If you’re an animal lover, then chances are you’ve been to a best zoo or two (or ten!) in your lifetime. But what makes a great zoo? Is it the size of the animals’ enclosures? The variety of species on offer? The educational value? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best zoos in the UK, according to various different criteria. So whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or want to learn more about conservation efforts, read on to find your perfect match.
The Best Zoos In The UK
The UK is home to some of the best zoos in the world. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our favourite zoos in the UK.
1. Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the UK and is home to over 21,000 animals. The zoo is divided into different sections, each with its own theme. Some of the highlights include the Islands area, which is home to tigers, lions, and elephants; the Aquarium; and theJungle House.
2. London Zoo
London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo is home to over 650 different species of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and penguins. There are also several important conservation projects taking place at London Zoo, such as the gorilla breeding programme.
3. Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is located on Corstorphine Hill and is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 130 different species. The zoo has several unique features, including an indoor rainforest house and an Australian outback exhibit. Edinburgh Zoo also has a giant panda exhibit, which is one of only two in the UK (the other being at Blair Drummond Safari Park).
4. Glasgow Zoo
Glasgow Zoo
How To Choose A Zoo

Choosing the right zoo for you and your family can be a tough decision. There are so many factors to consider, from the location to the type of animals on display. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a zoo:
– Location: You’ll want to choose a zoo that’s conveniently located for you. If you’re based in London, for example, then choosing a zoo in Kent or Sussex might not be the best option.
– Type of animals: Some zoos specialise in certain types of animals, so if you have a favourite animal, you might want to check out which zoos are home to them. For instance, Colchester Zoo is known for its Gorilla Kingdom.
– Opening times: Most zoos are open all year round, but some have seasonal opening times. If you’re planning a visit during the winter months, make sure the zoo you’re interested in is open then.
– Prices: Ticket prices can vary depending on the zoo, so it’s worth checking this before you commit to anything. Many zoos offer discounts for children, students and seniors, so it’s worth investigating these options too.
The Criteria Used In This Ranking
When it comes to choosing the best zoos in the UK, there are a few key criteria that we took into account. First and foremost, we looked at the size and variety of the animal collection. A good zoo should have a wide range of animals from different parts of the world, and it should be able to accommodate them in spacious and naturalistic enclosures.
We also paid attention to the zoo’s educational offerings and conservation initiatives. A great zoo will not only provide its visitors with opportunities to learn about the amazing animals on display, but it will also be actively involved in conservation efforts to protect these species in the wild.
Finally, we considered the overall visitor experience, including factors like customer service, facilities, and value for money. We believe that a visit to the zoo should be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved, so we only included zoos that we think meet this high standard.
London Zoo
There are over 700 zoos in the UK, so finding your favourite one can be tricky. London Zoo is a great place to start, as it’s one of the oldest and most well-known zoos in the country.
London Zoo was founded in 1826 and is located in Regent’s Park. It’s home to over 16,000 animals, making it one of the largest zoos in the world. Some of the most popular animals at London Zoo include lions, tigers, gorillas, and penguins.
One of the best things about London Zoo is that it offers a variety of ways to experience the animals. There are standard zoo walks where you can see all the different animals, as well as feedings and talks where you can learn more about them. You can also book special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters.
If you’re looking for a great day out at a zoo, London Zoo should definitely be on your list!
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo Gardens is a world-famous zoo situated in the city of Bristol, England. The zoo has over 500 different species of animals and covers an area of 12 hectares. Bristol Zoo Gardens is one of the oldest zoos in the world, having opened its doors to the public in 1835.
The zoo is well-known for its work with conservation and captive breeding programmes, and has been involved in some groundbreaking work over the years. Some of the highlights include being the first zoo to breed gorillas in captivity, and being part of a team that successfully bred the world’s rarest bird, the Spix’s macaw.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is a great day out for all the family, with plenty to see and do. There are feeding times and talks throughout the day, as well as a range of educational facilities. The zoo also has a number of cafés and restaurants, so you can make a day of it.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the United Kingdom and is located in Chester, England. The zoo has over 15,000 animals and 500 different species, making it one of the largest collections of animals in the UK. Chester Zoo is also home to some of the rarest animals in the world, including the critically endangered Bornean orangutan.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is world-renowned for its work with endangered animals, and is home to some of the most popular animals in the UK. The zoo has over 1,000 animals, including tigers, lions, cheetahs, penguins, and more. The zoo also has a wide variety of educational programs and events for children and adults.
Glasgow Zoo

Glasgow Zoo is one of the best zoos in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The zoo has a wide variety of animals, from lions and tigers to penguins and giraffes, and there’s always something new to see. The zoo also has a great education programme, which helps visitors learn about the animals and their habitats.
Midlands Wildlife Trust – Twin Lakes
The Midlands Wildlife Trust – Twin Lakes is one of the best zoos in the UK. Situated in Leicestershire, the zoo is home to over 200 animals, including tigers, lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
The zoo also has a variety of educational programmes and events for children and adults alike. For example, the ‘Zoo Academy’ offers children the opportunity to learn about different animal species and their habitats, while the ‘Conservation Connection’ programme educates visitors on the importance of conservation.
The Midlands Wildlife Trust – Twin Lakes is a great day out for all the family, and with so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best zoos in the UK.