Top Ten Zoos In UK

London Zoo

Photo by Kevin Olson on Unsplash

This world-renowned zoo has a long and fascinating history that makes it an excellent destination for families and children looking for a fun day out.

London Zoo was first opened in 1828, making it the world's oldest scientific zoo. At the time, it was located in Regent's Park and housed a menagerie of exotic animals that had been collected from across the globe. The zoo quickly became a popular attraction, drawing visitors from all over London and beyond.

Over the years, London Zoo has evolved and grown. Today, it is home to over 19,000 animals from more than 700 species, including some of the rarest and most endangered creatures on the planet. The zoo is also involved in important conservation work, with a focus on protecting endangered species and their habitats.

One of the things that sets London Zoo apart from other zoos is its commitment to education and research. The zoo offers a range of educational programs and resources for visitors of all ages, including interactive exhibits, talks and tours, and special events. Through these programs, visitors can learn about the animals at the zoo and the important conservation work being done to protect them.

If you're planning a visit to London Zoo, there are a few things to keep in mind. The zoo is open year-round, with different hours depending on the season. Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and whether you book online in

Here are just a few of the key animal attractions you won't want to miss:

1. Penguin Beach - This immersive exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with a colony of Humboldt penguins. Watch as they swim, dive, and interact in their specially designed habitat.

2. Tiger Territory - Step into the world of the Sumatran tiger and learn about their habitat, behavior, and conservation efforts. This exhibit features a landscaped forest and a glass viewing area for optimal tiger spotting.

3. Gorilla Kingdom - Get a glimpse into the fascinating world of these intelligent primates as they swing, climb, and socialize in their naturalistic habitat. Watch out for the dominant silverback male, who rules the group with an iron fist.

4. Rainforest Life - Journey through the lush jungles of South America and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the rainforest. Meet a variety of exotic creatures, including sloths, armadillos, and poison dart frogs.

5. African Plains - Discover the wonders of the African savannah at this exhibit, where you can observe giraffes, zebras, and even a family of meerkats. Learn about the challenges facing these animals in the wild and the important conservation work being done to protect them.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo-goer, London Zoo is an unforgettable experience. With so much to see and do, it's the perfect destination for a fun day out with your family and children. Book your tickets today and get ready to embark on a wild adventure!

Chester Zoo

Photo by Clovis Wood Photography on Unsplash

If you're looking for a fun day out for the whole family, you can't go wrong with a trip to Chester Zoo. With over 21,000 animals across 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the things that sets Chester Zoo apart is its commitment to conservation and education. The zoo is home to many endangered species, and visitors can learn about the important work being done to protect them through a variety of educational programs and exhibits.

Here are just a few of the animal exhibits you won't want to miss:

1. Islands - This immersive exhibit takes you on a journey through six South East Asian islands, where you can encounter a variety of exotic animals, including tigers, orangutans, and giant otters. You'll also learn about the challenges facing these animals in the wild and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

2. The Jaguar Land - Get up close and personal with these magnificent big cats as they roam through their grassy habitat. You'll learn about their behavior and the conservation work being done to protect them in the wild.

3. Elephants of the Asian Forest - Chester Zoo is home to the largest herd of Asian elephants in Europe, and this exhibit allows visitors to observe them in their naturalistic habitat. You can also learn about the challenges facing these gentle giants in the wild and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

4. The Realm of the Red Ape - This exhibit is's tribute to the critically endangered Bornean orangutan. Visitors can observe these intelligent primates as they swing through the trees and interact with each other in their rainforest habitat. The exhibit also highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these amazing creatures.

5. Penguin Island - Watch the antics of these adorable birds as they waddle, swim, and play on their very own island. The exhibit also includes a walkthrough tunnel, where visitors can get an up-close view of the penguins swimming around them.

6. Spirit of the Jaguar - This exhibit allows visitors to explore the cultures and habitats of Latin America, while observing the magnificent jaguars that call this region home. You'll also learn about the conservation work being done to protect these elusive big cats in the wild.

7. The Butterfly Journey - Step into a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world. Visitors can observe the entire life cycle of the butterfly, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult.

8. Tsavo Black Rhino Reserve - Chester Zoo is home to a small but important population of black rhinos, one of the most endangered animals in the world. This exhibit allows visitors to observe these amazing animals and learn about the conservation work being done to protect them.

9. The Chimpanzee Forest - Meet the intelligent and social chimpanzees as they interact with each other in their forest habitat. Visitors can observe their behavior and learn about the challenges facing these great apes.

Chester Zoo is one of the incredible zoos throughout the UK with a wide variety of animals and is totally committed to conservation and education.

Whipsnade Zoo

Photo by MARIOLA GROBELSKA on Unsplash

Located in Bedfordshire, Whipsnade Zoo is one of the largest and oldest zoos in the UK. It is home to over 3,500 animals and is spread across 600 acres of beautiful parkland. The zoo is committed to conservation, education, and animal welfare, and offers a wide range of exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.

Whipsnade Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Here are some of the key exhibits that you don't want to miss:

1. Lions of the Serengeti – This exhibit allows visitors to observe the majestic lions as they roam through their savannah habitat. The exhibit also highlights the conservation efforts being made to protect these magnificent animals in the wild.

2. Giraffe Heights – This exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with the tallest animals in the world. The giraffes roam freely in their expansive habitat, and visitors can observe and interact with them from a safe distance.

3. Elephants of the Maharajah – Whipsnade Zoo is home to the largest herd of Asian elephants in Europe, and this exhibit allows visitors to observe them in their naturalistic habitat. You can also learn about the challenges facing these gentle giants in the wild and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

4. Realm of the Red Ape – This exhibit is a tribute to the endangered species of orangutans and their natural habitat in Southeast Asia. Visitors can observe their natural behavior, learn about their unique characteristics, and understand the conservation efforts being done to protect the species.

5. Penguin Cove – This exhibit allows visitors to observe the playful penguins as they swim and interact with each other in their pool. Visitors can also learn about the different species of penguins and the challenges facing them in the wild.

6. Butterfly House – This exhibit allows visitors to experience the world of butterflies as they fly around in their tropical habitat. Visitors can also learn about their fascinating life cycle and the importance of butterfly conservation.

7. Sea Lion Splash – This exhibit allows visitors to observe the lively sea lions as they swim and play in their pool. Visitors can also learn about their natural behaviour and the challenges they face in the wild.

8. Rhinoceros House – This exhibit allows visitors to observe the critically endangered black rhinos as they roam around in their habitat. Visitors can also learn about the conservation efforts being done to protect these magnificent animals.

9. Farmyard – This exhibit allows visitors to interact with the friendly farm animals such as goats, sheep, and pigs. Visitors can also learn about the importance of farming and animal husbandry.

10. Birds of the World – This exhibit allows visitors to observe a wide variety of exotic birds from all over the world. Visitors can also learn about their unique characteristics and the conservation efforts being done to protect them.

Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens

Photo by Alexander Ross on Unsplash

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is an amazing destination for families who are looking to explore the beauty of nature and its creatures. Located in Burford, Oxfordshire, this park boasts a wide variety of animals and plants that are sure to captivate your senses and provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Children will enjoy seeing the animals up close and learning about their habitats and behaviors. The park is home to over 260 species of animals. Additionally, the park has beautiful gardens that offer an opportunity to learn about plants from around the world.

