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17 Finest Zoos in England for a Day Out in 2026

17 Finest Zoos in England for a Day Out in 2026

Visiting the very best zoo in England is a good thought for a time out. Let me take you thru Englandโ€™s finest zoos so you possibly can decide your favorite.

We have now some cool animals right here in England, all fastidiously homed and sorted by attentive and caring workers. Zoos in England are a top quality due to the legal guidelines and basic love of animals right here. If ever youโ€™re fearful in regards to the measurement of their compounds, or what theyโ€™re consuming / after theyโ€™re sleeping โ€“ simply ask the workers.

English zoos be sure that to offer all of the animal and nature lovers the very best alternative to expertise all of the species of their pure habitat. Theyโ€™re additionally a terrific instructional alternative for youngsters to be taught extra about animals, and animal care. In brief, theyโ€™re nice, and the very best UK zoos make for an exquisite time out up and down the nation.

Itโ€™s arduous to decide on the very best zoo in England, however listed here are 18 of essentially the most extremely rated in accordance with me, my pals and the web evaluations.

17 Finest Zoos in England for a Day Out in 2026

Lower your expenses in your zoo journey by signing as much as the person zoosโ€™ emailing lists to get notified of particular affords.

1. Colchester Zoo, Essex

Colchester Zoo








is constructed on 60 acres of land, so lets say the zoo is a tiny zoological backyard. There are round 270 species and 5000 particular person animals right here.

Lemurs at the zoo

โ€œWe’re proudly listed because the eleventh finest zoo world wide and within the prime 2 zoos within the UK as a part of the TripAdvisor Travellersโ€™ Alternative Sights.โ€ โ€“ Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is well one of many prime days out in Essex for all of the household. Theyโ€™ve acquired Jungle Tumble mushy play right here, and you’ll anticipate to see numerous child animals on the proper time of 12 months too!

Click on right here to guide with LovetoVisit.

Throughout your go to to Colchester Zoo, you will note many species from world wide and might be taught extra about them at our incredible each day encounters, supplying you with the possibility to see our animals being fed, watch a coaching session or maybe simply quiz their keepers!โ€

โ€“ COLCHESTER ZOO

2. Longleat Safari & Journey Park, Wiltshire

Longleat Safari and Journey Park is among the oldest zoos in England. It stands out as top-of-the-line zoos in England as you possibly can go on safari among the many animals and actually rise up shut.

You’ll be able to feed the animals your self too. Final time we went right here our automotive broke down within the safari bit the place you drive spherical, simply close to the monkeys. Fortunately for us the man within the automotive in entrance was a mechanic and acquired his leap leads out and acquired 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.

England zoo

For everybody else Longleat is a good exercise for a wet day, as you get to only keep within the automotive and cruise round. Itโ€™s often known as the UKโ€™s primary safari park.

Lions, tigers and monkeys from the consolation of your automotive seat? That is the England zoo for you!

As the very best zoo within the UK, you possibly can drive round tuned into the unique audio commentary by Animal Parkโ€™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 like Port Lympne Reserve. Itโ€™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 doable 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 tasks in Africa to mutually help one another.

Giraffe Port Lympne

I as soon as did the giraffe expertise whereas I used to be there and it was unimaginable how shut you would get to the giraffes. We acquired to feed them and see their huge black tongues uncomfortably shut.

One other time, I took Reggie. He beloved the safari jeep expertise a lot he fell asleep as we bounced across the Kent โ€˜tundraโ€™. Meant I acquired 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 possibly can keep at, and a brilliant fancy restaurant too. There are 13 totally different room varieties to remain in right here, or you possibly can simply go to for the day.

โ€œGet able to see over 900 uncommon and endangered animals, go on safari, see Kentโ€™s solely giraffe, spectacled bears the UKโ€™s largest dinosaur assortment and MUCH MUCH extraโ€ฆDwelling to the UKโ€™s unique and genuine safari experiences, Port Lympne Resort & Reserve affords a novel household journey like no different zoo!ย  Set in over 600 acres, you can be transported to the plains of Africa and Asia to see animals roaming freely, then discover on foot to see huge cats, small cats, primates, gorillas and plenty of extra animals earlier than discovering life sized prehistoric creatures in Dinosaur Forest โ€“ all included within the worth of your entry ticket!โ€

โ€“ย PORT LYMPNE RESERVE

4. Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire

Twycross Zoo is the place I spent my childhood โ€“ this was the closest zoo to my house in Staffordshire rising up. Twycross is a a lot smaller zoo than a few of the ones above, however I couldnโ€™t write a listing of the very best zoos in England with out mentioning it.

