zoo safari park england

12 BEST Safari Parks in the UK

From guided tours and drive through safaris, to wallaby walkthroughs and big cats roaming, here are the best safari parks in the uk..

Forget going to the zoo, this post is all about going on safari in the UK!

Did you know that the UK offers some of the best safari park experiences in Europe? It’s true! And it means you don’t need to spend big bucks when seeing the big 5.

Whether you’re looking for a drive through experience or to get up close and personal with the animals, we’ve compiled a list of the best safari parks in the UK. These are the best ones in England , Scotland and Wales .

From drive-through experiences at Longleat, to walkthrough experiences such as the foot safari at Woburn Safari Park, there are so many options to choose from. And all of them are guaranteed good days out!

If you prefer a guided tour with zoo experts, West Midland Safari Park offers fantastic mini bus tours. Or maybe you’d prefer to walk with the wallabies at Manor Wildlife Park? 

We absolutely love watching the monkeys climb on top of the cars at Blair Drummond – be warned because they are very cheeky! Will you choose to sleep with the animals, ride a safari, or hand feed parakeets?

Find out all of this and more in our list of the best UK safari parks.

Best Safari Parks in the UK

Longleat safari park.

Check out the UK’s Number 1 safari park at Longleat, Wiltshire! Discover big cats, elephants, wolves and more at the drive-through safari experience.

Wind up your windows for the safari of a lifetime as you pass through Tiger Territory, Cheetah Kingdom and The Big Game Park, where you can see a herd of Southern white rhinos.

Don’t forget to check out our favourite part – Monkey Mayhem. The troupe of macaques are known for causing mischief (just watch out for your windscreen wipers!)

Jump out at the African Village and Walking Safari as you journey across the African reserve and discover giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and ostriches. 

• Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
• Website: https://www.longleat.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Longleat tickets here

West Midland Safari Park

Whether you’re driving yourself or jumping on a guided minibus tour, the safari experience at West Midland Safari Park can be enjoyed by everyone.

Animal fanatics can book onto a guided minibus safari tour where the knowledgeable staff will teach you all about the different animals. Can you spot the rhinos, lions, camels and elephants across the 5 different zones? You can even take your own car if you’d prefer to experience the safari at your own pace.

View the animals up close on the African Walking Trail. Watch out for the elephants roaming their new habitat, or the giraffes grazing on the trees.

• Address: West Midland Safari Park. Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF
• Website: https://www.wmsp.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your WMSP tickets here

Chessington Safari Resort

For a unique type of safari experience, check out Chessington Safari Resort. With a range of themed rooms, you can see animals whilst you sleep.

Choose between exquisitely themed rooms with views over the enclosures of your favourite animals. The giraffe room, tiger room, penguin room and monkey mayhem room overlook the Wanyama reserve.

Many of the rooms include access to the savannah splash pool and hotel entertainment. To finish off your trip, check Chessington World of Adventure for a day full of thrill rides and zoo fun. 

• Address: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington. KT9 2NE
• Website: https://www.chessington.com/
• Tickets: Get your Chessington World of Adventures tickets here

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in England with over 10,000 animals. As part of the Zoological Society London , Whipsnade is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and science. 

Whipsnade Zoo has many incredible animals you won’t see elsewhere, like brown bears and wolverines. This year an endangered baby Asian elephant was born at the zoo! Grab tickets for the Elephant Cafe where you will be able to see mum and baby.

Why not try one of the many experiences at the zoo? Become a keeper for the day and you can work with the rhinos, giraffes and elephants. 

• Address: Whipsnade, Dunstable. LU6 2LF
• Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
• Tickets: Get your Whipsnade tickets here

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park

Scottish readers are definitely going to want to visit Blair Drummond Park to get their animal fix. From lions and macaques, to deer and antelope, there’s so much to see. 

Venture through the African animals, Asian animals, the lions and the macaque reserve in your own car for a day of family fun. Will you spot the rhino in the grass or hear the lion roar? The cheeky monkeys love to jump on cars as they pass so don’t forget to lock your doors!

Once you’ve had your drive-through fun you can check out the 300 species at Blair Drummond. I’m a big fan of the wallabies!

• Address: Blair Drummond, Stirling. FK9 4UR
• Website: https://www.blairdrummond.com/
• Tickets: Get your Blair Drummond tickets here

Manor Wildlife Park

If you like to get up close and personal with the wildlife, Manor Wildlife Park in Wales is the safari park for you. With several walkthrough safari experiences, there are so many animals to spot.

Start off your day in the Wallaby Walkthrough, where visitors can see young Joey’s hop into their mother’s pouch. I love to look for my favourite animal, the red panda, through the forest canopy. 

Don’t forget to visit the Lemurs in their Madagascan home where you can watch them jump and climb. If you’re lucky they might even sit next to you!

• Address: Manor Wildlife Park, St Florence, Tenby. SA70 8RJ
• Website: https://www.manorwildlifepark.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Manor Wildlife Park tickets here

Port Lympne Safari Park

Come face to face with rare and endangered animals at Port Lympne Safari Park. Head to Kent to experience hundreds of acres of savannah. 

Port Lympne offers three unique safari experiences for you to choose from. On the AAA safari, an expert ranger takes you on a guided tour to see Savannah animals, like the giraffe, zebra, ostrich and wildebeest. Can you spot the black rhino?

Perhaps you’d prefer to jump on the rhino and giraffe safari, or the rangers tour, where you’ll journey through the Asian and African exhibits. 

• Address: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe. CT21 4LR
• Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
• Tickets: Get your Pork Lympne tickets here

Knowsley Safari Park

Did you know that Knowsley Safari Park is actually the biggest safari park in the UK?

This 550 acre safari park is home to animals from across the globe. Journey through Eastern and Southern Asia, where you can see yaks and deer, or check out the African Savannah zone which is home to one of the largest white rhinos in the UK. Hop on the baboon bus for a car-friendly view of the baboons as they swing off the ropes.

Finish off your day with a walk through the Amur Tiger trail where you can get nose to nose with the two tigers.

• Address: Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot. L34 4AN
• Website: https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Knowsley Safari Park tickets here

Woburn Safari Park

Check out over 300 acres of drive-through safari nestled amongst the Bedfordshire landscape at Woburn Safari Park. You can have a whole day of fun with the drive-through and walk-through safari experiences.

Drive through the vast nature reserves to spot the animals lurking within. From bison and rhinos, to bears and tigers, there are so many incredible animals across 5 zones. I’d recommend the Kingdom of the Carnivores, where you can see tigers, lions, bears and wolves!

End your experience with the foot safari, where you can explore small mammals and birds. With lemurs, penguins, birds of prey, otters, wallabies, and more, this is not one to be missed.

• Address: Woburn Safari Park, Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford. MK43 0TU
• Website: https://www.woburnsafari.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Woburn Safari Park tickets here

Knepp Wildlife Safari

If you’re looking for something different, check out the safari experiences at Knepp Safari. Encounter local wildlife, such as ponies, deer, and pigs, on one of the many vehicle and walking safaris at Knepp.

Hop on the all terrain vehicle and enjoy the half-day safari to discover British wildlife. You will see free-roaming herds of cattle, ponies, pigs and deer on your journey.

You’ll get to stop at the wildlife ‘refugia’ and spot small animals, such as grass snakes, toads and voles. There’s even a cafe stop so you can enjoy delicious local brownies.

Why not try a themed safari, such as the autumn safari, where you can spot red deer stags, or the bats and moths safari, where you can see nocturnal creatures.

• Address: Knepp Wildland Safaris, New Barn Farm, Swallows Ln, Dial Post, Horsham. RH13 8NN
• Website: https://www.kneppsafaris.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Knepp Wildlife Safari tickets here

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered species across the globe, South Lakes Safari Zoo is the perfect place to get up close and personal with the animals.

From Africa and Madagascar, to Australia and South America, there’s so much to see. Check out the jaguars and snow leopards or head to the lemurs and arctic wolves. South Lakes Safari Zoo is committed to conservation so you can view the animals in their natural environment. 

Why not book an animal encounter to learn all about your favourite animal? I’d love to prepare Stanley the sloth his favourite snacks!

• Address: South Lakes Safari Zoo, Melton Ter, Lindal in Furness, Ulverston. LA12 0LU
• Website: https://www.southlakessafarizoo.com/
• Tickets: Get your South Lakes Safari Zoo tickets here

Peak Wildlife Park

Peak Wildlife Park offers fantastic walk through experiences for all the family. Whether you decide to explore the African village or walk with the penguins, there’s something for everyone.

Have you ever wanted to walk with the lemurs or wallabies? I certainly have! Watch the lemurs leap through the canopies and listen to their distinct calls, or check out wallaby wonderland where the friendly animals will munch on branches out of your hands.

Head to the African village where you can spot meerkats, chickens, and Pygmy goats. Don’t forget to give their horns a good scratch!

• Address: Peak Wildlife Park, Winkhill, Leek. ST13 7QR
• Website: https://www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk/
• Tickets: Get your Peak Wildlife Park tickets here

Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo prides itself on being at the heart of conservation. With several walkthrough enclosures and a brand new The Gruffalo Discovery Land, this is a fantastic choice for little ones. 

Walk among the flutters of colourful wings in the Butterfly Paradise or hand feed the birds at Lorikeet Landing. Head to the goat walkthrough where your little ones (and the biggest members of the family!) can stroke the farmyard animals. 

Check out the lemurs as they weave in and out of your feet. You can even watch the tigers roam above you in the glass visitor tunnel. 

• Address: Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone. CV9 3PX
• Website: https://twycrosszoo.org/
• Tickets: Get your Twycross Zoo tickets here

That concludes our list of the best UK safari parks. Which one will you be visiting on your next day out with the family? If you have any questions at all, you can let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for other fun days out, then check out our guide to the best theme parks in the UK . Again, this is perfect for the whole family!

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Zoos, wildlife and safari parks

After taking in the wealth of city sights, enjoy a touch of life on the farm. City farms offer an oasis of calm in an urban environment. Children are encouraged to say hello to pigs, cows and honking geese. The adults can enjoy an organic ice-cream while the kids are distracted. If domesticated animals are too tame there are always the zoos in England which provide a safe haven for some of the world's rarest beasts. Or experience the joy of having your car jumped on by inquisitive monkeys while on a tour in one of the safari parks in England. Attractions are preparing to reopen following the COVID-19 lockdown, please check with the attraction's website for up-to-date information on opening times and restrictions before travelling.

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Take the whole family to Chester Zoo

Venture to tantalising tropical islands in the heart of Cheshire with innovative exhibits at the UK’s most popular zoo.

Location: Upton near Chester, Cheshire

Sleep in the treetops on an overnight safari in Kent

Get in touch with your wild side in Kent this spring with a true African experience that the whole family will rave about.

Location: Lympne, Kent

Go wild on safari at Chessington World of Adventures

Climb aboard the safari truck and head off to Chessington World of Adventures in search of flamingos, giraffes and white rhinos.

Location: Chessington, Surrey

Go glamping at Lookout Lodge inside ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Enjoy the ultimate overnight experience and camp next door to the animals of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Go on an exotic adventure at Woburn Safari Park

Explore the habitats of lions, zebras, giraffes and much more at this family-friendly, conservation-focused safari park.

Location: Woburn, Bedfordshire

Get up close with the farm animals at Staunton Country Park

Come and meet friendly farm animals, have a rainforest experience in Victorian glasshouses or get lost in the maze.

Location: Havant, Hampshire

Go bananas for Trentham Monkey Forest

Pay a visit to the only place in Britain where you can walk among 140 Barbary macaques roaming free in 60 acres of forest.

Location: Trentham , Staffordshire

Fairytale Farm: a farm park with a difference

A sensory and learning wonderland, Fairytale Farm will delight the whole family.

Location: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Family fun at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

The appeal of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens goes way beyond its remarkable wildlife collection to breeding programmes and exuberant gardens.

Location: Burford, Oxfordshire

Get closer to the animals at Paradise Wildlife Park

Venture to Hertfordshire for an exciting day out with the family at this award-winning zoo; see a range of exotic animals and enjoy a whole host of experiences and attractions.

Location: Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Animal antics at Down at the Farm

Down at the Farm is one of Sunderland's most popular farms, home to a wide range of rare breed animals including giant tortoises, alpacas, raccoons, donkeys and red deer.

Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

Find yourself on a farm in the heart of Nottingham

Stonebridge City Farm is a slice of the countryside in the heart of a city centre.

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Make friends at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates, this sanctuary lets you get up close and personal with all kinds of monkeys, gorillas and apes.

Location: Wareham, Dorset

Go under the sea at The Deep Aquarium

Get out of the rain and head... into the water? This underwater world features Europe's deepest viewing tunnel, offering unparalleled views of exotic fish, sharks and other sea creatures.

Location: Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire

Feel calmer whilst walking a llama

Go walkies South American-style with National Forest Llama Treks, an unusual “let’s-do-something-different” trekking experience.

Location: Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire

Explore the UK's first safari park at Longleat

Feed giraffes by hand and walk on the wildside with lemurs at this popular safari park, found in the picturesque grounds of historic Longleat House.

Location: Longleat, Wiltshire

Say hello to pampered pups in Skegness

Visit Natureland to see how washed-up seal pups are nursed back to health and prepared for a life back in the wild.

Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire

Dive into the deep blue sea at Oceanarium

Bournemouth's Oceanarium is a great indoor attraction that allows you to discover the secrets of the deep.

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

Learn, enjoy and discover at Blackpool Zoo

There’s something here to tickle everyone’s creepy crawly fancy, from crocodiles and rattlesnakes, to sea lions and emus.

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Rainy Day Activities: Enter an underwater world at Sea Life London

Step out of the rain and head underwater at Sea Life London Aquarium, and discover a whole world of aquatic life.

Location: Southbank, London

Be a big cat keeper for a day at Dartmoor Zoo

Join the Big Cat Keepers at Dartmoor Zoo for this hard work, hands on, all day experience.

Location: Plymouth, Devon

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Whipsnade Zoo

An adventure with a difference.

Explore a world of wildlife like never before at Whipsnade Zoo, the largest zoo in the UK. Enjoy a full day of adventure making incredible memories. Experience thousands of amazing animals and learn how, as a ZSL conservation zoo, we're protecting their future.

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Tickets booked online are cheaper than those at the gate on arrival.

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Get closer to nature and learn more about animals from across the world and what we can do to protect them.

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Explore our vast Monkey Forest experience

Immerse yourself into the woodland home of our swinging langurs, chattering macaques, miniature water buffalo and snuffling babirusa!

Whipsnade Zoo Membership

Get unlimited entry to both Whipsnade and London Zoo all year round, plus special insider Zoo updates.

