A trip to a zoo or safari park is one of those days out that stays with you long after you’ve got home. Whether it’s a young child seeing a giraffe for the very first time, watching lions prowl across an open plain from the safety of your car, or getting up close to a penguin feeding — these are the kinds of experiences that create real family memories.
The UK has some truly world-class zoos and safari parks, many of which do brilliant work protecting endangered species around the globe. Here’s our guide to the best ones to visit across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Always check the attraction’s website for current opening times, ticket prices and seasonal events before you travel.
England’s Best Zoos & Safari Parks
Chester Zoo — Cheshire
Often ranked as one of the best zoos in the world, Chester Zoo is an absolute must for any animal lover. Home to over 35,000 animals across 500 species, it’s a genuinely spectacular day out that you could easily spend a full day exploring. Brilliant for families, couples and animal enthusiasts of all ages. Chester is also a wonderful city to explore — making it perfect for a short break.
Chester Zoo
London Zoo — Regent’s Park, London
Right in the heart of Regent’s Park, London Zoo is one of the world’s most famous zoos. With over 15,000 animals to discover, a Sea Life Centre and VIP animal encounter experiences, it makes a brilliant addition to any London trip. The zoo does extraordinary conservation work globally and is well worth a visit — both for the animals and for the experience of being in one of the world’s great wildlife institutions.
London Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo — Bedfordshire
The biggest zoo in the UK and one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in Europe, Whipsnade is set in 600 acres of beautiful Chiltern countryside. You can drive your own car through parts of the park or explore on foot — either way it’s an enormous and impressive place that really does deserve a full day. Perfect for families who want space, fresh air and an amazing variety of animals.
Whipsnade Zoo
Longleat Safari Park — Wiltshire
One of the UK’s most famous safari parks, Longleat lets you drive through open reserves where lions, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, wolves and many more animals roam freely around your car. The estate also has a magnificent stately home, a maze, adventure areas and holiday accommodation on site — making it ideal for a proper short break rather than just a day out. Absolutely unforgettable.
Longleat Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park — Worcestershire
A brilliant drive-through safari experience in Worcestershire, West Midlands Safari Park is home to over 165 species including lions, cheetahs, elephants, hippos and the UK’s largest group of white lions. There’s also a theme park, sea lion shows and a dinosaur trail — making it a fantastic all-round family day out that offers far more than just the safari drive.
West Midlands Safari Park
Woburn Safari Park — Bedfordshire
Set on the magnificent Woburn Estate, Woburn Safari Park is a stunning drive-through experience where you can get remarkably close to rhinos, elephants, tigers, bears and many more incredible animals. The grounds also include the beautiful Woburn Abbey and deer parks — making it a wonderful full day out in the English countryside that you could easily pair with a night or two away nearby.
Woburn Safari Park
Knowsley Safari Park — Merseyside
Just outside Liverpool, Knowsley Safari Park is one of the North West’s most popular family days out. Drive through the reserves to see lions, elephants, baboons and many more animals up close — then explore the foot safari, sea lion shows and fairground rides. Combine with a Liverpool short break for a brilliant and varied weekend away in one of England’s most exciting cities.
Knowsley Safari Park
Twycross Zoo — Leicestershire
Twycross Zoo is home to the UK’s only collection of all four great apes — gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orang-utans — making it a genuinely special and unique zoo experience. Particularly strong on primate conservation, it’s a brilliant choice for families looking for something a bit different. The zoo has been significantly redeveloped in recent years and is well worth a visit.
Twycross ZooScotland
Edinburgh Zoo — Edinburgh
Perched on a beautiful hillside overlooking Edinburgh, Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. Home to an extraordinary range of animals including koalas, penguins, lions, chimps and many more. The famous penguin parade is a firm favourite with children. A wonderful addition to an Edinburgh city break — one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe.
Edinburgh Zoo
Highland Wildlife Park — Cairngorms, Scotland
Set in the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, Highland Wildlife Park is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and is home to some truly spectacular animals in a stunning Highland landscape. See polar bears, snow leopards, wolves, bison and native Scottish wildlife in a setting that’s completely unlike any other zoo in the UK. An unforgettable experience in one of Britain’s most beautiful natural environments.
Highland Wildlife ParkWales
Anglesey Sea Zoo — Isle of Anglesey, North Wales
A brilliant and unique attraction on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, Anglesey Sea Zoo is the largest marine animal display in Wales. Fascinating for all ages and particularly wonderful for children who love sea life — sharks, rays, seahorses, lobsters, conger eels and much more in beautiful natural seawater tanks. A perfect stop on a North Wales coastal break.
Anglesey Sea ZooIreland
Belfast Zoo — Northern Ireland
Set on the dramatic slopes of Cave Hill overlooking Belfast, Belfast Zoo offers stunning views alongside a fantastic collection of animals including gorillas, spectacled bears, Barbary lions and California sea lions. Entry is very reasonably priced and it makes a brilliant family day out when visiting Belfast — one of the UK’s most exciting and welcoming city break destinations.
Belfast ZooTips for a Great Zoo or Safari Park Visit
Arrive early — animals are generally more active in the morning before the heat of the day and before the crowds build up. You’ll also have a much better chance of seeing animals that tend to hide away later on.
Check feeding times before you go — most zoos and safari parks have scheduled feeding times for popular animals like sea lions, penguins and big cats. Planning your day around these makes the visit much more memorable.
Wear comfortable shoes — larger zoos cover a huge amount of ground. Chester Zoo alone could easily have you walking five or six miles. Comfortable footwear is essential, especially if you have younger children with you.
Book tickets online in advance — most attractions offer better prices online and some have timed entry slots that sell out during school holidays. Always check the website before you go.
Allow a full day — the larger zoos and safari parks really do need a full day to do them justice. Don’t try to rush through — half the enjoyment is stopping to watch the animals for longer than you expected.
Make a short break of it — many of these attractions are in or near brilliant areas for a weekend away. Combining a zoo visit with a night or two in a local cottage or hotel makes for a really special trip.
More family days out: Theme Parks • Waterparks • Museums & Galleries • Historic Sites • Go Ape
Where to stay nearby: Holiday Cottages • Holiday Parks • Hotels