Twycross Zoo Day Trip from Burton: The Complete Guide

Why Twycross Zoo Is a Must-Visit Day Trip

Set in the picturesque Leicestershire countryside, Twycross Zoo stands as one of the UK's most celebrated zoological attractions. Covering over 100 acres, this conservation-focused zoo is renowned internationally for its work in preserving endangered species, particularly primates. If you are staying in Staffordshire, Burton upon Trent provides an exceptionally convenient launchpad for your excursion. Located only 12 miles away, a scenic twenty-minute drive takes you straight from our town to the zoo entrance, making it an effortless and rewarding day trip for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and couples alike.

Top Attractions to Experience at Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is home to hundreds of fascinating animals from across the globe, offering an immersive journey through diverse habitats. When organising your day, there are several standout exhibits you simply cannot miss:

• The World-Famous Apes: Twycross Zoo is the only zoo in the UK—and one of only a handful worldwide—to house all four types of great apes: chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans. Observing these intelligent creatures interacting in their specially designed habitats is both educational and deeply memorable.
• Gibbon Forest: This state-of-the-art facility features expansive multi-storey outdoor enclosures where you can watch agile gibbons swing effortlessly overhead through intricate rope networks.
• Tiger Tropics and Big Cats: Catch a glimpse of majestic Amur leopards and critically endangered Sumatran tigers roaming their beautifully landscaped natural enclosures.
• Gruffalo Discovery Land: Families travelling with younger children will love this four-acre interactive attraction. Inspired by Julia Donaldson's beloved characters, the trail combines sensory outdoor play, animatronics, and live entertainment to introduce youngsters to British woodland conservation.
• Giraffe Savannah and Wetlands: Walk among gentle giants at the giraffe viewing platform or wander through the Flamingo Walk and Lorikeet Lagoon, where you can purchase nectar to hand-feed curious parrots.

Getting to Twycross Zoo from Burton upon Trent

One of the greatest advantages of using Burton upon Trent as your touring base is how straightforward travel proves to be. Located on the vital A38 corridor and just one mile from Burton train station, the town is exceptionally well-connected.

To reach Twycross Zoo from Three Queens Hotel on Bridge Street, simply drive across the historic bridge and take the A444 heading south-east towards Overseal and Twycross. The route is direct, clearly signposted, and typically takes between 20 and 25 minutes by car. Because Three Queens Hotel provides free on-site parking for guests, you can return at your leisure without ever needing to worry about finding or paying for a parking space in town at the end of a busy day.

Dining in Burton upon Trent

A full day out exploring walking trails and animal exhibits naturally builds up an appetite. Because Three Queens Hotel does not offer on-site food and drink services, our guests enjoy the freedom of experiencing Burton upon Trent's rich culinary scene. The hotel is situated just a short five-minute walk from the bustling town centre, placing an extensive selection of eateries right on your doorstep.

In the morning before heading to the zoo, take a pleasant stroll into town to pick up artisan coffees and freshly baked pastries from independent local bakeries and cafes. When you return in the late afternoon, Burton's famous brewing heritage comes to life. You will find welcoming real-ale taverns serving hearty gastropub suppers, traditional British fare, and vibrant family-friendly venues. If you prefer international flavours, the town centre offers an eclectic choice of authentic Italian pizzerias, spicy Indian curries, Mediterranean grills, and pan-Asian dining. Whatever your taste, Burton's diverse high street restaurants ensure every evening meal is a treat.

Unwind at Three Queens Hotel

After an action-packed itinerary encountering incredible wildlife and enjoying a delicious meal in town, you will appreciate having a peaceful, welcoming room waiting for you. Three Queens Hotel offers 62 well-appointed rooms tailored to suit all travel arrangements. We provide Single rooms for solo adventurers, Standard Double and Executive Double rooms for couples, and Standard Twin or Executive Twin rooms for friends travelling together. Larger parties and parents will appreciate our spacious Family and Quadruple rooms, alongside our self-contained Mews Apartment and romantic four-poster Suite.

Every bedroom features an en-suite private bathroom complete with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer, ideal for refreshing after a long day of outdoor walking. Kick back and relax with your favourite shows on the flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, stay connected with our fast and free WiFi, or brew a fresh cuppa using your in-room tea and coffee making facilities. A direct dial phone is also provided in each room for your convenience.

Our dedicated team takes care of all the essentials with daily housekeeping, a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service, and a front desk open from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, supported by a night porter between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am to ensure peace of mind throughout your visit. Please note that the hotel upper levels are accessible by stairs only.

Ready to plan your Staffordshire and Leicestershire wildlife getaway? Take a look at our full range of accommodation by visiting our rooms page, or secure your dates directly through our booking page to start your Twycross Zoo adventure today.

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