Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm named finalist in three 2026 Tourism Awards

We’re incredibly excited to announce that Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has been named a finalist in three categories at the 2026 Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards!

We have been shortlisted for:

• Accessible and Inclusive Tourism

• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

• Regenerative Tourism

Being recognised across three very different categories is a fantastic achievement for our team and reflects the work that goes on across Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm to create memorable experiences for our visitors, care for our animals and make a positive difference to the environment and our local community.

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism

Our nomination for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award follows an exciting year of development in the way we welcome and support visitors.

We want everyone to feel that Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a place they can enjoy, explore and make memories, and over the past year we have continued to look at how we can make the visitor experience more accessible and inclusive.

This has included the introduction of our accessible lion play area, giving children of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy imaginative play, as well as the introduction of sensory bags and a new sensory guide! 

Our website, now features Recite Me, an accessibility tool that allows visitors to customise their online experience to suit their individual needs. We have also introduced a dedicated accessibility page, bringing together useful information to help visitors plan their day at the zoo before they arrive.

These developments are part of our ongoing commitment to making Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm a welcoming destination for as many people as possible.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

We’re also thrilled to be finalists for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.

This is a particularly exciting category to be recognised in, especially in a region home to so many fantastic visitor attractions.

Over the past year, we have continued to develop the zoo experience for our visitors, while staying true to our purpose as a registered charity.

In 2025, we welcomed more than 235,000 visitors, with every visit helping to support our work in animal welfare, conservation and education.

From our animal habitats and family-friendly play areas to our events, experiences and educational programmes, we are continually looking for ways to improve what we offer and give our visitors more opportunities to connect with the natural world.

Behind every visit is a huge amount of work from our dedicated team and volunteers, and this nomination is a wonderful recognition of everyone who helps make Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm what it is.

Regenerative Tourism

Our third nomination is for Regenerative Tourism, recognising the steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact and make a positive contribution through the way the zoo operates.

Sustainability is an important part of our work, from the energy we use to the way we manage waste and water.

Energy and waste

We utilise renewable energy sources including biomass boilers, solar panels and food-to-biogas systems, alongside a 95% on-site waste recycling rate.

Resource management

We have introduced rainwater harvesting from animal house roofs, helping us make better use of natural resources. We also use carbon-balanced paper for printed maps and leaflets.

Supporting our local community

Our commitment to regeneration extends beyond the zoo itself. We support local businesses through regional food donations and local sourcing for our Food Barn and Farm Shop, helping to keep our spending and partnerships within the local community wherever possible.

A year of growth, impact and recognition

The 2026 nominations build on a long history of recognition for the work carried out at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.

In 2025, we received:

• Highly Commended for Best Digital Presence at the NFAN Awards

• Gold for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism at the Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards

• Gold for Age Friendly Tourism

• Bronze for Regenerative Tourism

• Highly Commended for Large Visitor Attraction

Our achievements in previous years have also included recognition at regional and national tourism awards, including Gold for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism at the Visit England Tourism Awards for Excellence, as well as awards for sustainability, responsible tourism, customer service, education and visitor attractions.

We have also been recognised by organisations including BIAZA, NFAN, Visit England, Weston College and TripAdvisor, reflecting the breadth of work taking place across the zoo.

Conservation, education and a positive future

Awards are wonderful recognition, but our biggest achievement is the impact that every visitor, volunteer, team member and supporter helps us to make.

As a registered charity, the income generated through visits to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm helps support our wider mission of conservation, education and animal welfare.

Our conservation work continues to develop, from Project Carnivora and the arrival of rescue tiger Aqua, to supporting global partners working to protect endangered species. We are also expanding our work in native wildlife conservation and research, strengthening our contribution both locally and globally.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated team, volunteers and supporters, whose passion brings our mission to life every day.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on deepening our impact, enhancing animal welfare, growing our conservation partnerships and creating inclusive experiences that inspire more people to connect with and protect wildlife.

What happens next?

The winners of the 2026 Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards will be announced later this year, with the finalists going through to the awards ceremony on 26 November.

We’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted in three categories and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this stage.

Whatever happens on the night, being recognised alongside so many brilliant tourism businesses and attractions across the region is something we’re very proud of.

You can see the full list of 2026 finalists on the Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards website.