Tropiquaria

What is at Tropiquaria

Tropiquaria is a small zoo and animal sanctuary at Washford Cross, on the A39 between Bridgwater and Minehead (TA23 0QB). Its main building is one of three radio transmitting stations the BBC built at the time, completed in 1933 and now Grade II listed, and the zoo’s directions tell you to look out for the tall radio masts beside it.

Most of the indoor animals live in the old building. The Transmitter Hall is now the Reptile House, the battery rooms hold the Nocturnal House, and the service basement holds the Aquarium, with thousands of fish from more than 100 species across almost 40 displays. The aquarium leans towards small freshwater fish, and the zoo keeps one of the largest breeding collections of Mexican goodeids anywhere. Outside, several acres of enclosures hold animals including gibbons, tapirs, otters, lemurs, meerkats, a serval and a bobcat, and the zoo says many of its residents came from rescue services.

Talks and play areas

Keeper talks are free and run through the day. The October 2026 programme started with the gibbons at 11.30am and ran through tapirs, meerkats, otters, a reptile encounter, lemurs and the cats to the Nocturnal House at 3.30pm. The schedule changes, so the zoo tells you the day’s talks when you arrive. Paid VIP experiences take you behind the scenes for 60 minutes.

Children have two near life-sized pirate ships, an outdoor play fort with a zip wire and a large indoor play fort next to the restaurant, which is open daily. With the reptile house, aquarium and indoor fort under cover, it works on a wet day in Washford or on the way to Minehead.

Planning your visit

Allow most of a day if you want the talks and the play areas. Tickets can be bought on the gate, and carers go free with the right paperwork. Phone the zoo on 01984 640688 with access questions before you travel, since its website does not set out wheelchair routes.