Whipsnade Zoo Experiences

Go on the ultimate animal adventure with us and experience wildlife like never before. Make memories which last a lifetime and take in the full wonder of the natural world, by meeting our animals, experiencing the life of a Zookeeper and sleeping over at

Why visitors love Whipsnade Zoo

It was lovely to have somewhere to go where all the family are happy on a bank holiday and it was great to see that the animals had so much space in their enclosures. ZSL do such good conservation work to help endagered species that we were happy to take out membership and plan to visit often. The talks given by zoo staff were informative, interactive and enjoyable.

We regularly visit the Zoo, having now become a ZSL member and just love taking our Grandson there. There is plenty to see and many children's activities, including play areas. The staff are very dedicated and informative, always willing to give you the time to ask questions or just pass the time of day.

We had a wonderful day seeing so many different animals in settings as near to their natural habitats as possible. We saw 3 cheetahs, 2 lazing around, the third trying to persuade them to play, we saw the 2 wolverines chasing each other round and round their magnificent enclosure, we saw the chimps strolling together in their huge area which had climbing apparatus and trees for more energetic days.

When you visit Whipsnade Zoo, you’re doing great things with your great day out. We are more than just a zoo – we are part of ZSL (Zoological Society of London) a global conservation charity. Our teams of conservationists, scientists, technicians and community specialists are active in over 70 countries - and every visit to Whipsnade Zoo helps fund their vital work to restore habitats and protect wildlife.

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From behind the scenes animal updates, to exclusive zoo baby announcements, read the latest Zoo news here.

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5-mile safari drive

The uk's longest safari drive.

Our 550-acre Safari Drive is home to many animals from around the world. From Bactrian Camels and White Rhino to Baboons and African Lions, you can see them all as you drive around the grounds. The route is split into different continental zones where you’ll drive through many habitats and see our collection of animals along the way. Once you’ve finished your roar-some experience, you can head down to our Foot Safari - both experiences are included in your ticket!

Your adventure begins in Eastern Asia where you’ll meet our herd of Bactrian Camels whose coat sheds throughout the year, and lots of Yaks, Eastern Kiang and Père David’s Deer roaming around. In the Southern Asia area, you’ll find the Axis Deer and Eld’s Deer as well as Nilgai and Blackbuck. 

Our African Savannah zone is home to one of the largest White Rhino crashes in the UK. Watch out for the world’s largest bird too, the Ostrich, as they love to come over and say hello! Can you spot the distinct markings on the Roan Antelope or the short pointed horns of the Waterbuck? Whilst driving through the African woodland, keep your eyes peeled for the Sitatunga too.

Dare to enter the monkey jungle? The most anticipated area of the Safari Drive. Hold on to your seatbelts as our Baboons steal the show. They’ll come right up to your car so, if you’d prefer, our car-friendly route will allow you to watch from afar. If you still want the full mischievous experience, why not book the Baboon Bus?

African Lions

Our Safari Drive takes you through Lion Country, allowing you to watch the pride without a fence between them and your vehicle!

White Rhino

White Rhino are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. They are often hunted for their horn.

European Bison

Bison can be found in North America and Northern Europe. The European Bison were once extinct in the wild.

In the wild, a Baboon troop can number between 20 and 100! Their ranges vary considerably depending on food availability.

A real highlight of the Safari Drive is meeting the Pride of Knowsley in the lion enclosure where our pride of African Lions roam around. See for yourself!

The beauty of the Safari Drive is that it's different every time you drive through and the best part is, you can go around as many times as you like!

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Find out all the exciting info on our awe-inspiring animals and exciting activities.

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Animal talks & displays.

Dare to get up close to a bird of prey or get splashed by a sea lion?

After you’ve finished the Safari Drive, why not go round again or explore the Foot Safari? See the Sea Lions up close, watch displays of our Birds of Prey and so much more. Both are included in your ticket so why not make the most of your wild adventure?

Warning infographic incase of a breakdown

It's important to us that our guests and animals stay safe so we ask all guests to follow our rules of entry. Our animals behave as close to the wild as possible and can be unpredictable, so you should stay inside your car at all times. If you break down while on the safari drive it is important that all passengers stay within the car, you should sound your horn and wait for a patrol vehicle to come to your assistance.

Our safari drive is full of wild animals who can act unpredictably at times and we are not able to accept any responsibility for damage caused by our baboons within their enclosure. If you would prefer not to take this risk then why not take our car-friendly route or even hop on our Baboon Bus.

Guests are strictly prohibited from feeding the animals – that’s our job! If you are seen feeding the animals from your vehicle you will be asked to leave.

Dogs are not allowed in any areas of Knowsley Safari. This includes both the Safari Drive and also the pedestrian areas of the Foot Safari.

We do however provide basic accommodation for your dog should you wish to bring them on your trip.

Our kennels provide basic accommodation for your pet. Drinking water is available but we do not provide water bowls or blankets. Please feel free to bring with you any items that will make your pet as comfortable as possible. A £5.00 refundable padlock is available at reception on arrival.

We are famous for our drive-through Baboon enclosure but did you know that you can watch their antics from a safe distance if you’re not quite brave enough to venture in? You can take our car-friendly route which still gives you fantastic views of our cheeky residents.

If you fancy the thrill of the Baboons without any of the risk then try our baboon bus. You can book your seats online and you’ll be driven the whole way round the safari as well as through the baboon enclosure.

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The Five Best Zoos And Safari Parks In The UK

A visit to a zoo or safari park can be a fantastic day out for people of all ages. If you’re keen to get up close and personal with fascinating wildlife, why not visit one of the following attractions in the UK:

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park

Wiltshire’s Longleat Safari & Adventure Park (BA12 7NW) has the distinction of being the UK’s oldest safari park. Opened in 1966, it was the first facility of its kind to be launched outside Africa.

Initially a 100-acre lion reserve, it has grown substantially over the years, with parrots and llamas among the many creatures you can now see here, although the lions are still a popular draw for many people.

Open from mid-February to early November, a day ticket costs £26 for adults. Admission for three to 14-year-olds is £18.50 and £21 for the over-60s, although there are several money-saving ticket packages available at any ticket window .

Set within the grounds of the Longleat House stately home, a visit to the park also gives you the chance to go on a number of fairground rides and feed farmyard animals.

Situated just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury, it can be reached by taking the A362.

Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo has the privilege of being one of the UK’s oldest zoological parks, with 2011 seeing it celebrate its 175th anniversary.

Here, you’ll find over 400 different species of creatures and nine covered animal houses, so even if the weather isn’t at its best there are still lots of fascinating creatures to look at, including the endangered red panda and pygmy hippos

Perhaps one of the most popular enclosures is Bug World, where you can see all kinds of creepy crawlies, including spiders and locusts, as well as learn how leeches were used for medicinal purposes in Victorian times.

Standard admission for adults is £14, while entrance for three to 14-year-olds is £8.50.

Located in the Clifton region of Bristol, close to the city’s famous suspension bridge, you can reach the zoo by taking either the number 8 or 9 bus.

Clifton Down train station is also close by, and if you are taking public transport you can purchase a special ticket to get discounted travel and entry to the zoo. If you’re driving, however, enter BS8 3HA into your sat-nav.

Based in the north-east corner of Regent’s Park, a visit to London Zoo (NW1 4RY) offers the chance to see 720 species of animal, including komodo dragons and flamingos.

Every day at 14:30, meanwhile, the Penguin Beach Live show offers you the chance to feed the creatures for yourself.

Just over one million people visit the zoo on an annual basis and it is open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas Day.

Prices vary depending which time of year you visit, with admission for adults and children during the peak season (which covers the whole of August and every weekend between April and September) at £20.50 and £16.40 respectively.

Visit during the mid-season, which includes weekdays in September and the whole of October, and entrance for adults is £19.50 and £15.60 for children.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo (CH2 1EU) is visited by some 1.4 million people every year, so you’ll be in good company when checking out the creatures here.

The Cheshire-based park is home to over 400 different species of animal, including some of the most endangered creatures on earth, so there’s plenty to see.

In addition to having the largest orangutan exhibit in Europe, the attraction also contains the biggest zoo-based butterfly house in the UK.

You might also want to see the gaboon viper, which has the longest fangs of any snake in the world, while dozens of the fish kept here are currently threatened with extinction in the wild.

Admission over the peak season, which runs until September 4th, is £17 and £13 for adults and children respectively. However, between September 5th and October 31st this falls to £16 and £11.

Knowsley Safari Park

Ride your car through Knowsley Safari Park (L34 4AN) and you’ll come across everything from African elephants to bison. However, the famous Monkey Jungle zone could be most interesting, where baboons may even climb on top of your vehicle!

There is also the Bug House, which contains ants and cockroaches, in addition to several species of reptiles and amphibians, a sealion show and amusement rides.

Entrance for adults is £15 and children and pensioners pay £11.

With so many fantastic zoos and safari parks to visit, you’ll find plenty of places to indulge your wild side and get back to nature!

Photos by  jimbowen0306 ,   Dewfs™ ,  www.theedinburghblog.co.uk

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2 Responses to The Five Best Zoos And Safari Parks In The UK

Animal Safaris Reply

December 6, 2012 at 5:28 pm

Going on an animal safari is just one way to show your appreciation to these beautiful animals which are part of us as we are part of them. Having such animal safaris just within reach is just a stepping stone in seeing some of these endangered animals in their natural habitat as they would have been in the beautiful African Savannah habitat as well. Despite all the natural habitat being in cooperated in most zoos around the world with the sheer space given for each animal to be as free and to gaze, hunt or be hunted is just one cycle of action which needs to happen naturally. Well not all people can afford to see these animals while on a safari in Africa and the only alternative is the different zoos. Lets love all animals to save all

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November 18, 2017 at 11:02 am

Can I simply just say what a comfort to find an individual who actually knows what they’re talking about over the internet. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.

More and more people really need to read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.

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The best safari parks in the uk.

Though nothing can beat seeing animals in their natural habitat, safari parks can be a great substitute when time, money and other circumstances get in the way of your dream trip. Visiting a safari park in the UK can also be a good introduction to safaris for children and other first-timers, as well as a more ethical choice of day out for animal lovers than the zoo.

In this post, we explore the UK’s best safari parks to help you support conservation from the comfort of home. 

The UK’s Best Safari Parks

Longleat safari park.

Set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, Longleat Safari Park is a really family-friendly day out. In the main park, you can walk past enclosures housing everything from creepy crawlies to wild cats and primates. 

At certain times of the day, you can join a jungle cruise out onto the estate’s huge lake where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a pair of hippos in the shallows and the silverback lowland gorilla and his family on the island in the centre. Keep your eyes peeled! As part of the trip, you’ll also have the chance to feed the resident sea lions who splash and swim alongside the boat in hopes of gobbling down some fish. 

Of course, the highlight of any trip to Longleat is the self-drive safari. Yes, Wiltshire’s plains are home to 3 of the big 5: lions, rhino and Anne the elephant, as well as cheetah, wolves, tigers and deer. As long as you drive safely and keep your windows closed, the animals are well accustomed to vehicles and can treat you to some incredible encounters. 

Other experiences available at Longleat include giraffe feeding, a lemur walk-through and monkey mayhem, where the rhesus macaques are free to clamber all over your vehicle and remove whatever takes their fancy! You might decide to take the safari bus for this exact reason… 

Longleat is committed to conservation right across the world. From breeding programmes to help restore populations of wild dogs and black rhinos in Tanzania to funding the conservation work of the Red Panda Network in Nepal, Longleat relies on donations and purchases from its visitors to support this critical work. By visiting, you’ll be doing a world of good!

Port Lympne

My personal favourite safari park in the UK is Port Lympne in Kent. This game reserve is the closest you’ll get to Africa in the UK, thanks to its safari drives and various lodge-style accommodation to stay overnight in for the ultimate experience. 

There are enclosures in the main park, housing beautiful animals like lynxes, gorillas and brown bears, as well as lions, tigers and cheetahs in larger pens. You can visit each of these areas on foot, and I recommend timing your visits alongside the programme of ranger talks. These give you the opportunity to hear more about the incredible animals and ask any questions you can think of!

Like Longleat, there are wide open plains that are home to giraffes, zebra and antelope, but the only way to see them is by joining one of the tours, where an experienced guide takes you and a group of others out into the wild on a safari canter. You’ll be lucky enough to see these animals roaming free (or as free as is possible in the Kent countryside), as well as rhinos, elephants, wild dogs and other rare species behind fences.

What makes this place really special is the Aspinall Foundation’s link to conservation efforts in Africa and beyond. Port Lympne has a hugely successful breeding programme that has returned various animals to the wild, including five eastern black rhinos, two cheetahs and over 60 gorillas.

At each enclosure, you’ll be able to read whether the animals inside are candidates for reintroduction, and there are dedicated teams at the park who will be more than willing to tell you more when you visit.

Woburn Safari Park

Over 80 rare and endangered species call Bedfordshire home, and you’ll be able to see them all at Woburn Safari Park. 

Much like other UK safari parks, your visit may begin with a drive-through safari that will take you on a journey across the globe. From the comfort of your own car, you will drive across plains and through grassland to see rare horses, bison, wildebeest, camels, southern white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, monkeys and zebra. 

Of course, my favourite area at Woburn Safari Park is the Kingdom of the Carnivores. Here, you could see Amur tigers, timberwolves, black bears and lions, each species separated into their own enclosures large enough that you’d still need to be lucky to spot them.

Once you have completed your 60-minute loop of the self-drive, your visit will be far from over, as your foot safari treats you to sightings of the smaller animals. Think parrots, meerkats, wallabies, otters, lemurs, sea lions, penguins, squirrel monkeys, red pandas and far too many more to mention.

By purchasing a ticket to Woburn Safari Park, you’ll be helping the team to sustain the population of animals kept onsite, as well as funding the critical conservation work they help to fund around the world. Various projects they support include the International Elephant Foundation, the Wildcats Conservation Alliance and Helping Rhinos. All very worthy causes, I’m sure you’ll agree! 

Knowsley Safari Park

Knowsley Safari Park near Prescot in Merseyside boasts the UK’s longest safari drive over 550 acres. 

Here you’ll have close encounters with African lions, white rhinos and bison from the comfort of your own car. Though if you’re nervous about damage to your vehicle in the baboon enclosure, book a spot on the baboon bus, which is kitted out with climbing ropes and ladders for the baboons to roam free on. You can’t get much closer than that! 

There’s even more to see on the foot safari, including Amur tigers, giraffes, meerkats, bush dogs, birds of prey, sea lions and tapir too. What a treat! There are animal talks and shows scheduled throughout the day, so make sure you plan in advance to see everything you want to.

Knowsley has a dedicated conservation team tasked with educating visitors and the wider public about their critical projects. They also work on the ground with endangered species, including monitoring, anti-poaching activities and fixing fences to reduce human conflict in their natural habitats. 

