The Best Zoo In England Revealed
Visiting the best zoo in England is a great fun day out for the whole family. There is nothing that can beat visiting a UK zoo with the family and watching the little one’s getting excited when they see all the animals. When I visit a zoo with my family it takes me back to my childhood when I use to get excited about seeing all those wonderful animals like elephant’s, monkey’s, and tigers.
There are lots of zoos in England but one of the most frequent questions I get asked is, how many zoos are there in England? The answer in 2022 is there are more than 300 licensed zoos in operation across the country. The next question I get asked is what is the biggest zoo in UK, the answer to that question is London Zoo.
As well as being the biggest UK zoo, the oldest zoo in England is London Zoo. It opened way back on 27 April 1828 and was the brainchild of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffle. ZSL London Zoo attracts more than one million visitors each year but it’s not the most visited zoo in England. Chester Zoo is the most visited zoo with more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
England Zoos are some of the best in the world, so I have compiled what I believe to be the best zoos in England.
Best Zoos in the UK
Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Chester Zoo was the first zoo that I visited with my parents as a child and even back then it was the best UK Zoo. Chester Zoo which was opened in 1931 and founded by George Mottershead and his family is not only the best zoo in the UK but it is also in the top ten best zoos around the world.
It covers about 125 acres of land with over 20,000 species of animals including jaguars, Andean bears, to African painted dog. With so many great animals from across the globe it is no wonder why the zoo in Chester is known as the best zoo in England, and the best zoo in the UK.
If there is a particular animal you want to see at the Cheshire zoo then you can use the app or choose a trial on the map to take you straight to the animal that you and your family want to see first.
What I really loved about Chester Zoo is the boat trips that allow you to observe the different animals doing their normal activities.
Address: Moston Rd, Upton, Chester. CH2 1EU
ZSL London Zoo
It is incredible to think that in the bustling capital London with all the high buildings that there is a magical zoo hidden. ZSL London Zoo has more than 14,000 animals across 3 zones, with so many great animals to see it is no wonder why it is one of the best zoos in the UK.
Regents Park’s Zoo – The London Zoo, London was established in 1828 and is known throughout the world. Each day visitors from all corners of the globe come and visit the UK zoo to see the exotic animals.
The Insect House which has been featured on TV is very popular with children and they also love the aquarium. My favourite at London Zoo is the lions and gorillas. There’s so much to see at London Zoo so make sure that you get there early to have a wonderful day.
Address: Outer Cir, London. NW1 4RY
Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Whipsnade Zoo formerly known as Whipsnade Wild Animal Park covers and 600 acres of land, making it one of the biggest zoos in England. It is famous for having the largest collection of wildlife of all the zoos in England. It was first opened in 1931 and is an incredible place to take the whole family.
Some say it is the best zoo in England, but although I do agree it’s an incredible zoo, it has come in at number three as the best UK zoos.
With Whipsnade Zoo being so big, visitors can ride around the zoo on a bus or a train service. Or, if you like, you can drive around in your car.
This is one of the best zoos for kids. There is so much to see and do, like getting up close and person with Chinese water deer, wallabies, and Muntjac deer, which roam about freely.
There are a lot of animals at the Whipsnade Zoo which you make not find at other UK zoos. Most of the animals at this zoo are considered to be endangered species. My favourite animals to see at the popular zoo are the elephants, cheetahs, and the giraffes.
Address: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF
The Bristol Zoo, Bristol
Bristol Zoo may not be as large as other UK zoos but it is still a great place to take the kids. It covers 12 acres and was opened in 1836.
If you are going on holiday to Weston-super-Mare with the family then please do visit Bristol Zoo, your kids will love it.
According to recent figures there are around 7000 animals at Bristol Zoo with around 450 individual species. You can see animals like gorillas, Asiatic lions, and red pandas. There is also a reptile house and also an insect house, and an aquarium. What I loved about Bristol Zoo is the enclosure for seals and penguins.
It may be small, but it comes near the top as one of the best city zoos in England. Visiting Bristol Zoo makes a great day out for the whole family, and can even make a holiday if you are visiting Weston-super-Mare
Address: College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA
Port Lympne Reserve
The UK zoo is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals. Port Lympne Reserve was opened to the public in 1976, and since then it has grown and has become a big favourite for families that love zoos. There are no wildlife parks near me, but if I could choose to have one down the road then Port Lympne Reserve would be my first choice.
There are 600 acres to explore at Kent’s largest wildlife park with more than 900 animals What I love about Port Lympne Reserve is you can jump in a truck as staff guide you around the wildlife park and see some incredible animals like my favourites giraffes, and zebras. I also love rhinos and currently in 2022 there are 17 of them at the UK safari park.
