Marwell’s 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings. Just by visiting Marwell Zoo (owned and operated by conservation charity, Marwell Wildlife) you’ll be making a big contribution to their projects to conserve species and habitats, both here in Hampshire and around the world. For those wildlife lovers, Marwell’s star animals include – White rhino, Amur leopards, Amur tigers, cheetahs, Humboldt penguins, Rothschild giraffes and even snow leopards (just to name a few!)
Marwell’s biggest ever exhibit, the new ‘Energy for Life’ Tropical House is now open to the public. Hot on the heels of Wild Explorers, this innovative and sustainable exhibit marks the second phase of a £17million investment programme at Marwell over the next decade, creating improved habitats for animals and more immersive experiences for guests. Spanning two levels with fantastic vantage points, guests can experience face-to-face encounters with a diversity of wildlife and exotic plants in a tropical climate, while learning about the flow of energy through life. Listen to the calls of the yellow-throated frogs below a cascading waterfall, admire Linné’s two-toed sloth, Rica, in the lush forest canopy and spot the group of pygmy marmosets exploring their own island above the exhibit’s impressive 70,000-litre aquarium, which is home to 2,500 fish!
If you’re loopy for lemurs, be sure to look out for Lemur Loop – A walkthrough exhibit including several species of lemurs, a great way to immerse yourself in their exciting environment. Guests can see the loveable lemur troop through the indoor viewing area in the Evolution Hub and can walk alongside the adorable lemurs in their outdoor walkthrough area.
Keep an eye out for new arrivals around the zoo throughout the year! The zoo’s admissions fees vary across the year, and include a voluntary donation of around 10%. Marwell zoo is open from 10am 363 days a year, closing times vary. Please check the Marwell website for full ticket prices, opening times and other details.
Marwell opens every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day) at 10am.
Last entry is 90 mins before closing time. Note: closing time in winter is subject to weather conditions. Please allow approximately four to five hours for your visit.
Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Road
Marwell is in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside, just eight miles from Winchester, five from Eastleigh and twelve from Southampton. The park is within easy reach of two main motorways and rail stations. Our address is Marwell Zoo, Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH.
FREE PARKING
From M3: Junction 11 northbound and junction 11 southbound.
From M27: Junction 10 westbound and junction 5 eastbound.
Marwell is situated just off the B2177 (between Colden Common and Bishops Waltham).
Marwell is well signposted please follow the large brown tourist signs.
Public transport
By Rail: The nearest train stations are Southampton Airport Parkway (7 miles), Eastleigh (5 miles) and Winchester (8 miles).
By Bus: Travel to the zoo by bus and you’ll be rewarded with a 10% discount on park entry, when you show your ticket at admissions.
The M1 Eastleigh service to Marwell Zoo Runs direct to Marwell Zoo on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays from Friday 30 March 2018 to Sunday 2 September 2018. You can also catch the Stagecoach 69 or Xelabus X9 – This route comes with a warning as the zoo is quite a trek from the bus stop. The road is unpaved with a 50 mile an hour limit and busy with traffic so this route isn’t recommended.
Christmas at Marwell 17 Nov – 24 December
Join us at Marwell for our Enchanted Christmas. Watch out for some exciting updates for this event.
Just one of many reviews from our event in 2017
“Having participated in a large number of Christmas events at various places with the grandchildren I can honestly say that the Marwell Christmas event surpassed any of the others. The group sizes were just right and all the children seemed to enjoy the story time and plate painting. Everything was arranged beautifully. The gift was excellent quality too. This was 1.5 hours well spent and we will definitely go again.
Plenty of time after for a meal in the restaurant and visit to the animals. Well worth the money.” ~ SueN280 on Trip Advisor
Standard Prices (30 March – 28 October 2018)
| Daily Admission | Adult | Child (3-16) | Concession (Senior/Student with ID) |
Family 2 adults & 2 children |
| Price including donation | £20.00 | £16.00 | £17.50 | £69.00 |
| Price excluding donation | £17.99 | £14.39 | £15.74 | £62.05 |
Winter Prices (28 October – 31 December 2018)
| Daily Admission | Adult | Child (3-16) | Concession (Senior/Student with ID) |
Family 2 adults & 2 children |
| Price including donation | £17.00 | £13.50 | £14.50 | £58.00 |
| Price excluding donation | £15.29 | £12.14 | £13.04 | £52.16 |
01 Apr to 31 Dec
Get close to the wonders of the natural world, and take home a special souvenir of your day.
