10 Best Zoos in the UK for Families

The UK is home to some of the world's finest zoos, many with long histories of conservation and education. Whether you are looking for a full day out at a major zoo or a smaller, more intimate wildlife park, there is something for every family. Here are our picks for the ten best zoos in the UK.

What Makes a Great Family Zoo?

Before we get into the list, here is what we look for:

• Animal welfare - well-maintained enclosures, enrichment activities and conservation programmes
• Family facilities - baby-changing, buggy-friendly paths, cafes and toilets throughout the site
• Education - keeper talks, feeding sessions and interactive displays that teach children about animals
• Value for money - reasonable pricing with free entry for under-3s and annual pass options
• Variety - a good mix of species across different habitats

England

1. Chester Zoo, Chester

Chester Zoo is the UK's most-visited zoo and consistently ranked among the best in the world. Home to over 35,000 animals across 128 acres, it features the award-winning Islands area - a series of walk-through habitats recreating Southeast Asian environments where orangutans swing overhead and sun bears roam. The Monsoon Forest is the UK's largest indoor tropical habitat, and the zoo's conservation work is genuinely world-leading.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets throughout, multiple cafes and restaurants, baby-changing, buggy hire, large paid car park, accessible Tip: Buy annual membership if you plan to visit more than once - it pays for itself after two visits and you can pop in for a couple of hours without pressure to see everything.

2. ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park

The world's oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828, sits within Regent's Park in the heart of London. London Zoo has reinvented itself in recent years with immersive enclosures including Land of the Lions (walk through a recreated Indian village with Asiatic lions), Penguin Beach and the Gorilla Kingdom. The Tiny Giants walk-through butterfly house is magical for younger children.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, multiple cafes, baby-changing, gift shops, buggy-friendly, nearest Tube is Camden Town, paid parking limited Tip: Arrive right at opening time to see the animals at their most active. The keeper talks and feeding sessions run throughout the day - grab a schedule at the entrance.

3. Marwell Zoo, Winchester

Set in 140 acres of Hampshire countryside, Marwell Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals and is particularly strong on African species. The Tropical World glasshouse, the snow leopard enclosure and the giraffe feeding platform are highlights. The zoo also has a large adventure playground, a train ride and wide-open spaces that make it feel less crowded than city zoos.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, cafes, baby-changing, gift shop, large free car park, buggy-friendly paths Tip: The giraffe feeding experience is available for a small extra charge and is the highlight for most children - book at the entrance when you arrive.

4. Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire

Twycross Zoo in the East Midlands is renowned for its primate collection, which is one of the largest in Europe. It is the only zoo in the UK to house all four types of great ape - chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos. The zoo also features a Butterfly Forest, a snow leopard enclosure, a penguin pool and an indoor soft play area for younger visitors.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, cafes, baby-changing, gift shop, indoor soft play, large free car park Tip: Time your visit to catch the great ape feeding sessions - the primates are most active and engaging at feeding time.

5. Bristol Zoo Project, South Gloucestershire

Formerly Bristol Zoo Gardens (which closed its Clifton site in 2022), Bristol Zoo Project has relocated to the Wild Place site in South Gloucestershire. The new zoo is built around a conservation-first approach, with large naturalistic enclosures, walkthrough lemur and bear habitats and a strong emphasis on UK native species alongside exotic animals. It feels fresh and modern.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, gift shop, large free car park, mostly accessible Tip: The walk-through bear wood is a highlight - you walk along an elevated boardwalk while bears roam in the woodland below. Go slowly and quietly for the best sightings.

Scotland

6. Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh

Perched on a hillside in Corstorphine, Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and is Scotland's largest zoo. The daily Penguin Parade is a beloved tradition where gentoo and rockhopper penguins waddle along a path in front of delighted visitors. The zoo also has an excellent chimpanzee enclosure, a koala house and a wildcat breeding programme for Scottish wildcat conservation.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, multiple cafes, baby-changing, gift shop, paid car park, bus links from city centre Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes - the zoo is built on a steep hill. Start at the top and work your way down to save your legs.

