Formerly an Edwardian palm house, the Butterfly House is now a rainforest home to butterflies, Koi carp, tortoises, and much more. Whatever the weather you can be sure of a warm welcome in this oasis of trees, twisting vines, a rocky waterfall and flowering tropical plants. Walk amongst some of the world’s most stunning butterfly species, including the blue morpho, emerald swallowtails and cleverly camouflaged owl butterflies.

Butterfly pupae can be seen waiting to emerge in their glass display case but keep your eyes peeled for caterpillars munching on the leaves all around you. Learn about the diet and lifecycle of a butterfly from the information boards or talk to one of our knowledgeable zoo keepers.

Please note that dogs are not allowed in the Butterfly House. 

Admission

Please note that there is an admission fee for entry to the Butterfly House.

Entry to the Butterfly House and Mini Zoo (available for purchase at the gift shop):

• Adult £5
• Child £3.50 (under-3s free)
• Family of Four £14
• Family of Six £20
• Concessions/students £4

Annual family pass - Wild Card

• £60 for up to 2 adults and 2 children unlimited entry for a whole year
• Jungle Party £70
• Available for purchase at the gift shop

Opening hours

We are open all year round except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

• April to September: 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm)
• October to March: 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.15pm)

Guided tours

The Butterfly House is a popular destination for school trips where guided talks are available. These cover the diet, habitat and life cycle of these beautiful creatures and can include a handling session with some of our other resident animals. To book please call us on 01524 33318.

Accessibility

The Butterfly House is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Meet the keeper!

Each weekend and every day during the school holidays at 11:30am you have the chance to meet our zoo keepers, and get even closer to some of our animals. You can learn about an animal’s lifecycle, diet, native habitat and will have the chance to ask as many questions as you like.