Marwell Zoo
Zoo Conservation zoo near Winchester housing global mammals
A conservation zoo near Winchester in southern England with education programs and large mammal enclosures; visitors come for animal exhibits, keeper talks and family facilities.
Marwell Zoo is a zoological park and wildlife conservation centre in southern England, near Winchester in Hampshire. It combines public exhibits with active conservation and education work.
What you find
Collections include a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles displayed across landscaped enclosures and themed exhibits. The site provides walking trails, animal talks, family activities and education programmes.
Established as a zoo and conservation organisation, the site has developed its breeding and conservation programmes alongside visitor facilities. The operating charity focuses on international and local species conservation work.
Situated to the south of Winchester in Hampshire, the zoo is set in semi-rural grounds with road access from nearby towns and parking for visitors.
- Conservation role: Operated by a conservation charity focused on captive breeding, education and species recovery programmes.
- Visitor facilities: Offers walking paths, animal exhibits and family facilities such as play areas and seasonal events.
How to Get to Marwell Zoo #
Marwell Zoo is located just outside Winchester in Hampshire. By car follow local A‑roads from Winchester (watch for brown tourist signs for Marwell Zoo); the site is about 3-4 miles (5-6 km) from Winchester city centre and is a short drive from the M3/A34 corridors. From Southampton the drive is roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
By public transport, take a train to Winchester railway station and then use a local taxi or bus link for the short trip to the zoo-direct bus services vary by season, so check local timetables.
Tips for Visiting Marwell Zoo #
- Arrive at opening on weekdays to see many species at their most active and to avoid heavier weekend crowds common at the zoo.
- If you want close-animal experiences (feeds or encounters), book those in advance - popular animal encounters often sell out and are scheduled separately from general admission.
- Head to popular outdoor exhibits (giraffes, big cats) early in your route before midday when visitor flow concentrates around them; check the daily keeper-talk timetable so you can plan quieter gaps.
Best Time to Visit Marwell Zoo #
Visit in spring for pleasant weather and young animals with moderate crowds; summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Marwell Zoo #
Marwell Zoo's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (762 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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