Banham Zoo
Photos of Banham Zoo
Source: zseabanhamzoo via Instagram
Source: zseabanhamzoo via Instagram
What will students see and do?
Located near Norwich in the heart of Norfolk, students visiting Banham Zoo will embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure across 50 acres of beautiful parkland.
The zoo is home to over 500 fascinating animals from around the world, providing students with incredible opportunities to observe everything from majestic Amur tigers and snow leopards to playful meerkats and graceful giraffes.
Students can explore the spectacular Tropical House ‘Eureka!’ where free-flying birds and butterflies soar overhead while two-toed sloths hang peacefully among exotic South American plants.
The farm barn offers hands-on encounters with friendly farm animals, while Penguin Cove allows close-up viewing of the zoo’s breeding colony of black-footed penguins.
Throughout the day, students can participate in engaging daily feeding talks and ‘Amazing Animals!’ presentations led by expert keepers.
The complimentary Safari Road Train provides a unique perspective of the animals and habitats, while the Discovery Centre offers interactive sessions with reptiles, insects and smaller creatures.
Between animal encounters, students can enjoy outdoor adventure play areas including Tarzan Towers and explore themed trails that combine learning with physical activity.
The zoo’s commitment to conservation education shines through every aspect of the visit, allowing students to understand the vital role modern zoos play in protecting endangered species.
How does the trip link to the curriculum?
Banham Zoo provides exceptional curriculum links across multiple subjects and key stages.
For science, it offers comprehensive coverage of living processes, animal classification, adaptation, habitats, food chains and evolution at KS1-4 levels.
Students can observe life cycles firsthand through the zoo’s successful breeding programs and explore comparative anatomy by studying diverse species from mammals to reptiles.
Geography lessons come alive through habitat studies, climate zones and conservation of natural environments, while students learn about different continents through the zoo’s globally diverse animal collection.
The venue strongly supports PSHE and citizenship education through conservation awareness, environmental responsibility and understanding human impact on wildlife.
Art and design opportunities abound through animal sketching, pattern observation and creative expression inspired by the natural world.
English skills develop through descriptive writing, research projects and storytelling using animal encounters as inspiration.
Mathematics applications include data collection, measuring, graphing animal statistics and problem-solving related to conservation challenges.
History connections emerge through evolution timelines and the development of zoos as conservation centres.
The venue’s expertise in animal behaviour, nutrition and veterinary care provides excellent career education opportunities for students interested in zoology, conservation or animal care professions.
Cross-curricular projects can explore endangered species, climate change impacts and sustainable living practices.
Subjects covered
Teaching resources provided
Contact the education team to discuss specific teaching resources available for your visit. The zoo’s education department can provide guidance on pre-visit activities that will help prepare students for their wildlife experience and maximise learning outcomes during the trip.
Post-visit materials may also be available to extend classroom learning and reinforce key concepts observed during the zoo visit. When booking your educational visit, it’s advisable to discuss your curriculum objectives with the education team who can tailor recommendations to support your specific learning goals.
The staff are knowledgeable about how to connect the zoo experience with National Curriculum requirements across different subjects and key stages.
Minimum and maximum group size
The zoo offers excellent group packages for educational visits, with special discounts available for groups of 16 or more students.
Details of risk assessment
Risk assessments and safety guidelines are provided to help teachers with trip planning when booking educational visits.
Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment
Facilities on-site
The zoo features excellent facilities for educational groups including dedicated coach parking for up to ten vehicles. An undercover picnic area is available near the outdoor play area for use during inclement weather, and groups can pre-order meals through the education department.
The Discovery Centre includes a cloakroom and bag storage facility for school groups, subject to availability. Multiple dining options are available across the site including restaurants and snack kiosks.
The venue is fully accessible with wheelchair and pushchair-friendly pathways, lifts and ramps where needed, plus complimentary manual wheelchairs available for guests.
Accessible toilets and a Changing Places unit ensure facilities meet diverse needs. The main entrance can accommodate groups through kiosks or, on quieter days, through the shop area.
Opening times
Open daily from 10am. Check the website for details of seasonal closing times.
Pricing
Educational group pricing is £8 per adult or child, with special discounts offered for groups of 16 or more students. The zoo provides one free adult place for every six paying students, significantly reducing costs for schools.
Coach drivers receive complimentary admission when presenting their job sheet at the entrance. Two free teacher tickets are available for familiarisation visits once a formal booking has been made, allowing educators to plan effectively.
Payment arrangements are school-friendly with no upfront fees required – groups can pay on the day or receive an invoice after the visit. The booking system is flexible with no charges for cancellation or rescheduling if plans change.
Contact the education team for a tailored quote based on your group size, visit requirements and any additional services needed such as pre-ordered meals or educational sessions.
Travel arrangements
The zoo is located just off the A11 and A140, with clear brown tourist signs directing visitors to the venue. The postcode NR16 2HE provides accurate sat-nav directions.
Public transport is available via the 37A bus service, with the bus stop just a five-minute walk from the zoo entrance.
Address
Banham Zoo, Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, NR16 2HE
NR16 2HE
Book your school trip to Banham Zoo
For information on booking your school trip to this venue, click below.
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