If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly day out, Kirkley Hall Zoo—also known as Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens—is a fantastic spot to visit. Set in Northumberland’s scenic countryside, this zoo is perfect for getting close to nature while learning about wildlife. With over 200 species, interactive experiences, and even zookeeper sessions, it’s a great mix of fun and education. This blog dives into what makes Kirkley Hall Zoo special, from its animal encounters to peaceful forest trails, so keep reading to plan your perfect day out!
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Overview of Kirkley Hall Zoo
Location: Kirkley Hall NE20 0AQ, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday- Closed
- Saturday & Sunday- 10 AM to 3:30 PM
- Monday & Tuesday- Closed
Phone: +44 1670 841235
Features: A 400-acre zoo housing over 200 species and focusing on animal education, conservation, and hands-on learning experiences.
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Map
How to Reach
To reach Kirkley Hall Zoo, located within Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall campus, you have a few travel options:
By Car
- Address: Kirkley Hall Zoo, Ponteland, Northumberland, NE20 0AQ
- The zoo is accessible by car, located just outside of Ponteland. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Newcastle upon Tyne.
- There is parking available on-site for visitors.
By Public Transport
- Bus: Take a bus to Ponteland, then use local taxi services to reach the zoo, as there is limited direct public transportation to Kirkley Hall.
- Train: The nearest train station is Newcastle Central Station. From there, you can take a bus to Ponteland and continue by taxi.
Distance from the nearest cities
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- Newcastle upon Tyne: ~24 minutes (12.0 miles)
- Morpeth: ~17 minutes (8.3 miles)
- Sunderland: ~41 minutes (26.2 miles)
- Hexham: ~34 minutes (22.7 miles)
- Alnwick: ~34 minutes (22.7 miles)
Route: Newcastle upon Tyne → A696 toward Ponteland → Ponteland Road → follow signs to Kirkley Hall → Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens.
Attractions & Animal Experiences
Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens provides a range of interactive and educational experiences suitable for visitors of all ages:
- Kirkley Hall Zoo animals: The zoo is home to an impressive collection of animals, including lemurs, meerkats, wallabies, and various reptiles, as well as more exotic creatures like Asian palm civets and binturongs.
- Petting Barn & Aquatics Centre: Visitors can interact closely with small farm animals and explore diverse aquatic species, making it ideal for young families.
- Zoo Keeper Experiences: Available for guests looking to work alongside professional keepers and learn about the daily care and conservation of animals.
- Birthday Parties & School Visits: The zoo offers customized events like zoo-themed parties and educational visits for school groups, allowing kids to enjoy learning in a fun, hands-on environment.
- Nature Trails & Play Areas: In addition to animal viewing, families can explore forest trails, a children’s play area, and picnic spots around the zoo.
More popular tourist places in UK
- 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park & Family Farm
- National Botanic Garden of Wales
- Snowdonia Wales National Park
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Conservation & Education Focus
Kirkley Hall Zoo places a strong emphasis on conservation efforts and environmental education. As part of Northumberland College, it serves as a training ground for students in animal care, providing real-world experiences that support conservation awareness and animal welfare. Visitors also learn about global and local conservation issues, with many animal exhibits focused on educating the public.
Visitor Information
Kirkley Hall Zoo Opening Times:
- Summer (May to September): 10 am – 5 pm
- Winter (October to April): 10 am – 4 pm
- Availability: Open on weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays.
Facilities:
The zoo includes a tea room, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and a gift shop. Wheelchair accessibility ensures a comfortable visit for all guests.
Admission Prices/Kirkley Hall zoo prices:
- Adults: £8.50
- Children (3-17 years): £6.50
- Children (under 2): Free
- Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 children): £21.95
- Concessions: £5.95
- Carers: Free
Why Visit Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens?
Kirkley Hall Zoo is a family-friendly attraction that combines fun with education. It’s a great place for children and adults to learn about animal care, conservation, and the importance of preserving wildlife. With interactive experiences and an extensive range of animals, it’s ideal for a memorable day out.
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Nearest hotel in Kirkley hall zoological gardens
1. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newcastle International Airport
- Location: Woolsington, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 8BZ
- Website: hilton.com
- Phone: +441661824266
- Distance: 13 min (4.8 miles)
2. The Beresford Arms
- Location: Whalton, Morpeth NE61 3UZ
- Website: theberesfordarmswhalton.co.uk
- Phone: 01670 77 52 73
- Distance: 10 min (3.8 miles)
3. Kabannas Newcastle
- Location: 17 Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UQ
- Website: kabannas.com/newcastle
- Phone: +441918141878
- Distance: 22 min (11.7 miles)
4. St Mary’s Inn
- Location: Mary’s Park, St Mary’s Ln, Morpeth NE61 6BL
- Website: stmarysinn.co.uk
- Phone: +441670641111
- Distance: 16 min (7.9 miles)
Popular beaches in UK
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FAQs of kirkley hall zoo
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Q: What animals are at Kirkley Hall Zoo?
A: Kirkley Hall Zoo houses over 200 animals, including lemurs, meerkats, wallabies, raccoon dogs, reptiles, and birds. It also has interactive sections like the petting barn and aquatics center
Q: When was Kirkley Hall built?
A: Kirkley Hall was originally built in the 17th century. Its beautiful historical grounds now house Northumberland College and Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens.
Q: How big is Northumberland College Zoo?
A: The zoo is part of Northumberland College’s 400-acre campus, which includes both animal habitats and educational facilities for student training.
Q: Does Northumberland College Zoo have a cafe?
A: Yes, there is a tea room on-site at the zoo, offering snacks and drinks. Visitors who wish to bring their own food can also use the picnic areas.
Q: What is the history of Northumberland Zoo?
A: Kirkley Hall Zoo, now known as Northumberland College Zoo, opened in 2011. Its focus on conservation and education supports animal care training for college students and provides a family-friendly visitor experience
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: The zoo is open on weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays. Hours are generally 10 am to 5 pm in the summer (May to September) and 10 am to 4 pm in the winter (October to April)
Q: Are there special experiences available?
A: Yes, visitors can participate in unique experiences such as animal encounters, zookeeper sessions, and school programs that provide a hands-on experience with the animals
Q: Is the zoo accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The zoo provides wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and pathways to ensure that all guests can enjoy their visit
Q: How much does it cost to visit Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens?
A: Tickets are approximately £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for children aged 3–17, with free entry for children under 2. Family tickets and discounts for concessions and carers are available
Q: Is Northumberland College Zoo involved in conservation?
A: Yes, the zoo actively participates in conservation and offers educational programs in animal care, with opportunities for college students to gain hands-on experience