The wild side: the UK’s most innovative zoos and safari parks

The very best zoo in the UK and internationally acclaimed for its impressive conservation work, London Zoo, located in Regent's Park, is the premier destination for getting up close and personal with the wildlife. Its top attractions include the Land of the Lions, which transports you to India in an enclosure with walkways and a temple where you can see majestic Asiatic lions and langur monkeys. Other star attractions include The Gorilla Kingdom, which offers a fascinating insight into the lives of these intelligent primates, and the chance to see the penguins frolicking on their specially designed habitat, Penguin Beach. And don’t miss the incredible Rainforest Life enclosure for a trip to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll spot a diverse array of species, including monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.

Where to stay:  Choose from some of the very best luxury hotels in London — The Hari, a glamourous modern townhouse hotel in Belgravia, or The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, an Art Deco beauty in Mayfair. From £400 per night.

One of the most celebrated safari parks in the UK, Longleat Safari Park is renowned for its mesmerising drive-through safari experience, allowing visitors to observe exotic animals in a naturalistic setting. The African Village is a major highlight, where you can get up close with giraffes, zebras and rhinos. The park also features a walk-through area with meerkats, penguins, and flamingos, providing plenty of opportunities for interaction and learning about the wildlife. It’s an enticing and action packed destination for families, and for history buffs, taking a tour of historic Longleat House and its grounds is an additional treat.

Where to stay: Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, a restored Palladian manor hotel in Chippenham (approx 45 minute’s drive away), is the ideal choice for an elegant evening of cocktails and fine dining after your day out. From £350 per night.

Blair Drummond Safari Park, located in Stirling, is the best safari park in Scotland offering an unforgettable safari experience.  Go on the African Safari Drive-through to encounter lions, rhinos, and elephants in a naturalistic environment, and take a wander around the Lemur Land to observe these playful primates up close. And to see prehistoric beasts brought back to life, head to the star attraction ‘Dinosaurs at Blair Droomind’ —an ancient forest in the centre of the park where you can see 20 life-size stomping and screeching dinosaurs, including a  T-Rex constructed with steel frames and realistic silicone skin. The park also features daily sea lion and bird of prey shows, and other highlights for  families include the Adventure Playground and pedal boats making for a perfect day out.

Where to stay: Check into  Cromlix. This beautiful Victorian mansion house hotel nestled in the Stirlingshire countryside near Dunblane, is owned by Scottish tennis ace and former Wimbledon Champion, Sir Andy Murray. The guestrooms and hospitality is charming and you’ll get to practice your back hand and power serves in style. From £310 per night.

Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens offers a tranquil setting for animal lovers to connect with nature. Its top attractions include the Giraffe Walkway, where you can stroll and get eye to eye with these amazing creatures, the daily Penguin Talk and Feed in the walled garden, and the Rhino Paddock which offers the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. The wealth of other residents include Chapman’s zebra, meerkats, Asiatic lions, giant tortoises and red pandas. And the park's expansive grounds also provide ample opportunities for leisurely strolls and picnics, making it an enticing destination for a family day out.

Where to stay: The Painswick is the place for an utterly charming Cotswold retreat. This luxury boutique hotel offers gorgeous rooms with sweet country views and delicious treats to eat and drink. From £188 per night.