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

This safari park in the heart of the Midlands makes a great day out or a holiday in and of itself. A stay in any of the luxury safari lodges promises an incredible encounter with animals including tigers, rhinos and elephants; but with a drive-through safari and village walk also on offer, you’ll have just as good a time without the expensive short break.

The safari drive can be done in your own car or as part of a guided minibus tour, where you’ll see African lions, giraffes, zebra, wild dogs, cheetahs and antelope. There’s also a Wild Asia area housing Indian rhino, swamp deer and blackbucks too.

There is arguably more to see here once you’re out of your car, including lemurs, ostriches, red pandas, hippos, meerkats, penguins, sea lions and… dinosaurs. Yes, really! Animatronic replicas of T-rexes, velociraptors and more growl and roar through the bushes in the Land of the Living Dinosaurs. There really is plenty to see and do here!

You’ll notice ‘Leisure Park’ has been appended to the name, meaning there’s more here than the animals. Virtual reality experiences, rollercoasters, log flumes and more can be found in the Adventure Theme Park, where rides are available for an additional fee. 

As perhaps the most theme park-like safari park in the UK, you’d be forgiven for believing this makes conservation less of a priority for West Midland. But that’s far from the truth. From research projects to breeding programmes, your entrance fee and other purchases will be supporting endangered species and biodiversity across the world. 

Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

Located just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is easily one of the best safari parks in the UK, let alone in Scotland! 

As well as the famous safari animals like lions and rhinos in the drive-through area, Blair Drummond is also home to a huge variety of rare and fascinating species. Over 300 animals including Highland cattle, red ruffed lemur and llamas can be found on foot, making for a packed and wild day out. 

Conservation is an important aspect of Blair Drummond’s work. Since 2014, the park has given over £192k worth of funding to conservation projects, with that money contributing to the salaries of anti-poaching teams, their equipment and fighting deforestation. 

So there you have it: The UK’s best safari parks from every corner of the county. Which one will you discover first?

Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

The 17 Best Zoos in the UK + Safari Parks (2024)

If you’re looking for an exciting day out with the family, why not visit one of the best zoos in the UK? From safari parks to wildlife reserves, there’s something to suit every age and taste. Here are 17 of the best zoos in the UK.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my   full disclosure  for further information.

Table of Contents

How Many Zoos are there in the UK?

There are 48 zoos in the UK, some of which are considered the best in the world. All of them preserve endangered animal species and exotic creatures. 

MAP of the Best Zoos in the UK (+Safari Parks)

Best Zoos in the UK + Safari Parks

From spotting lions in the wild to admiring majestic birds of prey, a trip to a safari park or zoo can be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Let’s get started!

#1 Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo many people consider the best zoo in Britain. It is a non-profit organization that aims not only for visitors but also to participate in serious research projects. 

The zoo and a conservation centre are actively working in the following areas: rare breeds and endangered species, research in the field of ethology (animal behaviour), and active participation in various wildlife conservation programs worldwide.

The first penguins appeared here in 1914. The first king penguin chick was hatched at the zoo in 1919, the first ever captive penguin chick. One of the most colourful and popular events of the day is the penguin parade.

Besides all the animals of popular types, here you can see Asiatic lions, sun bears, and giant pandas, precisely, the two giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang. 

If you’re visiting Edinburgh, make sure you read about the best places to stay in Edinburgh !

#2 Chester Zoo

Chester zoo is one of the best zoos in the UK. On the site, optimal animal conditions have been created – from a rain jungle for elephants to a vast indoor hangar for primates.

The zoo is home to more than 27000 animals, about 400 species. They live free here in a natural habitat. 

For the conservation of endangered species was created a special program. Here you can see black rhinos, painted dogs, Asian elephants, Sumatran orangutans, and birds ─ Malayan Kalao, crowned cranes, etc. 

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#3 Paignton Zoo

Paignton zoo is one of the best zoos in England and the best zoo in Devon. It was founded in 1923 by millionaire Herbert Whitley. The Wild Planet Trust, a wildlife conservation and education charity, own it. Since 2001, the park has been reconstructed, and now the entire infrastructure of the zoo meets European standards.  

On an area of 32.5 hectares, 2.5 thousand animals live in natural conditions, divided by habitat zones. Endangered black rhinos, ostriches, and cheetahs live in the Savannah; various birds live in the Desert House; gibbons, lions, Sumatran tigers, etc., live in the forest thicket. Red pandas, baboons, a giant tortoise and many others live in the Primley zone.  

#4 ZSL London Zoo

London Zoo is one of the best zoos in the UK and the biggest zoo in London. It was founded for scientific research and only later opened to the public.

ZSL London zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. About 17000 incredible animals of 755 species make up the largest British zoological collection. The first African hippopotamus and elephant were brought in England to this zoo.  

The territory of one of the oldest zoos in the world is divided into habitats of different representatives of the fauna. Also, it has the best reptile zoo UK, namely, a reptile house with the largest lizard in the world! Here you will find western lowland gorillas, the huge penguin pool and the home of the monitor lizard from Komodo Island, a butterfly forest, and an insect house. Note the zoo offers free adult tickets for special holidays.

#5 ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is located next to Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Whipsnade Zoo is the biggest zoo in the UK. It is formerly known as Whipsnade Wild Animal Park. The Zoological Society of London owns this zoo. ZSL is a charity organization committed to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.

Make sure to dedicate at least half a day to the visit. Here you can see an endangered red panda, wild horses, and even an aquarium with sea creatures. You can move around the territory of Whipsnade Zoo between the paddocks by car or by the narrow-gauge railway ─ Jumbo Express.

#6 Longleat safari park

Longleat safari park was opened in 1966 and became the world’s first safari park outside of Africa. It is located on the territory of the historic estate of Longleat. During a trip through the park, tourists are invited to observe the natural behaviour of such wild individuals as wolves, lions, giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, leopards, and tigers. 

Longleat safari theme park is home to 500 species of animals – giant otters, Cuban crocodiles, porcupines, cockatoos, iguanas, armadillos, cheeky monkeys, etc. 

In the best safari park UK, you can test your orienteering skills in the UK’s largest hedge maze of sheared yew trees. 

#7 Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwy

Welsh mountain zoo is a wonderful zoological garden near Colwyn Bay in Conwy, Wales. Wildlife lover and naturalist Robert Jackson opened the zoo on May 18, 1963. The zoo covers an area of 37 acres. It hosts sea lions, otters, snow leopards, owls, chimps, flamingos, and many more. Additionally, the conservating zoo provides fantastic views of the area. Due to the steep hills, it is not very convenient to visit the zoo with toddlers, but if you have older children, it is a great place to spend the whole day. Don’t worry about the food, it has a nice café onsite.

#8 Colchester Zoo

Colchester zoo is one of the top zoos in the UK. It is the best in Europe. The animals at the zoo are treated well and have good homes. The zoo staff make sure to create the appropriate conditions for each animal based on its needs and wishes. After all, when the animals are happy, it is pleasant to watch them. 

Colchester Zoo is in the southeast of England. It was founded in 1963 on 24 hectares of land with hills, ponds and thickets, and 250 species of animals. 

Rare and endangered species of animals live in Colchester Zoo. Among them are white rhinos, Amur tigers, anteaters and even spider monkeys. The pride of the Colchester Zoo is its 24m long underwater tunnel, one of the largest in Europe! The zoo has a lot of land and marine animals (sea lions, penguins, turtles).

#9 Howletts wild animal park

Howletts Wild Animal Park is the best zoo near London. In 1957 it was a private zoo founded by John Aspinall, an animal fan, and only in 1975 it open to the public.

Howletts wildlife park is known for breeding rare and endangered species. It has been owned by The John Aspinall Foundation since 1984. John Aspinall was buried in the park near the main entrance to the family mansion, opposite the corral with bison. Next to the grave is a memorial with a mention of the zoo’s founder.

The zoo is home to the largest breeding herd of African elephants in the UK. It also contains one of the world’s largest populations of the lion-tailed macaque. But the park rightfully received its celebrity for the world’s largest family group of western plains gorillas.

#10 Marwell Zoo

Marwell animal park, a good zoo in the UK, hosts lots of exotic and endangered animals. The territory of Marwell zoo covers 140 acres of beautiful land and is owned by the global conservation charity Marwell Wildlife. 

The tropical house of Marwell zoo has many beautiful birds and butterflies. You can see adorable snow leopards, red pandas, white rhinos, Rothchild’s giraffes, and Amur tigers. The zoo also has an interesting Lego dinosaur model display which is especially loved by kids. For the convenience of visitors, there is a small tractor train, which has an additional cost, but the money goes for animals’ care.

#11 Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire wildlife park is a unique wildlife park that opened in 2009 in South Yorkshire. This popular zoo was founded as a centre for protecting animals and animal welfare from conserving biodiversity. It is one of the best zoos in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire wildlife park has more than 400 animals (about 70 species) of the most amazing animals on the planet. Here you can see polar bears, lemurs, giraffes, tigers, etc. The cherry on the pie for kids is a great Dino Park! Educational courses for children, and great animal shows, are held here. 

#12 Cotswold wildlife park

The Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of England’s most popular wildlife parks with natural beauty.

The park is divided into four climatic zones representing certain habitat conditions. During its existence in the nature reserve, it was possible to collect and preserve a huge collection of endangered plants and animals. There are more than 200 species of animals, more than 130 species of birds and several thousand plants in the park. Therefore, the entire territory is called Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens Burford. 

For the convenience of visiting the park, a light train is provided, which slowly moves along the monorail and allows you to see everything to the maximum. The fauna here is collected from all over the world and is replete with exotic species. There are many herbivores in the park, such as giraffes and camels. 

#13 Belfast Zoo

Belfast zoo is located on the northeastern slope of Mount Cavehill, which offers an incredible view of the city.

The total area of Belfast Zoo is 22 hectares. About 300,000 visitors, both locals and tourists, come to the zoo every year. The area has steep hills, so make sure to take comfortable shoes. In 2011, a cub of the southern pudu was born here – the tiniest deer, up to 43 cm tall and weighing up to 13 kg. There are four such deer in Belfast. At the moment, only 70 pudu are kept in zoos around the world.

#14 Port Lympne Reserve

Port Lympne Reserve is located in Hythe, a wildlife sanctuary with a safari-themed hotel complex. The reserve is divided into two sections: a park safari for truck rides in such zones as “Africa”, “Asia”, and “South America”; and a park with enclosures for hiking.

The park’s collection includes such animals as Siberian tigers, Malayan tapirs, African hunting dogs, giraffes, etc. You can visit the gorillarium (“Monkey Palace”) and the “Forest of Dinosaurs”, where the exhibits of the latter are collected in full size. Also, there is a souvenir shop with amazing things and different cafes which offer snacks and drinks. 

#15 Dudley Zoo

Dudley zoo is one of the most interesting zoos in the UK. It is located next to the ruins of 11th-century Dudley Castle. The zoo hosts many endangered animals, exotic creatures, big cats, and a reptile house. The hill can be reached by cable car or train. Both are included in the entrance price. Besides the great variety of animals, there is a fun activity called a ghost walk. You can be part of the group for a small tour where you will hear ghost stories about the castle. If you visit the zoo in good weather, there are plenty of nice places for a picnic for all the family. 

#16 Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

Folly Farm Adventure Park is considered the best family holiday destination in the UK for many people. Founded in 1988 by farmer Glyn Williams and his wife, Ann. A little later, their children joined the development of the zoo. The family is actively involved in the park’s development and sets high educational and entertainment goals.

A tour of the farm will be not only interesting but also very informative. On site, you can study in detail a combine harvester, a tractor and a milking system for cows. In the zoo, you can meet friendly farmyard animals such as donkeys, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens and many others.

Folly Farm Adventure Park is fun for the whole family, both indoors and outdoor play areas. For children, there is a huge indoor children’s attraction, its own racetrack. Pirate Park invites all fans to dream up. This attraction is for you if you want to be the old pirate Jolly Roger. There is Dragon Park with slides, swings, and funny carousels for the youngest visitors.

#17 Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling

Blair Drummond Safari Park is located near the city of Stirling and is the only place in the country where you can see elephants and giraffes. Many animals from Asia and Africa live on its territory, including rare endangered species.

The Safari Park was built in 1970 and currently occupies an area of 49 hectares. It consists of 3 animal reserves and 2 children’s recreation areas with various attractions. In addition to wild animals, you can also see farm animals such as goats, sheep, llamas, Vietnamese pigs and miniature wallabies in the park.

Best Zoos in the UK – FAQs

The UK’s largest zoo, Whipsnade, is located on 243 hectares of beautiful parkland in the Chiltern Hills, north of London. More than 2,500 animals live here, many of which are endangered in the wild.

Chester Zoo, the best zoo in the UK, is located on Moston Rd, Upton, in Chester. There are unique botanical gardens with 500 species and more than 15,000 individuals of the most exotic and endangered animals.

London Zoo is considered one of the oldest and most visited in the world. The area of the zoo is more than 146,000 square meters. It has over 16,800 animals of 755 different species. It is also the first zoo in the world that is engaged in scientific activities.

Whipsnade Zoo, the biggest zoo in England, is located in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. It covers an area of 600 acres and is home to more than 3,500 animals. The zoo is divided into several geographical zones, each containing different wildlife. It also has several interactive attractions for visitors.

There are 8 great safari parks in the UK. The first safari park appeared in Wiltshire after World War II. So, it is not necessary to travel to Africa to see wild exotic animals. You can have this experience in the UK. 

Longleat Safari Park is one of the most famous safari parks in Britain. It is the first safari park outside of Africa, which offered the opportunity to go on a car safari; opened in 1966 in Wiltshire. 

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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.

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Ready For A Wild Day Out? 6 Of The Best Safari Parks In The UK

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Looking for something a little different to do this weekend or in the upcoming school holidays ?

Once in a while, you may be craving an escape from the capital.

Whether that’s a fun day out or a staycation, there are some fantastic safari parks in the UK, many of them near London , accessible by train, coach and car.

What are Safari Parks?

Safari parks are drive-through attractions rather than traditional zoo experiences. They mimic that of a wild safari in exotic destinations like Africa.

At some parks, you drive your car around the safari; some have trucks provided for you, and others have larger vehicles with a driver where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the safari.

Often, it’s best to bring your car because many UK safari parks are drive-around only. Many UK safari parks also have on-site accommodation if you’re travelling further afield.

We’ve taken the kids to a few over the years and we find a day trip to a safari park a great way to blend education and entertainment.

Best Safari Parks: UK

Safari parks in the UK are some of the best available in Europe . You can be near to animals you wouldn’t usually see in the UK.

