Looking for a way to make your animal-loving children happy on your next holiday? Taking a trip to one of the UK’s various zoos or wildlife parks could be the answer you’re looking for.
From majestic big cats and giraffes to colourful birds and fascinating reptiles, the range of animals are sure to create some smiles and happy memories.
It doesn’t matter where in the country you’re planning to visit, there are some great choices for zoos to add to the itinerary for your family getaways UK.
ZSL London Zoo
You might not expect to find such a wildlife haven sitting in the heart of London, but ZSL London Zoo is a treat for any wildlife enthusiast. With more than 650 different species housed here, there’s a diverse range of animals, including some endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger.
The various themed areas offer an interesting stroll through habitats ranging from the African savannah to lush jungles. One stand-out is the collection of penguins you can see ambling around on Penguin Beach, with the little birds always guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
With daily animal talks and feeding sessions, there’s ample opportunities to learn more about the zoo’s many resident species on a fascinating day out.
Chester Zoo
One of the UK’s most beloved wildlife attractions, Chester Zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and immersive exhibits. Spread across 125 acres, the zoo houses more than 35,000 animals in total, which makes it one of the largest in the whole of Europe.
Families can enjoy a global safari as they explore habitats as diverse as the rainforests of Asia and the deserts of Africa. The award-winning Islands exhibit is a must-see, with its faithful recreation of the ecosystems inhabited by orangutans and Komodo dragons.
For something on the smaller side, the Butterfly Journey offers visitors the chance to walk through tropical greenery where an array of butterflies, flit through the air.
The zoo’s strong focus on conservation means that any visit is sure to be educational as well as entertaining.
Edinburgh Zoo
Overlooking the city which gives it its name, Edinburgh Zoo is a hidden gem for families looking to add a touch of the wild to their Scottish holiday. With more than 1,000 individual animals of over 100 different species, there’s a lot to see here.
One of the most recent additions is the innovative Rock Nests exhibit, which allows families to observe chimpanzees and other primates with the help of elevated walkways and viewing platforms. It gives an entirely fresh perspective on these fascinating animals.
Sadly, the pair of giant pandas that made the zoo their home for many years returned to China late in 2023, but visitors can still see plenty of other exciting creatures.
Welsh Mountain Zoo
For an option that’s in a slightly less urban location, try a visit to the Welsh Mountain Zoo in the town of Colwyn Bay. The zoo has unparallelled views of the North Wales coast and countryside, as well as an exciting collection of wildlife on show.
Majestic snow leopards, brown bears, red pandas and ring-tailed lemurs are just a few of the mammals you can find here. The zoo’s aviaries provide plenty of bird-watching opportunities too, not to mention the ever-popular penguins.
With a range of animal encounters and ‘keeper for a day’ experiences you can get even closer to the animals, which could make for some unforgettable holiday memories.
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To make your next UK family getaway feel that little bit more exotic include a visit to one of the country’s excellent zoos.
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