Download a copy of the voucher here.
You can also download the Winchester Visitor Map to get this special offer and many more.
*upon receipt of this voucher. Vaild until 31st December 2018. Not available with any other discount or offer.
01 Jan to 31 Oct
Marwell Zoo is about being as active or as relaxed as you want, so why not take advantage of a free guide book to help you during your visit.
Download a copy of the voucher here.
You can also download the Visit Winchester Visitor Guide here.
*Entrance payable. Subject to availability. Voucher has no monetary value. Expires 31.10.18
Pick up a copy of our Visitor Map and get free entry for your child to Winchester's working watermill. Hurry - offer ends April 2019.
Experience the gastronomic delights of Hampshire on one of our award-winning food and drink day tours departing from central Winchester.
The official Mayflower 400 commemorations include an exciting year-long programme of ambitious cultural and artistic events.
Hattingley Valley is a family owned business located in Hampshire specialising in premium English sparkling wines.
World famous 180 acre gardens.
Day trips and minibus hire in Southern England
The Gurkha Museum takes you on a journey of discovery through the history of Gurkhas in British service.
One of the best regimental museums in the Country.
Trace the history of three famous regiments over a period of 300 years
Explore the beautiful market town of Bishops Waltham located in the delightful countryside of Hampshire in the Meon Valley area with this interactive QR trail.
The escape room experience in the heart of Winchester
Come and discover the story of water over the last 100 years.
Displays made up from social, industrial and agricultural artifacts and archives.
A great family fun day out.
Explore this charming country home set in 25 acres of gardens.
Discover the 'Great House’ enjoyed by Jane Austen, the quintessentially English manor house and gardens with a fascinating history.
Producers of beautiful English Sparkling Wine from their 60 acres of vineyards.
Join a guided tour with one of Winchester's official tourist guides to take in the city's highlights.
Live entertainment and events in a historic venue - also home to a cafe and Winchester Tourist Information Centre.
Hosting a variety of exhibitions throughout the year
A modern exhibition space in the centre of Winchester
Telling the story of Winchester.
The last of the main medieval gates into the city
A trail exploring the Winchester District as favoured by main Tudor monarchs.
A rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill
A trail around the city centre that is accessible for all.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Wickham.
A pocket guide to the charming market town of Bishop's Waltham.
A house of scandal and passion, where upstairs meets downstairs
A pocket guide to the picturesque town of stockbridge in the Test Valley.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Alresford
A National Trust elegant country house with highly distinctive gardens
Find out more about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Winchester.
Enjoy the golden colours of Autumn in Winchester on our trail that follows the route Keats took on his daily walk.
It might be getting darker earlier but we love Winchester's sunset views - see for yourself and follow our self-guided trail.
Grade I listed buildings dating from 1132 and is home to 25 Brothers.
A stunning medieval building filled with the most beautiful of the College's treasures
Described by William Cobbett as “one of the prettiest places in the County”.
Six museums within yards of each other
Library, exhibition, gallery and performance venue
Let off steam and travel by a lovingly restored Steam Train
Believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country
Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire, is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote.
See the impressive Royal Armouries collection of artillery and historic cannons
Step back in time on the banks of the Beaulieu River at the peaceful haven of Buckler's Hard.
A multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone
Trace the footsteps of King Alfred from his statue in the Broadway to his last known resting place beneath Hyde Abbey Garden.
An inspiring day out for all ages
Discover 100+ hands-on exhibits and interactive planetarium shows
Discover the artistry, heritage and taste of Bombay Sapphire
Beautiful and intimate Edwardian-style Theatre venue
The final remains of Winchester Castle and home to King Arthur's round table.