The animals may get up close to your car window rather than you viewing them from a viewing area.

Here’s the roundup of the best safari parks in the UK:

1. Woburn Safari Park

Location: Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford MK43 0TU

Distance from Central London: 48.7 miles

Woburn Safari Park is an excellent option for a day trip from London.

Enjoy being together as a family as you enjoy repeat circuits of the Woburn safari drive.

The driving section is ONLY accessible in your vehicle, and you won’t be allowed to enter on foot.

See animals like the Przewalski’s horse, North American bison, and Bactrian camel. Continue to the Savannah Grasslands to see the Southern white rhinos and Ankole cattle.

There is also a foot safari area. There are walk-through enclosures and close encounters with meerkats, elephants, and more, as well as daily keeper talks.

For children of 10 and up (and a minimum of 1.4m tall), try the Go Ape high ropes challenge. Let loose in the treetops and see animals roaming below.

Look out for special school holiday events – Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee and Bluey often visit the safari park.

How to Get There:

• Driving: 1 hour, 25 minutes from central London.
• Nearest Train Station: Flitwick

2. Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Location: Surrey, KT9 2NE

Distance from Central London: 17.3 miles

Chessington Safari Resort is part of the larger Chessington World of Adventures theme park, zoo, aquarium and safari park all rolled into one. There are over 1,000 animals to spot and over 40 rides.

The safari attraction is the ZUFARI ride into Africa. You can have a giraffe feeding experience from a safari truck.

This experience is for kids aged 5+ and can be booked for groups of two to eight (and shared with other guests). You will also need to purchase an entry ticket on top of this experience.

Chessington World of Adventures also has the on-site Azteca and Safari Hotel and the explorer glamping experience. Staying overnight will give you 20% off VIP animal experiences like the Giraffe Safari.

Driving: 1 hour, 6 minutes from central London

Nearest Train Station: Chessington South

3. Port Lympne Safari Park

Location: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR

Distance from Central London: 65.8 miles

Port Lympne Safari Park is huge. You’ll have the chance to spot over 650 animals across 600 acres and learn about conservation efforts like the breeding programmes.

Safaris are included in your entry ticket. You can go on a truck safari or book a ranger-led encounter.

If you upgrade to the ranger encounter, you will go offroad and have the opportunity to hand-feed some animals, like rhinos and giraffes.

Every visit supports The Aspinall Foundation’s global conservation efforts.

If you need a weekend away, the stay options include the lavish Lion Lodge and the Pinewood Pods.

• Driving Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
• Nearest Train Station: Ashford International

The Best Safari Parks in the UK: Further Afield

Whether you’re after thrills, education, or a bit of both, the UK’s safari parks offer it all.

All that’s left is to pack a picnic, hit the road, and embark on your wild English adventure!

4. Longleat Safari Park

Location: Longleat, Warminster BA12 7NW

Distance from Central London: 125 miles

From the roars of lions to the calls of tropical birds, Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire is an extraordinary experience beyond the typical day out.

The first drive-through safari in the UK introduces you to various animals, including monkeys and cheetahs.

Main attractions include the deer park, the woolf wood, the African village and the big game park. Other attractions on site include a giant hedge maze and jungle boat rides.

You can upgrade your visit with a VIP tour, such as the tiger feeding experience or the immersive private safari.

Combine this with a visit to the on-site Longleat House, and you have a day full of wonders.

• Driving Time: 2 hours, 47 minutes
• Nearest Train Station: Frome

5. West Midlands Safari Park

Location: Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF

Distance from Central London: 130 miles

West Midlands Safari Park has a fantastic 4-mile drive-through experience, which will introduce the kids to magnificent creatures.

There are also walk-through areas like the reptile house, penguin cove, and twilight cove. You can self-drive around the safari or book a guided minibus tour.

Walk-through sections are also at the park. Enjoy the giraffe viewpoint on the African walking trail.

Younger kids will love Giggly Park, an exciting children’s play zone. Your admission also grants you a feast of daily shows, from Sea Lion spectacles to lemur talks.

Book a stay at award-winning Safari Lodges for a fantastic UK staycation, which combines luxury with unmatched animal views.

Your escape to the wild awaits!

• Driving Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes
• Nearest Train Station: Kidderminster

6. Knowsley Safari Experience

Location: Prescot L34 4AN

Distance from Central London: 208 Miles

Spanning 550 acres and home to 700 animals, Knowsley is a safari of wonders. The park offers the UK’s longest safari drive at 5 miles long.

Whether you self-drive or hop on the park’s Baboon Bus, you’re in for a treat.

Don’t miss the thee monkey jungle, with its cheeky baboons, which promises laughs and delightful interactions.

But the experience continues after the drive. The Foot Safari beckons next.

Walk through woodlands and encounter mischievous meerkats, tall giraffes, and cheeky Sea Lions.

Challenge yourself with the ‘Dinner Dash’ sprint game and see if you can outrun an Amur Tiger!

• Driving Time: 4 hours
• Nearest Train Station: Prescot

Map of the Best UK Safari Parks

Final Words

Whether you’re looking for the perfect day trip from London or a short break away from the city, these are some of the best safari parks in the UK to visit.

Kids will have an unforgettable experience observing lions, watching the mischievous antics of baboons and having a closeup experience that’s different to what you might find at a zoo.

Now, all that is left is to plan your trip.

If you’re looking for more animal experiences in and around London, read our guide to the best farms and zoos in London or discover more of the best day trips from London or kids’ days out in London .

Have you visited any of these UK safari parks recently?

Let us know your experiences in the comments below!

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The Best Safari Parks in the UK

If you are at a loose end and looking for ideas of things to do with the kids in the UK you really are spoilt for choice. Days out with the kids can be as simple as a trip to the park, a stroll through the Gruffalo woods or a full on day of planned fun day in London . If you find yourself with some time off as a family, then why not visit one of the best Safari Parks in the UK or a zoo will always be an all-round pleaser for all ages.

Table of Contents

Are there Safari Parks in the UK?

In a word, yes. OK, so it’s not the African plains but the UK has a lot of safari parks to visit including some drive-through safaris. Visitors to the safari parks in the UK can drive through the animal exhibits, which contain species such as rhino, elephants, tigers, lions and wolves. Beware of the cheeky monkeys who will often jump onto your car bonnet and play with the windscreen wipers!

READ: If you want to go on a real safari, read our ‘ Ultimate Guide to Kenya with Kids ‘

How Many Safari Parks are there in the UK?

In total there are six main safari parks in the UK plus 48 zoos and a number of other wildlife centres. In our opinion this leaves you spoilt for choice with so many zoos in the UK when looking for a place to see wildlife and exotic animals in the UK.

What is the Most Beautiful Safari Park in Britain?

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire is one of the premier safari parks in the UK and one of the oldest. It is also famous for its stunning Elizabethan house and grounds – with the biggest maze in the country alongside a drive-through safari park.

MORE READING: Check out this African Safari in Kenya

What is the Biggest Safari Park in the UK?

Knowsley Safari has a 5-mile safari drive which is the longest in the UK. Broken up into 11 different zones, this 550-acre drive-through safari is home to many animals from around the world in as close to natural conditions as possible.

What is a Drive through Safari?

Some safari parks in the UK have a drive through. A drive through-safari means that you can drive your own family car through the animal exhibits. You will have a route, rules and a speed limit to follow but it means that you can get up close to some of nature’s finest beasts. Some zoos also offer a safari style experience where you can be driven through in a special safari bus or vehicle.

Best Safari Parks in the UK

Safari parks in wiltshire, longleat safari park.

Longleat, Wiltshire

Longleat Safari Park s in the UK is bursting with adventure where tigers roam, sea lions splash and koalas hang out. There is so much to do at Longleat including a beach, Jungle Cruise, Longleat railway and a drive through safari. There are also VIP experiences where you can feed tigers! Nestled within the Wiltshire countryside you will see lions, tigers, wolves, koalas and porcupines. There is a farmyard, maze, Adventure Castle, Rockin’ Rhino and vast grounds and gardens.

Prices: Adult (16 +) £36.95; Child (3-15) £27.70; under 2s free.

Open daily from 10.00am closing times vary throughout the year. Pre-booking tickets online in advance is essential.

Drive through safari: Yes

Safari Parks in Bedford

Woburn safari park.

Ridgmont, Bedford

Woburn Safari Park s in the UK is a UK drive-through safari park nestled in over 300 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire parkland. Throughout the holidays they often have themed events for children that include Peppa Peg and Hey Duggee. The Road Safari drive takes approximately 60-90 minutes and there is a Foot Safari and Leisure Area, where you’ll find animal enclosures with exotic and aquatic species and plenty of fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Woburn Safari Park is home to more than 80 species of exotic and endangered animals including elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and many more.

Online prices: Adult £28.99; Child (3-15) £20.99; under 3s free.

Open daily until 13th November 2022 from 9.30am last entry 4.45pm

Safari Parks in Worcestershire

West midlands safari park.

Bewdley, Worcestershire

West Midland Safari Park s in the UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered animal species. It includes a safari drive-through, theme park and also luxury lodges. You will see southern white rhino and elegant giraffes. Wonder at zebras, Ankole cattle, ellipsen waterbuck, Congo buffalo, red lechwe and the eland, largest of all antelope species.

The park is also home to many majestic big cats as well as African elephants. The Adventure Theme Park is open daily from 19th February 2022 – 30th October 2022. Your little ones will love Boj’s Giggly Park, the multi-sensory play area where kids can explore and play in the five interactive zones, designed specifically for younger visitors.

Prices: Adult  £25.00; Child (3-15) £20.00;  Student £22.00; under 3s free,

Open daily from 9.30am – last entry 5.00pm; rides open at 11.00am and close at 6.00pm.

Safari Parks in Merseyside

Knowsley safari.

Prescot, Merseyside

Knowsley Safari has an impressive 5-mile wild animal safari drive, which is the longest in the UK, and is currently home to over 750 animals. The drive is broken up into different zones where you will drive through and see animals in as close to natural conditions as we can achieve. You’ll see lions, rhino with wildebeest and forest buffalo, not to mention camels, nilgai and kiang and bison.  There are things to explore and wild rides.

To enjoy the rides you can either buy a wristband at the information centre that will give you unlimited access all day or buy tokens for just one or two of your favourites.

Online Prices: Adults, £18.50; Children (3-15 years) £15.00; under 3s free; Concessions (60+) £15.00

Open daily from 10.00am – 6.30pm

Safari Parks in Kent

Port lympne safari park.

Hythe, Kent

Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of the Kent countryside. With an Indian rhino to meet and family-favourite kids’ characters the kids will be thoroughly entertained. The 600 acre reserve has endangered animals, walks with stunning views and historic landscaped gardens.

There is also a Dinosaur Forest, you’ll also find some of the fiercest creatures that ever roamed the earth lurking amongst the undergrowth. Expert rangers can guide you as part of a small group on a unique safari to meet one of Africa’s Big Five, the black rhino and the critically endangered Rothschild giraffes.

Online prices: Adult £27.00 – £29 ; Child £24.00 – £26 ; Adult Concession, £24.55.

Open 9.30am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Drive through safari: Yes, but it is guided and in one of their vehicles.

Safari Parks in Scotland

Blair drummond safari park.

Stirling, Scotland

Located on a flat 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is Central Scotland’s most exciting animal park. There are over 300 animals and you can visit them all on foot. Raised viewing platforms mean exciting views of the giraffes, lions and tigers and there is also a pets corner.

On the safari drive-through you will see rhinos, antelope, camels and the pride of lions. Behind huge Jurassic Park-style gates lies a prehistoric forest for you to explore. It’s home to over twenty moving, stomping, screeching, life-size dinosaurs.

Prices: Adults £18.50; Child (3-15) £14.00; Senior (60 +) £14.00; under 3s free.

Open 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 7pm on selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.

Safari Parks in Cumbria

South lakes safari zoo.

Ulverston, Cumbria

South Lakes Safari Zoo is home to over 1,000 of the rarest and most endangered animals in unique natural environments which enable you to get as close as physically possible. Wander amongst kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Be amazed by free-flying macaws and participate in animal feeding experiences or be a zookeeper for a day. You could join the Penguin Keepers to learn more about the resident Humboldt Penguins.

Prices: Adults £19.99; Child 15.99; under 3s free

Open daily from 10.00am

Safari Parks in Sussex

Knepp wildland safaris.

Horsham, Sussex

Encounter herds of wild ponies, cattle, deer and pigs as they roam 3,500 acres of Sussex. Knepp Wildland Safaris offer vehicle-based safaris or guided walking tours where you will see birds, mammals, butterflies, beetles, reptiles, plants and fungi in a setting that feels as wild and dynamic as the African bush.You could stay in a treehouse, shepherd’s hut, tents or yurts, or simply pitch your own in our exclusive Wildland campsite.

Visit the website for prices and details of wild tours

Safari Parks and Zoos in Scotland

Edinburgh zoo.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo , formerly the Scottish National Zoological Park, is an 82-acre non-profit zoological park inEdinburgh. Set in over 82 acres of wooded hillside, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 2,500 amazing and endangered animals. Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and to breed penguins. It is also the only zoo in Britain to house Queensland koalas and giant pandas.

Prices: Adults £21.95; Child (3-15) £13.95; under 3s free

Open daily from 10.00am closed Christmas and Boxing Day

Located on a flat 160-acre estate just outside Stirling, Blair Drummond is Central Scotland’s most exciting animal park. There are over 300 animals and you can visit them all on foot. Raised viewing platforms mean exciting views of the giraffes, lions and tigers and there is also a pets corner. On the safari drive-through you will see rhinos, antelope, camels and the pride of lions.

Behind huge Jurassic Park-style gates lies a prehistoric forest for you to explore. It’s home to over twenty moving, stomping, screeching, life-size dinosaurs.

Highland Wildlife Park

Kingussie, Scotland

The Highland Wildlife Park is a 105-hectare safari park and zoo near Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands. The park is located within the Cairngorms National Park. Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world’s mountains and tundra in this spectacular setting. Explore the drive through reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area on foot.

The park has a wide and diverse range of animals, from native species such as the Scottish wildcat to those from further afield such as the amur tiger and polar bear.

Prices: Adult £18.50; Child (3-15) £13.95; under 3s free

Open daily from 10.00am except for Christmas Day

Safari Parks and Zoos in Wales

Welsh mountain zoo.

Colwyn Bay, Wales

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden located near the town of Colwyn Bay in Wales. The zoo covers an area of 37 acres. Set on one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes for any UK Zoo, the site overlooks the Colwyn Bay coastline and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales. With around 100 species housed in this wonderful collection, you could become a Zoo keeper for the day!

