Zoo near Portsmouth

Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo is home to over 250 different species of animals and set in 140 acres of landscaped Hampshire countryside, with the historic Marwell Hall at its centre. Marwell is close to Colden Common, approximately 20 miles from Portsmouth.

Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity and is dedicated to the conservation of rare species.

Opened in 1972, Marwell Zoo was one of the earliest zoos in Europe to place an emphasis on animal conservation and is considered to be one of the leading institutions in that field. There is a huge range of different animals to see from tigers and giraffe, to frogs and snakes in the tropical zone.

Images on this page are courtesy of Marwell Zoo.

There are three childrens play areas at Marwell, the Cafe Graze has a wide range of food and refreshments and has great views across the African Valley section of the park too, alternatively there is a dedicated picnic area.

Marwell Park has a free Road Train and the Princess Anne Railway to help get around the site easier. The road train is pulled by tractor and has a wheelchair accesible carriage, plus a carriage for transporting buggies at the rear, the round trip takes 35 minutes but you can get on and off at various stops around the park.

The train leaves from Black Swan Pond and makes a 15 minute round trip passing many of the enclosures and has an informative commentary. There is an additional charge to ride on the train but all proceeds go to Marwell's animal conservation programmes, passengers under 3 travel free.

Marwell Hall at the centre of the park is a Grade I listed building, dating from the 13th century and was once owned by the Bishop of Winchester. It was later owned by Sir Henry Seymour, brother of Jane Seymour who became Henry VIII's third wife.

Marwell Hotel

If you need accomodation, there is a Hotel at Marwell Zoo directly opposite the Wildlife Park. Marwell Hotel has 66 bedrooms located in the four Safari Lodges. All rooms have en-suite bathroom, broadband connection and satellite TV, click here for more details of the Marwell Hotel

All images displayed on this page are used courtesy of Marwell Wildlife.

Marwell Wildlife Winchester:

Address: Marwell Wildlife Park, Colden Common, near Winchester, SO21 1JH
Telephone: 01962 777407

  • Marwell opens every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day) at 10am.
  • Peak days - closing at 6pm.
  • Standard days - closing at 5pm.
  • Off peak days - closing at 4pm.

Directions:
From M3: Junction 11 northbound and junction 11 southbound.
From M27: Junction 10 westbound and junction 5 eastbound.
Marwell is situated just off the B2177 (between Colden Common and Bishops Waltham).

Visit the official Marwell Wildlife Website

Marwell Zoo Marwell Zoo near Portsmouth