Welsh Mountain Zoo
Zoos in Colwyn Bay
Old Highway
Colwyn Bay
Clwyd
LL28 5UY
Contact Numbers
Reviews
Go to Chester
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is fine, until you compare it to Chester Zoo! For not much difference in cost you get a whole lot more for your money. I would be quite happy to visit the WM zoo on a regular basis, as my daughter loves it there, but for the £8 plus it costs to get in I just cant afford to.The problem is that it isn't really a day out, more like an afternoon, and I personally would prefer to travel a few more hours and get great value for money at Chester.And also, the animals don't seem to change much from year to year. Plus there are many animals that I think are key to a zoo that they just don't have. The grounds they are set in and big enough for more enclosures and a couple were empty last time I went.The food is also very expensive and the cafes are staff by kids on tehir summer holidays (I know as I used to work there!).I think everyone should go once, but more than that is questionable, unless you hold a season ticket which I beleive can be value for money.
A User - 02/09/2008 | report this review
Up close and personal
I was surprised at how close you can actually get to the animals in this zoo. There is a real feeling of intamcy compared to other zoos that I have been to. Saying that, it is hard work trekking around this zoo. The clue is in the name I guess! It is situated on a hill top so there are some really steep and muddy paths. Some parts where really tricky with the buggy. There is a section about this on the website and they 'estimate that 70% of the exhibits are viewable by wheelchair with a fit and able bodied carer'. Just keep this in mind if you are planning a visit. There is no entrance fee for wheelchair users.You get given a free map to guide you around although we gave up on this and just wandered and followed the signposts. The kids loved this and there was a real sense of adventure as we mooched about. They loved the Seals and the Bears. You can get really close to the animals which is fantastic. There is also a children's farm section where you can pet goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.Another favourite was the Jungle Adventureland, a fantastic play area for children of all ages. If your children are going to use the huge slides it would be really useful to have two adults (one for at the top and one for at the bottom) as running up and down the steps with the kids is a killer after the twentieth time! There are two cafes within the zoo both with reasonably priced food. We ate in the 'Flagstaff Cafe' over looking the penguins, monkeys and spectacular views out to Conwy. The children had kid's meal boxes with crisp, dried fruit, chocolate bar, drink and half of a freshly made roll. There is also a picnic area. If you are going by car, the carpark is really central so you could leave your picnic in the car save lugging it around.The gift shop is well stocked and has something for all budgets. They accept credit/debit card payments.I LOVED this zoo as did the kids. It loses a star though due to the access issues :-( Also the cafes don't take payment by debit/credit card which is handy to know in advance. Prices:Adult (16+ years)- £8.75Children (3-15 years inclusive)- £6.40Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children)- £27.45Seniors- £7.60Students (NUS Card)- £6.40Under 3- FREE All in all a great day out but be prepared to work your legs!!
A User - 11/08/2008 | report this review
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