On the plus facet although, this additionally means itโ€™s lots cheaper.

At Twycross Zoo you possibly can anticipate to see flamingos, snow leopards, meerkats and bonobo monkeys too. There are each day talks, a mushy play space and an outside taking part in space to take pleasure in as properly. Heaps 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 certainly one in every of my favorite zoos in England. With the celebrities of the Park Life TV programme within the zoo grounds, you possibly can spend all day wandering round and saying hi there to over 260 species of animal. Wow, that determine blows my thoughts.

Cotswold Wildlife Park

I beloved the bats right here so be sure you donโ€™t miss them out, and the in fact, the giraffes are superior. One of the best of all of the animals. You’ll be able to take pleasure in strolling by way of the walkway to rise up near them.

Thereโ€™s an enormous manor home right here, and you’ll benefit from the rhinos grazing within the grounds. Itโ€™s fairly particular for top-of-the-line British zoos!

6. Regents Parkโ€™s Zoo โ€“ The London Zoo, London

The London Zoo is among the oldest zoos in England. It was established in 1828 and is essentially the most historic scientist zoo in all the world.

best zoos in england

At first, the London Zoo was the principle hub for scientists the place they might 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 natureโ€™s magnificence.

London Zoo has the biggest assortment of various species of animals. There are over 19,000 animals at London Zoo of lots of of various species.

The Insect Home could be very fashionable right here, the zoo for youngsters is all the time a winner and thereโ€™s additionally an aquarium. Among the finest elements about visiting London Zoo are all of the penguins taking part in within the swimming pools โ€“ย so enjoyable to look at them waddling about.

In the course of the summer season they run Zoo Lates the place you possibly can take pleasure in a silent disco, and see the animals with extra adults round relatively than kids.

If you wish to spend longer than a day at London Zoo, then you can even keep over. These cabins can be found 12 months spherical and also youโ€™ll get dinner, breakfast, and an after hours tour of the zoo too.

7. Chester Zoo, Cheshire

Chester Zoo is often often known as the very best zoo in England, and the very best zoo within the UK. Itโ€™s ranked within the listing of prime zoos in all the world and is among the largest British zoos.

21739170 - black rhino at chester zoo

Situated in Cheshire, Chester Zoo covers about 125 acres of land.ย  There are about 400 species of animals right here, and 12,000 to have a look at. Youโ€™ll want an entire day at Chester Zoo to get the very best of it, and to see as lots of the experiences right here as doable.

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 is able to additional cement the zooโ€™s place as one of many worldโ€™s finest animal conservation sights.

8. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Whipsnade Zoo is definitely the largest zoo in England and covers 600 acres of land.ย Whipsnade is legendary for having the biggest assortment of wildlife of all of the zoos in England.

zoos in england

As a result of measurement of the zoo, us guests can experience round on a bus or by way of practice service. You may also drive round in your automotive, 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 possibly can 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 donโ€™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 will not be as giant as the opposite zoos, overlaying simply 12 acres. However what a good looking 12 acres it’s.

UK, Bristol: Rhinoserous iguana in captivity, close up

There are round 7000 animals right here, from 450 particular person species. There are about 50 species of unimaginable mammal assortment, together with pink pandas, gorillas, and Asiatic lions. Bristol Zoo makes for a powerful 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 skin of the aquarium. Youโ€™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. Anticipate frilled lizards, giraffes and ring-tailed coatis, in addition to African wildlife shows.

Marwell Zoo is the largest zoo in Hampshire with 100s of animals, together with tigers & penguins. There are 4 journey playgrounds right here, in addition to a restaurant and present store. That is the very best zoo in England for me, because itโ€™s the closest one to my home!

I do have some fairly grim reminiscences of visiting right here with Reggie although, and him being very, very sick as a child of their playground. Additionally, donโ€™t go in January โ€“ย thereโ€™s barely any animals out to see, they tricked us!