Here's a list of some of the animals you can find there :

• African wild dog
• Amur leopard
• Blackbuck
• Brazilian tapir
• Cheetah
• Chimpanzee
• Eastern grey kangaroo
• Emu
• European brown bear
• Giraffe
• Indian rhinoceros
• Lion
• Meerkat
• Penguin
• Red panda
• Red river hog
• Ring-tailed lemur
• Snow leopard
• Sulawesi crested macaque
• White-faced saki
• Zebra

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is a must-visit destination for families who are looking to experience the wonders of nature up close. With its diverse range of animals and plants, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The park is also easily accessible and offers a range of food options, souvenirs, and accessibility features.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Photo by Steve Payne on Unsplash

If you're looking for a fun day out with the family, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is one of the best places to visit in the UK. This park is home to over 400 animals, including some of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet. From lions and tigers to polar bears and baboons, you'll get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating creatures.

The park was founded in 2009 by John Minion, a businessman with a passion for wildlife conservation. He wanted to create a place where people could come and interact with animals in a safe and responsible way. Today, the park is a popular destination for families, school groups, and anyone who loves animals.

One of the main attractions at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the lion enclosure. This is home to a pride of African lions, who roam around a large savannah-style area. You can watch them from a safe distance as they play, hunt, and interact with each other. There's also a viewing platform where you can get a great view of the entire enclosure.

Another popular exhibit is the Amur tiger enclosure. These magnificent creatures are endangered, with only around 500 left in the wild. At Yorkshire Wildlife Park, you can get up close to them and see them in action as they roam around their large, forested enclosure.

For those who love primates, the park has a number of baboon enclosures. These intelligent and mischievous animals are always entertaining towatch, as they swing from branches and interact with each other. The park also has a walkthrough Lemur Woods exhibit, where you can walk amongst the adorable lemurs and learn more about these unique primates.

In addition to the animal exhibits, Yorkshire Wildlife Park also offers a range of activities and events for families and children. There's a giant adventure playground, a mini golf course, and a train ride that takes you around the park. There are also daily talks and feeding sessions, where you can learn more about the animals and their behaviors.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a must-visit destination for families and children who love animals. With its wide range of exhibits and activities, you're guaranteed a fun-filled day out that you'll never forget. 

Paignton Zoo

Photo by Ash on Unsplash

Paignton Zoo is a fascinating place to visit for families and children alike. Established in 1923, it covers around 80 acres of beautiful parkland, and is home to over 2,500 animals from all over the world. The zoo is situated in the heart of Torbay, in South Devon, in the UK, and is easily accessible by car, bus or train.

As you enter the zoo, you will be welcomed by a huge statue of a gorilla, which is the symbol of the zoo. You can also buy tickets at the entrance, or online, with various discounts available for groups and families. Once you're in, there's so much to explore and see!

One of the most popular exhibits at the zoo is the Gorilla Island, which is home to a family of western lowland gorillas. You can watch them playing, eating and interacting with each other, and learn about their social behaviour and conservation efforts. The gorillas are so close that you can almost touch them, making for an unforgettable experience.

Another favourite exhibit is the Crocodile Swamp, where you can see the fearsome Nile crocodile, the African dwarf crocodile, and the Cuban crocodile. You can also learn about their habitat, diet and conservation status, and watch them being fed by the keepers.

The zoo also has a large aviary, called the Desert House, which is home to a variety of birds from different arid regions of the world. You cansee colourful parrots, owls, hornbills and many more, and learn about their adaptations to living in the desert. Additionally, the zoo features an indoor animal house, which houses animals such as meerkats, bats, and monkeys.

With its vast range of animal exhibits, interactive activities, and beautiful parkland, Paignton Zoo offers a perfect day out for all ages. The zoo also focuses on conservation, research, and education, which makes it an excellent opportunity to learn about wildlife and the importance of protecting it. 

Twycross Zoo

Photo by Janosch Diggelmann on Unsplash

Located in the heart of England, in Leicestershire, Twycross Zoo has been a popular attraction for over 50 years.

Twycross Zoo was founded in 1963 by Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans. Their passion for primates led them to build a sanctuary for apes, which was the first of its kind in the UK. Since then, the zoo has expanded and now houses over 500 animals from 125 different species.