Prices: Adults from £16.70; Child (3-15) from £12.55; Seniors (60+) from £14.75

READ: Looking for somewhere to stay near Welsh Mountain Zoo, take a look at Away Resorts Golden Sands in Rhyl 

Manor Wildlife Park

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Manor House Wildlife Park is a 52-acre zoo located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was bought in 2008 by television presenter Anna Ryder Richardson and Colin MacDougall. There is an undercover play area. You can see the red panda sisters and enjoy the most lovely wallaby walkthrough in the UK! See the young Joeys and watch them hop in and out of their mothers’ pouches. Come and meet a friendly group of lemurs in their Madagascan home nestled in the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Prices: Adult  £17.95; Child (2-16) £15.95; Senior (over 65)  £15.95; infants free.Open daily from 10.00am – 6.00pm

Drive-Through Safaris in the UK

West midland safari park, worcestershire.

Take a drive through the West Midland Safari Park and you’ll soon feel like you’ve been transported to the Savannah. There are rhinos and giraffes, buffalo, blackbuck, and deer all grazing together. From the safety of your car you will see lions and tigers and don’t forget to pay a visit to Elephant Valley. There’s a dinosaur park and ice age experience that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Woburn Safari Park, Buckinghamshire

Start by meeting the meerkats in Desert Springs before heading onto Penguin World and Sea Lion Cove.On the safari drive through you will see a herd of buffalo on the Northern Plains and a pride of lions in the Kingdom of the Carnivores. Drive through Giraffe Junction and spot monkeys in the African Forest.

Knowsley Safari, Merseyside

Visitors can travel Knowsley’s 5-mile route as many times as they like in a day and it takes about an hour to complete one drive-through. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals including lions and baboons. Once you have completed the safari the whole family can enjoy some rides and attractions.

Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

At Longleat Safari Park you will pass through Wolf Wood, Tiger Territory, Cheetah Kingdom and Lion Country. You will also see the white rhinos in Big Game Park, an Elephant and the giraffes and zebras in the African Village. There is also a  double-decker Safari Bus if you don’t have your own vehicle.

READ: Why not stay at the Woolley Grange Hotel when visiting Longleat!

Safari Park Hotels

West midland safari park.

Drive 6.5km through West Midland Safari Park near Birmingham, which is home to zebras, Congo buffalo, Indian rhino and Bactrian camels.You can stay over in one of the park’s eight safari lodges. Six of the lodges have large windows and an outdoor deck overlooking the pool.  The two-storey lodges feature thatched roofs, wooden floors, woven rugs and straw lampshades. The two other lodges overlook the cheetahs’ lair, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms providing a perfect view of cheetahs.

Sandwiched between Bath and Salisbury, the reserve is huge. Visitors can drive in their own vehicle or hop on a safari bus to see tigers, white rhinos and lions. Alternatively, you can join a walking safari to see lemurs. For a close up of the zebras and giraffes, however, book a night in a cottage. There are three to choose from: East Lodge, which includes a guided tour of the grounds, and Keeper’s House and Keeper’s Cottage, both of which include a guided safari tour in a 4×4.

Swap Kenya for Kent on a safari at Port Lympne Safari Park. For an intimate experience, stay overnight and see the animals. The estate is home to wigwams, shepherds’ huts, a treehouse hotel and an igloo-style bubble. Depending on the accommodation you choose, you might be able to observe Amur leopards from Leopard Creek or watch TV side by side with lions from an enormous window in Lion Lodge.

ZSL London Zoo

The Land of the Lions enclosure is modelled after the Gir national park, complete with railway tracks and a crumbling temple. Visitors stroll on raised boardwalks over the lions to a viewing area. You can also spend the night in one of nine cabins in Gir Lion Lodge. A stay includes three tours that take place once the zoo is closed to the public.

READ: Things to do in London with a Toddler  or why not stay in one of London’s family friendly hotels

Chessington Safari Resort Hotel

https://www.chessingtonholidays.co.uk/hotels/safari-resort-hotel.html

Situated next to the Theme Park, the Chessington Safari Hotel is in the ideal location for an African adventure. There are animal themed rooms such as the Tiger room which sleeps up to four people with a separate children’s sleeping area and a Wanyama View – views across Wanyama Reserve differ in every room depending on which themed room you have chosen.

Best Zoo’s in the UK

Zoos in bedfordshire, zsl whipsnade zoo.

Dunstable, Bedfordshire

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s biggest zoo which has helped to establish the world’s zoo populations of Southern white rhinos. It is home to more than 2,500 animals from over 200 different species. They have the only sloth bear in the UK, Colombo plus there is a new outdoor play adventure with over 7,800 square metres of themed play including bridges, swings, climbing frames, sit-on crocodiles, tunnels, boats, mini safari jeeps and so much more.

Prices: Adults: £24,00; Child (3-15) £16.00; Seniors (60+) £22.00; under 3s free.

READ: Glamping in Bedfordshire

 Zoos in Bristol

Bristol zoo gardens.

Clifton, Bristol

Bristol Zoo’s stated mission is to “maintain and defend biodiversity through breeding endangered species, conserving threatened species and habitats and promoting a wider understanding of the natural world.” rity, which runs and operates Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Wild Place Project. Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world and first opened its doors to the public on Monday 11 July 1836. Animals include lions, gorillas and red pandas. There is an adventure playground and Zooropia, an adventure ropes course that gives you a unique opportunity to swing alongside some of our most popular animals at the Zoo – our gorillas, gibbons and lemurs.

Prices: Adult £21.95; Child (2 – 14) £15.95; under 2s free.

Open daily 10.00am – 5.30pm (except Christmas Day).

Zoos in Wales

Folly farm adventure park and zoo.

Kilgetty, Wales

You can visit over 750 animals at Folly Farm Zoo , and get up close to furry and feathery farmyard friends in the barn. Choose from 17 different rides in the vintage fairground, or enjoy eight adventure play areas. Animals include lions, rhinos, giraffes and penguins. At Folly Farm zoo, you’ll see the only giraffes in Wales, and can look them straight in the eye from the Giraffe Heights walkway. You can also see Bactrian camels, bongos, lemurs, meerkats, tapirs, Barbary macaques, squirrel monkeys…the list goes on.

Prices: Adult £21.95; Child (3-15) £19.95; Toddler £13.95; under 2s free.

Usually open from 10.00am. Please check online first

Zoos in London

Regents Park, London

London Zoo aka ZSL London Zoo or London Zoological Gardens is the world’s oldest scientific zoo which is packed full of wild adventures. Kids will love discovering the thousands of animals at the Zoo and the whole family can get up close to our animals in amazing walk-through exhibits and underwater penguin viewing!

Don’t miss talks throughout the day from ZSL experts to learn more about our amazing animals and enjoy lunch in one of the cafes and have fun in one of the adventure play areas.

Prices: Adults £32.00; Child (3-15) £21.00; Senior (65+) £29.00; under 3s free.

ZSL London Zoo is normally open every day except Christmas Day, and closing times vary throughout the year.

Zoos in Essex

Colchester zoo.

Colchester, Essex

Colchester Zoo is a zoological garden in Essex. The zoo opened in 1963 and is home to many rare and endangered species, including big cats, primates and birds as well as many invertebrates and fish species. The kids can enjoy the Jungle Tumble and you can see many different habitats and see animals from around the world, from the humid habitat of our Komodo dragons to the African plain, home to White rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu.

Online prices: Adults  £21.99; Child (3-15yrs) £17.99; Senior (60+), £20.99;under 3s free.

Open daily from 9.30am except Christmas day.

MORE READING: Days out in Essex

Zoos in Suffolk

Africa alive.

Lowestoft, Suffolk

Set in 100 acres of Suffolk countryside, Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia is a national conservation hub committed to preserving wild futures. Visit the lions from the Lookout Lodge or up close from their den area. Walk through the ring-tailed lemur’s enclosure. Get hands on with reptiles, invertebrates and smaller mammals.

Prices: Adults £23.00; Child (3-15) £17.00; under 2s £2.00.

Open daily from 9.30am

MORE READING: Stay at The Ickworth when visiting Africa Alive

Zoos in Hampshire

Marwell zoo.

Winchester, Hampshire

Marwell Zoo is a 140-acre zoo situated near Winchester, in the English county of Hampshire. The zoo is home to 1,208 animals of 149 species. With plenty of outdoor space, and a whole host of animals and activities, Marwell Zoo is a great family day out in Hampshire. All guests must pre book tickets online for the correct day before arrival. You will see giraffes, tigers, leopards, meerkats, penguins and more plus there are five adventure playgrounds and cafes and a gift shop.

Prices: Adult £22.48; Child (3-16) £18.88; Seniors (over 60) £20.23.

Zoos in Surrey

Chessington world of adventures.

Chessington, Surrey (Greater London)

Chessington World of Adventures Resort is a theme park, zoo and hotel complex in Chessington, Greater London. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable animal experience and get up close to some of the most impressive animals at the Resort, from Southern White rhinos to Rothschild’s giraffes. There are over 1,000 incredible animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys, penguins and underwater creatures in the Sea Life centre. Tickets include entry to Theme Park, Zoo & SEA LIFE Centre

See online for current deals and prices

Zoos in Chester

Chester zoo.

Upton, Chester

Chester Zoo is a zoo at Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire. It is one of the UK’s largest zoos at 51 hectares. There are over 20,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore. There are plenty of games and activities for you to take part in. The number of animals at the zoo is the highest recorded since the zoo opened in 1931 and is broken down to 1,268 mammals, 1,880 birds, 349 reptiles, 728 amphibians, 7,616 fish and 9,473 insects.

Prices: Adults £29.08; Child £22.72; under 2s free

Best Wildlife Parks in the UK

Wildlife parks in wales, wildlife parks in hertfordshire.

Paradise Wildlife Park

Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

Paradise Wildlife Park is set in the beautiful surroundings of Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire Countryside. They offer 30 different pre-booked exotic animal experiences from Feeding the Big Cats, Shadowing a Keeper, Meeting the Meerkats, Tickling a Tapir to name a few. Attractions include the World of Dinosaurs,

Tumble Jungle, Paradise Lagoon Splash Pool, National Speedway Museum, Safari Adventure Golf, Play Areas and Feeds, talks and shows.

Prices: Adults £24.00; Child £22.00; Seniors (60 +) £20.00; under 2s free.

Open daily from 9.30am – closes at 5:30pm (April to September) and 4:30pm (October to March)

Shepreth Wildlife Park

Royston, Hertfordshire

Shepreth is a zoo and wildlife conservation charity with creatures from hedgehogs to owls, meerkats and a lynx. Their key interest lies in conservation, both native and global and they have funded a charity and the SWCC Hedgehog Hospital programme. There is lots going on including a tropical house, discovery centre, an outside play area, tortoise house, Ringo’s cafe and Play Barn and a safari train.

Prices: Adult £13.50; Child £11.50 on arrival there is no need to pre-book

Open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm

Wildlife Parks in Oxfordshire

Cotswold wildlife park.

Burford, Oxfordshire

The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens exhibits over 260 different species of animals. The park is set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens. As well as plenty of seasonal events, Cotswold Wildlife Park also has a range of activities that run daily throughout the year. Penguin feeding takes place every day at 11.00am and 3.00pm in the Walled Garden. There is a “Madagascar” walk-through with lemurs. Beautiful big cats and a children’s farmyard.  The narrow-gauge railway runs from April to October. There is also a ‘Skymaze’ that has interconnecting treehouses with jungle bridges and slides, climbing to a bird’s eye view of the Park over 20 feet high!

Prices; Adult £17.50; Child (3-16) £12.00; Senior (over 65) £12.00; under 2s free.

Open: Summer 10.00am – 6.00pm; Winter 10.00am – 4.00pm

Wildlife Parks in Kent

Wingham wildlife park.

Canterbury, Kent

Wingham Wildlife Park is a medium-sized wildlife park situated near Wingham in Kent. There are over 200 species covering fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds. Indoor animal houses include the tropical house, chimp house, bug house and the giraffe and orangutan building. The dinosaurs have returned, from the fearsome T-Rex to the Diplodocus, visitors to the park will get the chance to see over 20 different dinosaurs in the dinosaur area.

Prices: Adults £20.00; Child (2-15) £17.00; Seniors £17.00; under 2s free.

Open daily apart from Chrostmas Day. Winter (October – March) 9:00 am – 4:00 pm;

Summer (April – September) 09:00 am – 6:00 pm

Wildlife Parks in Hampshire

New forest wildlife park.

Southampton, Hampshire

The New Forest Wildlife Park is located on the edge of The New Forest in Hampshire. The park specialises in native and past-native wildlife of Britain and otters and owls from around the globe. Many of their animals, such as the giant otter, are on the IUCN endangered species Red List and you can also see wolves and a lynx whilst you are there.

Prices: Adults £13.50; Child £10.25; family £40.50

Tickets can only be purchased at the gate on the day of visit. Pre-booking is not required.

Open daily from 10.00am – 5.30pm

Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Wildlife Parks in Cumbria

Lakeland wildlife oasis.

Milnthorpe, Cumbria

With over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is a unique and exciting blend of wildlife and interactive hands-on displays. The zoo is home to lush indoor tropical halls, walkthrough enclosures and picturesque outdoor spaces – making the zoo great fun no matter the weather.

Prices: Adult £10.95; Child (3-15) £8.25; family from £32.45

Open daily from 10.00am – 5.00pm except Christmas and Boxing Day

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury in Kent, was established as a private zoo in 1957 by John Aspinall. As a dedicated animal conservation charity, your visit directly helps us to protect wildlife. You can meet your favourite animals up close such as the African elephants and Western lowland gorillas, Northern Chinese leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, giant anteaters, Sumatran tigers and Kent’s only Gelada baboons. There are play areas and cafes onsite too.

Prices: Adult, £22.27 –  £24.50; Child (3-15 yrs) £18.18 – £20.00; Infant (0- 3) free

Open from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Last admission 3.30pm.

Wildlife Parks in Yorkshire

Flamingo land.

Malton, Yorkshire

Flamingo Land Resort in Yorkshire boasts more than 50 rides and attractions for adults and children of all ages. It’s one of the UK’s most visited zoos, with four shows and over 140 species and more than 1000 animals. Youngsters will love Children’s Planet, an interactive play area where they can climb, jump and tunnel amongst some of the furry friends. Take a trip on the Lost River Ride which takes you on a tour of African plains where the lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and zebras live side by side.

Prices: Standard admission £49.00; Senior £35.00; under 3s free. Check online for savings.

Open daily from 10.00am – 6.00pm

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Hi, I’m Anna, a travel loving wife to Tristan and Mother to 6 year old twins Poppy and Tabitha, their 3 year old sister Matilda, and together we are Twins and Travels.