7. Highland Wildlife Park, Cairngorms

Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore is unique among UK zoos. Set in the Cairngorms National Park, it focuses on animals from cold climates and the Scottish Highlands. Polar bears, snow monkeys, red pandas, European wolves and Scottish wildcats all live in large, naturalistic enclosures. The drive-through reserve section allows you to see bison, wild horses and deer from your car.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, gift shop, large free car park Tip: Bring binoculars - the enclosures are large and some animals are easier to spot with magnification. The polar bears are most active in cooler weather.

Wales

8. Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay

Perched on a hillside above Colwyn Bay with stunning views across the North Wales coast, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is a compact but excellent family zoo. It is home to snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, Sumatran tigers and a large collection of birds. The Penguin Parade and the Chimp Encounter are daily highlights, and the views from the upper enclosures across the sea are spectacular.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, gift shop, paid car park Tip: The zoo is on a steep hillside - a sling or carrier is easier than a buggy for some sections. The views from the bear enclosure are worth the climb.

9. Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire

Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire combines a zoo, a vintage fairground, an adventure playground and an indoor play barn in one sprawling site. The zoo section features giraffes, penguins, lions, rhinos and a large walk-through tropical house. The vintage fairground rides are included in the entry price and the indoor play barn is one of the largest in Wales - making it an excellent all-weather option.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, multiple cafes, baby-changing, gift shop, large free car park, indoor play barn Tip: Allow a full day - there is far more here than you expect. The vintage fairground alone is worth an hour and is included in the ticket price.

Northern Ireland

10. Belfast Zoo, Belfast

Set in the hills above Belfast with views across the city and Belfast Lough, Belfast Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals. The zoo has a strong focus on endangered species and runs breeding programmes for several critically threatened animals. The Asian elephant enclosure, the sea lion pool, the primate house and the free-roaming Barbary macaque walkthrough are all highlights.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, gift shop, large free car park, adventure playground Tip: Entry prices are significantly cheaper than most UK zoos of comparable size - it is excellent value. Visit on a weekday during term time for the quietest experience.

How to Choose the Right Zoo for Your Family

With so many excellent zoos across the UK, choosing the right one depends on a few factors:

• Age of your children - younger children (under 5) do best at smaller, flatter zoos like Welsh Mountain Zoo or Twycross where the walking distances are manageable. Older children will get more from the sheer scale of Chester Zoo or London Zoo.
• Special interests - if your child loves primates, Twycross is unbeatable. For marine life, Bristol Zoo Project's new aquatic exhibits are excellent. For a uniquely Scottish experience, Highland Wildlife Park stands alone.
• Travel distance - a zoo visit works best when the journey does not exhaust everyone before you arrive. Choose somewhere within 90 minutes of home for the most enjoyable day.
• Weather - zoos with large indoor exhibits (Chester's Monsoon Forest, London's Rainforest Life, Twycross's Butterfly Forest) are better bets on rainy days.
• Budget - Belfast Zoo offers outstanding value compared to its size. Chester Zoo and London Zoo are at the premium end but justify it with their scale and quality.

Tips for Visiting UK Zoos with Kids

• Buy annual memberships - if a zoo is within day-trip distance, annual membership almost always pays for itself after two visits and removes the pressure to see everything in one trip.
• Arrive at opening - animals tend to be most active in the morning, especially big cats and primates. The first hour is often the best for sightings.
• Check keeper talk schedules - every good zoo publishes a daily schedule of talks and feeding sessions. Plan your route around the ones your children are most interested in.
• Bring a packed lunch - zoo cafes are often expensive and queues can be long at peak times. Most zoos have picnic areas with tables and benches.
• Wear layers and comfortable shoes - UK zoos involve a lot of walking outdoors, often on hilly terrain. Waterproof jackets are essential any time of year.
• Download the zoo app - most major zoos have apps with interactive maps, event schedules and animal information that enhance the visit.
• Consider off-peak visits - weekdays during school term are quietest. Avoid bank holiday weekends if possible.
• Bring binoculars - larger enclosures mean animals are sometimes at a distance. A pair of child-friendly binoculars makes sightings much more exciting.
• Do not try to see everything - at larger zoos like Chester, it is better to pick a few key areas and enjoy them properly than to rush through the entire site in one day.
• Check for feeding experiences - many zoos now offer bookable animal encounters and feeding experiences for an additional fee. These are often the highlight of the day for children.

Find More Zoos and Wildlife Parks

Looking for a zoo near you? Browse our full directory of zoos across the UK to find the perfect family day out.