For the very first time, we’re inviting you to experience the ultimate overnight adventure at Banham Zoo. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening surrounded by some of the world’s most endangered animals – right from the comfort of your own tent!
Zoo Camping
Friday 27th, Saturday 28th June
A Wild Night Under the Stars
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Details
Location: Banham Zoo
Entry Fee: £110 per person
Includes Dinner and Breakfast
Guided Torchlight Tour
Exclusive Morning Tour
Includes Day Zoo Admission
What’s Included?
Overnight Pitch
Pitch your tent under the stars and immerse yourself in an unforgettable overnight adventure.
As night falls, you’ll have a rare opportunity to witness the fascinating nocturnal behaviors of our animals, from the rustling of small creatures in the undergrowth to the calls of night birds echoing through the dark.
Guided Torchlight Walking Trail
Explore the zoo at twilight with one of our keepers on a unique torchlit walking tour.
BBQ Dinner
Fuel up for an unforgettable night in the wild with a mouthwatering BBQ dinner.
Savor a hearty selection of grilled favorites and fresh sides as you soak in the sights and sounds of nature around you.
Evening Entertainment
Settle in at base camp for a night of laughs with a fun quiz and entertaining campsite games
Spend the Day at the Zoo
You’ll enjoy full access to the zoo on the day of your departure, allowing you to continue your adventure even after your overnight stay has ended.
Spend the day exploring fascinating exhibits, visiting your favorite animals, and making the most of every moment before you head home — it’s the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable experience!”
Exclusive Morning Tour
Experience a special tour of the zoo before it opens to the public.
Breakfast
Start your day right with a tasty breakfast roll and a hot drink to kick-start your morning!
Itinerary
4:00pm
Arrive and park in our on-site car park at Banham Zoo. Make your way to the admission kiosks with your equipment — our hosts will be there to greet you and check you in. You’ll then be transported to the lawn area where you can set up your tent.
5:30pm
Join our hosts for an overview of the evening’s itinerary, health and safety information, and a Q&A session. Engage in an enrichment-making activity or settle into your surroundings.
6:30pm
Enjoy your delicious BBQ dinner.
7:30pm
Return to camp to unwind or test your knowledge with an animal-themed quiz.
8:30pm
Embark on a guided torchlight trail through the zoo to observe the animals that are still active at night.
10:00pm
Lights out! Settle in for the night under the stars, in the heart of the zoo!
7:00am
Wake up to the sounds of the zoo and prepare to pack down your camp.
9:00am
Enjoy your breakfast roll before embarking on a keeper-led morning tour, offering an exclusive animal experience and look at the zoo before we open to the public.
Book Now
Book Now
This exclusive Zoo Camping Weekend is sure to sell out fast! With only a handful of spots available, make sure you don’t miss the chance to stay overnight at Banham Zoo, surrounded by your favourite animals
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Some Helpful Links
What’s included in the Zoo Camping experience?
Your zoo campign tickets includes a BBQ dinner, torchlight zoo trail, keeper-led experiences, full zoo access the following day, breakfast, and overnight parking.
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What is the minimum age to attend the zoo camping event?
The minimum age is 7 years old. All campers must be at least 7 years of age on the day of the event.
What should I bring for my Zoo Camping Night experience?
Please bring the following items: a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, camping mat, and camping chairs. Also, pack a torch, warm clothes, and sensible footwear. Please note, candles, oil lamps, or any other items that pose a fire risk are not allowed.
What size are the tent pitches?
Our standard tent pitches are 10m x 10m, which comfortably accommodate most UK-standard tents (typically 5 x 9m or around 10m²).
What if I have a larger tent?
If you plan to bring a larger tent, please be aware that an additional fee may apply to reserve a larger plot. We recommend contacting us in advance to ensure we can accommodate your tent size.
Can we book multiple tents on one pitch?
To ensure fair use of space, each family or group is allocated one tent per pitch. For example, a family of four should share one appropriately sized tent, rather than bringing multiple small (2-person) tents.
Are pitches limited?
Yes — the number of pitches is limited, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
What time does the sleepover start and finish?
Our Zoo Camping event starts at 4pm and finishes at 10am the next day. Guests are welcome to stay in the zoo on the day of departure until standard closing time.
Will food and drinks be available for purchase at the zoo during Zoo Camping Nights?
No catering outlets will be open. We will provide dinner (BBQ) and drinks, as well as a breakfast roll and drinks on the morning of departure. Additionally, a hot water urn with tea, coffee, and UHT milk sachets will be available for use. Please bring your own travel cup or mug if you plan to use these facilities. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please email info@zsea.org with your details at least 48 hours before your arrival date.
Where will you sleep during the sleepover?
The campsite is in the heart of the zoo, and you’ll be able to hear the calls of our animals through the night! All participants will sleep in their own tents on the lawn and can select their own area to pitch their tent within the designated area.
How far away are the nearest toilets?
Faciltiies are just a short walk from the camping area. We do not have any showers available.
Will there be drinking water available?
Yes, we will provide water containers for you, so you are able to refill your own water bottle.
Will there be somewhere to get a hot drink?
We will provide a hot water urn for your use between 5pm and 10pm and again between 7:30am and 8:30am. Please bring your own reusable coffee cup.
Will there be staff onsite throughout the night?
There will be a staff members onsite throughout the night, and your hosts will stay overnight close to the camping area - at either end of the camp. They will always be on call in case of an emergency & are first aid trained.
Do you offer car parking?
Yes – we offer free onsite parking at Banham Zoo. Please note that vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk in our main car park.
Is the zoo camping event accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?
Unfortunately, the event is not fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges at this time. The campsite is located on the main lawn, and the terrain may not be suitable for all mobility aids.
Can I book more than one night for the zoo camping event?
The zoo camping event runs over two nights, but individual participants can only stay for one night. You’ll enjoy the full experience during your chosen evening and overnight hours, but each person is limited to staying for just one night of the event.
Can the zoo camping event be canceled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances?
Yes, the zoo camping event may be canceled at short notice due to severe weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances that affect the safety and enjoyment of participants. Your safety is our top priority.
