MONKEY BUSINESS
Twycross Zoo has something for everyone, says NATHAN STANDLEY and to prove he’s not just monkeying around here’s his guide to the popular attraction
A S home to around 500 animals from approximately 150 different species, Twycross Zoo is an extremely popular attraction for people visiting from far and wide.
The zoo is a renowned specialist in primates, and home to a large variety of monkeys and apes, including the country’s only breeding group of bonobos.
It is also an award-winning charity with a prestigious schools programme, teaching pupils about the animal conservation work carried out at the zoo.
As it is open 364 days a year and features a range of indoor and outdoor enclosures, there is never a bad time to immerse yourself and explore the animal world.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets can either be bought online in advance or on the day just by turning up at the zoo. Booking in advance will get you a 10% discount on regular admission prices. To book online, visit the Twycross Zoo website at https:// twycrosszoo.org/visit-us/tickets-pricing/
How much does it cost?
On-the-day admission prices are £19.95 for adults, £14.95 for children (aged 2-16) and £17.50 for concessions (over-60s or students with an NUS card). All these prices include a voluntary donation. Infants under the age of two and special needs carers are admitted for free. By booking online in advance – up until midnight on the day before your visit – you can get 10 percent off your ticket prices (£17.96 for adults, £13.46 for children and £15.75 for concessions). Prices excluding the voluntary donation are £18.13 for adults, £13.59 for children and £15.90 for concessions on the day, or £16.32 for adults, £12.24 for children and £14.31 for concessions when booking in advance. Discounted prices for group tickets are also available for groups of 20 people or more at a rate of £16.50 for adults, £12 for children and £14.50 for concessions. These tickets must be purchased from Guest Services in advance. You can also become members of the zoo for unlimited access for a whole year – membership starts at £60 for an adult, £45 for a child and £55 for concessions, the equivalent of three visits to the zoo at ordinary prices.
When is it open?
The zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, from 10am to 6pm in spring and summer and from 10am to 5pm in winter. Some events mean the zoo is open later, so check the website here for details of upcoming events.
How do I get there?
If you are using a sat nav, the postcode for the zoo is CV9 3PX. It is located on the A444, which can be accessed from the M42 on Junction 11 or from the A5 at Caldecote. Once you are nearby, brown attraction signs for Twycross Zoo should guide you to your destination. There is also a bus service which runs between Measham, near Ashby, Twycross, Atherstone and Fenny Drayton, leaving Measham bus terminus every two hours between 7am and 5pm.
How much is parking?
Free parking is available onsite and your vehicle is accessible at all times.
What animals will I see?
There are around 500 animals at Twycross Zoo, from approximately 150 different species, including some of the most endangered on the planet, from the domestic rabbit to the red-fronted macaw to the snow leopard. As a renowned specialist primate zoo, the zoo also houses a wide variety of apes and monkeys – Twycross is also home to the UK’s only breeding group of bonobos. There is a tropical butterfly habitat where you will find yourself surrounded by butterflies, as well as a walk-through explorer zone where you can stroke the goats, meet the donkeys and say hello to other traditional pets. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas for kids to enjoy.
Where can I go to eat and drink?
The Himalaya centre offers an array of food and drink using locally sourced ingredients from ethical suppliers. There are also a number of other on-site restaurants throughout the zoo, including the Twycross Fish Bar. Alternatively, bring a picnic and enjoy the surrounding on on of the many picnic benches on site or choose an indoor picnic area.