5 Best Zoos in the UK
I have visited most of the major zoos in the UK over the years, from childhood trips to London Zoo where I pressed my face against the glass at the gorilla enclosure, to more recent family outings to Chester and Edinburgh. The UK takes its zoos seriously – these are not just tourist attractions but genuine conservation centres doing important work breeding endangered species. The best ones combine that serious purpose with genuinely memorable animal encounters. Here are my top five.
London Zoo
Founded in 1828, London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Situated in the heart of London’s Regent’s Park, the zoo is home to over 16,000 animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, and kiwis. London Zoo also has an excellent educational programme, with talks and tours running throughout the day.
London Zoo prices
Standard Pricing (check latest prices)
ADULT (AGES 16-64) – £29.70
CHILD (3-15 YEARS) – £20.80
UNDER 3 (AGES 0-2) – £0.00
CONCESSION (SENIORS/STUDENTS/DISABLED) – £27.50
Carers of disabled visitors go free
When to visit
The London Zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. Opening times vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go. During peak periods, such as summer and school holidays, the zoo can get very busy. Off-peak visits are quieter.
What to see
With over 16,000 animals spread out over 36 acres, there’s a lot to see at the London Zoo! Some of the most popular attractions include the Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach, Tiger Territory, and Aquarium. Be sure to pick up a map when you enter so you don’t miss anything!
Check opening times and buy tickets in advance – queues at the gate can be long, especially in summer.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is Scotland’s largest zoo and is located just a few miles from the city center. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including pandas, chimpanzees, and red pandas. Edinburgh Zoo also offers keeper talks, animal enrichment activities, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Getting to Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is located just a few miles from the city centre, making it easily accessible by public transport. If you’re coming by train, the zoo is just a short walk from Wester Hailes station. If you’re driving, there are several parking options available, including on-street parking and dedicated park-and-ride service. Please note that there is a charge for all parking at the zoo.
When to visit
Edinburgh Zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Many animals are most active early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The zoo also runs special events and exhibitions throughout the year, so check the website before you visit.
What to see
As well as being home to some of the world’s rarest animals, Edinburgh Zoo features an impressive collection including African lions, Humboldt penguins, koalas, and red pandas. The zoo was previously home to the UK’s only giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, who returned to China in December 2023 after 12 years in Scotland.
Why go?
Edinburgh Zoo is well worth a visit whether you’re an animal enthusiast or just after a good day out. It’s easy to reach from the city centre by public transport.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. The zoo is situated just outside Chester city center and is home to over 15,000 animals. Chester Zoo offers a wide range of animal experiences, from meeting a meerkat to coming face-to-face with a lion.
Chester Zoo – conservation and visitor experience
The zoo is also a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
The History of Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo was founded in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family. They had purchased Oakfield House and seven acres of land, bringing with them a collection of animals from a zoo at Shavington, near Crewe. The MOTZOOS Ltd company was set up to run the zoo and by 1934, the zoo was home to 82 species of bird, 37 species of mammal, 20 species of reptile, 14 species of amphibian, 7 species moments after being born. These unique birth events are made possible by 24-hour care from our expert staff who have years of experience hand-rearing flamingo chicks.”
Chester Zoo has over 15,000 animals across 500 species and is one of the country’s most visited zoos. If you’re in the northwest of England, it’s worth a full day.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is located near Doncaster in South Yorkshire. The park is home to over 400 animals across 70 species, including polar bears, lions, tigers, and black rhinos. Yorkshire Wildlife Park also offers keeper talks and behind-the-scenes tours.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has over 400 animals across 70 species, including polar bears, lions, tigers, and meerkats. There are daily keeper talks where you can learn about the animals and how they are cared for.
Things to do
There is also an adventure playground and a safari train ride. There is a café on site, or you can bring your own picnic.
Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is located in Bedfordshire and is run by the charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London). The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals and covers 600 acres. Whipsnade Zoo offers a range of animal experiences as well as keeper talks and behind-the-scenes tours.
Opening times
Whipsnade Zoo is open every day from 10am to 6pm (last entry 5pm). Buy tickets online or at the gate. You’ll be given a map on entry to help plan your route.
What types of animals?
Some of the animals you’ll see at Whipsnade Zoo include lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas. There are also several smaller animals, such as meerkats, otters, and penguins. In addition to the animal enclosures, there are also several play areas for children, a café, and a shop.
The open spaces and safari-style layout make Whipsnade a good choice for families, and the 600-acre site means it never feels crowded even on a busy day.
These five zoos cover a good range of what the UK has to offer, from London Zoo in the heart of the capital to the wide-open spaces of Whipsnade. All of them combine genuine conservation work with a memorable day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best zoo in the UK?
Chester Zoo is often considered the best zoo in the UK, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. It’s home to over 15,000 animals representing 500 different species, with strong conservation programmes and well-designed animal habitats. London Zoo and Edinburgh Zoo are also top contenders.
How much does it cost to visit London Zoo?
London Zoo tickets cost approximately £29.70 for adults and £20.80 for children (ages 3-15). Children under 3 enter free. Concession prices (£27.50) are available for seniors, students, and disabled visitors. Booking online in advance is recommended as prices may vary.
Can you see giant pandas in the UK?
No, the UK currently has no giant pandas. Edinburgh Zoo was previously home to Tian Tian and Yang Guang, who arrived in 2011 as part of a conservation breeding program. They returned to China in December 2023 after 12 years in Scotland.
Which UK zoo is best for children?
London Zoo and Chester Zoo are both excellent for children, offering interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and educational programs. Whipsnade Zoo also offers a great family day out with its large open spaces and safari-style experience across 600 acres.
Do UK zoos participate in conservation efforts?
Yes, major UK zoos are actively involved in conservation and breeding programs for endangered species. They are members of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), working to protect wildlife and educate the public.
What’s the difference between London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo?
Both are run by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park in central London and is more compact, while Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire spans 600 acres and offers a more spacious, safari-park style experience with larger animal enclosures.