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Adult & Pre-Schooler

Take advantage of our new Adult & Pre-Schooler offer, where you and your little one (0-4yrs) can come and have a fantastic midweek day out for  just £20!

<p class="text-center">Take advantage of our new Adult &amp; Pre-Schooler offer, where you and your little one (0-4yrs)&nbsp;can come and have a fantastic midweek day out for&nbsp;<strong>just £20!</strong></p>

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Visit both West Midlands Safari Park AND Drayton Manor Resort with our Combi Ticket and get two family days out for just £45 – that’s our biggest ever saving of over 45% .

<p class="text-center">Visit both West Midlands Safari Park AND Drayton Manor Resort with our Combi Ticket and get two family days out for just £45 – that’s our biggest ever saving of <strong>over 45%</strong>.</p>

Book your tickets in advance and you can save up to 30% compared to on-the-gate prices! 

The earlier you book, the more you can save!

<p class="text-center">Book your tickets in advance and you can save up to 30% compared to on-the-gate prices!&nbsp;</p> <p class="text-center">The earlier you book, the more you can save!</p>

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What Our Visitors Think

Little piece of heaven in the west midlands.

Loved our visit. Happy animals, very polite and helpful staff, venue was very clean and well maintained, food was tasty and all reasonably priced.

TripAdvisor

Great day out

This was a real interactive and memorable day. The whole experience created laughs and memories which will last a long time. Such value for money! Would definitely recommend.

Great experience

Lovely Safari Park, I think is the best one so far. I will definitely go again and recommend to friends. 

Simply the best value for money day out!

This has to be one of the best attractions for a perfect day that is packed with so many things to do and enjoy... and, at such a great price, coupled with a free return visit. Awesome!

Best family day out

Love it!! Plenty to do and see for all ages, clean and tidy. All staff pleasent and friendly, been going at least once a year for over 30 years and still love going.

Fabulous place Great staff. Spotlessly clean

I have an annual pass so use WMSP a lot. It never fails to impress. Today we did the minibus safari tour with Clive, our tour guide and driver. He was so knowledgeable and helpful. It was a lovely experience.

Great day had by all

Lots of close ups with the animals. There was plenty to do and see. Lots of information available regarding the animals.

15 Best Zoos In England (Most Popular Wildlife Attractions)

England offers a lot of attractions to tourists, more than a view of Buckingham Palace.

There are museums, castles, the Tower of London, Stonehenge…and a lot of well-managed zoos.

For the animal lover in need of good places to view a variety of wildlife, zoos are just as important as castles, arguably more so.

Some of the best zoos in England are the London Zoo, Cheshire Zoo, Bristol Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, and Marwell Zoo, among others. 

Here’s a round-up of the most visited and loved zoo attractions in England, where you can experience amazing wildlife.

The Best Zoos in England to Experience Amazing Wildlife

1. london zoo.

The London zoo is one of the oldest zoos in England, as well as the oldest scientific zoo in the world. 1

It is only normal that we kick off with it. It is also known as the ZSL London Zoo, the London Zoological Garden, or the Regent’s Park Zoo.

As all the names show, it is located in Regent’s Park, London . It is managed by the Zoological Society of London.

The London Zoo was established on 27 April 1828. The main aim of starting this zoo was to use it for scientific studies.

The names behind the foundation of this zoo are Sir Stamford Raffles and Sir Humphry Davy, who founded the Zoological Society in 1826.

The London Zoo has had a long history, including going through tough times during the second world war and being a haven for injured soldiers.

The modern-day London Zoo houses over 19,000 animals categorized under 673 species. This is quite large, one of the largest in the country.

This place offers many attractions to visitors, like an insect house, a children’s zoo, the Monkey Valley, and the Land of the Lions. 

Visit the London Zoo website here . 

2. Chester Zoo, Cheshire

The Chester Zoo is located in Cheshire , and it comes with a lot of titles. It is considered one of the largest zoos in the United Kingdom, measuring around 130 acres.

It is also termed the best zoo in this region, though, of course, that may not be everyone’s experience. In any case, the Chester Zoo is a place you’d love to visit. 2

It was founded in 1931 by a man named George Mottershead, together with his family. Mottershead’s main aim was to have a zoo in which the animals weren’t behind cages.

Years later and his dream has lived on, drawing as many as 2 million visitors.

The zoo houses over 35,000 individual animals classed into 500 species. A lot of these species are threatened and are being conserved in the zoo, so you will find a lot of rarities.

Chester doesn’t stop at animals. It also houses plant species, getting up to 265. There are a lot of exhibits than we can mention, but we’ll cite a few, like the Islands at Chester Zoo, the Spirit of Jaguar, the Elephants of the Asian Forest, and Realm of the Red Ape.

Visit the Chester Zoo website here . 

3. Marwell Zoo, Hampshire

The Marwell Zoo is located in the English County of Hampshire, specifically in the Colden Common parish near Winchester. It is owned by the Marwell wildlife charity that currently runs the place.

The Marwell Zoo is considered the biggest zoo in Hampshire, as it measures around 140 acres. 

The Marwell Zoo was established in 1972 by Dr. John Knowles. Something reputable about this zoo is its early emphasis on the conservation of animals.

It is one of the first zoos to have done so in Europe , and it was the home for now-extinct species like the Mongolian wild horse. It also houses endangered animals like the snow leopard and the Siberian tiger. 

Overall, the Marwell Zoo is home to over 1200 animals, all classed under 149 species. Exhibits include the Lemur Loop, the Roof of the World, the Penguin Coves, and the Arid lands. 

Visit the Marwell Zoo website here . 

4. Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire

The Whipsnade Zoo is the second zoo owned by the Zoological Society of London, located in a small village also called Whipsnade, which is in the county of Bedfordshire.

It was once called the Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, but the name changed after some time. It covers 600 acres, making it a very large place. You’d need a bus or train to move around, or you could use your ride.

The Whipsnade Park Zoo was established on 23 May 1931, years after the founding of the Zoological Society.

Something unique about the Whipsnade Park Zoo at its onset is that it was the first open zoo the public could access. It was immediately successful and has since grown after then.

The exhibits in Whipsnade are numerous and quite attractive. There is the Butterfly House, where you’d find different beautiful butterfly species and dwarf crocodiles.

Then there’s the Passage of Asia, Lions of the Serengeti, and an Elephant Herd. 

Visit the Whipsnade Zoo website here . 

5. Bristol Zoo/Wild Place Project

The Bristol Zoo was located in South West England, but it has been permanently shut down this year.

The announcement was first made on the 27th of November 2020 after over 100 years. The animals were relocated to the Wild Place Project site.

The Bristol Zoo was opened in 1836 under the official name the Bristol Zoological Gardens.

It was known to be in full support of conservation, a good example being the breeding of lemurs. It also participated in education programs worldwide.

Wild Place Project is a brand new replacement, and it has more space to keep larger animals.

It has different areas like the Bear Wood, the Gelada Rocks, the Benoue National Park, and Discover Madagascar. Animals include pythons, lions, dwarf crocodiles, snakes, and squirrel monkeys.

Visit the Wild Place Project website here .

6. Colchester Zoo

The Colchester Zoo is located in Colchester city found, in Essex, the East of England. It is a small zoological garden measuring only 60 acres, but it has its value as it is a haven for many endangered animals. 

The Colchester Zoo was established in 1963 and has even celebrated 50 years of existence in 2013. Despite being small, it remains one of the best places to visit around Essex.

It houses around 5,000 individual animals and 270 species. There are different exhibits like the Australian Rainbows, the Butterfly Glade, and even two pools that stay within the Koi Niwa. 

Visit the Colchester Zoo website here .

7. Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, Wiltshire

The Longleat Safari and Adventure Park hold the record of being the first drive-thru safari park outside Africa, and it remains the number one today. It is located in Wiltshire , a county in South West England.

This safari came thanks to Jimmy Chipperfield. It was opened to the public in 1949. 

The Longleat Safari comes with some tour packages, but you can also explore following your plan if you so wish. There’s a house, garden, and railway.

Some attractive exhibits you’ll find on this safari are the Jungle Cruise, the East African Reserve, the Monkey Temple, and the Animal Adventure. 

Visit the Longleat Safari and Adventure Park website here .

Also See: 30 African Safari Animals You Need To See (With Pictures)

8. Port Lympne Reserve

The Port Lympne Reserve is considered more of a Safari than a zoo, and most of the animals housed within are endangered or rare. The reserve covers over 600 acres of land, which is quite wide. You can choose to explore on foot or use a vehicle. 

There are an estimated 900 animals in the reserve, all categorized into 75 species.

The reserve offers education on the animals, how they are conserved, and any other fruitful information you may need to know. 

Visit the Port Lympne Reserve website here . 

9. Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire

The Twycross Zoo is located in Leicestershire , near a village named Norton Juxta Twycross. This zoo is known for having a large collection of monkeys and apes, the largest in the western world.

This is most likely what inspired their fully rebranded name: Twycross Zoo—The World Primate Centre. The zoo gets a lot of visitors, going over 600,000. 

The Twycross Zoo was established in 1960 by two folks named Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans.

It took 3 more years to put things in place, and it was by 26 May 1963 that the zoo got officially opened to the public. The zoo has since gotten a reputation for breeding primates. 

The zoo counts up to 500 animals spread over 150 species. Many of the latter are endangered.

Being a good breeding ground for primates, Twycross has all four types of great apes: The gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee, and bonobo.

The zoo doesn’t exhibit only primates, though. It has other animals like snow leopards, meerkats, and flamingos.

Visit the Twycross Zoo website here . 

10. Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford

The Cotswold Wildlife Park is located south of Burford, England. It gets a decent number of visitors, around 350,000 in number as of the 2012 count.

It was officially established in 1970, but the foundations for it were being laid as far back as the 1800s. 

There are numerous attractions in this park, including a railway run and a garden filled with a lot of exotic animals.

You also get the chance to see some bats and giraffes. Overall, there are over 260 species in the place. 

Visit their website here . 

11. Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton

The Flamingo Land is located in Kirby Misperton village in North Yorkshire. It was once linked to another park named Pleasure Island Family Theme Park until 2010, when both became separate parks.

Flamingo Land was established in 1959 through the actions of the founder Edwin Pentland Hick. The first animal in the park was a colony of flamingos.

From there, it expanded to include attractions like amusement rides and bottlenosed dolphins.

The modern Flamingo Land still has a lot of attractions like the Sik and Hero coaster, the Pterodactyl swing, and the flip-flop ship suspended over artificial lakes. 

Visit the Flamingo Land website here .

12. Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent

The Howletts Wildlife Park is located in the parish of Bekesbourne and was once known as the Howletts Zoo. It was established in 1957 as a private zoo by John Aspinall.

It has ties with the Port Lympne Zoo, which was opened to the public and had more space than the Howletts Zoo.

One special attribute of the Howletts Wildlife Park is the close relationship between the staff and animals, which you may not expect in many zoos.

Both the Howletts Wildlife Park and the Port Lympne Zoo are owned by the John Aspinall Foundation.

This foundation runs a lot of conservation programs, and if you’re interested in knowing how endangered animals are being protected, this is a good spot. 

Visit the Howletts Wildlife Park website here . 

13. Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Devon

The Shaldon Wildlife Trust is quite small but popular in all regards. It is often called the “small zoo making a big difference.”

This Trust is unique in its collection of endangered animals, and you may not find those anywhere. It is set in a wildlife garden.

Here, you get to see creatures like the marmoset, lemurs, and tamarin. There’s also a space reserved for endangered frog species, which you most likely won’t find in other places.

Additional animals are squirrel monkeys and yellow-breasted capuchins. 

Visit the Shaldon Wildlife Trust website here . 

14. Peak Wildlife Trust, Central England

The Peak Wildlife Trust is located in Central England , very close to towns like Leek, Ashbourne, and Stoke-on-Trent.

It was first known as the Blackbrook zoological park but changed names in 2015 after it reopened following closure the year before.

This zoo was established in 1991 under the name Blackbrook zoological park by Diana Holloway and Mark Rubery.

From then till now, the zoo has always held a lot of animals. This stretches from birds to mammals.

Visit the Peak Wildlife Trust website here. 

15. Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot

The Knowsley Safari Park can be found close to Prescot and is quite known for its work in conserving animals.

It was established in 1971 by a group of people, including Edward Stanley, the 18th Earl of Derby.

Just as the name implies, the Knowsley Safari Park’s main attraction is the drive, where you get the chance to see more than 29 animal species. 

Other forms of attraction include railways, a baboon house, and an outdoor pool. Additionally, the animals you’ll find are Baboons, African Elephants, and Rhinoceros. 

Visit the Knowsley Safari Park website here . 

Conclusion 

There’s a lot to see in England, including zoos and parks of different sizes.

Ensure to add some of these best zoos in England to your list as you go visiting, and you can visit their websites on the links offered to get more information.

Do have a fun time! 

13 Most Dangerous Animals In The UK That Can Kill You

References & notes.

• Sheridan W. 2022. World’s oldest scientific zoo celebrates 194th anniversary . UPI.
• McLoughlin J. 2017. Chester Zoo named third best in WORLD by TripAdvisor users . Liverpool Echo

Related Posts:

• Top 70 Best Zoos In The World - Experience Wildlife In 2024
• 11 Best Zoos In Australia (Experience Australian Wildlife)
• 20 Best Zoos in California (Popular Wildlife Attractions)
• 20 Best Zoos In Texas (Popular Wildlife Attractions)
• 10 Best Zoos In Connecticut (Popular Wildlife Attractions)
• 8 Best Zoos In Massachusetts (Popular Wildlife Attractions)

About The Author

Jake Wilson

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Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Book Now Tickets + Safaris

Explore 600 acres of Kentish Savannah

A truly incredible safari experience.

Visit Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience set against hundreds of acres of stunning Kentish savannah. 

There's never been a better time to visit Port Lympne. Bring your family to meet our family!

Bank Holiday Roast

Enjoy a mouth-watering May bank holiday Roast at The Garden Room Restaurant. Our chefs have prepared a feast fit for a king, with succulent meats, crisp roast potatoes, and locally sourced vegetables.

Book Day Tickets

Book a visit to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and come face-to-face with hundreds of rare and endangered animals in the Kent countryside

Spring Safari Staycations

Join us on our stunning Kentish savannah this spring and enjoy a magical getaway with award-winning accommodation, exotic wildlife, good food and spectacular views, right on your doorstep!

Sunday Roast at The Garden Room

One of the finest English traditions, a leisurely Sunday roast can be enjoyed in the Garden Room.

Bear Lodge Restaurant

Informal family dining overlooking the spectacled bear habitat, with a spectacular view across the reserve and to the Kent coastline.

How Your Visit Helps

Dinosaur forest, eat and drink.

