Blackpool Zoo Reviews 56

We had a really nice day at Blackpool Zoo and overall really enjoyed it.

There was plenty to see, the zoo was clean and well looked after, and it made for a lovely family day out.

The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was a few little things.

As soon as we got through the entrance we were approached straight away and asked to pose for a photo and told we could pay for it on the way out.

I understand it’s a nice option for some people, but being approached the second we walked in felt a bit full on and caught us off guard. We did buy the photo, but it all felt very rushed and there wasn’t really any effort made to make sure it came out nicely — none of us were smiling and it was just taken so quickly.

The food prices also felt quite expensive, and the cokes were genuinely awful.

They were completely flat, tasted really off, and were bad enough that we ended up throwing them away, which was disappointing especially after paying the prices there.

Aside from those things we had a lovely time, really enjoyed seeing the animals, and would definitely come back.

Zoo experience was good but my son got food poisoning from the subway take out in the zoo cafe, so avoid at all costs.

I am genuinely shocked by both our experience at Blackpool Zoo and the way our complaint has been handled afterwards.

As a family, we spent in excess of £550 across tickets, parking, food, photographs and purchases in the gift shop. Unfortunately, the weather conditions on the day were absolutely dreadful - heavy rain, freezing temperatures and severe winds. While I completely understand that weather is beyond the zoo’s control, the conditions made it impossible to properly enjoy what is predominantly an outdoor attraction.

We were only able to stay for less than two hours before it became unbearable. The children were extremely upset throughout the visit and we barely saw any animals. A staff member even acknowledged the conditions and advised us to contact management afterwards.

Importantly, we did NOT request a refund. We simply asked whether the zoo would consider allowing us to revisit on another day so the children could actually experience the zoo properly. Considering the amount we spent, and the fact we would have spent even more money returning, I did not think this was an unreasonable request.

The response from customer services, however, has been appalling. Our concerns were repeatedly dismissed with references to “policy,” there was absolutely no empathy shown, and not one person acknowledged the distress caused to the children. Since then, further emails requesting escalation information and complaints procedures have simply been ignored altogether. My last five emails have been totally ignored.

At this stage, my complaint is no longer just about the weather or the visit itself, it is more about the disgraceful customer service and complete lack of compassion shown afterwards.

I have never experienced such poor complaint handling from a company of this size and would strongly advise others to consider this before booking. It’s a disgrace.

Also consider the cafeteria’s poor hygiene and terrible food quality.

We visited the zoo on Monday 4th May 2026, with it being a bank holiday we arrived early. We were then disappointed as the elephant base camp building was closed, especially as it is the first place, after entrance, to visit. We decided not to bring a picnic but instead to keep our spends and buy our food inside the zoo. All those kiosks for ice cream, drinks and treats GREAT! ... well it would have been but none of them were open, until much later in the morning. We decided to end our day early and grab lunch on the way home.

Great experience at the Zoo. Love that everything is well organised and in close proximity so can easily walk around with young children and enjoy the day. Don’t have to rush around and feel lost. Can’t wait to go back one day

Myself, my daughter and two very young granddaughters visited mid-week, during term-time. We had a lovely time, and we're able to see all of the animals.
We took a picnic, just sat on the grass (we did take a mat to sit on).
If I had one criticism, it was that the small rides for the young children were not working. There were many young children in the Zoo, I think just having a couple of them working would have been nice.

Excellent day enjoyed every minute of it.

We love this zoo, its always really well organised, and the animals are clearly so well looked after. This time we booked the Capybara Interaction which was amazing. It's only 30 min long but you are up close and can give them scratches and feed them. Its so brilliant. The guides Cam and Chris were wonderful. Highly revommended

I have booked online for the zoo twice. Both advance bookings. The second time I was taken ill so couldn't go and was told no refund. The first time, although the zoo was satisfactory, I paid £10 for food in advance and was presented with a disgusting tasteless stale burger, cold fries and a coke.

It was actually very reasonably priced considering the reviews on here. Although the only gripe I had was the long queues for the food and the tables were quite messy... taking that into account, it was the heat of summer and the zoo was very very busy.

Zoo all good to be fair , however bring your own food, very expensive cold , andlimited menu

great zoo but expensive

Brilliant Zoo, very large and well-maintained, kids absolutely loved it, and the dinosaur bit is a nice touch.

Kids loved it, great day out. Bit cheaper out of season, but we had fun. Will return next year.

Would of given 5,but a pet hate is seeing adults trying to touch the giant tortoise, so annoys me, no notices either by the site,its the first thing you see,as you walk in or the last

We went for dinner in the lakeside cafe,our son is Down syndrome and can’t chew food yet,we were hoping to get him a jacket potato or mash and sausage so we could fork mash it down,we asked a lady called ann(working in the cafe)she told us the place only opens at weekends,so it was burgers or subway,unfortunately not suitable for our son,she told us she would do us a jacket potato and a pot of gravy,which was way above her duties,she is a lovely lady as well,we USA credit and she actually made our day out at the zoo,small things can make a massive difference,so thank you Ann,you made one little boys day,Blackpool zoo she is a absolute credit to you

Considering the cost of extras when you get in there you would think they would put some effort in, £8 for chicken nuggets and chips and was inedible for me so was no way I was letting a 5 year old near it, clearly sat for a long time and just got ignored when I sent it back.
Suppose I shouldn’t expect any better when they have kids in charge of the place.

Booked online for 9 persons along with the add a meal offer BIG mistake the meals where very very poor. The photos of the available meals where displayed above the food counter but bore no resemblance to the food? That was served. I had the chicken bap what I got was a dry bun with a dry chicken nugget with a small piece of lettuce totally tasteless along with frys also without taste
I was given 9 vouchers for the meals but only used 7 of them because after seeing & tasting the meals it was not worth the bother of claiming the remaining meals.
Blackpool zoo state no refunds on these meal deals, it is not hard to understand why they have this policy as the meals are of poor quality. My advice do not eat in their restaurant bring your own food

The zoo staff were very friendly..animals looked very healthy..gift shop had an excellent range..it’s nice to see a zoo where the animals come first