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landmark · Leicestershire
Choose Atherstone or Ashby-de-la-Zouch for Twycross Zoo, with arrival-slot advice, a castle extension and two researched places to stay.
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Find stays near Twycross Zoo on the map ↓Twycross Zoo rewards a day set aside for its primates and wider animal collection rather than a hurried stop between motorways. Atherstone makes a practical small-town base south of the entrance; Ashby-de-la-Zouch gives a two-night stay a second focus in its ruined castle. The zoo's Atherstone postal address is useful for navigation, but does not mean that a room in the town centre is beside the gates.
FIND YOUR BASE
Atherstone supplies a small-town evening on Long Street and a base south of the zoo. It is useful when the wildlife visit is the main reason for staying.
Good for: A focused zoo break with a town-centre meal.
Before you choose: The zoo's postal address says Atherstone, but its entrance is outside town on Burton Road; arrange that last leg.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch adds a market-town stay and an English Heritage castle outing to the zoo trip.
Good for: Two nights with wildlife and a separate history visit.
Before you choose: It is a different town to the north, so the extra castle interest comes with a separate drive to Twycross.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Explore accommodation near Twycross Zoo. Check the route to the visitor entrance before booking.
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ROOM FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Compare these researched options for the two base choices.
The Long Street hotel is in Atherstone town, useful for the evening before a separate road journey to the zoo.
Before you book: Confirm whether your booking is in the main hotel or the separately described 95 Long Street accommodation, along with stairs, room occupancy and parking arrangements.
Visit official website99 Long Street, Atherstone CV9 1BB
A Long Street hotel offering a town-centre base for a separately planned Twycross Zoo visit.
Sources checked 2026-09-23
Burton Road in Ashby-de-la-Zouch supports the northern base and castle extension; it is not the zoo's Burton Road address.
Before you book: Ask about stairs and event noise for your chosen room; the castle is on South Street, not within the pub.
Visit official website114 Burton Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2LP
Ashby pub and restaurant with rooms above, useful for a town stay around the castle.
Sources checked 2026-09-23
FAMILY BREAKS
The animal collection and Gruffalo Discovery Land give younger visitors different things to focus on. Use the map to alternate interests instead of planning a second major attraction the same day.
ROMANTIC BREAKS
Ashby-de-la-Zouch makes the overnight stay more than a zoo transfer, with the castle and town providing a contrasting departure-day outing.
A LITTLE ROOM TO EXPLORE
Pair a full zoo day with an Ashby castle visit when its seasonal calendar allows.
Choose a Long Street evening in Atherstone or dinner around Ashby town centre. Stay near your selected hotel rather than driving to the zoo twice.
Arrive for your booked slot at the Himalaya entrance. Group animal areas using the zoo map and leave space for the Gruffalo Discovery Land if it suits your party.
On an opening day, visit the ruined castle on South Street before departure. If closed, keep the morning to Ashby town rather than promising access to the ruins.
Less time? With one night, choose the base that suits your onward route and keep the zoo day. Omit Ashby Castle unless its opening and your departure time comfortably align.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
The zoo is on Burton Road off the A444, reached via the A5 or M42 junction 11. Use CV9 3PX and the attraction signs rather than navigating to Atherstone town centre.
The Himalaya Visitor Centre can receive early arrivals, but the zoo says early entry at the ticket gates may not be available during busy periods. Keep the booked slot as the anchor for your morning.
No. The zoo lists paid vehicle parking and specific pass arrangements. If your pass includes it, register the vehicle as instructed; an annual admission entitlement alone should not be treated as a parking confirmation.
Return visits use the zoo's account and booking process. Keep the pass and pre-booked visit details available rather than assuming an earlier purchase means you can arrive on any day without a reservation.
Do not assume that you can. English Heritage runs a date-specific castle calendar with a more limited winter pattern. Choose the zoo and hotel dates around an actual castle opening if that second visit matters.
Research-led accommodation comparisons, not firsthand reviews. Wildlife photographs show the attraction, not a promised animal sighting or hotel view. Accommodation and attraction admission are separate unless the chosen rate explicitly includes tickets.
Sources checked 2026-09-23. Check current arrangements before travelling.