Don't forget to book your seats aboard a safari truck and see how many magnificent animals you can spot on your way!

We’re home to over 900 animals across 75 species, including Kent's only spectacled bears as well as giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys and more! Find out more about our incredible animals here .

Your ticket will help to fund not only the care of the animals here at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve but will also support our overseas projects. Thanks to the generosity of visitors like you, we - in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation (charity number 326567) - have released more than 75 gorillas back to the wild and our released gorillas have had over 35 wild births! In Indonesia, we have released 41 Javan gibbons, 14 Javan grizzled langurs and 125 Javan ebony langurs. The Indonesian primates have over 35 wild births. We have also transferred 8 black rhino from our Kent parks to Africa, who have produced 25 offspring between them. Find out more about our conservation work around the world.

Steel your nerves and discover the forest that time forgot as you explore the UK’s largest outdoor dinosaur exhibition, Dinosaur Forest , featuring all your favourite beasts.

We serve home cooked food made with fresh, locally sourced produce at our restaurants and cafes . You'll find family favourites at Basecamp Cafe, Italian inspired dishes at Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza or dine in style at The Garden Room Restaurant & Bar.

Relax, unwind, and recharge with an overnight stay in one of our unique accommodations .

The BIG day out

Annual pass.

Go wild and enjoy the best value days out to two of Kent's most popular animal parks with our new Annual Pass.  Visit Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve as many times as you like in a year! 

Your next adventure awaits

Enjoy unforgettable short breaks with friends, family and loved ones. Stay as long as you like and even pick a different accommodation for each night! Choose additional experiences or just soak up the peace and quiet, recharge and reconnect.

Stay in our multi award-winning accommodation

There are so many amazing ways to stay at Port Lympne. Our award winning short breaks range from glamping to a luxurious 4* hotel , or a unique Treehouse stay . Set in this unique coastal location, with amazing views, surrounded by wildlife, it’s a short break you’ll never forget.

What’s more, all profits from the parks and short breaks go back into the conservation work of our partner charity, The Aspinall Foundation. So you can enjoy your stay, knowing that you are directly helping our conservation work.

Luxury Stays

Immerse yourself in the lives of the lion pride at Lion Lodge and explore the rest of the Reserve on your private golf buggy.

Tiger Lodge

Wake up in a tiger’s world, then head out in your own personal golf buggy to meet the rest of the animals in the 600 acre reserve.

Be part of the pack and watch our wolves from your private viewing window. Then discover over 700 animals as you explore the reserve on your golf buggy.

Rhino Lodge

Make friends with your wild neighbours and explore the reserve in your own personal golf buggy.

Enjoy stunning views from your award winning self-catering treehouse suite and explore the 600 acre reserve on your own personal golf buggy.

Mansion Hotel

Get away from it all with a stay at our 4* boutique hotel.

Giraffe Cottage

A classic country retreat with a guided safari and a private chef!

The Treetop Bubble

Immerse yourself in a luxury romantic retreat amongst the treetops, with 180 degree panoramic views. Includes your own personal golf buggy.

Forest Hideaway

Exclusive hidden forest dens, for the ultimate romantic retreat. Includes a golf buggy to explore the reserve at your leisure.

Hog Deer Creek

Stay in the wilds of Kent in your cosy shepherd’s hut. Explore the 600 acre reserve on your own private golf buggy.

Glamping Stays

Unforgettable glamping getaway overlooking the spectacled bear habitat. Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience.

Giraffe Lodge

Camp out under the stars and immerse yourself in an exciting safari experience - right here in Kent!

Put the fun back into camping without the need to pitch a tent at Pinewood, where you can sleep within roaring distance of lions!

Pinewood - Shepherds Hut

Camp in style and comfort at Pinewood's Shepherd's Hut and fall asleep to the sound of the roaring lions!

There's so much more to Port Lympne...

We’re not just an award-winning wild day out and we’re not just a charity with conservation at our heart. We take good care of our animals and good care of our guests, too! There’s nowhere in the world quite like Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.

• Book activities including animal encounters, keeper days and safari park tours
• Have a party or host your next conference or event 
• Book your next getaway
• Get married at our award-winning wedding venue
• Eat and drink

What's on

Experiences

Explore: dinosaur forest.

Steel your nerves as you journey through Dinosaur Forest !  Marvel at the tremendous T-Rex, stare at the Stegosaurus, feel the terror of the Pterodactyl, and delight at the sheer size of the diplodocus! Come face to face with prehistoric life-sized creatures in the UK’s largest dinosaur forest!

We’re not a zoo

• Port Lympne Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals and wherever possible we aim to send animals born here to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be.
• We always make sure that the animals come first, from enclosure design to diet, no expense is spared. We grow our own herbs and vegetables and source our meat from trustworthy suppliers.
• We design our enclosures with the animals in mind, so there’s lots of natural foliage and furniture to provide shelter and camouflage.
• We never lock our animals into viewing areas, so, just like in the wild, it may take some time to spot certain animals.
• We do our best to provide a fantastic visitor experience, whilst not forgetting the primary reason we’re here – to ensure the survival of endangered animals.

TRIPADVISOR Wonderful Day Out An excellent place to visit - see the animals close up and enjoy excellent food at Baby Dolls restaurant. Friendly helpful staff everywhere around the huge park. The Safari ride is a must do. A great day out at a great price. Ken S. Written August 26, 2021

TRIPADVISOR Super Safari The reserve is large and offers a lovely day out. I highly recommend booking the safari as this was the best part of our visit. Amy Rogers. Written August 6, 2021

TRIPADVISOR An unbelievable experience We were all amazed at just how good this place is. We stayed in the hotel for two nights so got two full days in the park. Everything is so well organised and the safari drives are brilliant. You get to see so many animals close up. We have been to a South African safari and we saw more animals here than we did there. We were very luck with the weather which added to the experience. You have to give this place a try, you will love it and the kids will too. Gary F. Written October 6, 2020

How to get here

Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne (Nr Hythe), Kent, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD

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Today's Announcements

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

COLCHESTER ZOO STAMPEDE – SUNDAY 28th APRIL 2024: Some areas of the zoo maybe closed for a period of time to allow runners to make their way round.  Gates will be opening from 8:30am for runners’ friends & family who have booked. Catering outlets and Guest Services will not open until our usual opening time of 9:30am.

Visits between 15th April and 18th May 2024

From 15th April 2024, you may experience heavy traffic around the surrounding area on your journey home due to planned roadwork closures along the A12 southbound carriageway between J26 Stanway and J25 Marks Tey. Route diversions will be in place but traffic may be increased due to this.

Find out more here .

ADVANCED NOTICE: Please be aware that our indoor soft play, Jungle Tumble, will be closed on the following dates due to annual maintenance and a thorough deep clean.

• Tuesday 7th May to Friday 10th May 2024
• Monday 13th May to Friday 17th May 2024

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Beautiful, Unusual & Rare Species Of The Animal Kingdom

Colchester Zoo is home to over 155 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes!

As you navigate your way around Colchester Zoo you’ll visit many different habitats and see animals from around the world, from the humid habitat of our Komodo dragons to our very own Africa plain, home to White rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu!

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The 20 Best Zoos in England

Visiting a zoo is one of the best and fastest ways to get a global adventure, and you don’t even have to leave the country! 

England has a large collection of zoos, wildlife preserves, and some of the most high-quality animal refuges in the whole world. Whether you’re an animal lover, a parent searching for an educational opportunity for the kids, or a curious local looking for a new experience, the zoos around England will satisfy your itch. 

There are tons of animal sanctuaries all around the country, and but here are the top 20 best zoos in England. 

Table of Contents

1. Chester Zoo

Website: https://www.chesterzoo.org/

Chester Zoo is actually one of the top 10 zoos in the world , so it should come as no surprise that this is our pick for the number one zoo in England. 

The Chester Zoo is located in Cheshire , and at 128 acres, it’s one of the biggest in the country. You’ll likely need a full day to see all the nooks and crannies of this large area.

There are over 20,000 animals and more than 60 different species tucked away in various corners of the zoo. You could also spend some time walking through the award-winning gardens or take a boat trip down the river to see the animals from a different perspective.

Once you get hungry, you’ll find plenty of places to grab some grub – but the historic Oakfield is by far a fan favorite. 

2. The London Zoo

Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo

The London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in England and is the oldest scientific zoo in the whole world. Established back in 1824, the zoo got its start as a place for scientists to research different types of plants and animal species.

After nearly 60 years, the doors were opened to the public – and the London Zoo has been one of the best in England ever since. 

You’ll find over 19,000 different species here, and you’ll likely need a full day at the zoo if you’re going to get through all the exhibits. If you don’t make it through the whole zoo in one day, you can stay overnight in one of the on-site lodges – where you’ll be treated to a private tour of the zoo once the other visitors go home, a nice dinner, and breakfast the next morning. 

The London Zoo also offers a unique experience just for adults: an after-hours silent disco. During the summer, you can put on a pair of headphones and rock out as you explore the exhibits without any youngsters running around.    

3. Port Lympne Reserve

Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/

One of the best safari experiences can be found at the Port Lympne Reserve in Kent . This is one of the best zoos in England, as the animals have plenty of space to spread out and roam as they please. 

The staff will lead you through the zoo in real safari jeeps and teach you all about the animals that call the reserve home. They’ll also keep you informed about all the ways that the reserve supports various overseas projects to help release animals born in captivity back into the wild. 

Port Lympne also boasts an upscale restaurant and hotel on premises, and if you decide to stay overnight, you’ll likely have one of the coolest experiences of your life. You’ll have 14 different accommodation options to choose from, including a tree house suite, a romantic “bubble” that’s perfect for stargazing, the tiger lodge – where you’ll be just a window away from the tiger exhibit. 

4. Whipsnade Zoo

Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

It stands to reason that one of the largest zoos in England is also one of the best, and the Whipsnade Zoo easily checks both boxes. This zoo has been charming visitors ever since it opened in 1930, and it’s not hard to see why. 

Whipsnade Zoo stretches across 600 acres of land on the outskirts of Dunstable and is home to the largest collection of wildlife in the country. In fact, it’s so large that there’s both a bus and train system inside. You can also drive your own car around the safari park – but beware of the pilfering primates. 

Most of the species inside of Whipsnade are on the endangered species list, and this is one of 2 zoos owned by the Zoological Society of London. The charity is committed to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats, so by vising Whipsnade, you’ll be donating to a very deserving cause.  

5. West Midland Safari Park 

Website: https://www.wmsp.co.uk/

West Midland Safari Park is one of the best zoos in England, and you’ll find plenty here to keep you busy for hours on end. The park is located in Bewdley and has over 600 animals spread across its 200 acres.

The zoo has the UK’s biggest collection of white lions, cheetahs, hippopotami, and meerkats, and also boasts the largest walk-through lemur exhibit. 

The safari drive-through is one of the most popular attractions at the park, and you’ll feel like you’ve left Britain altogether as you make your way through this diverse area.

You’ll also find:

• A theme park
• A virtual reality ride
• The largest animatronic dinosaur attraction in the U.K. 
• An ice age exhibit
• An African village
• An informative discovery trail
• An interactive park, designed for the youngest of visitors.

You’ll likely have a hard time seeing everything in the zoo in one day, so if you’d like to take your time here, you can rent one of the on-site lodges and stay for a night or two. The zoo has 8 luxury safari lodges, each designed to give you an exclusive and immersive overnight experience.

The lodges are located near the cheetah and elephant exhibits, and you’ll be able to get up close and personal to these incredible creatures (at a safe distance, of course). The lodge experience is complete with dinner and breakfast, along with free entrance into the zoo and ride wristbands for the theme park. 

6. Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

Website: https://www.longleat.co.uk/

The Longleat Safari and Adventure Park is one of the oldest zoos in England, and is also one of the best. It has also been rated as the UK’s #1 safari park, so if you’re in the Wiltshire area, you should definitely take a spin through. 

As you drive your way through the “safari”, you’ll be able to get up close and personal to the animals. This is the perfect activity for a rainy day when you want an adventure that doesn’t require you to actually venture out into the rain. 

At the zoo’s main square, you’ll find a variety of exhibits and with a miniature railway that’ll take you around the park. You’ll also find playgrounds, a hedge maze, and a petting zoo in this area. 

As if all that weren’t enough, those looking for an extra special experience can book a VIP package and feed some of the animals yourself.

7. Howletts Wildlife Park

Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/

For elephant lovers, the Howletts Wildlife Park is easily a top contender for the best zoo in England. Here you’ll find the largest herd of African elephants in all of the UK – and Howletts is dedicated to getting these animals back in the wild. 

There are nearly 400 other species of animals here, including gorillas, giant anteaters, leopards, monkeys, and more. You’ll find this 90-acre park in Kent , and there’s plenty to keep you busy during your day at the zoo. 

Besides exploring the exhibits, you can join an animal talk, watch an animal feeding, or check out the educational centre – all included in the price of your admission ticket. One of the best things about this zoo is that all of their proceeds go directly towards their charitable work. 

8. Colchester Zoo

Website: https://www.colchester-zoo.com/

The lovely Colchester Zoo is one of the best zoos in England, and TripAdvisor has even named it the #2 zoo in all of the UK!

This zoological garden is spread across 60 acres of land and is home to over 200 species of animals. You’ll find animals from all over the world, some of the most popular including white rhinos, Komodo dragons, and giraffes. 

Not only does the zoo boast a unique assortment of wildlife, they also provide guests with lots of fun ways to interact with them. Different events are hosted throughout the year, and both kids and adults alike will find reasons to visit over and over again. 

One of the best times to visit the Colchester Zoo is when new animals are born, but no matter when you visit you’ll be sure to find plenty of cute critters to see.

9. Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Website: https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/

Commonly referred to as YWP, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is one of the best zoos in England and also one of the newest in the country, opening its doors in 2009. What was once a riding school is now a 260-acre zoo and home to nearly 400 animals. 

Some of the most noteworthy of the bunch include polar bears , painted dogs, and giant otters. The zoo is constantly expanding; the Atlantic Forest Exhibit opened in 2021 and features the maned wolf, lowland tapir, and bush dogs. 

Not only does the YWP keep things interesting with frequent new additions, but they also host a wide variety of events throughout the year. Come for the animals, but stay for the concerts, sunset safaris, and daily animal talks. 

You could easily make a full day of a visit to this zoo, and once you get hungry you’ll find many cafes, sit-down restaurants, and quick bites to choose from all around the park. 

10. Dudley Zoo and Castle

Website: https://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/

What’s the only thing better than visiting a zoo? How about vising a zoo and a castle, all on the same grounds? The Dudely Zoo and Castle offers just that, and provides visitors with a truly enchanting experience. 

