Bristol Zoo Gardens | Bristol

Information

Landmark: Bristol Zoo Gardens
City: Bristol
Country: United Kingdom
Continent: Europe

Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol, United Kingdom, Europe

Bristol Zoo Gardens was a historic zoological park located on Clifton Down in Bristol, United Kingdom. It occupied a 12-acre site in the Clifton district and was the fifth oldest zoo in the world until its permanent closure to the public in September 2022.

Visual Characteristics

The site is characterized by a mix of Victorian-era architecture and modern enclosures, set within a highly landscaped botanical garden. Notable structures include the Grade II listed Entrance Lodge and the 19th-century Monkey Temple. The terrain is mostly flat with winding paved pathways, dense floral borders, and mature tree species including several rare specimens. The site transitioned from active animal housing to a managed garden space during its current decommissioning phase.

Location & Access Logistics

The gardens are situated at the corner of College Road and Clifton Down (BS8 3HA).

Public Transport: The site is served by First Bus route 8, which connects Clifton Village to Bristol Temple Meads. Clifton Down railway station is located 0.8km to the east.

Road: Access is via the A4018 or B3129.

Parking: A dedicated car park is located on College Road, with additional street parking available on Clifton Down (subject to local restrictions).

Current Status: While the central zoo has closed for animal viewing, portions of the site and the West of England Zoological Society offices remain active for administrative and educational purposes.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Bristol, Clifton and West of England Zoological Society opened the gardens on July 11, 1836. The original layout was designed by landscape architect Richard Forrest. Throughout its 186-year history, it functioned as a center for species conservation and botanical study. The site is currently being prepared for a residential and public garden redevelopment following the relocation of the zoo's conservation work to the Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place Project) in North Bristol.

Key Highlights & Activities

Historically, the site offered viewing of over 400 species, including western lowland gorillas and lemurs. Current activities are limited to organized educational programs and community consultations regarding the redevelopment of the site into a public urban park. The Gordon Museum on-site occasionally hosts historical archives related to the zoo's contribution to veterinary science.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features several permanent buildings including the former cafe and lecture theater. Accessible restrooms are located near the main entrance lodge. 5G signal is consistent throughout the Clifton area. During its operational years, the site was fully wheelchair accessible, a feature being maintained for the transition to a public park space.

Best Time to Visit

As the site is no longer a functioning zoo, it does not maintain standard visitor hours for animal viewing. For architectural and botanical photography of the perimeter and the Entrance Lodge, mid-morning light provides the best illumination. Visitors interested in animal exhibits are directed to the Bristol Zoo Project near the M5 motorway.

Facts & Legends

A famous historical oddity is the story of Alfred the Gorilla, who resided at the zoo from 1930 to 1948; he became a symbol of the city's morale during the Bristol Blitz. Local legend also notes the "Catacombs," a series of underground tunnels and vaults used for animal transit and storage during the Victorian era.