The wild side: the UK’s most innovative zoos and safari parks
10 April 2024
If you’re seeking a rip-roaring family escape with an abundance of animal magic, there’s a wealth of wildlife, including The Big Five, roaming around on your doorstep - if you know where to look.
The British Isles is home to an impressive array of zoos and the best safari parks in the UK offer extraordinary immersive experiences, as well as the chance to see exotic species from around the globe.
Few family days out are as much fun as a trip to a zoo or safari park, and the top venues also undertake vital conservation work for the protection of endangered species. Many offer incredible educational opportunities for kids via exhibitions and interactive experiences, in addition to the thrill of seeing their favourite animals from penguins to gorillas, lions and meerkats. And some of the best zoos in the UK also have onsite theme parks with thrilling rides including rollercoasters for a heady mix of action-packed adventures.
Check out our pick of the best safari parks and zoos in the UK to get your fix of animal antics, and the finest hotels nearby that provide all the creature comforts your heart desires…
London Zoo
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.
Chessington World of Adventures
As a theme park and zoo combined, Chessington World of Adventures offers a unique day out for families with children of all ages. One of its top attractions is the Trail of the Kings, where you can watch big cats such as lions and tigers on the prowl. The zoo also boasts a Sea Life Centre, where marine enthusiasts can marvel at a variety of underwater creatures including sharks, rays, and jellyfish — and there’s also the VIP Experiences which offer you the chance to enjoy magical close encounters with the resident Southern White rhinos and the Rothschild's giraffes. For those seeking more white-knuckle thrills, Chessington's rides and roller coasters provide an adrenaline-pumping complement to the zoo experience.
Where to stay: The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse in Knightsbridge, another of the most luxurious hotels in London and home to stunning original art and antique furniture. From £400 per night.
Longleat Safari Park
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.
Edinburgh Zoo
Situated on a picturesque hillside overlooking the city, Edinburgh Zoo, one of the very best zoos in the UK, is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world. One of its top attractions is the famous Giant Panda enclosure, where visitors can observe these rare and beloved creatures in a specially designed habitat. The Penguin Parade is another must-see, offering a charming spectacle as the resident penguins waddle and swim in their enclosure. And check out the cheeky chimps — the Budongo Trail provides an immersive experience into the world of chimpanzees, and the chance to learn about the zoo’s brilliant conservation efforts.
Where to stay: Sleep aboard the fabulous floating hotel, Fingal, docked in the city’s waterfront (From £300 per night), or lounge in lavish Baroque splendour in the characterful 17th century mansion, Prestonfield House. (From £375 per night).
Blair Drummond Safari Park
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.
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo in Essex is one of the finest zoos in the UK, offering a diverse collection of 155 animal species and especially created habitats to explore from the humid habitat of the wonderful Komodo dragons to the zoo’s very own African plain, home to white rhino, giraffes, ostrich, elephants, zebra and kudu. Other top attractions include The Kingdom of the Wild where you can see species native to South East Asia, including Sumatran tigers and orangutans. Extra special experiences for kids include the opportunity to hand-feed the giraffes, and there’s also a face painting station and numerous outdoor play areas to keep little ones entertained.
Where to stay: For poetic stays, make haste to Talbooth House & Spa, a 19th-century country estate located on the riverside in Dedham Vale, near Colchester. This boutique hotel features 12 individually styled bedrooms, all named after English poets from Shakespeare to Keats. From £300 per night.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
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.
Lake District Wildlife Park
For the wildest of times, the Lake District Wildlife Park in Keswick is teeming with curious creatures and offers a world of fun for all the family. Here, you can meet meerkats, lemur, and lynx; wander near wildebeest, wild boar, and zebra, and peer at capuchin monkeys, red panda and exotic birds — and join exciting displays and educational talks about mammals, reptiles and birds of prey. It’s a charming venue with a surprisingly vast array of animals, onsite attractions to appeal to children of all ages, and some impressive conservation efforts — the site is part of the Red Panda Network, SEED Madagascar and the International Vulture Programme.
Where to stay: Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel within short walking distance of the Lake District Wildlife Park, which is situated on the grounds of the same country estate. This five-star hotel is the perfect choice for longer family holidays and weekend breaks. From £285 per night.
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