Dartmoor Zoo
Wildlife & Animal Attractions
Charity zoo at Sparkwell near Plymouth with big cats, tapirs and meerkats, free on-site parking, a picnic area and a no-dogs policy.
Dartmoor Zoo is a charity-run zoo at Sparkwell, on the southern edge of Dartmoor and a short drive from Plymouth. The zoo describes its big cat collection as the largest in the South West: tiger, lion, jaguar and leopard, with cheetah, lynx and wildcat as well. There are also Brazilian tapirs, meerkats and otters, and a walkthrough exhibit.
What you do there
It is a walking day built around enclosures, talks and keeper activities. The big cats are the headline, but the zoo warns that animals choose when to be seen, so it suggests coming back to an enclosure later in the day if it looks empty. In a weather warning the big cats are likely to be off show.
Most animals are not handled. The zoo sells separate animal experiences with some species, including meerkats, tigers and otters, and the details sit on its website. Children can burn off energy in the play areas, which are made from upcycled materials. Parents must supervise them at all times.
Who it suits
Families with children who like watching animals more than touching them. The zoo is not a petting farm, so if your children want guinea pigs and bottle-feeding, Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh is the better fit. Adults who want a full day of big cats will get more from it than from a small farm park.
It does not suit anyone travelling with a dog. Dogs are not allowed on site or in the car park, even in a parked car. Assistance dogs are admitted under biosecurity rules, so read the FAQs on the zoo’s website before you go.
It is also hilly. Most of the site works for wheelchairs and buggies, but the paths are steep in places and the entrance drive is steep. Mobility scooters can be hired for the day, with a weight limit, and the zoo asks you to ring first to check availability.
Food and facilities
The Jaguar Restaurant serves hot drinks, cake, sandwiches, pasties and daily specials, and it can adapt most dishes for dietary needs. A kiosk sells ice creams, doughnuts and hot drinks. You can bring your own picnic: the zoo has a large picnic area surrounded by big cats. Baby changing is in the restaurant toilets. Card payments are taken, but there is no cashpoint on site.
Tickets and opening
The zoo opens every day except 24 to 26 December, with longer hours in the summer holidays, and last entry is one hour before closing. An Annual Pass lets you pay once and visit free for 12 months, which pays off if you live nearby or stay for a fortnight and plan to return. In dry summers the zoo has at times asked visitors to pre-book tickets online and closed its outdoor toilets because of low water supply. Check the news page on the zoo’s website, or ring 01752 837645, before you set off.
Getting there and parking
From the A38, take the Deep Lane turn-off signed for Plympton, then follow the “Wildlife Park” signs from the Chaddlewood roundabout past Langage Business Park to Sparkwell village. The zoo is about 300 yards beyond the village. The sat nav postcode is PL7 5DG. Parking is free beside the main entrance. If you leave the zoo to go back to your car, tell the gate staff and keep your receipt.
Nearby
Plympton is the closest town in the zoo’s own directions, and Plymouth is the nearest city, about 15 minutes away by the zoo’s own reckoning. Ivybridge is the next town along the A38.
Plan your stay
For a few days around a zoo visit, look at holiday cottages near Plympton and Plymouth, or near Ivybridge.
Where to stay near Dartmoor Zoo
Sample dates: 13 November 2026 - 15 November 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Devon.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed at Dartmoor Zoo?
- No. The zoo does not allow dogs on site or left in cars in its car park. Assistance dogs are admitted under biosecurity conditions: they must be up to date with vaccinations and parasite treatment, stay out of the walkthrough exhibit and have no contact with the animals.
- Is there free parking at Dartmoor Zoo?
- Yes. Parking is free next to the main entrance, and accessible parking sits at the top of the drive outside the Jaguar Restaurant. Blue badge visitors should pay or show a pre-paid ticket at the entrance gate before driving up.
- Can you hold or feed the animals at Dartmoor Zoo?
- Mostly not. The zoo does not handle the majority of its animals. It sells separate animal experiences with some species, including meerkats, tigers and otters, which are listed on its experiences page.
- Is Dartmoor Zoo suitable for wheelchairs and buggies?
- Most of the zoo is accessible, but it is rugged and some paths are very steep, including the entrance drive. Mobility scooters can be hired, though they cannot manage the hill from the lynx to the tigers. Ring the zoo before a visit to check availability.
