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20 December 2023

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Are you looking for an exciting animal-based adventure? These UK zoos and aquariums can be a magical experience for children and adults alike, providing an up close and personal insight into our extraordinary animal kingdom. They are also an educational as well as entertaining experience.

The benefits of learning about wildlife

One of the great reasons to visit animal attractions is that there are knock-on benefits to learning about wildlife, especially for children.

Feeling connected to nature has been shown to improve our mental wellbeing, inciting feelings of peace and positivity. A greater understanding of nature can also make us more appreciative of the world around us, inspiring an all-important desire to care for the environment.

Teaching kids about wildlife throughout their childhood can therefore help with their long-term mental development.

The top 5 UK wildlife attractions

  1. Chester Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the UK at 51 hectares, Chester Zoo is about an hour south-west from Manchester. There are over 27,000 animals to see, and a variety of immersive events and courses for children are on offer throughout the year.

  1. London Zoo

Based in the heart of England’s capital city, London Zoo places an emphasis on conservation. Part of charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL), every ticket sold helps to fund vital restoration work for habitats and endangered species.

Crucial conservation work takes place in the zoo itself giving visitors a first-hand view of this vital work.

  1. The Deep

The Deep is located on the Yorkshire coastline but is easily accessible by train to Hull or via the motorway. As the name suggests, this attraction is an aquarium devoted to marine life.

From illuminated jellyfish and vibrant seahorses to smooth and silent sting rays and sharks, there are over 5,000 marine animals to see at The Deep. Highlights include the penguin enclosure and endangered sea turtles, both of which can be observed with a talk from an expert guide.

The well-priced annual pass lets you visit as many times as you like throughout the year.

  1. Longleat Safari Park

Longleat’s claim to fame is that it was the first safari park to open outside of Africa, throwing open the doors in 1966. They support conservation projects around the world, particularly breeding programmes which aim to bring animals out of the endangered zone.

You can go on walking tours or driving tours of Longleat Safari Park, or take a boat ride across the lake.

  1. Edinburgh Zoo

Arguably the most special wildlife attraction in the UK is Edinburgh Zoo. The animals that generate the most excitement are the giant pandas that aren’t found anywhere else in the UK.

This 82-acre non-profit zoological park offers seasonal activities and sensational views of Scotland’s capital city in addition to its amazing animal collection. Daily talks are held each day at the most significant spots, and you can go behind the scenes with their Keeper Experiences.