Official Visitor Website

Z is for Zoos and Aquariums

As well as the wonderful natural wildlife in Norfolk, there are also more exotic things to see too.

Amazona is home to over 200 tropical animals, including jaguars, monkeys, snakes, iguanas, tapirs, caimans, flamingos, parrots and a toucan the zoo is committed to helping visitors discover nature and provide education on conservation issues set within 15 acres on the north Norfolk coast.

There is a large, well-equipped soft indoor play area, Jungle Tumbles for under-12’s, a cafe and a shop and there are at least four ‘feed the animal’ events a day, with jaguars and pumas on alternate days.

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens has a wide selection of Asian mammals, birds and reptiles, including tigers, crocodiles and storks. Unique features include a swamp house housing giant crocodiles and a tree walk over the tigers. There are year-round playgrounds, shop, refreshments and disabled access.

Sealife Gt Yarmouth

Dive into the underwater world of Sea Life Gt Yarmouth and be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep. Prepare for astonishing close views of everything from humble starfish to tropical sharks, all in displays which carefully recreate their natural habitats.

Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary is a state-of-the-art marine aquarium taking visitors on a memorable undersea odyssey filled with amazing close encounters with sea creatures of astonishing variety.

Norfolk’s leading marine rescue centre, the seal hospital is busy all year round caring for sick and injured seal pups until, whenever possible, they are well enough to be returned to the wild.

Other highlights include an incredible otter sanctuary, penguin sanctuary and a whole host of other incredible marine creatures.

Pensthorpe Natural Park

Pensthorpe Natural Park is not a zoo, but nonetheless a great way to see wildlife in a visitor attraction. This is a great place to get children involved in wildlife and the great outdoors with a huge variety of birds and wildlife to spot.

Feed the birds at one of the specialist locations, get stuck in with the wildlife tracker trail or try your hand at pond dipping. Come along and meet some of the rare and native species such as Cranes, Corncrakes and Red Squirrels or hop aboard the landrover and explore with the Wensum Discover Tour.

Banham Zoo giraffes

Not at the seaside, but not to be missed on a visit to Norfolk is Banham Zoo, an award-winning family attraction and one of the most exciting wildlife attractions in the country with over 2,000 animals from around the world.

Throughout the day there are plenty of activities to thrill and entertain families, including daily animal feeding talks and displays.

What attractions are open in Norfolk