Holiday cottages near Marwell Zoo to rent

Holiday cottages near Marwell Zoo

Spread across 140 incredible acres, and home to hundreds of weird, wonderful and most importantly, well-looked after animals, Marwell Zoo isn’t just a day out in Winchester, it’s a journey across the world. Whatever your favourite critter may be, you’re sure to find it here at Marwell. What’s more, with four adventure playgrounds across the zoo, if you’re travelling with your little ones, there’ll be plenty of space to let them run like cheetahs, swing like monkeys and slide like penguins.

Of course, with so many acres to explore and new friends to make, you’ll need more than just one day to make the most of everything Marwell Zoo has to offer. Luckily, we’ve been hard at work, scouring the surrounding countryside to find some of the best holiday cottages in the UK. We’ve got countless beautiful holiday homes, giving you a relaxing place to curl up in, after a long day exploring the zoo.

With so many picture-perfect properties to choose from, you can let your imagination run wild and let the kids fulfil their wildest holiday dreams. Whether you’re after something as simple as an en-suite bathroom or as decadent as a back-garden golf course, all you need to do is ask. Why not add a splash of relaxation to your getaway and book a cottage with a soothing outdoor hot-tub? Or keep the entertainment going into the night, with your very own games room.

Another brilliant reason to visit Marwell Zoo is that not only does it provide a home for some of the world’s most amazing animals but it does everything it can to protect their lives and habitats. As a world-renowned registered charity, Marwell Zoo is a leading force in conservation programmes in the UK and Africa. So a visit here won’t just leave you with some incredible memories but a warm feeling that you’re helping the world too.

Getting to Marwell Zoo

You can find Marwell Zoo at the following address: Thompson's Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH.

Travelling by car to Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo is sat just off the B2177 between Colden Common and Bishops Waltham. Just follow the large brown tourist signs. If you’re heading on the motorway, then exit off the M3 at J11 or the M27 at J10 (westbound) or J5 (eastbound).

Travelling by train to Marwell Zoo

If you’re travelling by train, then head towards either Southampton Airport Parkway (seven miles from the zoo entrance), Eastleigh (five miles) or Winchester (eight miles). From there, you’ll be an easy taxi ride away.

Travelling by bus to Marwell Zoo

A regular bus service travels right to Marwell Zoo from Winchester. Take the 69 bus from Winchester Bus Station stand E.

Towns to stay near Marwell Zoo

Petersfield

Set amongst the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, Petersfield is an ancient Norman market town, full of enticing places to eat.

New Alresford

Home to Georgian townhouses, riverside walks and dozens of specialist shops, to use in its own words, New Alresford is a ‘vision of pastel perfection’.

Upham

With a population of just 620 you only need one word to sum up the rural settlement of Upham: completely and utterly, wholesome.

Eastleigh

Stretching along the River Hamble, Eastleigh is part of the picturesque Hamble Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and fields of wildflowers.

Ringwood

For centuries, Ringwood was the New Forest’s main market town. If you visit, make sure you check out the lively morning market which takes place every Wednesday.

Things to do near Marwell Zoo

Winchester Cathedral

The undisputed heart of the city, Winchester Cathedral is arguably the grandest medieval structure in the UK. Climbing over 500 feet into the air, its spires pierce the sky, while its insides ooze old-world charm. Perhaps even more impressive than its aesthetics are its acoustics. Head down during choir practice to hear melodies bouncing and melding across its stone walls, creating sounds that can only be described as heavenly.

The Great Hall

One of the best-preserved structures of the 13th-century, Winchester’s Great Hall is home to quite possibly the most iconic symbol of Arthurian Legend - King Arthur’s Round Table. The Great Hall has hosted some of the most extravagant events in English History and today offers some of the best photo opportunities in Winchester.

Jane Austen’s House Museum

After Marwell Zoo, why not pay homage to one of literature’s most iconic authors. Jane Austen spent most of her life in her South Downs home in Chawton and now rests nearby in Winchester Cathedral. In homage to her immortal portrayal of English life, it’s only right to pay a visit to the place she penned her best-selling works.

Hampshire Wine School

While we know they’re meant to be relaxing, sometimes getaways can be slightly stressful. Luckily, one place guaranteed to take the edge off is Hampshire Wine School. After a couple of days adventuring across Hampshire, what better way to unwind than with a wine tasting session, sampling flavours from across the world.

South Downs National Park

Stretching up to Winchester Cathedral, the South Downs National Park is drenched in awards for stunning scenery and immaculate fields. An area so stunning it doesn’t require adjectives to make it shine, just the facts. Home to thousands of wildflowers and over 25 species of butterflies, few places have the same feeling of peace, romance and wonder.