Visiting the perfect zoo in England is a superb thought for a day trip. Let me take you thru England’s finest zoos so you’ll be able to choose your favorite.
We’ve some cool animals right here in England, all rigorously homed and sorted by attentive and caring workers. Zoos in England are a top quality because of the legal guidelines and normal love of animals right here. If ever you’re frightened in regards to the dimension of their compounds, or what they’re consuming / once they’re sleeping – simply ask the workers.
English zoos be sure to present all of the animal and nature lovers the perfect alternative to expertise all of the species of their pure habitat. They’re additionally an amazing instructional alternative for kids to be taught extra about animals, and animal care. Briefly, they’re nice, and the perfect UK zoos make for a beautiful day trip up and down the nation.
It’s laborious to decide on the perfect zoo in England, however listed here are 18 of probably the most extremely rated in accordance with me, my pals and the web evaluations.
Get monetary savings in your zoo journey by signing as much as the person zoos’ emailing lists to get notified of particular affords.
1. Colchester Zoo, Essex
Colchester Zoo is constructed on 60 acres of land, so let’s imagine the zoo is a tiny zoological backyard. There are round 270 species and 5000 particular person animals right here.
“We’re proudly listed because the eleventh finest zoo world wide and within the high 2 zoos within the UK as a part of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Alternative Sights.” – Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is well one of many high days out in Essex for all of the household. They’ve obtained Jungle Tumble tender play right here, and you’ll count on to see a number of child animals on the proper time of 12 months too!
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Throughout your go to to Colchester Zoo, you will notice many species from world wide and might be taught extra about them at our improbable every day encounters, providing you with the prospect to see our animals being fed, watch a coaching session or maybe simply quiz their keepers!”
– COLCHESTER ZOO
2. Longleat Safari & Journey Park, Wiltshire
Longleat Safari and Journey Park is among the oldest zoos in England. It stands out as probably the greatest zoos in England as you’ll be able to go on safari among the many animals and actually stand up shut.
You may feed the animals your self too. Final time we went right here our automobile broke down within the safari bit the place you drive spherical, simply close to the monkeys. Fortunately for us the man within the automobile in entrance was a mechanic and obtained his bounce leads out and obtained us out of there. It was fairly terrifying!
We then needed to be rescued from contained in the park. We noticed only a few animals that day.
For everybody else Longleat is a superb exercise for a wet day, as you get to only keep within the automobile and cruise round. It’s often called the UK’s primary safari park.
Lions, tigers and monkeys from the consolation of your automobile seat? That is the England zoo for you!
As the perfect zoo within the UK, you’ll be able to drive round tuned into the unique audio commentary by Animal Park’s Kate Humble to information you thru the unimaginable animals, triggered by your location as you drive. How cool is that?
3. Port Lympne Reserve, Hythe, Kent
I really like Port Lympne Reserve. It’s extra of a safari expertise than a zoo, which makes it really feel all the higher as a customer to see the animals in additional of a free and pure habitat.
Port Lympne Reserve replicates the African safari expertise as a lot as attainable with safari jeeps to take you thru enclosures. The workers are tremendous knowledgable and caring, and can let you know all about how the Reserve has linked up with wildlife initiatives in Africa to mutually help one another.
I as soon as did the giraffe expertise whereas I used to be there and it was unimaginable how shut you might get to the giraffes. We obtained to feed them and see their large black tongues uncomfortably shut.
One other time, I took Reggie. He cherished the safari jeep expertise a lot he fell asleep as we bounced across the Kent ‘tundra’. Meant I obtained to look at all of it go by although, so I used to be alright!
The Port Lympne Reserve additionally has an unimaginable resort you’ll be able to keep at, and a brilliant fancy restaurant too. There are 13 totally different room sorts to remain in right here, or you’ll be able to simply go to for the day.
“Get able to see over 900 uncommon and endangered animals, go on safari, see Kent’s solely giraffe, spectacled bears the UK’s largest dinosaur assortment and MUCH MUCH extra…Residence to the UK’s authentic and genuine safari experiences, Port Lympne Resort & Reserve affords a singular household journey like no different zoo! Set in over 600 acres, you’ll be transported to the plains of Africa and Asia to see animals roaming freely, then discover on foot to see large cats, small cats, primates, gorillas and plenty of extra animals earlier than discovering life sized prehistoric creatures in Dinosaur Forest – all included within the worth of your entry ticket!”
– PORT LYMPNE RESERVE
4. Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire
Twycross Zoo is the place I spent my childhood – this was the closest zoo to my dwelling in Staffordshire rising up. Twycross is a a lot smaller zoo than among the ones above, however I couldn’t write a listing of the perfect zoos in England with out mentioning it.
On the plus facet although, this additionally means it’s rather a lot cheaper.
At Twycross Zoo you’ll be able to count on to see flamingos, snow leopards, meerkats and bonobo monkeys too. There are every day talks, a tender play space and an out of doors enjoying space to take pleasure in as effectively. Tons to do right here!
