Last week we spent half term in South Devon, which is such a beautiful part of the country and one that we couldn’t wait to introduce the girls to. Whilst we were there, we were invited to visit Paignton Zoo and we couldn’t wait to go, my girls adore seeing animals. Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most popular attractions and, with over 2500 animals across 80 acres.
We arrived just before 10am, when it opened and easily parked and walked down to the entrance. If you have pre-booked your tickets there is a separate entrance and its much quicker.
Until the end of October 2019, there is a Top Trumps Trail you can complete and my girls love a trail and this is not one we had seen before. It is £1.50 to complete the trail and you get to pick your super top trump card. You also get a map showing you where the giant Top Trump cards are, and a place to register your result.
As you make your way around the zoo, you will spot these giant Top Trump cards, and you compare your scores to see if you can trump them! You can register your score online to be entered into a monthly prize draw.
It was great fun and a lovely addition to a day out at the zoo.
When we arrived there was a rainforest area, which we walked through and there were lots of animals and birds flying around. It was lovely to get so close to them.
When we came out and walked down to the next part of the zoo, there were two gorgeous peacocks sat on the grass near the restaurant. They were not bothered by us, and were beautiful.
The girls spotted a play area, which also had a Top Trump card in it too. We stopped for a play and a snack.
We have a running joke in our family, that when we see Ape’s and monkey’s, we tell Andy we’ve come to drop him back with his family! So, when we spotted the ape’s, it caused much excited for the girls.
Next we walked up the hill to find the giraffes and elephants. When we arrived at the elephant enclosure, it was empty and we found her indoors. Which I’m not surprised, as it was getting quite warm. There is something so gentle about elephants, even though they are obviously very big. I love the way they plod about.
Inside the elephant house, they had an area where you could see what size you are against the animals. Which of course the girls loved doing. There is also lots of talks and feeding sessions, you can attend throughout the day. Check the times when you arrive.
We could see the giraffes in the distance and as we walked round to see them, there were a few more animals along the way. Also dotted around the zoo are telescopes for you to see the animals and they are talking ones to.
Then we arrived at my favourite animals, the giraffes. I just adore them and I couldn’t believe how close we could get to them. It was brilliant.
Holly decided that one of them was called ‘Holly’ and kept saying ‘hello Holly’, it was so funny and it was like the giraffe responded and walked over to her. She loved it.
Next we found Alice’s favourites, the Zebras. They were up a hill and you could just about see them.
It was then time for lunch and whilst Andy and I were still full from our big breakfast we had at the hotel, the girls were hungry. We went to the restaurant and the girls had a lunch box each, which were really reasonably priced at £3.95 each and filled them up.
After lunch we went to find the big cats! It was a really lovely day and the tigers were sheltering in the shade. But we could spot one lying down in the grass.
We then made our way through a wooded area, where there were so many beautiful owls and you could get so close to them. Holly had to stop for a rest!
We then arrived at the lion enclosure and again they were under the shady tress. But luckily one stuck her head up for us to see.
There is a train ride you can do, which takes you around the zoo. You start and finish in the same place and it cost us £3.20 for the 4 of us. My girls love a train ride and it was a lovely way to see some of the animals.
Paignton Zoo is open every day at 10am apart from Christmas Day and a family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £62.95, which I think makes for a really affordable day out.
We had a lovely day at Paignton Zoo and were very lucky that the weather was gorgeous too. It’s a great day out and probably one of the prettiest zoo’s I’ve been to. I would definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area and I know that we would love to come back, next time we’re in Devon.
Disclosure: We were kindly invited to Paignton Zoo in return for an honest review. All views, opinions and photos are my own.
