Disclaimer: The lovely team at Northumberland College Zoo provided a free pass in return for an honest review. All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

We love a good day out with the children and Northumberland College Zoo seemed like an ideal destination on our recent weekend away in the county. Read on to find out all you need to know about this fantastic, family-friendly, day out in Northumberland, so you have the chance to enjoy it just like our family did.

About Northumberland College Zoo

Northumberland College Zoo opened in May 2011 (around the time John and I got married!) and since then has grown to be home to over 150 species of animal, reptile, bird and fish. Situated on Northumberland College's Kirkley Hall Campus, the zoo was established as a training facility for the college students. It is now available as a tourist attraction on the weekends and during school holidays, allowing families like us the chance to explore and enjoy everything it has to offer.

John, Squidgy and Pickle are in the centre of the image walking away from the camera on a path at Northumberland College Zoo. To the left of the image is a Zoo enclosure and to the right is a fence and trees.

How to find Northumberland College Zoo

There is a car park adjacent to Northumberland College Zoo on the College campus. It is a fair size, and as the zoo itself doesn't get wildly busy it has plenty of space to park up.

To find the car park, use this post code: NE20 0AQ

What is available at Northumberland College Zoo?

Aquatics and Discovery Room

Our children found Nemo amongst the tanks in the Aquatics and Northumberland College Zoo off the chance to see - and even hold - snakes and other reptiles in the Discovery Room. They may not be the largest areas, but they are certainly enough to keep the wee ones entertained, even for a short while.

The 3 older children are stood on the right of the image looking to the left of the image where a number of fish tanks are stacked up in the Northumberland College Zoo Aquatics Centre.

Domestic animals

From donkeys and goats, to guinea pigs and rabbits there are plenty of everyone's favourite domesticated animals. Of course Munchkin was most excited by the fact his favourite “pac pacs” (alpaca) were on site, and he even decided to introduce his new toy alpaca, Prince Max, to them too.

Exotic animals

Whether you're visiting the Walk of Life to see the marmosets, or playing Spot-the-Kirk's-dik-dik in their new enclosure or even watching the keepers feed the lemurs there are plenty of more exotic animals to keep an eye out for at Northumberland College Zoo.

The Outback Experience

Whilst this spot was only open for a short period, it was a lovely little walk through with the opportunity to discover Parma wallabies, red-necked wallabies and some seriously loud, territorial kookaburra.

FAQs about our family days out

What are Northumberland College Zoo's opening hours?

Northumberland College Zoo is open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday (with the exception of days when it is closed for private events) and additionally during the school holidays. You can check the term times and other details ahead of your visit on the website here. Please note that last entry to the zoo is at 3pm.

Is it suitable for children?

Of course! Let's be honest, places like this are always going to be child-friendly. From the little play area to watching the lemur feeding to holding reptilian friends there are plenty of things that make Northumberland College Zoo a family-friendly day out.

Is it worth the money?

One hundred percent! The ticket prices are extremely reasonable in my opinion. There is a lot on offer to see and do and is a practical size for a day out with children. This summer they will have new additions joining them too, so it's only going to get better.

Is there anywhere to eat?

A small hut sits in the center of the zoo, surrounded by picnic benches. They offer ice creams, drinks and snacks but if you want something a bit more substantial you can always take a picnic like we did. Just be aware the peacock thinks it's meal time for him too when you get your picnic out. They also offer the chance to get yourself a little souvenir from magnets to animal soft toys.

Are there facilities available?

Yes! Straight down the path from the entrance is a building which plays host to toilet facilities as well as information posters and rooms for educational visits too.

Can you take dogs to Northumberland College Zoo?

For obvious reasons Northumberland College Zoo is a dog-free zone with the exception of guide dogs. However you are able to take your fur baby out around the forest trail, providing you keep them on a lead.

So, there you go! I've shared everything you need to know about heading to Northumberland College Zoo with your family. We had such a fabulous time there together, and I hope you are able to enjoy the same.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces England has to offer, check out my days out and travel blog. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in Northumberland? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.