Description
Looking for the best things to do with kids in Northumberland? Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, also known as Northumberland College Zoo, is a fantastic family-friendly attraction set within a historic 17th-century country estate. It provides an engaging day out where visitors can explore diverse animal habitats, beautiful gardens, and educational conservation projects.
Standard adult entry tickets are priced at £8.50, child tickets cost £6.50, and concessions are available for £7.50. Family passes are also offered to help make a weekend day out more affordable for larger households.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fascinating wildlife close-ups with peaceful country estate walks, this destination is an ideal choice. It offers an intimate, award-winning zoo experience where children can learn about rare species and meet friendly farm animals.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Kirkley Hall Outdoor Activity Centre: Nearby adventure facilities offering high ropes, climbing walls, and team-building courses for older kids.
- Ponteland Village: A charming nearby historic village featuring local independent tearooms, traditional pubs, and local parks.
- Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens: An English Heritage property a short drive away featuring medieval ruins and neo-classical architecture.
- Hadrian's Wall Path: Historic Roman frontier walking routes situated within easy driving distance for a wider regional day out.
What Visitors Love:
- The compact layout makes it easy to walk around with younger children without causing tired legs or meltdowns.
- Friendly, approachable staff members and student keepers take time to answer children's questions during animal talks.
- Affordable ticket pricing offers great value compared to larger, commercial city zoos.
- The peaceful country estate surroundings create a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere for families.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Catering options on-site are relatively limited, so visitors are advised to pack their own snacks or lunch.
- Public transport links directly to the campus are sparse on weekends, requiring a short taxi ride from nearby Ponteland.
- Certain gravel paths can become muddy during prolonged periods of wet winter weather.
Attractions & Live Exhibits
- Mammals: Ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats, alpacas, armadillos, and wallabies.
- Birds: Various exotic aviary birds, waterfowl, and predatory species housed across woodland zones.
- Reptiles & Invertebrates: Pythons, tree frogs, tortoises, and display spiders kept in temperature-controlled spaces.
- Farm Animals: Traditional domestic farmyard breeds housed near the main college teaching blocks.
- Live Shows & Events: Scheduled seasonal animal talks and feeding presentations hosted by expert zookeepers.
New for 2026
- Expanded Primate Enrichment Habitats: Newly upgraded climbing frames and elevated walkways for the resident lemur and tamarin troops.
- Enhanced Interactive Learning Kiosks: Digital touchscreens installed along the main trail to provide real-time updates on European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs).
- Refreshed Visitor Welcome Hub: Upgraded entry flow systems and expanded outdoor seating zones near the primary admissions kiosk.
13.18 miles
