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North Wales seaside town gets new dinosaur experience inside family zoo

The new dinosaur experience is included in the price of a normal zoo ticket for families

[Week-long Dinosaur Experience will be coming to the zoo this month, August]

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Week-long Dinosaur Experience will be coming to the zoo this month, August

A zoo just a short drive from Liverpool is preparing to welcome a prehistoric new experience. Located in Colwyn Bay, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is surrounded by miles of panoramic natural beauty, spanning 37 acres of mountain and woodland.

The National Zoo of Wales is home to some of the worlds most fascinating animals, from snow leopards and chimpanzees to Humboldt penguins and meerkats. Visitors can also see tigers, brown bears and alligators, while those who prefer gentler creatures can enjoy encounters with red pandas and fallow deer.

Theres also a childrens farm featuring guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits. The Welsh Mountain Zoo offers guests several unique experiences, including the chance to get up close and personal with penguins. Visitors can spend 15 to 20 minutes hand-feeding the birds while learning more about them from a keeper.

A similar experience is available for those who would rather spend time with the meerkats. All animal experiences include zoo entry for participants, whether booking a single or double experience, as well as entry for one additional guest who is not taking part in the experience.

[Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay]

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Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

Once visitors have finished meeting the animals, there are several food and drink options to enjoy on site. The Penguin Caf offers panoramic views across the estuary, overlooking the penguin and chimpanzee enclosures, while the Safari Restaurant is located beside the Sumatran tiger enclosure.

Now, guests are being invited to travel back in time with a new week-long Dinosaur Experience. Visitors will have the chance to come face-to-face with a lifelike giant velociraptor, take part in interactive encounters with the zoos Dino Rangers and keep an eye out for smaller prehistoric surprises as they explore the park.

The dinosaur-themed experience promises to add a prehistoric twist to a family day out, giving young visitors the chance to get closer to the creatures that once roamed the Earth.

Michaella Brannan, commercial director at Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: "We're delighted to be introducing our very first Dinosaur Experience at Welsh Mountain Zoo. It's something completely new for us and a fantastic way to add even more adventure to a family day out during the summer holidays.

[Welsh Mountain Zoo allows guests to feed penguins]

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Welsh Mountain Zoo allows guests to feed penguins(Image: North Wales Daily Post)

"Visitors will have the chance to meet a giant velociraptor up close, enjoy interactive encounters with our Dino Rangers and discover a few prehistoric surprises throughout their visit. We wanted to create an experience that sparks imaginations and gives families something truly memorable to enjoy together.

"While dinosaurs disappeared millions of years ago, the story of their extinction reminds us why protecting wildlife today is so important.

"We hope our Dinosaur Experience inspires curiosity, encourages families to explore the natural world and supports the important conservation work taking place here at the zoo every day."

In the lead up to the event, visitors may spot some mysterious dinosaur eggs that have appeared around the zoo, offering a hint that something prehistoric is on its way.

Included with normal zoo admission and requiring no additional ticket, the Dinosaur Experience will run daily from 10am to 4.30pm from Wednesday, August 19 to Wednesday August 26.

How to Get to Welsh Mountain Zoo from Liverpool

The Welsh Mountain Zoo, near Colwyn Bay in North Wales, is an easy day trip from Liverpool, whether youre travelling by car or public transport.

By car

Driving is the quickest and most convenient option. The zoo is around 52 miles from Liverpool, with the journey typically taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Liverpool, take the A55 westbound towards North Wales and leave at Junction 20 for Rhos-on-Sea. From there, follow the signs for the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

The zoo has free on-site parking, making it a straightforward option for families and groups.

By train

Travelling by train is a good alternative if you don't have access to a car. Take a Transport for Wales service from Liverpool Lime Street to Colwyn Bay. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, although journey times and service frequencies can vary.

From Colwyn Bay railway station, the zoo is approximately 1.5 miles away. The easiest option for the final part of the journey is to take a taxi, which takes around five minutes.

The zoo's previous shuttle/minibus service from Colwyn Bay is currently suspended, so visitors travelling by train should plan to use a taxi for the final leg.

By bus

Another option is to travel towards Colwyn Bay and use the No. 12 bus service between Rhyl and Llandudno. The nearest recommended stop is West End, Colwyn Bay. From there, visitors can take a short taxi ride to the zoo.

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