If you’re planning a family trip to the Forest of Dean, the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is a must-visit. Tucked away in Symonds Yat West, this indoor tropical paradise is a peaceful, fascinating, and educational stop that children and adults alike will enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of wildlife, a budding entomologist, or simply looking for a fun way to spend an hour or two, this attraction is one of the best family-friendly things to do in the Forest of Dean
What to Expect at Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
As soon as you step inside the Butterfly Zoo, you’re welcomed by tropical warmth, lush plants, and dozens of vibrant butterflies fluttering around you. It feels like stepping into another world. The friendly staff were on hand straight away with laminated butterfly spotter sheets and magnifying glasses, which really helped the kids identify different species and learn as they explored. It turned the visit into a fun little challenge.
One of the most exciting moments was watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis right before our eyes. It was absolutely fascinating and something the children are still talking about. Even better, butterflies often landed on us, which gave the kids a unique and close-up encounter with nature. For little animal lovers, this was a real highlight.
Perfect for Families of All Ages
This attraction is ideal for families with young children, but we also noticed how accessible and enjoyable it would be for older visitors too. With so many colourful plants and well-maintained paths, it’s a lovely, calm place to walk through — perfect for grandparents or anyone looking for a quieter nature experience.
There are handy wheeled baskets provided for carrying your bags or coats, but if the weather’s mild, it’s a good idea to leave extra layers in the car. It gets warm inside to replicate the butterflies’ natural tropical environment, and you don’t want to be juggling coats in a busy space.
Planning Your Visit
We didn’t book in advance and just turned up on the day. It was fairly quiet when we arrived, but during weekends and school holidays, it’s likely to get much busier. We stayed for around an hour, which was just the right amount of time for the kids, then popped next door for a round of mini golf before heading back inside for a second wander. Staff are happy to let you re-enter if you ask nicely.
There’s a large car park on-site and the location is brilliant, with several other attractions — including a hedge maze and river views — all within walking distance.
Ticket Prices and Opening Times
You can find the most up-to-date information on tickets and seasonal opening hours on the official website:
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo Website
As of the latest update, ticket prices are:
• Adults: £6.75
• Children (3–15): £5.25
• Under 3s: Free
• Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £22.00
Opening times:
• Open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm
• Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time
Parking and Accessibility
• Postcode for sat navs: HR9 6DA
• Parking: Large, flat car park available on site. Parking is payable via an app or ticket machine.
• Accessibility: The butterfly house is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Paths are wide and level throughout.
Make a Day of It
One of the best things about visiting the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is that it’s part of a wider hub of attractions. Right next door is a mini golf course, a hedge maze, and it’s a decent walk to the beautiful Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. You could easily spend a day here exploring different activities at your own pace.
The Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is a brilliant family attraction that offers both a hands-on learning experience and a moment of calm. It’s especially good for younger children, nature lovers, or anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of butterflies up close. With friendly staff, great accessibility, and plenty of nearby attractions to extend your day, this spot is definitely worth adding to your Forest of Dean itinerary.