11. Shaldon Wildlife Belief, Devon

Shaldown Wildlife Belief is a cute zoo in Devon, extremely popular with holidaygoers. Itโ€™s too small to be thought-about the BEST zoo in England, but it surelyโ€™s undoubtedly fashionable amongst guests and locals.

Itโ€™s top-of-the-line zoos in Nice Britain!

There are over 50 species of animals right here, together with a few of the rarest and most endangered animals on the planet. They satisfaction themselves on being the little zoo making a giant distinction!

12. Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent

Do you LOVE elephants?

Howletts Wildlife Park in Kent has a great deal of them, and also youโ€™ll in all probability find yourself deciding that is the very best zoo in England for those who go to.

Go to and also youโ€™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, along side The Aspinall Basis. One more reason why itโ€™s one of many prime zoos in England and one of the crucial fashionable UK zoos too.

Youโ€™ll discover an Amur tiger right here, and Kentโ€™s solely anteaters too. Be a part of animal talks, stroll with lemurs, and be a part of the treetop adventures. Thereโ€™s LOADS to take pleasure in on a time out at Howletts Wildlife Park โ€“ thereโ€™s 100 acres to discover!

โ€œOur stunning 100-acre website is house to 390 animals throughout 52 species together with:ย the one herd of African elephants in Kent, western lowland gorillas, honey badgers, tigers, lions, leopards and a lot extra.โ€

HOwletts wildlife park

13. Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire

At Blackpool Zoo you possibly can go to the Orangutans, the Lemurs and even see elephants. There are additionally zebras and many penguins, and talks and experiences happening all day that will help you perceive extra in regards to the animals round you.

14. Paignton Zoo, Devon

For one more of the very best 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 youโ€™ll see flamingos, tortoise, turtles, cheetahs and crocodiles, amongst many, many different animals.

There are many animal experiences you possibly can take pleasure in whilst youโ€™re there, together with a giraffe expertise, a rhino expertise and a junior keeper expertise too. Donโ€™t miss the Nguru pygmy chameleon right here โ€“ theyโ€™re so cute!

15. Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth

Dartmoor Zoo is a good selection for a time out, and its declare to fame is that it’s the zoo that impressed the film โ€˜We Purchased A Zooโ€™ 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 house to many wonderful species.

You’ll be able to participate in numerous animal experiences at Dartmoor Zoo, reminiscent of their Feed The Meerkats expertise or their Rangers Academy, or just go to for a terrific time out with the household to go animal recognizing!

16. Banham Zoological Gardens, Norfolk

Banham Zoological Gardens is house to 1000’s of animals from everywhere in the globe. With 50+ acres of beautiful parkland and gardens, thereโ€™s a lot to discover on a time out right here. There are animals to fascinate each member of the household, with basic British wildlife dwelling subsequent door to unique species reminiscent of Asian leopards, Russian tigers, and rather more.

Itโ€™s an exquisite time out for youths for those who try 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 each day feeding talks, displays, and interactive periods within the Conservation Training Centre.

Banham Zoological Gardens has some wonderful up-close-and-personal animal experiences that you just gainedโ€™t need to miss, together with:

17. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a โ€˜walkthrough wildlife expertiseโ€™ with round 475 animals from over 60 totally different species. Lots of the animals youโ€™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 tasks across the globe.

From Pink Pandas to Bush Canines 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 youโ€™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 need one thing actually distinctive, you possibly can even have afternoon tea at this zoo!

โ€œYorkshire Wildlife Park is our favorite. Itโ€™s value travelling to from Newcastle (the place we dwell).ย Itโ€™s enormous, takes an entire day to see all of it and itโ€™s fully wheelchair pleasant too with picket walkways. Itโ€™s supreme for my daughter who’s a wheelchair person.ย  And flat (in contrast to Edinburgh which practically killed us getting up that hill!).ย  Thereโ€™s a polar bear breeding programme, pink pandas (our favorite) โ€“ nearly every part we want!โ€

โ€“ย TOP TIP FROM READER, JOSIE HIGHMOOR (FROM NEWCASTLE)

Finest zoos in England listing

best zoos in england

In case youโ€™re searching for a enjoyable exercise for the day, zoos are all the time a preferred choice. Additionally, if itโ€™s raining in England, then the zoos are properly arrange for wet day actions too.

QUICKLIST OF THE BEST ZOOS IN ENGLAND

Regents Parkโ€™s Zoo โ€“ 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

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