Is there somewhere safe to leave our bags?

Guided school/group visits have access to the Education cabins where bags and lunchboxes may be stored and the room locked.

We also have a lockable bag storage cupboard for larger guided groups or self-led groups. This will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Self-led groups, please specify in your enquiry if you would like to use the bag storage cupboard.

Related FAQs

KS1 & KS2 workshops:

Arrival: 10.30 am
Welcome talk, bag drop and toilet stop/snack: 10-15 minutes
Educational workshop: 30-45 minutes
Guided zoo tour: 30-45 minutes
Lunch: 30 minutes
Free time to play, complete independent activity, visit the shop

EYFS workshop:

Arrival: 10.30 am
Welcome talk, bag drop and toilet stop/snack:15-30 minutes
Story time workshop & guided zoo tour: Approx 50 minutes
Lunch: 30 minutes
Free time to play, complete independent activity, visit the shop

Hands On! workshop

Arrival: 10.30 am
Welcome talk, bag drop and toilet stop/snack:15-30 minutes
Hands On! workshop: 10-15 minute slots for groups of approx. 6 learners at a time (dependent on group – please email for exact timings)
Guided zoo tour: 30-45 mins
Lunch: 30 minutes
Free time to play, complete independent activity, visit the shop

Groups of over 30 children will be split into multiple groups.

Once your booking is confirmed, please email events@batterseaparkzoo.co.uk if you would like a timetable specific to your group.

Please note, bookings are not confirmed until you have received a booking confirmation form.

With a guided visit, the group has access to one of the Education cabins for lunch or the picnic tables just outside on the decking.

There are a few barns and the Australia House which offer undercover space for groups to have lunch should it rain.

The zoo is mainly an outdoor venue so as long as the children are dressed appropriately then a visit in light rain is still possible. The advantage is a quieter zoo!

You can pay on the day in cash, by card or cheque. Alternatively, numbers can be given and an invoice sent out. Payment in advance is possible but not recommended as numbers inevitably change on the day.

The zoo does not currently take deposits but we ask that you inform us if you are no longer going ahead with your visit; failure to do so may result in a cancellation fee.

There are 3 council run pay and display car parks within the park; the closest one to the zoo is Chelsea Gate car park.

Coaches may park, with a parking permit* available from the zoo, on the North carriageway or go across to Rosery Gate Car Park and return for pick up.

Please note engines must be switched off when stationary.

*Parking permits must be displayed in the window. The zoo has 4 parking permits available which must be signed for when collected from the zoo shop on arrival and returned prior to departure.

The zoo has a large and well-equipped play area including a large sandpit with water features, climbing frames, swings, a wooden fort, real-life fire engine, helicopter and tractor. It is suitable for children aged 18 months to 10 years.