Visiting the Zoo

Each school that has booked a visit is entitled to a pre-visit to Blackpool Zoo, valid during term time only. This is to be used to familiarise yourself with the layout of the zoo, its facilities and to assist you in planning your day.

The visit is valid for up to 2 teachers or group leaders who are part of the pre-booked visit and can be arranged by contacting the Education Department on 01253 830805 or zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk.

During busy times coaches are directed to the free coach park and met by one of our Education Officers. A member of the Education Team will escort your group to the schools entrance. 

Please make sure that your group leader has the correct information regarding the number of children and adults to give to our admissions team at the schools entrance, who will process your booking. Payment can be made by card or cash.  Schools can also pay by cheque or on invoice.  

At this time you will asked for a contact mobile telephone number and will be given maps. You can pre-download our map here.

At quieter times, your coach driver should follow the signs to our free coach park. Your group leader should go to the Visitor Services Hub, which is located in the main entrance, for your booking to be processed.

We also have a sensory map available to download here, highlighting noises and smells within the enclosures and any possible busy areas.

Your group may eat their packed lunches at any of the outdoor picnic areas, lawns or arenas around the zoo. We do have an indoor eating area, the Darwin Centre, and this is on a first come, first served basis. 

Please be aware that as we are located by the sea, there is a presence of seagulls that may want to join your picnic.

Please use the rubbish bins provided and leave the areas tidy.

We do have a well-stocked gift shop in the Main Entrance and a smaller seasonal shop located at the World of Wings Exhibit. We ask that you visit the shops in smaller groups across the day, which will help provide a more pleasant visit.

The safety of all our visitors is our primary concern. Please see HERE to download our Risk Assessment Guidelines document.

All 16s and under must be supervised by an adult from arrival to departure.

Please follow these guidelines to make your day even more enjoyable and fun for yourselves and other visitors.

Keep our animals healthy – Do not feed any of our animals.

Keep our animals happy – Do not taunt the animals or disturb them by running, shouting or banging on glass at enclosures or in houses.

Stick to the paths – Do not cross any safety barriers.

Keep our dinosaurs safe – Do not allow children to climb/play on them.

Help keep the zoo tidy – Please use the litter bins or recycled bins provided.

Be clean – Make sure you use the hand wash dispensers around the exhibits and always wash your hands before eating.

Keep children safe – Children must stay with the accompanying adults in their group. All 16s and under must be supervised by an adult from arrival to departure.

Should you require any further assistance before your visit, please contact Education Department on 01253 830805 or zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk.

If you require assistance on the day (including any help reporting and finding lost children or lost property) please feel free to speak to any member of staff. We have a Visitor Services Hub in the Main Entrance, and staff can always be found at Admissions, Shops and Cafes. You will also see many staff around the park, all of whom will carry a radio and will be happy to help.