Looking for the best zoos in the UK for a fun-filled family day out in 2025? Whether you’re planning a summer staycation, weekend getaway, or a school holiday treat, visiting a top-rated zoo is always a win—especially when it’s loved by families. I’ve rounded up the top 20 zoos in the UK, ranked by real visitor reviews, family experiences, and value for money. These spots aren’t just about animals—they’re about unforgettable memories. From world-class conservation efforts to kid-friendly facilities and unique experiences like safari rides and walk-through enclosures, these zoos tick all the boxes for a perfect day out.
1. Chester Zoo, Cheshire – Best Overall Zoo for Families
Rated: 4.8/5 (TripAdvisor | Google Reviews)
Entry From: £24 for adults, £20 for children (discounts online)
Location: Chester CH2 1LH
Visit Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is consistently voted the best zoo in the UK—and for good reason. Home to over 27,000 animals and 500 species, this 128-acre wildlife haven offers a full-day adventure with immersive exhibits like Islands and Monsoon Forest. The zoo’s emphasis on education and conservation makes it more than just entertainment—it’s an experience with purpose.
Monorail rides and themed play areas
Easy-to-navigate paths with stroller access
Family food zones and picnic areas
Excellent interactive signage for kids
- Tip: Book online to skip queues and save up to 10%.
2. ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park – Best for Educational Fun
Rated: 4.6/5
Entry From: £27 adults, £19.50 kids (online pricing)
Location: London NW1 4RY
Visit ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is a historic gem in the heart of the city. Established in 1828, it’s the world’s oldest scientific zoo and is run by the Zoological Society of London, a conservation charity. What makes it stand out? Its interactive learning areas, including the In with the Lemurs walkthrough and the Rainforest Life exhibit.
Animal feedings and daily talks
“Zooniversity” education events
Soft play and discovery areas
Close to Regent’s Park for a post-zoo picnic
- Tip: Book a Mini Keeper for a Day experience for kids aged 11+.
3. Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland – Best for Unique Animal Encounters
Rated: 4.5/5
Entry From: £23 adults, £13.50 children
Location: Edinburgh EH12 6TS
Visit Edinburgh Zoo
Perched on a hillside with stunning city views, Edinburgh Zoo is famous for being the only zoo in the UK to house giant pandas (although check availability in 2025, as their stay was due for review). It’s also known for its Penguin Parade—a crowd favorite!
The Hilltop Safari shuttle (a must for little legs)
- Daily talks with keepers and feeding times
Modern enclosures with glass views
Excellent accessibility and café options
- Tip: Arrive early for the penguin walk—it’s unmissable and fills up fast.
4. Marwell Zoo, Hampshire – Best Value for Families with Younger Kids
Rated: 4.6/5
Entry From: £23.50 adults, £18.50 children
Location: Winchester SO21 1JH
Just outside Winchester, Marwell Zoo is set in 140 acres of countryside and is perfect for families with toddlers and young children. The flat, open layout makes it easy to push strollers, and the zoo has plenty of rest stops and play zones.
Giraffes, tigers, penguins, and snow leopards
Large adventure playgrounds
Mini train rides and picnic lawns
Interactive animal talks and exhibits
- Tip: Parking is free, and you can bring your own picnic—making it budget-friendly.
5. Colchester Zoo, Essex – Best for Animal Variety and Experiences
Rated: 4.7/5
Entry From: £24.99 adults, £20.50 children (seasonal prices)
Location: Colchester CO3 0SL
Visit Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo offers one of the largest animal collections in the UK—over 220 species. Families love the zoo’s themed enclosures, like the Kingdom of the Wild and the Walking Safari. There are interactive zones, and even a chance to feed giraffes or elephants.
Kid-friendly train ride through “Lost Madagascar”
Undercover play areas for rainy days
Affordable annual passes for repeat visits
Amazing photo ops throughout the park
- Tip: Download the Colchester Zoo app for a live map and animal feeding times.
6. Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire – Best for Open-Space Wildlife Adventures
Rated: 4.6/5
Entry From: £27.50 adults, £18.15 children
Location: Dunstable LU6 2LF
Visit Whipsnade Zoo
Operated by the Zoological Society of London, Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest zoo by land area, spanning 600 acres. It’s more like a mini wildlife reserve than a traditional zoo. Animals like rhinos, elephants, and even herds of deer roam large open enclosures that kids can view from a safari-style bus or train.
Jumbo Express steam train experience
Safari-style open paddocks
Giant hilltop “ZOO” letters visible from miles away
Great for active kids and fresh air seekers
- Pro Tip: You can even drive your own car through parts of the zoo with a Zoo Explorer Ticket.
7. Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Bristol Zoo Gardens) – Best for Conservation & Outdoor Fun
Rated: 4.4/5
Entry From: £17 adults, £13 children
Location: Bristol BS10 7TP
Visit Bristol Zoo Project
The Bristol Zoo Project has evolved from the historic zoo into a modern, conservation-focused wildlife park. With fewer cages and more open habitats, it’s ideal for families who value both sustainability and space for their kids to explore.
Giant bear wood, lemur walk-through
Natural play zones and climbing areas
Quiet picnic spots and nature trails
Educational talks and interactive exhibits
- Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Wild Place Project for an extended day out.
8. Highland Wildlife Park, Scottish Highlands – Best for Snow Leopards & Arctic Animals
Rated: 4.6/5
Entry From: £18.95 adults, £13.50 children
Location: Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL
Visit Highland Wildlife Park
Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, this park offers a snowy twist on your typical zoo day. You’ll spot arctic foxes, polar bears, Amur tigers, and snow leopards in realistic, cold-climate habitats. It’s partly a drive-through experience, giving it a safari-like feel.
Drive-through safari with rare species
Home to the UK’s only polar bears
Gorgeous mountain scenery
Outdoor enclosures suited to Highland weather
- Tip: Dress warm—even in summer. The breeze up here is no joke!
9. Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire – Best for Budget-Friendly Family Days
Rated: 4.7/5
Entry From: £21.99 adults, £16.99 children (discounts available online)
Location: Blackpool FY3 8PP
Visit Blackpool Zoo
Often overshadowed by Blackpool’s other attractions, Blackpool Zoo is a hidden gem. It’s a compact but well-designed zoo perfect for half-day trips with young kids. Affordable entry, free parking, and shaded paths make it a very parent-friendly option.
Elephants, sea lions, orangutans, and lions
Dinosaur Safari trail (life-size animatronics!)
Hands-on farm zone for toddlers
Frequent family events and themed weekends
- Tip: Pair your visit with a trip to Stanley Park, just next door—perfect for a picnic or paddle boat ride.
10. Newquay Zoo, Cornwall – Best for Coastal Wildlife Getaways
Rated: 4.5/5
Entry From: £17.45 adults, £13.25 children
Location: Newquay TR7 2NL
Visit Newquay Zoo
Perfect for those enjoying a family holiday in Cornwall, Newquay Zoo is a smaller, well-kept zoo that’s ideal for younger children and quick half-day visits. The lush, tropical-style setting feels unique, and the zoo focuses on endangered species and education.
Red pandas, tapirs, and rare big cats
Great for strollers—flat paths and lots of benches
Free kids’ trails and learning packs available
Close to beaches and Newquay Aquarium
- Tip: Arrive early, explore the zoo, and spend your afternoon at the beach—it’s just 10 minutes away.
11. Paignton Zoo, Devon – Best for Scenic Family Walks & Rare Species
Rated: 4.5/5
Entry From: £22.95 adults, £16.95 children
Location: Paignton TQ4 7EU
Visit Paignton Zoo
Part of the Wild Planet Trust, Paignton Zoo offers a beautifully landscaped setting with lakes, gardens, and rolling terrain. It’s home to over 2,000 animals, including rare Sumatran tigers, giant tortoises, and orangutans. The tropical house and reptile exhibits are big hits on rainy days.