The zoo is an award-winning conservation charity with over 500 animals from 125 totally different species. Go and test it out to help it!
5. Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford
The Cotswold Wildlife Park within the Cotswolds is unquestionably considered one of my favorite zoos in England. With the celebs of the Park Life TV programme within the zoo grounds, you’ll be able to spend all day wandering round and saying hey to over 260 species of animal. Wow, that determine blows my thoughts.
I cherished the bats right here so be sure to don’t miss them out, and the in fact, the giraffes are superior. The perfect of all of the animals. You may take pleasure in strolling via the walkway to stand up near them.
There’s an enormous manor home right here, and you’ll benefit from the rhinos grazing within the grounds. It’s fairly particular for probably the greatest British zoos!
6. Regents Park’s Zoo – The London Zoo, London
The London Zoo is among the oldest zoos in England. It was established in 1828 and is probably the most historic scientist zoo in the complete world.
At first, the London Zoo was the primary hub for scientists the place they may work on scientific research associated to animals and nature. After a while, in about 1874, the London Zoo was then open for the general public and vacationers to go to nature’s magnificence.
London Zoo has the biggest assortment of various species of animals. There are over 19,000 animals at London Zoo of a whole lot of various species.
The Insect Home could be very fashionable right here, the zoo for kids is all the time a winner and there’s additionally an aquarium. Among the finest elements about visiting London Zoo are all of the penguins enjoying within the swimming pools – so enjoyable to look at them waddling about.
Through the summer time they run Zoo Lates the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a silent disco, and see the animals with extra adults round fairly than kids.
If you wish to spend longer than a day at London Zoo, then you may also keep over. These cabins can be found 12 months spherical and also you’ll get dinner, breakfast, and an after hours tour of the zoo too.
7. Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Chester Zoo is often often called the perfect zoo in England, and the perfect zoo within the UK. It’s ranked within the listing of high zoos in the complete world and is among the largest British zoos.
Situated in Cheshire, Chester Zoo covers about 125 acres of land. There are about 400 species of animals right here, and 12,000 to have a look at. You’ll want an entire day at Chester Zoo to get the perfect of it, and to see as lots of the experiences right here as attainable.
There are boat journeys on the river right here so guests can observe totally different animals doing their actions. Together with, a snow leopard habitat, which can additional cement the zoo’s place as one of many world’s finest animal conservation points of interest.
8. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Whipsnade Zoo is definitely the most important zoo in England and covers 600 acres of land. Whipsnade is known for having the biggest assortment of wildlife of all of the zoos in England.
Because of the dimension of the zoo, us guests can experience round on a bus or by way of practice service. You can even drive round in your automobile, like on a safari. The African lions are unimaginable.
A lot of the animals in Whipsnade Zoo are thought-about to be endangered species. At Whipsnade you’ll be able to see their herd of elephants, a waddle of penguins and a tower of giraffes too. There are additionally cheetahs and lemurs so that you can see, and don’t miss the mesmerising butterfly home there too.
Chinese language water deer, Muntjac deer, wallabies and Mara roam freely, and peacock too.
9. The Bristol Zoo, Bristol
Bristol Zoo isn’t as massive as the opposite zoos, masking simply 12 acres. However what a gorgeous 12 acres it’s.
There are round 7000 animals right here, from 450 particular person species. There are about 50 species of unimaginable mammal assortment, together with crimson pandas, gorillas, and Asiatic lions. Bristol Zoo makes for a robust contender for finest metropolis zoo in England for positive!
The zoo consists of a reptile home, an insect home, an aquarium, and a big enclosure for penguins and seals on the surface of the aquarium. You’ll additionally discover a vary of spiders and gibbons too.
10. Marwell Zoo, Hampshire
Marwell Zoo covers round 140 acres. There are 270 endangered and unique species right here, and about 1200 animals in whole. Count on frilled lizards, giraffes and ring-tailed coatis, in addition to African wildlife shows.
Marwell Zoo is the most important zoo in Hampshire with 100s of animals, together with tigers & penguins. There are 4 journey playgrounds right here, in addition to a restaurant and reward store. That is the perfect zoo in England for me, because it’s the closest one to my home!
I do have some fairly grim recollections of visiting right here with Reggie although, and him being very, very in poor health as a child of their playground. Additionally, don’t go in January – there’s barely any animals out to see, they tricked us!
11. Shaldon Wildlife Belief, Devon
Shaldown Wildlife Belief is a cute zoo in Devon, very talked-about with holidaygoers. It’s too small to be thought-about the BEST zoo in England, but it surely’s positively fashionable amongst guests and locals.
There are over 50 species of animals right here, together with among the rarest and most endangered animals on this planet. They satisfaction themselves on being the little zoo making an enormous distinction!
12. Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent
Do you LOVE elephants?
