Marwell's Community Access Scheme

Marwell’s mission is to connect more people with nature and we believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy an inspiring day at the zoo.

We know times are tough, and many families in our community, especially those on lower incomes, may find it difficult to visit. That’s why we’ve introduced our Community Access Scheme.

Who is eligible for Marwell Community Access Scheme tickets?

We have made these reduced price tickets available for those receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Tickets cost just £5 for children and £10 for adults, while carers and children aged two and under go free.

How it works:

Entry for our Community Access Scheme is available from 11.30am each day. Please do not arrive before that time.

All tickets must be booked online in advance of your visit. If you turn up at the gate, you can only enter by buying a full price ticket. Please do not travel to the zoo unless you have booked and paid for your tickets and make sure you bring your Proof of Benefits letter with you – see below.

There is a maximum limit of six people per household (living at the same address). Carers and children aged two and under are free but will need to book.

Book Community Access Tickets

Tickets must be purchased online in advance, for up to six people per household.

Book now

What you need to bring

Before you set off, please make sure you have the following with you:

  • Community Access Scheme ticket booking confirmation for everyone in your household group (maximum of 6)
  • Proof of Benefits letter (or e-copy on your phone)
  • Photo ID for the person who made the booking (for example passport or driving license)

You will need to present all of these at our admissions gate to enter. If you do not have a proof of eligibility letter and photo ID, your tickets will unfortunately be invalid, and you will not be able to enter.

How to get a Proof of Benefits letter.

Top tips on the day

  • Our Marwell Community Access Scheme tickets are likely to be very popular, so on busy days, like weekends and school holidays, be ready to queue for a little while, whilst we get everyone checked and in.
  • To avoid any queues, we recommend coming in later in the day or on an off-peak day, when the zoo is quieter.
  • The Keeper’s Kitchen, Café Graze and other refreshment areas are open throughout the day, but please feel free to bring your own picnic if you prefer – we regret you can’t use our café seating areas for eating your own food, but there are picnic lodges and lots of outdoor benches for your use. Please remember that the animals are on a special diet so please don’t share your food with them!
  • Take it slowly! Marwell has over 140 acres and there is lots to see. The best way to enjoy your day is to relax, slow down and don’t try to race around everything in an hour – you won’t see anything! You need to allow 4-5 hours for a single visit and if you take the time to stop and look around you, you will spot many more animals and get the maximum enjoyment from your day out.
  • All of our animals are kept in the best possible surroundings, many of them in large open areas, with indoor cover and even places where they can go out of view when they wish to. So if you can’t see an animal, try again later, or it may be that the animal just wants to be out of the way on that day. We have over 140 species, so there will always be plenty to see.
  • Our shop Marwell Stores sells souvenirs and gifts from pocket money prices.
  • Purchases around the zoo need to be made by credit/debit/contactless card – however, there is no minimum limit.
  • Please also see our full terms and conditions

FAQs

Our strategy aims to connect more people with nature. We understand many families are finding things tough right now and we know that the cost of a day out can feel like a barrier. As a conservation charity, we rely on ticket income to care for more than 140 species at the zoo and support vital projects to protect wildlife here in the UK and overseas.

We regularly review our pricing and promotions to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy a visit to us. Our annual memberships also provide a great value way to enjoy incredible days out at the zoo all year round!

If you are coming with others who need to buy regular tickets, we strongly recommend that they pre-book their tickets online too – it’s cheaper to book in advance and the only way to guarantee entry.

These tickets are available for up to six people per household.

We offer discounted group rates here.

The number of tickets available will be allocated flexibly to ensure everyone has a great experience. If you can’t get tickets on your first choice day, please try another date – more tickets will be available at off-peak times. Occasionally, we may release extra tickets closer to the date, so do keep checking.

Your Community Access Scheme tickets are only available for visits to the zoo during the day from 11.30am arrival and are not valid for any special events like Glow Marwell.