Twycross Zoo Day Trip from Burton: Family Fun & Tips

A World-Class Conservation Day Out on Burton's Doorstep

Located on the border of Leicestershire and Warwickshire, just 12 miles south-east of Burton upon Trent, Twycross Zoo has stood as one of the UK's premier zoological attractions for over sixty years. Renowned globally as a specialist primate centre, this sprawling 100-acre park makes an exceptional day trip for families, wildlife enthusiasts, couples, and curious travellers visiting Staffordshire.

Whether you are local to the Midlands or visiting from further afield along the A38 corridor, embarking on a day trip to Twycross Zoo from Burton upon Trent provides the perfect blend of countryside wildlife exploration and town-centre convenience. After a full day walking along zoo trails, watching playful primates, and discovering exotic creatures, having a comfortable base to return to makes all the difference.

Highlights to Explore at Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is home to around 400 animals across more than 100 species, with a particular focus on endangered species and international conservation breeding programmes. To help you structure your visit, here are some of the must-see highlights you will encounter during your day out.

The UK's Only Home to All Four Great Apes

Twycross Zoo holds a unique position among British zoological collections: it is the only zoo in the UK to care for all four types of great ape. Visitors can observe Western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and Bornean orangutans. The state-of-the-art Chimpanzee Eden habitat provides a vast, multi-storey indoor and outdoor environment that encourages natural climbing and foraging behaviours, offering visitors incredible elevated viewing platforms.

Tiger Meadow

Get up close to one of the planet's most magnificent apex predators in Tiger Meadow. Specially designed to replicate the natural habitat of critically endangered Amur tigers, this spacious enclosure features glass viewing screens, climbing mounds, and pool areas where you can watch these striking big cats roam and rest.

The Gruffalo Discovery Land

Travelling with younger children? The Gruffalo Discovery Land is a major draw for families. Spanning several acres, this interactive trail brings the beloved characters created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler to life. Young explorers can journey through the deep dark wood, encounter animatronics, complete activity trails, and learn about real-world woodland conservation along the way.

Gibbon Forest and Lorikeet Lagoon

Twycross is also famous for its diverse collection of lesser apes. Gibbon Forest is an impressive habitat featuring four distinct pods connected by elevated aerial ropes and trees, allowing gibbons to swing freely across large distances. Meanwhile, at Lorikeet Lagoon, you can walk through an aviary filled with vibrant rainbow lorikeets, with opportunities to hand-feed these social birds with pots of sweet nectar.

Getting to Twycross Zoo from Burton upon Trent

One of the greatest benefits of planning your visit from Burton upon Trent is the short, straightforward journey. Twycross Zoo sits just off the A444 near the village of Twycross.

By car, the drive typically takes between 20 and 25 minutes. From central Burton, head southeast across the Trent via the A511 or take the scenic A444 route straight towards Twycross. Having a car makes visiting simple and flexible, and staying at Three Queens Hotel means you can make use of free on-site parking before setting off in the morning and upon your return.

For those travelling by public transport, Burton upon Trent railway station sits just one mile from Three Queens Hotel. From the town centre, regional bus services and local taxi options are readily available to connect you across the county boundary to the zoo gates.

Top Tips for Your Day at the Zoo

• Book in Advance: Purchasing your zoo tickets online before your visit often provides discounted pricing and guarantees entry during peak holiday periods and sunny weekends.
• Wear Comfortable Footwear: The zoo covers 100 acres, and you will do plenty of walking across outdoor paths, boardwalks, and grassy viewing areas. Comfortable shoes are essential.
• Check Feeding Times and Talks: Daily keeper presentations provide fascinating insights into animal welfare and conservation efforts. Pick up a timetable at the entrance to ensure you do not miss your favourite species.
• Plan for All Weather: The park features extensive indoor habitats—including the ape houses, tropical bird walks, and butterfly zones—so your day will remain enjoyable even if the weather turns drizzly.

Evening Dining and Drinks in Burton upon Trent

After walking miles around the zoo enclosures, you will likely return to Burton with a healthy appetite. As the historic capital of British brewing, Burton upon Trent boasts a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of choices right on the doorstep of Three Queens Hotel.

A brief five-minute stroll into the town centre leads to a wide selection of independent bistros, traditional gastropubs, and international restaurants serving authentic Italian, Indian, and contemporary British dishes. You can sample classic Burton-brewed ales in historic taverns, enjoy a relaxed family meal at a town-centre pizzeria, or grab a quick bite before winding down for the night.

Unwind at Three Queens Hotel

When you are ready to put your feet up, Three Queens Hotel & Lodge offers a warm, welcoming, and convenient haven in the heart of Burton upon Trent. Situated on Bridge Street along the A38 corridor, our property features 62 well-appointed rooms tailored to solo travellers, couples, and visiting families alike.

Explore our wide selection of accommodation on our rooms page, which includes Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, as well as a self-contained Mews Apartment and a romantic four-poster Suite. Every room features an en-suite private bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and radio, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, direct dial telephone, and tea and coffee making facilities to help you unwind after a busy day on your feet.

Guests at Three Queens Hotel enjoy complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout their stay, free on-site car parking, daily housekeeping, and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service. Our reception is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm, supported by a dedicated night porter between 10:00pm and 8:00am to ensure smooth arrivals and round-the-clock assistance.

Ready to plan your family wildlife break or weekend escape to Staffordshire? Check availability and secure your dates today on our booking page, or call our team directly on 01283 523800.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.