Nature-themed playgrounds
Lakeside café and picnic spots
Educational signs at kid-level height
Regular feeding shows and zookeeper talks
- Tip: Take the jungle train—it gives kids a fun break from walking.
12. Cotswold Wildlife Park, Oxfordshire – Best for Picnic-Lovers and Stroller-Friendly Paths
Rated: 4.7/5
Entry From: £19.50 adults, £13 children
Location: Burford OX18 4JP
Visit Cotswold Wildlife Park
Set on a sprawling estate, this park is loved for its open layout, wide lawns, and tranquil countryside setting. Families can picnic under giant trees while zebras and rhinos roam nearby. The small train ride and walk-through lemur exhibit are firm favorites with little ones.
Giraffe feeding platforms
Accessible for buggies and wheelchairs
Adventure playground and treetop walk
Beautiful gardens, ideal for slow-paced family time.
Tip: Bring your own food—picnicking here is part of the experience.
13. Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire – Best for Primate-Loving Families
Rated: 4.4/5
Entry From: £25.45 adults, £20.50 children
Location: Atherstone CV9 3PX
Visit Twycross Zoo
Home to the most complete collection of primates in the UK, Twycross Zoo is the place for monkey-mad kids and parents. It also offers immersive areas like The Gruffalo Discovery Land, blending storytelling and animal fun in a way that’s perfect for under-10s.
Orangutans, bonobos, gibbons, and gorillas
Splash play area and indoor soft play
Animal-themed storytime sessions
Frequent character appearances and activity zones
- Tip: Download the app to track showtimes and locate characters around the park.
14. Manor Wildlife Park, Pembrokeshire – Best for Walk-Through Animal Encounters
Rated: 4.5/5
Entry From: £17.95 adults, £15.95 children
Location: Tenby SA70 8RJ
Visit Manor Wildlife Park
This Welsh wildlife park stands out with its “walk-in with the animals” approach. Instead of observing from afar, kids get up close with wallabies, lemurs, and goats in safe, supervised enclosures. It’s a quieter park—ideal for families who want a more relaxed, hands-on experience.
Wallaby walkthrough
African Village and Meerkat Mountain
Play dome and tractor rides
Gorgeous Welsh countryside setting
- Tip: Combine your visit with a beach day in nearby Tenby for the ultimate family outing.
15. Banham Zoo, Norfolk – Best for Relaxed Visits with Toddlers
Rated: 4.6/5
Entry From: £21.95 adults, £16.95 children
Location: Banham NR16 2HE
Visit Banham Zoo
Banham Zoo is a compact, well-maintained park, perfect for toddlers and young kids. It’s easy to navigate, has shorter walking distances, and plenty of shaded rest areas. Don’t let its size fool you—it still houses over 2,000 animals, including snow leopards and lemurs.
Indoor soft play and ride-on tractors
Friendly farmyard with goats and rabbits
Free zoo train (included with entry)
Keeper talks and animal encounter stations
- Tip: Save by purchasing the dual ticket with Africa Alive! if you plan to explore both in one trip.
16. Africa Alive Reserve, Suffolk – Best Safari-Style Zoo in the East of England
Rated: 4.5/5
Entry From: £23.50 adults, £17.95 children
Location: Kessingland, NR33 7TF
Visit Africa Alive Reserve
If you’ve ever wanted to go on safari—without leaving the UK—Africa Alive delivers the closest experience. This wildlife park focuses on African species, featuring vast enclosures where you can spot lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more in near-natural settings.
Land train rides across the park
Lemur walk-through and meerkat feeding
Outdoor play areas and picnic spots
Big Cats & Plains of Africa enclosures
- Tip: Book the “Rhino Encounter” for older kids—it’s unforgettable!
17. Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Cumbria – Best Small Zoo for Learning & Hands-On Fun
Rated: 4.6/5
Entry From: £10.95 adults, £7.95 children
Location: Milnthorpe LA7 7BW
Visit Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
This small but mighty zoo is perfect for younger children and families who want a calm, educational visit. Despite its compact size, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis offers reptiles, butterflies, meerkats, and rare snow leopards in beautifully kept habitats.
Excellent indoor exhibits for rainy days
Petting area and fossil dig zone
Keeper talks tailored for children
Very budget-friendly pricing
- Tip: It’s only a short drive from the Lake District—great for adding to your nature-based holiday.
18. Wildwood Trust, Kent – Best for British Wildlife & Woodland Exploration
Rated: 4.7/5
Entry From: £15.50 adults, £13.50 children
Location: Herne Bay CT6 7LQ
Visit Wildwood Trust
Unlike traditional zoos with exotic animals, Wildwood Trust focuses on native British wildlife—think bears, lynx, wolves, and wild boars. Set in a beautiful woodland, it’s a great pick for families wanting a nature walk and wildlife experience in one.
Tree-top walkways and forest paths
Bear bridge (walk above the bear enclosure!)
Seasonal family events and trails
Ideal for autumn walks and outdoor learning
- Tip: Great year-round, but especially pretty in spring or fall.
19. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Somerset – Best Big Zoo with Big Animal Encounters
Rated: 4.4/5
Entry From: £22 adults, £18 children
Location: Wraxall, BS48 1PG
Visit Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Set on a working farm just outside Bristol, this huge zoo offers an amazing mix of farm animals and exotic species like elephants, white rhinos, giraffes, and even bears. It’s one of the few zoos in the UK with elephants!
Massive play barns and trampolines
Daily animal talks and hands-on experiences
Eco-conscious zoo layout and events
Suitable for toddlers to teens
- Tip: Check out the indoor Elephant House during cooler months—it’s a hit!
20. Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre, Sheffield – Best for Insect & Bird Lovers
Rated: 4.7/5
Entry From: £15.75 adults, £14.25 children
Location: North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ
Visit Tropical Butterfly House.
This unique zoo is a hidden gem for families who love birds, reptiles, and creepy crawlies. Set in lush gardens, it offers walk-through tropical greenhouses with free-flying butterflies and exotic birds, along with lemurs, parrots, owls, and even wallabies.
Parrot displays and falconry shows
Lemur walkthrough and meerkat feeding
Bug handling sessions for brave kids!
Woodland trail and play areas
- Tip: Great for springtime visits when butterflies and flowers are at their peak.
Final Touch: 20 Zoos, One Epic UK Family Wildlife Guide
Whether you’re planning a full UK wildlife tour or just looking for your next weekend trip, this list of 20 best zoos in the UK for families in 2025 has something for everyone—from toddlers to teens, and from budget-friendly to bucket list-worthy.
FAQ: Best Zoos in the UK for Families (2025)
Q1: What is the best zoo in the UK for families?
A: Chester Zoo is widely ranked as the best overall zoo for families in the UK, thanks to its size, species variety, and family-friendly facilities.
Q2: Which UK zoo has the most animals?
A: Colchester Zoo and Chester Zoo both house over 20,000 animals across hundreds of species.
Q3: Are there any safari-style zoos in the UK?
A: Yes! Whipsnade Zoo and Africa Alive offer open safari-style experiences where you can see animals roaming in large enclosures.
Q4: What zoo is best for toddlers?
A: Banham Zoo, Cotswold Wildlife Park, and Lakeland Wildlife Oasis are excellent for younger children due to flat paths, small size, and hands-on experiences.
Q5: Are there zoos in the UK where you can walk through animal enclosures?
A: Yes! Try Manor Wildlife Park, Wildwood Trust, or Tropical Butterfly House for immersive walk-through experiences with lemurs, wallabies, or butterflies.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
