Name: Northumberland Country Zoo
Rating: 5.0

Northumberland Country Zoo

Eshottheugh Farm, Eshottheugh in Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QH, England

1-99 Years

Paid

1712
0
0

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Northumberland? Northumberland Zoo is an exciting wildlife attraction and family zoo featuring hundreds of exotic and domestic animals. It provides an engaging day out where visitors can explore walk-through enclosures, learn from expert keepers, and enjoy outdoor play areas.

Online advance adult tickets are priced at £17.50, while children aged 3 to 16 cost £15.75, and seniors enter for £16.25. Booking in advance ensures you secure these lower rates compared to on-the-door gate prices.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines up-close animal encounters with interactive learning spaces, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment where children can see snow leopards, lemurs, and red pandas just feet away.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Walk-Through Animal Exhibits: Immersive habitats including Lemur Woods and the Wallaby Walkabout where visitors walk directly among the animals.
Daily Keeper Talks: Educational sessions providing insights into animal behavior, feeding routines, and conservation programs.
Indoor Soft Play Area: Bear Falls Softplay facility offering climbing frames and active play for younger children.
Wild Theatre Displays: Dedicated arena spaces featuring free-flying bird demonstrations and interactive animal presentations.

Top 5 Highlights

The Snow Leopard Habitat: Catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive snow leopards as they navigate their specialized rocky enclosure. Children are fascinated by the striking markings and agile movements of these big cats.
Lemur Woods Walk-Through: Step directly into the woodland enclosure to watch ring-tailed lemurs leap through the branches overhead. It provides an unforgettable, immersive wildlife encounter for all ages.
The Wallaby Walkabout: Wander along open paths where Parma and swamp wallabies roam freely around visitors. Younger children love seeing these friendly marsupials up close in a calm setting.
Wild Theatre Bird Displays: Gather at the open-air theatre space for scheduled animal presentations and bird flights. Watching raptors and other species demonstrate natural behaviors thrills families.
Bear Falls Softplay Centre: Head indoors to let younger kids burn off extra energy on multi-level climbing structures and slides. It serves as a great weather-proof bonus for families visiting with toddlers.

Facilities

Toilets & Baby Changing: Modern accessible public restrooms with baby changing facilities located centrally near the main entrance and cafe.
Buggy Access: Paved pathways cover the primary visitor routes, making them manageable for pushchairs during dry weather.
Food Options: Bear Falls Cafe offering hot meals, snacks, children's lunch boxes, and warm drinks on-site.
Picnic Areas: Outdoor wooden picnic benches scattered across the park grounds for families bringing packed lunches.

Pro-Tips

Pre-Book Online: Purchasing tickets online the day before your visit saves money compared to buying them at the gate.
Check Walk-Through Times: Lemur Woods and wallaby walk-through zones have scheduled opening hours that can vary depending on weather conditions.
Dress in Layers: Because many animal exhibits and paths are outdoors, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for the North East climate.

Targeted FAQ

Is Northumberland Zoo worth it for toddlers? Northumberland Zoo is worth it for toddlers because they can explore engaging walk-through animal zones and burn off energy inside the indoor Bear Falls Softplay area.
How long does a family visit take? A typical family visit to Northumberland Zoo lasts between 3 and 4 hours, providing ample time to view all animal habitats, attend keeper talks, and enjoy the soft play.
Where is the best place to park? Visitors can use the spacious free on-site car park located directly outside the main zoo entrance and reception hub at Eshottheugh Farm.
Are there cheap family activities in Northumberland for rainy days? Northumberland Zoo offers budget-friendly online advance booking discounts and features the indoor Bear Falls Softplay centre alongside covered exhibits to keep families entertained during wet weather.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

Historic Felton Village: Picturesque Northumberland village situated just a short drive away with local country tearooms.
Hadrian's Wall Corridor: Historic Roman heritage sites and visitor centres located further inland across the county.
Druridge Bay Country Park: Stunning coastal sandy beaches and nature reserves located a short drive east toward the coast.
Alnwick Castle and Gardens: World-famous historic attraction featuring grand gardens, castle trails, and children's activities nearby.

What Visitors Love:

The walk-through lemur and wallaby enclosures offer a uniquely immersive experience for kids.
Staff and keepers are exceptionally friendly, approachable, and eager to share knowledge during talks.
The combination of outdoor animal paths and the indoor soft play creates a well-rounded day out.
The zoo maintains a manageable, compact layout that does not overwhelm younger children.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Public transport options to the rural farm location are scarce, making a car essential for travel.
Certain outdoor paths can become muddy or slippery during heavy winter or autumn rainfall.
Catering queues can build up quickly during peak weekend lunch hours.

Attractions & Live Exhibits

Mammals & Predators: Snow leopards, red pandas, capybaras, meerkats, raccoons, and otters.
Primate & Marsupial Zones: Ring-tailed lemurs, cotton-top tamarins, and Parma wallabies.
Birds & Aviaries: Snowy owls, snowy-headed species, and various birds of prey featured in the Wild Theatre.
Small Species Habitats: Livingstone's fruit bats, harvest mice, and native white-clawed crayfish conservation exhibits.
Interactive Play Areas: Bear Falls Softplay centre and outdoor children's adventure playgrounds.

New for 2026

Expanded Conservation Enclosures: Newly updated habitats designed to support breeding programs for endangered small mammals and native species.
Upgraded Digital Zoo App: Enhanced mobile app features including real-time daily schedule updates, interactive maps, and digital membership cards.
Refreshed Arrival Hub: Improved visitor flow and ticketing entry points at the main gates for faster weekend arrivals.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Online ticket

Adult: £17.50.
Child (3–16 years): £15.75.
Senior (60+ years): £16.25.

Prices at the door

Adult: £18.00.
Child (3–16 years): £16.25.
Senior (60+ years): £16.75.

Memberships

Adult: £72.00.
Child (3–16 years): £65.00.

Pricing URL: https://www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk/hours-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Information available on official website. The zoo offers private group bookings, though specific children's birthday party structures and catering options can be tailored upon direct enquiry.
Contact for Bookings: Enquiries and private event availability can be arranged by contacting the team directly via email or telephone through the main zoo office.

29 March–24 October 2026: Open daily, 10am–4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm).
Bear Falls Café & Softplay: Open 10am–4pm.

Address: Eshottheugh Farm, Eshottheugh in Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QH, England

Post Code: NE65 9QH

Council: Morpeth

County: Northumberland

By Car: Located at Eshottheugh Farm, Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland (Postcode: NE65 9QH), reached easily via the A1 with free car parking available on-site.
By Train & Bus: There are no direct railway stations or frequent public bus routes stopping directly at the zoo gates; traveling by private car is strongly advised.