Zoo visits upgrade your knowledge and awareness of different species of animals. Every animal lover and environmental enthusiast will enjoy visiting the zoo, and it is a perfect place to make happy memories while learning about different types of animals at the same time.
Zoos in the UK are very appealing. It is both a fun and educational trip for every age group.
1. The 6 Famous Zoos in the UK
Zoos offer a closer look at animals’ lives and habits. Seeing different types of animals under one roof and spending time around nature will make your heart even happier. Each is worth visiting, from the butterfly forest at London Zoo to the cutest penguin at Edinburgh Zoo. You’ll have so much fun visiting zoos & wildlife parks in the UK.
Indeed, you enjoy every minute you spend there. Therefore, we have listed some of the UK’s most famous zoos and wildlife parks. All zoos play a pivotal role in preserving endangered species. In addition, they provide a high-value experience for visitors by making their zoo visits memorable.
1.1. London Zoo
Most people know this zoo as the “London Zoological Gardens and Regent’s Park Zoo.” So, please don’t get confused by the two names because they denote the same zoo.
While talking about the history of this place, it was a scientific faculty in the beginning, around more than twenty years. After that, it started welcoming the public to visit and see animals. The London Zoo is admired for protecting endangered species, wildlife welfare, and keeping animals with love and care.
You’ll find more than 20,000 animals of distinct species here. From little marching leafcutter ants to a giant 193-kg silverback gorilla & western lowland gorillas, or even African to Asian animals, this zoo in London offers them all.
You can read blogs, stories, and news regarding the animals on their official website. They also organize night stays at the zoo, where they give a mixture of wildlife and London’s city life. And you don’t need to worry about the food either because they conclude everything from restaurants to unique selfie booths.
Have you ever heard of a zoo being the oldest and most modern simultaneously? Well, this zoo is one of them. Some high spots of the London Zoo are the reptile house, tiger territory, butterfly paradise, and Sumatran tigers. Don’t forget to visit all the animals in this zoo during your visit to London.
1.2. Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo in Cheshire was established in 1981 by George Mottershead and his family. This enormous zoo has over 20,000 animals and 128 hectares of area you can explore. From giant pandas to cute penguins, Chester Zoo covers it all.
The zoo offers many rare and endangered animal species. Some of the most popular animals are Asiatic lions, Snow leopards, Golden Mantella, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephants, and Dusky pademelon.
You’ll also see events, courses, and holiday clubs for everyone, including kids, adults, and families. They have educational visit options as well. If you want to book your educational and fun trip, visit their website. Their team of experts works in six regions around the globe to study plant and animal welfare.
You can even join by buying a subscription to their website. They also create animal cartoons to attract and educate kids in a fun way. Along with preserving species, they are educating people about plants and animals. This makes the Chester Zoo one of the best zoos in the UK.
Additional Information
Some highlights of the zoo are getting a closer look and observing giant elephants and their natural habitat, the elephant bridge that will take you to majestic lions, and seeing how a lion takes a sunbath. After that, you can go for a magical butterfly journey walkthrough, where you can witness the beauty of butterflies.
Also, never miss an opportunity to meet the Rothschild giraffe family while visiting here. You have to look up to see 2 meters long necks of giraffes.
In addition, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall, listen to beautiful bird songs, and discover colourful reptiles, amphibians, and free-flight birds.
If you’re a dragon lover, you can meet the Komodo dragon and walk through Madagascar grasses that take you to the bat’s bridge. Pay a visit to this beautiful zoo and meet all the magnificent animals.
1.3. Longleat Safari and Adventure Park
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, Wiltshire, was opened in 1966. Do you know this safari park is the world’s first drive-through exterior of Africa, making it a significant tourist attraction? This park has many facilities like boat safaris, walking safaris, and family farmyards where you can meet animals.
If you don’t have your car, you can take a ticket for safari buses or an animal adventure where you can meet snakes, zebras, tickled tarantulas, adorable rabbits, and more. Longleat has this beautiful jungle cruise on the lakeside, where you see a few incredible sea lions.
Additionally, they offer a tour of the famous and mesmerizing Longleat House to learn about the history, paintings, architecture, the Thynn family, and more. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to visit Longleat Safari and Adventure Park because your visit will be worth it.
However, this park is not only limited to being a safari park but is home to amazing adventures. Longleat Safari Park also has special adventure activities for kids under age 14. They have an adventure castle where kids can enjoy, discover, and learn many things.
Here, kids will have an outdoor playground with many exciting games. They will love completing their mission in the hedge maze, Rockin Rhino Ride and Leroy Lion Ride.
Last but not least, Longleat Safari Park has a little explorer garden where your little ones can be the youngest explorers. This concept is inspired by British wildlife. From miniature trains to first-class fishing experiences, Longleat is the best option for picnic trips with all the family and friends.