Howletts Wildlife Park in Kent has a great deal of them, and also you’ll in all probability find yourself deciding that is the perfect zoo in England in case you go to.
Go to and also you’ll be serving to a devoted animal conservation charity. Your go to will immediately assist them to guard wildlife within the UK which, in flip, allows them to ship animals again to the wild, at the side of The Aspinall Basis. Another excuse why it’s one of many high zoos in England and one of the fashionable UK zoos too.
You’ll discover an Amur tiger right here, and Kent’s solely anteaters too. Be part of animal talks, stroll with lemurs, and be part of the treetop adventures. There’s LOADS to take pleasure in on a day trip at Howletts Wildlife Park – there’s 100 acres to discover!
“Our stunning 100-acre website is dwelling to 390 animals throughout 52 species together with: the one herd of African elephants in Kent, western lowland gorillas, honey badgers, tigers, lions, leopards and a lot extra.”
HOwletts wildlife park
13. Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire
At Blackpool Zoo you’ll be able to go to the Orangutans, the Lemurs and even see elephants. There are additionally zebras and many penguins, and talks and experiences occurring all day that can assist you perceive extra in regards to the animals round you.
14. Paignton Zoo, Devon
For one more of the perfect zoos in UK within the south, go to Paignton Zoo in Devon. This UK zoo has over 2000 animals throughout 80 acres. Go to the charity and also you’ll see flamingos, tortoise, turtles, cheetahs and crocodiles, amongst many, many different animals.
There are many animal experiences you’ll be able to take pleasure in when you’re there, together with a giraffe expertise, a rhino expertise and a junior keeper expertise too. Don’t miss the Nguru pygmy chameleon right here – they’re so cute!
15. Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth
Dartmoor Zoo is a superb alternative for a day trip, and its declare to fame is that it’s the zoo that impressed the film ‘We Purchased A Zoo’ starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, after the real-life story of the earlier zoo proprietor Benjamin Mee. As we speak the zoo is run by the Dartmoor Zoological Society, and is dwelling to many wonderful species.
You may participate in a number of animal experiences at Dartmoor Zoo, corresponding to their Feed The Meerkats expertise or their Rangers Academy, or just go to for an amazing day trip with the household to go animal recognizing!
16. Banham Zoological Gardens, Norfolk
Banham Zoological Gardens is dwelling to 1000’s of animals from all around the globe. With 50+ acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, there’s a lot to discover on a day trip right here. There are animals to fascinate each member of the household, with traditional British wildlife dwelling subsequent door to unique species corresponding to Asian leopards, Russian tigers, and way more.
It’s a beautiful day trip for teenagers in case you take a look at their Farm Barn for a close-up encounter with the home livestock, and discover the Tropical Home with birds swooping round you. There are additionally loads of every day feeding talks, shows, and interactive classes within the Conservation Training Centre.
Banham Zoological Gardens has some wonderful up-close-and-personal animal experiences that you just received’t need to miss, together with:
17. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a ‘walkthrough wildlife expertise’ with round 475 animals from over 60 totally different species. Most of the animals you’ll meet on the park are endangered or threatened within the wild, so the zoo helps the Wildlife Basis which helps important wildlife and environmental initiatives across the globe.
From Pink Pandas to Bush Canine to Maned Wolves to Ostriches, there are many animals to find right here, and a great deal of occasions on every day. Go to one of many ranger talks, animal experiences or feeding time, the place you’ll get to see tonnes of fantastic species up shut and listen to about their habitats, meals habits, and particular person personalities. And if you’d like one thing actually distinctive, you’ll be able to even have afternoon tea at this zoo!
“Yorkshire Wildlife Park is our favorite. It’s value travelling to from Newcastle (the place we stay). It’s enormous, takes an entire day to see all of it and it’s fully wheelchair pleasant too with picket walkways. It’s excellent for my daughter who’s a wheelchair person. And flat (in contrast to Edinburgh which practically killed us getting up that hill!). There’s a polar bear breeding programme, crimson pandas (our favorite) – nearly every thing we’d like!”
– TOP TIP FROM READER, JOSIE HIGHMOOR (FROM NEWCASTLE)
Greatest zoos in England listing
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a enjoyable exercise for the day, zoos are all the time a well-liked possibility. Additionally, if it’s raining in England, then the zoos are effectively arrange for wet day actions too.
QUICKLIST OF THE BEST ZOOS IN ENGLAND
Regents Park’s Zoo – The London Zoo, London
Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
The Bristol Zoo, Bristol
Marwell Zoo, Hampshire
Colchester Zoo, Essex
Longleat Safari & Journey Park, Wiltshire
Port Lympne Reserve, Hythe, Kent
Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire
Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford
Shaldon Wildlife Belief, Devon
Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent
Peak Wildlife Park, Stoke on Trent
Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire
Paignton Zoo, Devon
Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth
Banham Zoological Gardens, Norfolk