About Isle of Wight Zoo
Meet fascinating creatures at this historic Sandown fort, where young visitors can interact with wildlife experts and enjoy hands-on animal encounters in the dedicated handling zone.
What's nearby
- Yaverland Kiosk next door
- Fort Spinney Holiday Bungalow 150m away
- Browns family Golf 250m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
We had a marvellous visit, the sanctuary in general is wonderful with plenty of rescued and happy animals to see. We did the keeper for a day experience and my niece and nephew absolutely adored it. Ruth our guide was so lovely and very knowledgeable. My favourite bit was being so close to the Lemurs they are gorgeous also making the enrichment toys for the meerkats. The bears, Lynx and Tigers were also up there. Deffo recommend visiting next time you are on the IOW.
· via Google
Beautiful animal santuary. The animals are really cared for and the staff know so much about each indivudual animal they care for. It has a lovely relaxed vibe, ticket is valid for 7 days. You may need to pay additional £1 per person within this tine frame. Toilets were clean, restaurant was busy. We took a picnic as for 4 the food is a bit pricey. Plenty of animals to see lizards, spiders, parrots, bears, lions, tigers, lemurs, meerkats, tortoise, goats, pigs, monkeys. It was a lovely stroll around, lots of spaces to clean hands after touching goats etc. Had a walk through lemur area. Inside the restaurant there are books available that have been donated, you place a donation in the orange pot to help raise funds for the animals. Option to gift aid when you buy tickets.
· via Google
A superb zoo and a must if visiting the Isle of Wight. We loved it so much we visited twice in the week!! Seeing the big cats and bears up close was just amazing and memorable. We will be returning when we are next in the IOW. The cafe also deserves a big shoutout! Great selection of both hot and cold drinks and the cakes were delicious. All the staff were extremely polite, helpful and friendly….. especially the team member who served us in the cafe (and not only because she complimented my complexion)….I’m annoyed I didn’t get her name to give her the recognition she deserves!
· via Google
Had THE best day! Animal Carer experience for two. Fabulous. Staff lovely, food was great and I love that they don't eat animals! Loads of deliciousness on the menu, just Vegan style. I dare you....just try it.! Had such a great day me and the Hubs have signed up as members so we have the opportunity to pop in and spend time and space with rescued animals. "Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh My!" Highly recommend. Thank you to everyone involved especially Kerrie who was our host for the day.
· via Google
Visitors say this animal sanctuary offers a wide variety of rescued animals, including bears, tigers, and lions, with spacious and clean enclosures. They also highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and the option to revisit for £1 within seven days.
Some reviews mention the cafe being plant-based only can be limiting for some customers.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Yaverland Road, Sandown, PO36 8QB Get directions
- Category
- Zoos & Animal Parks
- Guest rating
- 4.4 / 5 (5,016 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 0-12
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Sandown