1.4. Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is a non-profit zoological park in Scotland. The zoo welcomes more than 600,000 visitors every year, and this is what makes it popular among tourists and locals. Being the biggest zoo in Scotland, it also protects animals.
Edinburgh has a scientific team that works on studying animal behaviour, captive breeding of endangered animals, and participating in conservation events around the world. It is the best wild animal park that offers penguin rock, two types of red pandas, a monkey house, sun bears, and more lovely animals.
The zoo also runs a charity to safeguard animals. Other than donations, they also sell t-shirts, bottles, animal toys, etc., plus all these things are eco-friendly. And the amount they earn by selling these things—the profit—goes to charity and the Bristol Zoo Project.
You can support this positive initiative by buying some astonishing eco-friendly products from their website, and they also have gift vouchers and many more exciting things. They have fun and educational virtual activities.
Additional Information
One of their activities is called Science in Language Class, which is available in various languages like Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, and many more. Other activities include watching a webcam, where you can learn animal behaviour. Not only that, they have particular activities for families and different age groups as well.
Their 3-week free course on pandas will enhance your knowledge and awareness about pandas, and it’s a good initiative, too. They are so full of creativity, love & care. You must plan a day out at Edinburgh Zoo. For tickets and all the information you need, visit their official website.
1.5. Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is an enormous place and one of the largest pet parks. The zoo has over 2500 incredible animals and 250 endangered species. Some amazing animals include African lions, Brown bears, Red pandas, Amur tigers, Butterflies, Penguins and more.
The zoo has been protecting exotic species and contributing to wild places projects. Whipsnade Zoo also has shops for gifts and stationery, clothing, and home decor, and every time you purchase something, your valuable money goes to charity for wildlife conservation and the restoration of ecosystems in the UK.
Every product is sustainable. Their shops are the best option for choosing gifts for animal lovers. They even have an event calendar on their website, from which you can check upcoming events and activities. They also have extended openings during the summer to enjoy natural sunset views.
You can go camping at night and stay over in cozy lookout lodges. In addition, you can enjoy breakfast and an evening snack with their eye-pleasing views. And for train lovers, they have steam trains on which you’ll see different and beautiful pictures of Whipsnade Zoo.
1.6. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park was founded in 2009 and is located southeast of Doncaster. It is home to 475 animals and over 60 species. Some famous animals are the Amur leopard, Maned wolf, Lemurs, Polar bears, sea lions, lions, African painted dogs, Roloway monkeys, and zebras.
The zoo has indoor and outdoor play areas for kids to enjoy adventure activities like jungle lookout and climbing inside the tree house.
Furthermore, they have a monkey playhouse, where kids can enjoy and grab milky drinks from the café. Also, the big bug play zoo is a kid’s favourite one that you should not miss.
And what’s more exciting about this wildlife park is that they have a dining area. They have cafes that are perfect for lunch dates and afternoon tea. You can enjoy your favourite coffee with snacks. Yorkshire Wildlife Park has its overnight hotel.
Enjoy a day full of relaxation while taking a break from work and enjoying fresh air with your family and friends.
Other than this, they have shops for safari toys, clothes, plants, vintage jewellery, a female boutique, a pet boutique, wooden gifts, and whatnot. It feels unrealistic-right? Therefore, you should visit this excellent wildlife park and explore endless places here.
Additionally, they have online gift store facilities so that people don’t miss anything new in the store.
The offerings of this park do not stop here because it also has Venues for your special occasion. The natural beauty makes the location more beautiful. They have wedding venues, corporate hospitality venues, Meeting and conference venues, and venues for private parties and celebrations.
2. FAQs
2.1 How to Book a Zoo Ticket?
Visit the respected zoo website, and you’ll get the option. Each detail regarding the zoo, charges, offerings, and many more are also there.
2.2. What Are the Oldest and Best UK Zoos?
There are many of the oldest zoos in the UK, but the London Zoological Garden and Bristol Zoo are the oldest zoos you must visit. Also, comparing zoos won’t be right because every zoo is distinct in every aspect.
2.3. What Are the Other Zoos in the UK Besides the Listed One?
The United Kingdom has many zoos, and the listed ones in the article are the most visited. Other than this, you can visit Welsh Mountain Zoo, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Garden, Bristol Zoo Garden, Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, West Midland Safari Park, Marwell Zoo, Colchester Zoo, and Howletts Wildlife Park.
Final Words
These were the top zoos in the UK, and they are must-visit. Add any of them to your bucket list whenever you visit here. Zoo trips are not just fun; they enhance your knowledge and awareness of animals and species.
Zoos in the UK also organize separate educational & fun trips for students of institutes and colleges.
Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