One of the highlights of Twycross Zoo is their collection of primates. They have a wide variety including chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and lemurs. Visitors can observe them in naturalistic habitats and learn about their habits and conservation efforts to protect them in the wild.

In addition to primates, the zoo has an impressive collection of big cats such as lions, tigers, and snow leopards. You can also see African elephants, giraffes, and meerkats. If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, Twycross Zoo is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

What makes Twycross Zoo special is its dedication to conservation and education. The zoo collaborates with various organisations to protect endangered species and their habitats. They also offer educational programs to teach visitors about animal behavioir, conservation, and environmental issues.

Another feature thatmakes Twycross Zoo unique is the Great Apes Conservation Project. This project focuses on protecting and conserving apes in the wild by supporting community-based conservation initiatives, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Visitors to the zoo can learn about this project and how they can help contribute to ape conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Twycross Zoo is a fantastic destination for families and children who want to learn about and observe a wide variety of animals. With its focus on conservation and education, visitors can not only have a fun day out but also leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of protecting wildlife. So why not plan a visit to Twycross Zoo and support their efforts to conserve and protect endangered species? It's sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family!

Colchester Zoo

Photo by David White on Unsplash

Colchester Zoo is one of the UK's top-rated zoos, and it's easy to see why! This zoo has been providing visitors with unforgettable animal encounters for over 50 years. Located in the heart of Essex, Colchester Zoo is home to over 240 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species.

Colchester Zoo was founded in 1963 by Frank and Helena Farrar. Initially, it was a small collection of animals that had been rescued or donated. Over the next few decades, the zoo grew, and many new exhibits were added. Today, it is one of the largest and most popular zoos in the UK.

Colchester Zoo is divided into several different zones, each with its own unique selection of animals. The Lost Madagascar Rainforest is home to lemurs, fossas, and other animals native to Madagascar. The Wilds of Asia exhibit features tigers, leopards, and other animals from Asia. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of the Wild exhibit showcases animals from Africa, including giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.

Colchester Zoo also has a large selection of primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas. There is also an impressive selection of birds, reptiles, and fish.

One of the things that sets Colchester Zoo apart from other zoos is its commitment to conservation.The zoo supports many conservation programs, including its own Action for the Wild project, which helps to protect endangered species around the world. Visitors can learn about these efforts and how they can help by participating in fundraising events or making a donation.

Another unique feature of Colchester Zoo is its extensive education program. The zoo offers a range of educational activities, such as animal encounters, school trips, and workshops, to help children and adults learn about animal conservation and welfare.

With its impressive collection of animals, commitment to conservation, and engaging education programs, visitors are sure to leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for wildlife. So why not plan a trip to Colchester Zoo and support their efforts to protect and conserve endangered species? It's an experience that the whole family will love!

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park

Photo by George Gillams on Unsplash

Longleat Safari Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and exciting day out. Located in the picturesque countryside of Wiltshire, this park offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most exotic and fascinating animals.

The park, which opened in 1966, covers an area of around 9,000 acres and is home to over 500 animals from around the world. The park's founder, the Marquess of Bath, had a vision of creating a park where visitors could drive through the grounds and see animals in their natural habitat. Today, Longleat Safari Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK.

One of the highlights of Longleat Safari Park is the drive-through safari experience. Visitors can drive their cars through the park, where they will encounter a range of animals in their natural habitat, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. The drive-through safari is a truly unique experience that visitors of all ages will enjoy.

In addition to the drive-through safari, Longleat Safari Park also offers a range of other animal exhibits. The park is home to a number of walk-through enclosures, where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the park's most popular animals, including meerkats, penguins, and lemurs.

One of the most popular attractions at Longleat Safari Park is the Jungle Cruise. This boatride takes visitors through the park's gorilla colony and offers an up-close look at these incredible primates. The park also offers a range of other activities, such as a mini-safari, a jungle kingdom play area, and a giant maze, making it the perfect destination for families with children of all ages.