Address: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe. CT21 4LR
Read Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens Review
Marwell Zoo, Hampshire
This may not be the biggest UK zoo but it is still a great place to take the family. There are more than 270 endangered and exotic species covering more than 140 acres. In total, there are around 1200 animals at the Marwell Zoo.
It may not be the biggest zoo in the UK but it is the biggest zoo in Hampshire. As well as seeing wonderful animals like tigers, and penguins, there are also four adventure playgrounds to keep the children happy.
Address: Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH
West Midland Safari Park
If you are looking for wildlife parks near me and you live in the West Midlands then you need to visit the West Midland Safari Park. It does amaze me how many people live near the Safari Park who have never visited this magical place.
The UK safari park first opened in April 1973 and is now home to more than 600 animals. It is famous for having the biggest collection of white lions, hippopotami, meerkats, and cheetahs, in the UK. If you ask those who have visited the West Midland Safari Park, they will tell you it is one of the UK’s best zoos, and I agree.
If you don’t have a car or don’t want to use your car then don’t worry. You explore the safari park on a guided mini bus tour and enjoy the elephants, and giraffes.
Address: Spring Grove, Bewdley. DY12 1LF
Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Mountain Zoo first opened in 1963 and has now become a popular UK zoo for families to enjoy. I first went to the Welsh Mountain Zoo with my dad when I was a teenager, many years ago.
The popular Welsh Mountain Zoo – also known as the National Zoo of Wales is spread of 37 acres.
There are around 100 different species available to see, and with it being one of Wales most visited zoos, it attracts visitors from all over the world.
With around 100 different species with conversation and aninimal welfare being at the core of everything they do, this really is an amazing day out in Wales with the kids.
Address: Colwyn Bay. LL28 5UY
Colchester Zoo, Essex
Colchester Zoo which was opened in June 1963 may not be the biggest zoo in the UK but it is still one of the best. It is spread over 60 acres and contains around 5000 individual animals.
It is a great day out for the family and does offer value for money.
Address: Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL
Longleat Safari Park
This is a great safari park to take the kids to. Some say it is the best safari park in the UK. It is one of the oldest zoos in England, where it was opened way back in 1966.
Driving through the safari is a great experience, and one that you will want to do again and again. A bit of advice for you, don’t take a rental.
The kids will love it when the monkeys start jumping on top of your car. There is so much to see here including the tigers and the lions.
Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire. BA12 7NW
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park which was officially opened by Justin Fletcher, MBE on 4 April 2009, is one of the best safari parks England has to offer.
The Yorkshire zoo is home to around 475 animals which includes tigers and lions as well as maned wolves and red howler monkeys.
It is a great zoo for kids no matter what the weather is. You can walk around and see all the wonderful animals including polar bears. It may not be the oldest zoo in the world or the biggest UK zoo, but it is sure one of the best.
Address: Hurst Ln, Auckley, Doncaster. DN9 3HQ
Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Devon
Shaldown Wildlife Trust is a nice little zoo in Devon. It is very popular with people visiting Devon for their holidays.
There are lots to see at the Devon zoo including lemurs, capuchins, slow Loris, a giant jumping rat, and monkeys. It is a great educational experience for children where they can learn about some of the worlds’ most endangered night-time primates.
Address: Ness Drive, Shaldon near, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 0HP, England
Dudley Zoo and Castle
There are lots of England zoos but if you want a real educational experience for the children then Dudley Zoo and Castle which was opened in 1937 should be your first choice.
The zoo for kids has over 1300 animals. It is more than a zoo, it is an educational experience where children will learn so much.
Dudley Zoo and Castle has a large collection of mammals, primates, reptiles and more. As well as seeing all the wonderful animals, there are also lots of talks that take place where you and your children can learn more about the zoo animals.
Address: Castle Hill, Dudley. DY1 4QF
Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent
Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent which was opened in 1975 is a huge favourite for people who love elephants. The popular UK zoo has lots of them, and because of this, many children say this is the best zoo in England.
You will not regret visiting one of the best UK zoos. There is lots to see but more importantly, by visiting Howletts Wildlife Park, you will be supporting an important conservation charity. Your visit to the wildlife park will help to protect wildlife in the UK.
Address: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL
QUICKLIST OF THE BEST ZOOS IN THE UK
Chester Zoo, Cheshire
ZSL London Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
The Bristol Zoo, Bristol
Port Lympne Reserve
Marwell Zoo, Hampshire
West Midland Safari Park
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Colchester Zoo, Essex
Longleat Safari Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Devon
Dudley Zoo and Castle
Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent
