during my visit?

    Yes, please speak to a member of staff before leaving to arrange re-entry.

    Can I bring my own food and drink?

    Yes, visitors are welcome to bring packed lunches and non-alcoholic drinks. Picnic areas are available around the zoo.

    Do you have a café?

    Yes, we have the T-Rex Tea Room on-site offering a range of hot and cold food, drinks and snacks.

    Do you have baby changing facilities?

    Yes, baby changing facilities are available on-site.

    Are there toilets around the zoo?

    Yes, toilet facilities are located at various points around the site.

    Do you provide lockers?

    No, we do not currently offer locker facilities.

    Do you hire mobility scooters?

    Yes, mobility scooters can be hired here.

  • Animals & Experiences

    What is the minimum age for experiences?

    Most experiences are available from age 6. Please check the individual experience listing for specific age requirements.

    Can I feed the animals?

    Animal food is available to purchase for specific animals. We also run feeding times for some animals – please check the Hoo Zoo App to see what feeding activities are running during your visit.

    Are all animals visible every day?

    Animals have access to indoor and outdoor areas and may choose where they spend their time.

    While we do our best to provide excellent viewing opportunities, we cannot guarantee that every animal will be visible throughout your visit.

    What happens if the weather is bad?

    The zoo remains open in most weather conditions.

    Many animals can still be seen during wet weather, although some species may choose to remain indoors. We do offer a Rainy Day Return if it rains for more than 2 continuous hours during your visit.

    Can I see all the animals in one visit?

    Most visitors have enough time to see the majority of our animals during a typical visit.

    We recommend attending keeper talks and revisiting habitats throughout the day, as some animals may be resting or temporarily out of sight.

  • Groups, Schools & Events

    Do you offer group rates?

    Yes. Discounted rates are available for organised groups. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

    Do you offer school visits?

    Yes. Educational visits are available for schools and organised groups.

    Find Out More

    Can I hire a private space at Hoo Zoo?

    Yes. We offer private venue hire for a range of events.

    Find Out More

  • Rules & Policies

    Can I smoke or vape on-site?

    No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted within the zoo grounds.

    Failure to comply may result in your admission ticket being voided and you may be asked to leave the site.

    A designated smoking area is available in the car park.

    Can I bring a balance bike into the zoo?

    No. Balance bikes are not permitted within the zoo.

    Can I bring a scooter, skateboard or ride-on toy?

    No. For the safety of visitors and animals, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, hoverboards and similar ride-on items are not permitted within the zoo.

    Can I bring a drone?

    No. The use of drones anywhere on zoo property is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.

    Can I take photographs and videos?

    Yes. Photography and video recording for personal use are welcome.

    Commercial photography or filming requires prior permission from Hoo Zoo.

Keep up-to-date with upcoming events

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There’s Always Something on at Hoo Zoo!

To guarantee entry on the day, it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked. This can be done online through our ticketing system.