Cornish Week at Newquay Zoo: What’s Happening and How to Join the Celebration?

Newquay Zoo is set to mark St Piran’s Day with a week-long festival celebrating Cornwall’s rich heritage. Running from Saturday, 1st March to Sunday, 9th March 2025, ‘Cornish Week’ will offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Cornish culture, food, and wildlife-themed activities.

A Celebration of Cornwall’s Patron Saint

St Piran’s Day itself falls on Wednesday, 5th March, but Newquay Zoo is extending the festivities to a full week. The zoo will be decked out in St Piran’s Day bunting, with the Cornish flag flying proudly to honour the county’s patron saint.

Dave Folland, Operations Manager at Newquay Zoo, said:

“As Cornwall’s only zoo, we are thrilled to celebrate St Piran’s Day with a mix of cultural and wildlife-focused activities. This event is a wonderful way for visitors to embrace Cornwall’s history while also learning about the incredible animals in our care.”

What’s On at Newquay Zoo for Cornish Week?

Visitors can look forward to a range of special activities throughout the celebration, including:

• Cornish-Name Animal Trail – Follow a trail around the zoo to spot black-and-white (and gold!) animals inspired by the St Piran’s flag, while picking up some key Cornish phrases.
• Cornish Food at Café Lemur – Enjoy traditional Cornish pasties, cream teas (jam first!), and homemade Cornish Fairings, offering a true taste of Cornwall.
• Conservation and Cornwall – Learn how Newquay Zoo contributes to conservation efforts locally and internationally, highlighting the importance of protecting Cornwall’s natural heritage.

With early spring bringing extra activity among the zoo’s residents, visitors may see playful otters, curious meerkats, and cheeky lemurs making the most of the season. The penguins will also be preparing for nesting, making this a great time to observe them in action.

Admission Prices and Discounts

All St Piran’s Day activities are included with standard zoo admission or membership. Visitors can also take advantage of reduced winter pricing, with additional savings for Newquay residents who present a Love Newquay loyalty card on the day of their visit.

Winter Admission Prices:

• Adults: £17 (normally £19)
• Children: £12.50 (normally £14.25)
• Children under 3: Free
• All prices include a Gift Aid donation

Newquay Zoo is open daily from 10am, with closing times varying seasonally (currently 4.30pm). There’s also free parking available in the Cornwall Council car park adjacent to the zoo.

Supporting Conservation with Every Visit

Newquay Zoo is part of the Wild Planet Trust, a conservation charity that also oversees Paignton Zoo and three nature reserves. Every ticket purchase supports vital conservation work both in the UK and overseas. Visitors who Gift Aid their tickets help provide additional funding at no extra cost.

For more information or to book tickets online, visit newquayzoo.org.uk.