We’ve been visiting the Welsh Mountain Zoo with our children since our eldest was a toddler (she’s now 10). We love it and think it is a great family day out. It’s one of our favourite family attractions in North Wales so we jumped at the chance to review the zoo when we were asked recently. Find more great UK family days out and holidays here.
Ad- We were invited along by the Welsh Mountain Zoo on this trip so didn’t pay for entry. However, we have paid to visit the zoo at least 3 times over the years. All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own.
Where is the Welsh Mountain Zoo?
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a short drive from the A55 (exit at Rhos-on-Sea interchange, Junction 20). The Zoo is well-signposted from this junction. It is at the top of a steep hill and there are no bus stops near the zoo so you would need to get a taxi from the nearest bus stop or Colwyn Bay train station.
The address is Welsh Mountain Zoo, Old Highway, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5UY
There is a large free car park.
Why we love the Welsh Mountain Zoo
As I’ve mentioned, this wasn’t our first visit to the zoo and it won’t be our last. The zoo is a great day out for families. The big thing we noticed this weekend was how parts of the zoo had changed since our last visit a couple of years back.
There is a new snow leopard enclosure (although we couldn’t spot the snow leopard on our visit and the play area has been expanded. It is clear that the team at the Welsh Mountain Zoo look after the animals and the attraction too. They really think about the visitor experience which is so important.
There were plenty of our old favourite features too like the penguin parade and sea lion training (more details further down). I also liked the gift shop and was more than happy to buy my girls a cuddly toy each. The gifts on sale are of great quality and reasonably priced too. Again this is not always the case at attractions.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting the Welsh Mountain Zoo.
What animals can I see at the Welsh Mountain Zoo?
The Welsh Mountain Zoo isn’t a huge zoo but there are plenty of animals to see including big cats, primates, other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and small animals in the children’s farm.
Let’s start with the big cats. There are three types in different enclosures. We were lucky to see the two Sumatriptan tigers, both sleeping inside the enclosure, We didn’t manage to see their snow Leopard. We also saw their 3 Margay, again sleeping!
There are lots of different types of primates around the zoo. The highlight for our family was the ring tailed lemur enclosure. Between 11 am and 3 pm, you can go inside the Lemur enclosure and walk with them!
We went inside the enclosure and there were no lemurs but they very quickly came out and sat in a big group less than a meter from us. One of them was very inquisitive and came right up to my husband and touched his leg. My husband says they are very gentle. Our girls loved getting this close to the animals.
There are lots of other mammals at the zoo like deer and horses on the fields. You also get stunning views over Colwyn Bay and Llandudno.
Another highlight of our recent visit for us was seeing the Eurasian brown bears out and about in their enclosure. One of them was having loads of fun splashing about and playing with balls in their pool.
I mentioned above the penguin parade and sea lion sessions, these happen twice a day (the penguin parade is part of the bird presentation and this is only between April and October). Both are carried out by experienced staff who tell you loads about these animals. We loved how close the penguins get to visitors and watching the sea lions is much fun. They’re very clever creatures and the sessions show you their personalities!
There are lots of different birds around the zoo. We loved the penguin enclosure and watching them swim above and below water. You can also get really close to the flamingoes which my children love. There are also owls, emus, vultures, parrots and more.
There are a few indoor areas like where the alligator is and the snakes. We also loved the little children’s farm in this area with rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs.
There are loads more animals for you to spot. It’s a great place to visit with animal lovers.
How much does it cost to visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo?
Children under 3 go free. From 3 – 15 years it is £13.85 and adults are £18.40. You can purchase a family ticket at a discount too.
It is a little cheaper to book online. Find current prices and book here – Information for visitors | Welsh Mountain Zoo
What age is the Welsh Mountain Zoo suitable for?
I’d recommend the Welsh Mountain Zoo to families with children of all ages. As I’ve mentioned, we’ve been visiting since our eldest was a toddler and on this visit, she was 10 years old. I’d say my kids have enjoyed every visit over the years. Animals seem to have a universal appeal and the play area has loads for all ages.
Is the Welsh Mountain Zoo suitable for prams?
Yes, the zoo is on a mountain so there are ups and downs throughout the zoo. There are steps around the zoo but there is always a way to get around them with a pushchair. None of the slopes are too steep and the paths can be a little uneven but they are suitable for pushchairs.
How Long do families typically spend at the Welsh Mountain Zoo?
Allow at least half a day for your visit but you can easily spend a full day here.
Facilities at the Welsh Mountain Zoo
There are all the facilities you would expect from a family attraction. There are toilets throughout the attraction, 2 cafes, a gift shop, a sweet and ice cream shop, first aid and a family room too. There are benches throughout the zoo as well as picnic areas.
Play area at Welsh Mountain Zoo
There is a fantastic play area in the middle of the zoo. We started our day briefly here and returned to it a couple of times. There are swings and a toddler slide/climbing frame at the top. Then behind this is a larger climbing frame with slides for older kids and then you’ll find two large slides built into the hills which take you down to a larger play area with zip wires, obstacle course type equipment and another slide.
I hope that has helped show you what a fantastic attraction the Welsh Mountain Zoo is. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit.
Find the current opening times here – Information for visitors | Welsh Mountain Zoo
Where to visit nearby
Find more things to do in nearby in Llandudno here – things to do with kids in Llandudno.
Or perhaps you’ll choose to visit Conwy? Find loads of things to do with kids in Conwy here.
Another favourite attraction in North Wales is the Greenwood family park.
If you love animal experiences, then find the best cow experiences in the UK here.