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frequently asked questions.

Start typing a few keywords in the search bar to help find the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

  • When is the Zoo open?
    We open at 9.30am every day, Monday to Sunday including all Bank Holidays except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. We close for two weeks in January (usually the 2nd and 3rd week). Our closing times vary throughout the year. Please check our opening times for more information.
  • How much is parking at Northumberland Zoo?
    You are welcome to park in any of our car parks free of charge, this includes coaches. Cars are parked in Northumberland Zoo car parks at their owners own risk and Northumberland Zoo cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to vehicles, their contents or persons. Please do not bring and leave dogs in cars.
  • How do I get to the Zoo?
    Due to our rural setting, travelling by car, taxi or coach straight to our door is the best way to visit us. Accessing the Zoo by Public Transport – Bus, would mean crossing the busy A1 and then walking a mile down the road to the Zoo. We do not recommend public transport at this time for that reason. Please see our how to get here section for more information.
  • Can I bring my bike/scooter/skateboard into the Zoo?
    All bicycles, scooters, children’s cars, skate boards and roller blades or ball games are not permitted within Northumberland Zoo. This may put yourself and other visitors in danger and could frighten our animals.
  • Is the Zoo accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
    If you have not visited the Zoo before, there are some important things you need to know about our footpaths. Please click here to see our footpath section and map of the Zoo with regards to path-types.
  • Can I smoke at Northumberland Zoo?
    Northumberland Zoo promotes a no-smoking policy. As a family friendly attraction, we respectfully request that visitors refrain from smoking and vaping in the Zoo. You may smoke outside the Zoo entrance, away from other visitors, ensuring that you dispose of your rubbish carefully in the bins provided. Please do not leave cigarette butts on the ground. Thank you!
  • Can I return to my car during my visit?
    Yes you can. Please speak to the admission staff to let them know and they will look out for you returning.
  • Does Northumberland Zoo do animal adoptions?
    .Yes we do offer adoption packages to help support the Zoo. Please click here for our prices and options. Please note, this is not a 'take home an animal' adoption.
  • What if I require first aid?
    We have fully trained first aiders on site. All of our keepers and ground staff carry radios and will be more than happy to call for a first aider if needed.
  • Am I allowed to bring a picnic with me?
    Yes. We have a number of outdoor picnic tables and grassed areas located throughout the zoo. Currently we are unable to offer any indoor picnic facilities. Please remember to wash your hands if you have been touching any of the farm animals before you eat your lunch and please take your rubbish home with you or dispose of it in the bins provided.
  • Can I hire a wheelchair?
    No, although we do have a wheelchair that you can borrow.
  • How long can I stay at the Zoo?
    As long as you wish, within our opening times.
  • How do I get my membership?
    Our annual membership passes are digital and will appear in your wallet in your Northumberland Zoo App.
  • What day does my membership start?
    Your membership will commence on the day you purchase it.
  • Can I buy a membership as a gift?
    Yes, you can purchase an annual membership pass gift voucher, click here.
  • If I come to the Zoo to visit, can I buy a membership on arrival instead of an entry ticket?
    Yes, please ask for an annual membership pass on arrival at our admission desk.
  • Who can use my membership?
    Your annual membership pass is specific to you, so only you can use it. Members will be asked for ID on presenting their membership. Memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • Can I get an annual membership to the zoo?
    Yes you can. Please click here to view our membership prices.
  • My preferred experience is not available on the website, do you have a waiting list?
    Unfortunately we do not hold a waiting list for our experiences. We remove any sold out experiences from our website and add them again once they become available.
  • What are the age restrictions for animal experiences?
    The age restrictions vary depending on the experience. Please check the individual terms of the animal encounter pages for all the details.
  • How much notice do I need to give when booking a date for my animal encounter?
    All of our experiences are very popular and can get booked up quite far in advance, so we would recommend you give us as much notice as possible. Vouchers bought on the day before or the day you arrive will not be honoured due to short notice. Please provide a few date options when you email hello@northumberland zoo to book.
  • I am unable to make my encounter day, can I reschedule?
    Please contact us if you are unable to attend your experience and give us as much notice as possible.
  • How much are tickets to Northumberland Zoo?
    Please click here to view our admission prices.
  • Can I get a family ticket to the Zoo?
    Not currently. Please click here to view our admission prices.
  • Is there an admission charge for carers?
    Visitors with disabilities (paying full adult/child admittance) are allowed one accompanying carer free of charge. Please bring relevant proof of entitlement such as a blue badge, or a Personal Independence Payment letter (issued by the DWP benefit office).
  • I have tickets booked for a certain day – can I change the date we use them?
    If you have an emergency which prevents you from visiting as you had planned please contact us.
  • Can I make a group booking?
    Group bookings for 15 or more people receive 10% off. Please click here for our school visits page
  • Can I arrive outside of my 45 minute booking arrival slot?
    The timeslots are in place to ensure that there is a steady and uncongested flow of visitors coming into the Zoo. We strongly advise you stick to your arrival timeslot, however, if you arrive earlier or later you will still be admitted.
  • Can I change the date of my booking?
    All tickets are non-transferable. If you need to rearrange your visit due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact us.
  • Can I feed the animals?
    No. all of our animals are on specially formulated diets, it could be dangerous for them if they are fed something which could be toxic or outside of their usual dietary requirements. This includes feeding handfuls of grass to horse/ponies - this can make them ill. If we see anyone feeding the animals, sadly we will have to ask them to leave.
  • Can I hold the animals?
    As you can imagine, we are asked this question a lot, we have a strict ‘no handling’ policy due to the welfare of our animals, our biological security and our strict health and safety regulations. However, our keepers are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. You are welcome to interact with most of our farm animals but please remember to wash your hands afterwards.
  • If it is poor weather will I still be able to see the animals?
    Our animals have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our enclosures and exhibits are naturally planted and designed to allow the animals the opportunity to escape from the limelight (or weather) and have peace away from the public if they wish, we do not force any of the animals on-show. We normally recommend visitors pop back to specific enclosures of animals they have missed as the animals will more than likely be on-show the next time round. You can also speak to one of our keepers/staff who will be more than happy to help you spot any animals you have missed.
  • Can I meet an animal?
    We have a range of exotic animal experiences that you can do here at Northumberland Zoo. All of our farm animals are accessible for public to meet every day. For options and further information please click here.
  • Can I bring rescue animals?
    We are not a wildlife rescue or rehabilitation centre - please contact your local wildlife rescue organisation.
  • Do you take unwanted animals?
    Unfortunately we are unable to take animals or rehome unwanted pets. To seek advice on what to do with an unwanted animal or pet please contact the RSPCA or similar charity.
  • Can I bring my dog to Northumberland Zoo?
    Please leave your dog at home. Only assistance dogs are permitted, please click here to see our restrictions.
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