Dartmoor Zoo — Attraction in South Hams

Dartmoor Zoo Review by Focus Weddings Photography & Video Full Package at the zoo for just £795 07835218119 includes Full Day Photography Full Days Free Video with Highlights Reel.

As a photographer and videographer, I had the pleasure of capturing a wedding at Dartmoor Zoo on March 20, 2025. This venue offers a picturesque setting, exceptional facilities, and a dedicated team, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience.

Scenic Beauty and Versatile Spaces

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Dartmoor, Dartmoor Zoo provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photography and videography. The expansive greens, mature trees, and panoramic views create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for capturing timeless moments. The venue features a beautifully adorned marquee that accommodates both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, offering flexibility to suit various wedding sizes and styles. The marquee's twinkling fairy lights and elegant décor enhance its charm, providing a captivating setting for both ceremonies and receptions. (dartmoorzoo.org)

Comprehensive Wedding Packages

Dartmoor Zoo offers thoughtfully designed wedding packages that cater to diverse preferences and budgets. The Sunset Packages, for instance, are ideal for late afternoon ceremonies and include amenities such as ceremony setup, evening buffet, and entertainment by award-winning DJs. For those seeking a more extensive experience, the Platinum Package encompasses additional features like chauffeured transport in a luxurious S-Class Mercedes, a 6-seat golf buggy for scenic photo opportunities, and a comprehensive three-course wedding breakfast. These packages ensure a seamless and enjoyable celebration for couples and their guests. (dartmoorzoo.org)

Exceptional Service and Entertainment

The dedicated team at Dartmoor Zoo is committed to delivering outstanding service, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. From the initial consultation to the day of the event, the staff provides personalized attention, accommodating specific requests and creating a stress-free experience for couples. The evening entertainment stands out, with engaging activities and music that keep guests entertained throughout the night. Many couples have praised the team's efforts, noting that their wedding was the best they've ever attended, thanks to the lively atmosphere and attentive service. (dartmoorzoo.org)

Unique Features and Personal Touches

Dartmoor Zoo offers several distinctive features that add a personal touch to weddings. The picturesque enclosures and pathways provide unique settings for memorable photographs, while the inclusion of elements like a vintage sweet cart, giant LOVE letters, and a 9-meter flower wall adds to the venue's charm. The availability of a magic mirror photo booth and themed sets further enhance the guest experience, creating fun and interactive moments that are cherished by all. (dartmoorzoo.org)

Conclusion

Amazing experience capturing a wedding at Dartmoor Zoo with the majestic highlight of the day the huge Tiger DRAGAN, the Eagle experience and feeding the otters.

I highly recommend this venue to future wedding couples.

Its breath-taking scenery, versatile spaces, comprehensive packages, and exceptional service combine to create an unforgettable celebration. The dedication of Jade and other staff, the array of unique features ensure that each wedding is tailored to the couple's vision, resulting in a truly...

Let’s be honest, most zoos are a bit samey. You arrive, see some animals pretending they’ve taken early retirement, overpay for a sandwich, and leave with a mildly sunburnt child and an empty wallet. But Dartmoor Zoo is different. Dartmoor Zoo is an adventure.

First up parking. Normally, this is where your day starts going wrong. Not here. It was beautifully laid out, easy to navigate, with proper disability spaces and even a separate overflow area in case half of Devon turns up for tiger time. So far, so good.

Now the animals. And I don’t mean one sleepy goat and a peacock with an attitude. I mean lions, wolves, a tiger that looked like it bench presses small cars, and even a lynx that seemed to be judging me. And not just lurking at the back of their enclosures like shy celebrities. They were up and about. Especially during feeding time, which was less 'zoo' and more 'nature documentary with sound effects'. Genuinely jaw-dropping.

Then there’s the kids’ playground. And let me tell you it’s not just a swing and a sad see-saw. It’s brilliant. Proper climbing gear, slides, and enough energy-burning potential to tire out even the most sugar-fuelled small human. Ours loved it. Possibly too much. I briefly considered joining them but remembered I’m not made of rubber anymore.

Inside, there’s a science and education section that’s actually fascinating. No, really. It’s hands-on, engaging, and packed with facts your child will parrot back at you for days. I learned things. Actual things. On a weekend. Unheard of.

Ice cream? Glorious. Not priced like it was churned by unicorns either. A very welcome surprise. The staff were equally delightful, friendly, helpful, and clearly passionate about what they do. One even took the time to help us spot a camouflaged creature I was convinced was a decorative rock. Spoiler: it wasn’t.

Now here’s the bit that genuinely made the day extra special. Thirteen years ago, my daughter had a book signed by Benjamin Mee himself — the man who bought the zoo. And on this visit, we saw him again. In person. He re-signed the book. Thirteen years later. Talk about a full-circle moment. My daughter was thrilled. I may have had something in my eye.

The gift shop? Yes, it’s a bit pricey. Yes, your child will fall in love with a toy that costs as much as a small cottage. But every pound goes back into caring for these magnificent animals and keeping the zoo running. It’s money well spent. Think of it as conservation with fluff attached.

All in all, Dartmoor Zoo is an absolute gem. Wild, wonderful, educational, and genuinely heartwarming. We laughed, we learned, we saw actual tigers up close and had a time-travelling book moment with Benjamin Mee.

Would I go again? In a heartbeat. As long as I can avoid the gift shop’s...

Dartmoor Zoo is a well planned array of wild animals, on an easy route to follow via an attractive map layout sheet given upon entry. Just be advised ladies and gents, the zoo grounds are quite hilly with varying inclines. Recommend using a buggy for younger children. As it is tiring. The routes are very well sign posted and information boards about each wild animal is informative and educational. One has to accept that these animals are wild and won't necessarily want to be bothered by gaping humans! So it's pure 'pot luck' seeing them in some cases. On our visit, Friday 7th May, there were some enclosures which were vacant for various reasons, but were in actual fact being cleaned. We saw the two Cheetahs, Wolves, and a sleeping Tiger, but no Leo the Lion. Guess he didn't want to play today. There were goats, Zebras and Peackocks. A whole menagerie of wild animals to see. So it is worth a definite visit.The staff were friendly and engaging as well as informative. Though our grandchildren desired t see the reptiles. Unfortunately this was closed due to Covid restrictions. The prices are reasonable, and this zoo is a business that has been through hard times recently, as have other businesses. So you are asked when booking whether your entry fee(s) can be used as Gift Aid, or you can make a seperate donation. There is work being carried out at various places around the zoo, and areas cordoned off, but these are not too disruptive. Also the car park is under going a resurfacing programme just so you know. Getting to the zoo via Satnav is straight forward. Be weary of the country lanes. As sections leading to the zoo are deceptively narrow but safe. We enjoyed our visit here, and were lucky enough to have a nice sunny day. Well worth a visit, and the views from the various picnic areas are worth...