/ Hampshire Trip Activities / Wild Discovery in Hampshire
Set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland, Marwell Zoo offers school groups a truly expansive environment for discovery. As a leading conservation charity, the zoo provides a living classroom where students can get close to some of the world’s most incredible species, from majestic snow leopards and towering giraffes to the rare scimitar-horned oryx, ensuring a visit that is as awe-inspiring as it is educational.
For pupils aged 9-11, the experience goes far beyond simple animal watching. Marwell is a pioneer in sustainability, famously powering its enclosures using biomass energy created from animal waste. This provides educators with a unique, real-world "hook" to discuss renewable energy, climate change, and the circular economy in a way that is practical, memorable, and directly relevant to the modern curriculum.
The estate also offers a fascinating architectural contrast, centred around the historic Marwell Hall. With ties to the Tudor court and Henry VIII, the site allows schools to blend biological science with local history. Whether exploring the evolution of birds from dinosaurs or investigating the social history of the Hampshire countryside, students benefit from a multi-layered learning experience that caters to a wide range of project work.
A visit to Marwell is designed to be a highlight of any week-long residential stay, balancing rigorous academic themes with the pure joy of a day out in the fresh air. With its dedicated education team and accessible, safe walkways, the zoo ensures that your group returns to their base with renewed curiosity about the natural world and their place within it.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to Marwell Zoo, posed by teachers and other group leaders
The zoo is a very large, open-air site. All visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and bring waterproof clothing.
There is a dedicated First Aid room located at the Information Centre near the zoo entrance. While Marwell has trained first aiders on site for emergencies, school groups are expected to carry their own basic first aid kits and have a designated lead first aider for minor incidents.
The zoo operates a strict \"no feeding the animals\" policy. Groups are also asked to keep noise to a respectful level when near sensitive habitats.
In the event of an emergency, groups should follow the green exit signs to the nearest assembly point. There are several large open spaces throughout the park, such as the lawns in front of Marwell Hall, which are used as safe muster points for conducting head counts.
Hand-washing stations are located at the entrance and exit of all walkthrough exhibits and near animal contact areas. Students are required to use these regularly especially before eating.
There are toilet facilities on site.
The following Marwell Zoo educational resources are FREE to use when you book your trip with Education Destination. Some include pre or post-visit classroom work, others are on-site activities. All are accompanied by detailed Teacher Notes and some even have sample lesson plans!
Prepared by our expert team of teachers with local Island knowledge, each resource addresses a specific National Curriculum topic. Click on any image for full details.
