Twycross Zoo Day Trip from Burton: Family Guide

Planning Your Twycross Zoo Day Trip from Burton upon Trent

Whether you are planning a family holiday, a wildlife-watching weekend, or an educational day out, Twycross Zoo remains one of the premier conservation attractions in the Midlands. Situated right on the border of Leicestershire and Warwickshire, the zoo is renowned internationally for its primate conservation work and captivating animal habitats. For travellers seeking a comfortable and convenient base, Burton upon Trent provides an exceptional location just a short drive away.

Staying at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge places you along the convenient A38 corridor, giving you straightforward access to regional travel routes while keeping you only a five-minute walk from Burton's town centre. Discover how to plan the perfect day trip to Twycross Zoo, from travel routes and animal highlights to dining options in town and resting your head in our comfortable rooms.

Getting from Burton upon Trent to Twycross Zoo

One of the greatest benefits of using Burton upon Trent as your launchpad is the straightforward journey. Twycross Zoo is located approximately 13 miles southeast of Burton upon Trent, making it an easy 20 to 25-minute drive under typical traffic conditions.

The most direct route from Three Queens Hotel on Bridge Street takes you south along the A444 through Stanton and Overseal directly towards Norton Juxta Twycross. The road leads straight toward the entrance of the zoo, with clear brown tourist signage along the way. At Three Queens Hotel, our guests enjoy free on-site parking, meaning you can leave your vehicle securely on our grounds without hassle, hop in after a restful night, and reach the zoo gates in under half an hour.

Highlights at Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo spans over 100 acres and is home to around 400 animals representing more than 100 different species. Over the decades, it has earned a global reputation for primate welfare and conservation. It holds the proud distinction of being the only zoo in the UK—and one of only a few in the entire world—to house all four species of great ape: chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans.

Here are several must-see exhibits to explore during your visit:

• The Chimpanzee Eden: A purpose-built, multi-storey habitat providing the chimps with expansive outdoor climbing frames and stimulating environments. Elevated walkways allow visitors fantastic views of troop interactions.
• Gibbon Forest: Twycross has one of the most successful breeding programmes for endangered gibbons in Europe. The habitat features large moated islands where you can watch these agile acrobats swing effortlessly through the canopy.
• Tiger Tropics: Get up close to magnificent critically endangered Amur tigers through floor-to-ceiling viewing glass in an expansive natural habitat.
• The Gruffalo Discovery Land: If you are travelling with young children, this four-acre interactive zone brings Julia Donaldson's beloved woodland characters to life through animatronics, trails, and sensory play, weaving conservation messages into an engaging adventure.
• Loris Loft & Butterfly Forest: Walk through heated tropical canopies where lorikeets feed from nectar pots and exotic butterflies flutter overhead.

Practical Tips for a Great Zoo Day

To make the most of your day at Twycross Zoo, consider these practical tips:

• Pre-Book Tickets: Twycross Zoo often offers discounted rates for purchasing tickets online in advance. Booking your date online also guarantees entry during busy bank holidays and school holiday periods.
• Arrive Early: The zoo gates typically open at 10:00 am. Arriving right at opening time gives you first access to the primate houses when the animals are often at their most active.
• Wear Comfortable Footwear: Covering 100 acres involves plenty of walking. Paved pathways connect the exhibits, so sturdy trainers or walking shoes are recommended.
• Check Keeper Talks: Timetables for daily educational talks and animal feeding sessions are displayed near the main entrance. Attending these sessions gives unique insights into species conservation.

Dining Out in Burton upon Trent

After a full day of walking, discovering wildlife, and enjoying the outdoors, you will likely return to Burton with a healthy appetite. While Three Queens Hotel does not feature an on-site restaurant, bar, or dining facilities, our central location means you are just a pleasant five-minute walk from the bustling heart of Burton upon Trent.

Burton is famous across the world for its brewing heritage, and the town centre boasts a rich selection of independent eateries, historic pubs, international bistros, and high-street favourites. Whether you are craving traditional British pub classics, stone-baked Italian pizza, authentic Indian cuisine, or fresh Asian cooking, you will find dozens of diverse options along the nearby High Street, Station Street, and within the surrounding town centre. In the morning, you can also explore a variety of nearby independent cafes and bakeries in town to pick up your favourite morning beverages and fresh baked goods before heading out on the road.

Relax and Recharge at Three Queens Hotel

When your day of exploring concludes, return to Three Queens Hotel & Lodge at 1 Bridge Street for a quiet, relaxing evening. With 62 en-suite rooms, we cater to all party sizes, ranging from solo adventurers and couples to large family groups visiting the zoo together.

You can choose from our wide selection of accommodation, including Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, as well as our self-contained Mews Apartment and elegant four-poster Suite. You can explore all our layouts and check availability across our comfortable rooms.

Every room at Three Queens Hotel includes private en-suite facilities, a flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and radio, direct dial phone, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, and in-room tea and coffee making facilities to help you unwind. Free high-speed WiFi is accessible throughout the hotel, allowing you to share your favourite zoo snaps with family and friends or map out your next day's travels.

Our reception desk is staffed from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a dedicated night porter from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to ensure seamless service whenever you return. We also provide daily housekeeping and a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service for your convenience.

Ready to start planning your wildlife getaway? Secure your dates and book your stay online with Three Queens Hotel today for a memorable day trip to Twycross Zoo!

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