Get ready for the wildest summer adventure in Hampshire! From Thursday 23 July through Monday 31 August 2026, Marwell Zoo presents Zoofest—a brand-new, festival-inspired summer holiday celebration. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM across Marwell’s expansive 140-acre parkland, Zoofest combines world-class wildlife encounters with family-friendly music, DJ Froggie’s silent disco, a giant dancing elephant rave, safari jeeps, and interactive crafts.
Zoofest Schedule & Daily Opening Times
Zoofest runs every day throughout the summer holidays, from Thursday 23 July through Monday 31 August 2026. Park timings are as follows:
- 10:00 AM: Gates open for entry to Marwell Zoo, animal habitats, and adventure play areas.
- 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Zoofest main stage entertainment, DJ Froggie’s Silent Disco, Giant Elephant Rave, craft stations, and Marwell Jeeps run continuously.
- Daily Keeper Talks: Scheduled educational talks and feeding demonstrations take place across animal habitats all afternoon.
- 5:00 PM: Zoo gates close daily (last entry at 3:30 PM).
Event Highlights & What to Expect
Zoofest adds festival energy to Marwell Zoo’s 140 acres of parkland, offering a mix of music, interactive play, and incredible animal encounters:
- Festival Entertainment: Join DJ Froggie’s Silent Disco, interact with giant roaming puppets, check out the Giant Elephant Rave, and take part in hands-on festival craft workshops.
- Adventure & Play: Drive mini electric Marwell Jeeps, explore 5 themed outdoor adventure playgrounds, and try virtual reality wildlife experiences.
- Exotic Wildlife: Get up close with white rhinos, Amur tigers, snow leopards, giraffes, red pandas, and flamingos, plus explore the indoor Tropical House.
- Living History: Walk past historic Marwell Hall situated right in the heart of the estate.
Ticket Prices & Admission Options
Booking online advance day passes in advance saves £4 compared to purchasing on the day at the gate:
- Adult (Ages 16+): £26.08 Advance (£29.00 Advance with Donation | £33.00 On the Day)
- Child (Ages 2–15): £22.48 Advance (£25.00 Advance with Donation | £29.00 On the Day)
- Student (Valid ID, 16+): £23.38 Advance (£26.00 Advance with Donation | £30.00 On the Day)
- Infant (Under 2): FREE
- Carer: FREE (For a paying guest with accessibility needs; proof of entitlement required)
- Marwell Zoo Members: FREE (Year-round unlimited access)
How to Get to Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is located in Colden Common near Winchester, Hampshire:
- By Car: Located off Thompsons Lane, Colden Common (use postcode SO21 1JH for satnav). Easily accessible from the M3 (Junction 11) or M27 (Junction 7).
- By Bus: Local bus services from Winchester and Eastleigh connect nearby, with seasonal shuttle buses stopping near the main zoo entrance.
- By Train: Nearest main stations are Eastleigh (approx. 5 miles) and Winchester (approx. 8 miles), both offering taxi connections to the zoo.
Where to Park at Marwell Zoo
Parking options on site make visiting convenient for families:
- Free On-Site Parking: Free parking is available for all visitors in the large surface car parks right outside the entrance.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated Blue Badge parking bays are located near the main entrance gates.
- EV Charging Points: Electric vehicle charging stations are available in designated areas of the main car park.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Zoofest at Marwell Zoo take place?
- Zoofest runs every day throughout the summer holidays from Thursday 23 July through Monday 31 August 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Are Zoofest activities included in standard zoo admission?
- Yes! All main Zoofest entertainment—including DJ Froggie’s silent disco, giant elephant rave, craft workshops, keeper talks, and play areas—is included with your general admission ticket.
- How much are tickets for Zoofest at Marwell Zoo?
- Advance online tickets are £25.00 for Adults (17+) and £21.00 for Children (3–16). Infants aged 0–2 and Annual Members enter for free.
- Is parking free at Marwell Zoo?
- Yes, parking is completely free for all visitors in the main surface car parks right outside the entrance gates.
- What animals can I see during Zoofest?
- Marwell Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including Amur tigers, white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, snow leopards, red pandas, meerkats, and tropical birds in the Tropical House.
- Where is Marwell Zoo located?
- Marwell Zoo is located on Thompsons Lane, Colden Common, near Winchester and Eastleigh, Hampshire (postcode SO21 1JH).