With so many amazing zoos to choose from in the UK, it can be difficult to decide which one to visit. However, whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family or an educational experience for your children, these top ten zoos are sure to offer something for everyone. From the exotic animals of Longleat Safari Park to the conservation efforts of Colchester Zoo, each of these zoos has its own unique charm and appeal. So why not plan a visit to one of these top ten zoos and discover the incredible world of wildlife for yourself?

Marwell Zoo

Photo by David Duarte Crespo on Unsplash

Marwell Zoo is home to over 140 species of animals, including giraffes, tigers, penguins, and even some endangered species like the Amur leopard and white rhino. But what sets Marwell Zoo apart from other zoos is their commitment to conservation and research.

Marwell Zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts both at the zoo and in the wild. They have breeding programs for several endangered species, including the Amur leopard and white rhino, and have successfully reintroduced several species back into the wild. Marwell Zoo also supports conservation efforts around the world through partnerships and funding.

In addition to conservation efforts, Marwell Zoo is also involved in research. They have a team of researchers who study animal behaviour, genetics, and welfare. They also collaborate with other zoos and research institutions to share knowledge and best practices.

So not only can you have a fun day out with your family at Marwell Zoo, but you can also feel good knowing that your visit is helping to support important conservation and research efforts. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate some of the world's most amazing animals while also making a positive impact.

Marwell Zoo is a fantastic place to visit for families and children who want to have a fun day out while learning about different animals and their habitats. Here are some of the unique animal species and exhibits that you can find at the zoo:

1. Snow leopards - Marwell Zoo is home to two beautiful snow leopards, a threatened species that is native to the mountains of Central Asia. You can see them in their specially designed habitat, complete with rocky outcrops and caves.

2. Amur tigers - These majestic big cats can be found in Marwell's Tiger Territory exhibit, which recreates a Russian forest environment. You can watch them play, hunt, and relax in their spacious enclosure.

3. Giraffes - The giraffe house at Marwell Zoo is home to a herd of eight giraffes, including a baby born in 2020. You can get up close to these gentle giants and even feed them if you want to.

4. Lemurs - Marwell Zoo has a number of lemur species that live in the Lemur Loop exhibit. You can walk through this enclosure and see the lemurs up close, including ring-tailed lemurs and red-ruffed lemurs.

5. Penguins - The Penguin Cove exhibit is always a hit with visitors, as you can watch these adorable birds swim and waddle around. Marwell Zoo has three different penguin species, including Humboldt penguins and rockhopper penguins.

6. Meerkats - These cute and curious creatures can be found in the African Meerkat exhibit at Marwell Zoo. You can watch them forage for food and interact with each other, and even crawl through a tunnel to get a closer look.

7. Red pandas - Marwell Zoo is home to two red pandas, which are native to the Himalayas. You can see them in their tree-top habitat, where they love to climb and snooze.

8. Rhinos - Marwell Zoo is committed to rhino conservation, and has a number of rhino species in their African Savannah exhibit. You can watch these magnificent animals graze and interact with each other.

9. Tapirs - The South American Tapir exhibit at Marwell Zoo is home to two tapirs, which are known for their long snouts and distinctive markings. You can learn about their habitat and behavior while watching them explore their enclosure.

10. Ocelots - This small wild cat species can be found in the Tropical House exhibit at Marwell Zoo. You can see them lounging in the trees and hunting for prey, and learn about their unique adaptations.

Marwell Zoo is a great destination for families and children who want to learn about animals and support conservation efforts. With a wide range of species and exhibits, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So why not plan a visit and make a positive impact while having fun?

These top ten zoos in England offer a great day out for families and children, with a variety of animals to learn about and many interactive experiences to enjoy. Whether you're interested in conservation, rare species, or just want to have a fun day out, these zoos have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head to one of these top ten zoos for a day full of adventure and learning!