The zoo houses thousands of animals, and hundreds of those are extremely rare and endangered species. As you walk around the zoo you’ll be treated to scenic views of the 11th-century ruins of Dudley Castle , which is home to the world’s largest collection of Modernist Tecton buildings. 

If the combination of zoo and castle wasn’t enough to entice you, check out some of the fun events held at the zoo throughout the year.

• Enjoy an open-air cinema night in front of the ruins.
• Sign up for an arachnophobia workshop.
• Come back for the Halloween Extravaganza in the fall.

No matter how many times you visit this one-of-a-kind zoo, there’s always something new to experience. 

11. The Bristol Zoo

Website: https://bristolzoo.org.uk/

Although not famed for being the biggest zoo in the country, the Bristol Zoo is still one of the best in England. At just 12 acres, this may actually be one of the smallest zoos around – but its beauty keeps it towards the top of our list. 

There are around 450 different species that call the zoo home, 50 of which are mammals. Some of the most popular mammal exhibits include those of the red pandas, the gorillas, and the Asiatic lions. 

You’ll also find a reptile and insect house, but one of the Bristol Zoo’s main attractions is the aquarium. It’s actually one of the best in the country, so be sure not to miss this exhibit during your day at the zoo. 

Similar to the ZSL zoo, the Bristol Zoo is a charity that works hard to research animals and protect their natural habitats. 

12. Marwell Zoo

Website: https://www.marwell.org.uk/zoo/

Those living in or visiting the Hampshire area shouldn’t miss the Marwell Zoo. It’s one of the biggest zoos in the county and houses thousands of animals across 140 acres of space, and it’s also one of the best zoos in England. 

The Marwell Zoo boasts an impressive collection of endangered and exotic species, including giraffes, tigers, ring-tailed coatis, and frilled lizards. During your time at the zoo, you can listen to daily talks and various animal feedings, or simply wander at your own pace from exhibit to exhibit.

You’ll also find 5 different adventure parks inside the zoo, along with a café and gift shop. Like many of the other zoos on our list, the Marwell Zoo is a charity – so you’ll be helping out the animals by simply purchasing a ticket. 

13. Twycross Zoo

Website: https://twycrosszoo.org/

If you’re searching for a zoo that won’t be overrun by large crowds, then the Twycross Zoo is the one for you. This Leichestchire zoo is on the small side, but those who stumble upon it will find over 500 animals of 125 different species. 

Because it’s slightly less popular than some of the other zoos on our list, the entrance ticket is on the cheaper side. You’ll feel like you struck a bargain once you enter the grounds, however, because there are some seriously cool exhibits in the Twycross Zoo.  

You’ll find snow leopards, meerkats, giraffes, and bonobo monkeys, and there are daily animal talks to give you more information about some of the animals you see. The zoo also allows you to get up close and personal with some of these critters if you book a tour, but there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. 

Take a stroll along the lemur walk, explore the nature reserve, or play on one of the playgrounds – all included with your entrance ticket. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out!

14. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Website: https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/

Another one of the best zoos in England is the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Spread across 160 scenic acres, the zoo is home to a large collection of endangered species from all over the world. The park is split into 4 different sections:

• Primates and small mammals
• Reptiles and amphibians. 

One of the most unique sections of the zoo is the bat exhibit. It might sound a bit eerie, but these creatures are incredibly interesting and actually completely harmless. They’re also responsible for over 70% of the world’s fruit pollination, so if you’re a fan of anything with seeds you owe it to the bats to learn a bit more about them. 

Cotswold Wildlife Park also boasts a beautiful Victorian Manor-house surrounded by impressive gardens. You’ll find plenty of benches around the gardens where you can stop and smell the roses (both the proverbial and the real).   

15. Birdworld

Website: https://www.birdworld.co.uk/

Bird lovers will want to put Birdworld at the top of their list of the best zoos in England, and this bird park is actually the largest one in all of the United Kingdom. The park is located on the outskirts of the Buck Horn Oak village in the East Hampshire district and boasts 26 acres of bird sanctuary. 

You’ll find over 150 different bird species, including flamingos, owls, penguins, and parrots. There’s also a number of threatened and endangered species at the park.

The Silent Forest exhibit aims to educate visitors about deforestation, trapping, and other threats that are causing the plight of these species. Birdworld is also home to a small underwater exhibit and the Jenny Wren Farm , which has been a long-time favorite at the zoo.

16. Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Website: https://www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk/

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is a small zoo located in the coastal village of Shaldon . What it lacks in size, the zoo more than makes up for in fun and interesting exhibits.

The trust houses some of the rarest and most endangered species from around the world, and their goal is to create a genetically diverse population large enough to safely repopulate their numbers in the wild. 

The Shaldon Wildlife Trust is just over an acre, so it won’t take long to get through the whole zoo – which is great for those who prefer spending more time observing the animals.

The best part about this little gem is that it’s never overly crowded. That being said, it is fairly popular with the locals and summer tourists, so a visit during the off-season might be the best bet for enjoying some solitude. 

17. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Website: https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/

Located in Devon , the Paignton Zoo is one of the best zoos in the southwest, if not all of England. There are over 2,500 different animals spread across the park’s 80 acres, including lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). 

Those with young ones will find the kid’s facilities here to be second to none, with numerous play areas located around the park.

There are also a few different restaurants to choose from once you get hungry, and there are even a few ice cream kiosks that are irresistible on a hot summer’s day. 

Other points of interest at the environmental park include a nature trail, gift shop, and a jungle railway (available seasonally). 

18. Exmoor Zoo

Website: https://www.exmoorzoo.co.uk/

Exmoor Zoo got its start as a small bird garden and has expanded into a 12-acre zoo with a wide variety of species. Many of the 175 species here are endangered and extremely rare, including singing dogs, rusty-spotted cats, fanaloka, and yellow-throated martens.

It’s also the only zoo in the UK that is home to a black leopard, though legend would tells it that this creature is actually the fabled “Exmoor beast”. 

The zoo is constantly expanding, and staff are dedicated to providing visitors with the best educational experience possible. Every half hour you’ll find some sort of event going on around the zoo, from animal talks and feedings to quizzes and holiday activities. 

19. Blackpool Zoo

Website: https://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/

The Blackpool Zoo is a small zoo situated inside of the coastal Blackpool Resort . Although the zoo is only 32-acres, it is home to over 1,000 animals. There are tons of fun and unique exhibits at Blackpool, including a wallaby walkabout, an elephant base camp, a dinosaur safari, and an active “ocean”. 

You’ll also find orangutans, gorillas, giraffes, and some big cats at Blackpool Zoo, in addition to a large playground area for the youngsters in your group.

Once you get hungry you can stop by the Lakeview Café – and make sure you check out the gift shop before heading out! 

20. Wild Place Project 

Website: https://wildplace.org.uk/

Last but not least on our list of the best zoos in England is the Wild Place Project. This wildlife conservation park is located in South Gloucestershire and spans across 136 acres.

This is one of the country’s newest zoos; although it’s been a wildlife breeding area since the 1960s, it first opened its doors to the public in 2013. 

The project’s aim is to create a sustainable future for wildlife around the world and to educate visitors in a fun and interactive way.

You’ll find a barefoot walking trail, a rock climbing ropes course, beautiful woodland trails, and an assortment of exhibits on the numerous animal species that call the zoo home. 

The zoo is constantly expanding, so you’ll likely find something new here every time you visit. 

The Bottom Line

Animals from all over the world call these zoos home, and you’ll find a wide variety of primates, birds, mammals, and reptiles across the country. It’s not just kids that can enjoy a day at the zoo; some of the top parks have bars and cafes, picnic areas, and well-stocked gift shops to satisfy their adult visitors, too. 

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Open 9:30am - 5pm, 7 days a week

A great family day out for all ages, with Bengal Tigers , one of only two Black Leopards on display in the UK & one of the World’s largest parrot rescue centres!

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is now the county’s premier animal attraction highlighting the joys of offering long term sanctuary to animals from all over Europe.

Enjoy an amazing day full of animals, set within 25 acres LWP is home to The National Parrot Sanctuary where you can get to see over 1000 talkative parrots. We also house the only White Lions in Northern England & our beautiful Bengal Tigers. 

But there’s more than just Parrots and Tigers here… you will also see Meerkats, Lemurs, Giant Tortoises, Reptiles, Tapir, Puma, Panther, Otters, Turtles and many more.

Now one of the World’s largest parrot rescues you can witness the amazing work the dedicated staff do while also meeting some of the funniest bird characters you could ever imagine.

Book Your Tickets Here!

Discover fun & engaging activities for children, plan your next visit to lincolnshire wildlife park, we’re here to help animals thrive in a natural setting.

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The Parrot Zoo Trust is a registered charity (no: 1162135) dedicated to helping exotic animals from all over the world, including Bengal Tigers & one of only two Black Leopards in the UK. Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is also one of the largest parrot rescue centres in the world. Why not help by buying our animals something from our dedicated amazon wish list.

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Be among the first to know about upcoming events at lincolnshire wildlife park.

All of the events we hold are put in place to raise awareness and funds for all the animals at our park. All proceeds always get put back into development, upgrading of enclosures and care for our animals and birds. Visit our events page for the most up-to-date information.

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The ultimate experience at lincolnshire wildlife park; a chance to feed our big cats or mammals up-close and personal..

For that truly amazing present for that special person in your life why not get ‘up-close and personal’ with our animals here at the park. Book your unique experience today, with one of only two Black Leopards in the UK, Bengal Tigers, Cecil the friendly Tapir, bouncy Lemurs, the Meerkat mob or even Nigel our famous three-legged Puma!

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10 Awesome Safari Park & Zoo Stays In The UK

Sleep in a zoo! Spend the night surrounded by wild animals and make the most of your trip to the zoo or safari park.

There are plenty of accommodation options, from hotels to luxury lodges or glamping, which will suit all budgets.

On this page I have handpicked 10 of the wildest and wonderful UK safari park and zoo stays.

Table of Contents

Stay At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

At Longleat Safari Park you can relax on the beach, take a Jungle Cruise or even ride the Longleat railway.

After a fun-packed day you can retreat to one of seven beautifully renovated self-catering cottages.

The cottages can accommodate couples or families of up to 6 people.

• Continental breakfast each morning
• A selection of locally sourced and Estate food and drink
• Entrance to Longleat for each day of your stay on open dates
• A 10% discount on retail, food and beverage purchases across the Park throughout your stay

Alternatively book a stay at The Bath Arms , which is family friendly and has very good 8.3/10 ratings based on 1,189 guest reviews . Only 4.3 miles from Longleat Safari Park.

Available from : Longleat

Stay At Flamingo Land

Flamingo Land in Yorkshire comprises of a theme park, award winning zoo and holiday park so there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

There are lots of accommodation options here from lodges to riverside cottages and there is also the option for camping or caravan stays.

The holiday park facilities are great and you can visit the splash zone swimming pool with slides, the club and golf course.

Alternatively book a stay at Barker Stakes Farm lodge set in 16 acres, which has exceptional 9.5/10 ratings based on 513 guest review s. Only 1.2 miles from Flamingo Land.

Available from : Flamingo Land

Stay At Drayton Manor Resort

At Drayton Manor there are over 100 theme park rides and attractions including Thomas Land for the little ones, a 15-acre zoo and plenty more! There is also a 4* hotel onsite and camping and caravanning .

Check out the Drayton Manor Resort website for all of its latest stay and play offers where you can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay plus a delicious English breakfast and theme park tickets.

Alternatively book a stay at OYO Tamworth Arms Boutique Pub & Hotel , which has fabulous 8.8/10 ratings based on 212 guest reviews . Only a ten minute drive from Drayton Manor Resort.

Stay At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Stay at the Lookout Lodges at Whipsnade Safari Park, which is situated in beautiful surroundings overlooking the Chiltern Downs.

Stay close to a herd of white rhinos and reindeer and be awoken to the sound of penguins, flamingos or roaring tigers!

Each lodge comes with either double or twin beds and has a private veranda.

• Overnight stay in a private lodge
• Free entry into ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and ZSL London Zoo for day two of your evening stay
• Free car entry to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

It is also possible to book Nature Night Camping on the main lawn where you can pitch up your own tent on selected Saturday’s.

Alternatively book a stay at Old Hunters Lodge , which is family friendly and has fabulous 8.9/10 ratings based on 318 guest reviews . ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is just 0.2 miles away.

Available from : ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Stay At Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the UK’s No.1 walk-through wildlife experience.

You can enjoy an overnight stay on a budget at Camp Lion family-friendly campsite, choose glamping or even take your motorhome or caravan and stay in the heart of nature. Wake up in the morning to the roar of African Lions!

All campers can benefit from visiting Evolution Restaurant and Wilds Café-Bistro in the evening at Hex Hotel at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Stay at Hex Hotel at Yorkshire Wildlife Park , which has fabulous 8.7/10 ratings based on 304 guest reviews .

Available from : Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Let’s Find Your Next Quirky Break In The UK

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Nicola Horgan

• Entertainment

Safari Park welcomes first chimpanzee in eight years

Peter the chimp was transferred from a zoo in Leicestershire.

A safari park has welcomed a chimpanzee into its resident troop for the first time in eight years.

Visitors to Blair Drummond Safari Park can now see Peter, a 31-year-old male, who arrived in February.

He was transferred to Blair Drummond near Stirling from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire on February 29.

He had been living alongside another male chimp, Tommy, before the move was recommended by the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, as it is hoped his relocation will allow Tommy to re-integrate with Twycross’s breeding troop.

For the past few weeks Peter has been settling into his new home and on April 4 he was introduced to Blair Drummond’s resident male, Chippie.

The park said this was carefully planned as introducing chimps can be a complex process requiring patience and strict safety protocols.

Chimpanzee team leader Alasdair Gillies said: “Introducing Peter and Chippie for the first time was naturally quite nerve-wracking.

“Thankfully, this went very well, and the two boys quickly engaged in playing behaviours. Chippie was born here 37 years ago and had never actually met another male chimp.

“However, he’s always been very playful, and we were hopeful that he would enjoy finally having a male friend to play with. Happily, this appears to be the case.

“Peter has also since been introduced to our female chimp, Gill, and the troop now have unrestricted contact with each other.

“We’re delighted that Peter has integrated so well and are certain he will enhance the dynamics of our troop.”

Keeper Georgie Taylor described Peter as “really thoughtful and clever”.

She added: “He’s always watching everything around him and is quite talkative too. He’s not shy about telling us exactly what he wants.

“He’s a brilliant climber and a star in his daily training sessions. We’ve had to earn his trust but now he knows us better, he’s full of character.”

The safari park said all species of chimp are now considered to be endangered in the wild, due to a range of threats including habitat loss, disease and the illegal wildlife trade.

They are also still widely poached for their meat and at risk from warfare across the regions in which they live.

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