Twycross Zoo
| Published: 23rd July 2008 09:12 |
Twycross - the Midlands' best-loved zoo
Twycross Zoo opened in 1963 on a site in Leicestershire. Initially a comparatively modest collection, it has grown into one of the major British zoos, attracting over 450,000 visitors a year. It is famous for its collection of primates.
Situated near the small village of Twycross, the zoo occupies over 40 acres and is set in open countryside. Despite its rural location, it is only four miles from the M42/A42 (which links the M1 and M6) making it readily accessible from anywhere in central England.
Throughout the year the zoo plays host to a wide range of visitors from family groups on a day out to school children studying animals (the Education Department teaches over 15,000 pupils a year).
In 1972 the zoo became a charitable trust concentrating on conservation and education, and now takes part in many captive breeding programmes for endangered animals (about three quarters of the animals housed at Twycross are officially classed as endangered species).
Like most British zoos, Twycross receives no government funds and relies entirely on money spent by visitors to continue its work.
Opening hours
Open daily throughout the year from 10am (Closed Christmas day).
The zoo closes at 5.30pm during the summer season and at 4pm during the winter season (1st November - 4th March)
Admission prices
Standardprices
Adult - £9.50
Child - £6.00
Senior Citizen - £7.00
Family Ticket - £29.00 - 2 adults and 2 children (3-14yrs)
Special Needs
Adult - £5.30
Child - £4.20
Extra Carer - £5.00
Parties
Adults - £7.00
Child Over 3 - £4.80
Child 3 & under - £2.00
Senior Citizens - £6.50
How to get there
Address: Twycross Zoo, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 3PX
Telephone 01827 880250/880440
The zoo is located on the A444, the A444 can be accessed via the A5, and the M42, Twycross Zoo is signposted on the brown attractions signs.
