Which Is The Best Zoo ?

kez_s

I've always liked Bristol Zoo which no-one on here has mentioned, I've gone numerous times as a child and I've now taken my children who also loved it.

Longleat is also great; we are going this year (it's now on Tesco Clubcard deals!) Marwell is really good as well; we've been twice and not long ago we went to Woburn Safari Park which was a brilliant day out.

Sweetpeanut

Not exactly a zoo, but Knowsley safari park, is great i went on sunday, and thers loads to do, see all the animals, bug house, farmyard, fun-fair i thought it was fantastic and my 2 girls loved it:D:D:D

amylouhufc

Dublin Zoo is an excellent choice, perhaps a little far to travel for the day from the UK.
It is a very large zoo, and provides plenty of space for the animals, and as close to natural habitats as possible.
Definitely worth a visit one day.

Mum_of_3_3

I've only ever been to zoos inthe West Country, but here's what I think of them:

Paignton Zoo is amazing, the thing that we loved was that every so often there are small play areas for the children, which means that you don't get stuck in one huge play area all day and end up seeing very few animal. Also because the zoo is very big it means that they don't end up moaning about how far they are walking :j

I do love Bristol Zoo's seal & penguin section. They have a bit where you can walk 'through' the water (like the Sea Life centres) which means that you can see the penguins & seals swimming close up http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/visiting/attractions/seal There's also an area for picnicing in the middle of the zoo so you don't feel forced to buy food there, sometimes they have entertainers walking around & there is also a stage where they put on eco-plays for yo uto watch whilst munching your sandwiches!
If you live anywhere near Bristol then it's definately worth a visit, if you don't then try to combine it with a weekend away as you could combine it with @t Bristol which my kids love http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/explore/default.htm

Longleat is fab & even though go every year we never-ever tire of it (you have to go through the monkey section though as the monkeys are a riot). The boat out to see the hippos, sealions & gorillas (on an island not in the water ) is fab. It would be a lot to do in one day , but it's not impossible. Also when you get into the park itself there is a maze and also a big castle area they can play in which has water fountains on the floor so don't forget to take their swimmers and a towel.

Newquay Zoo is owned by Paignton and although you would be stretched to spend a whole day there I reccommend it to any one visiting the area. It relaxed, peaceful, the setting is beautiful and they are committed to conservation being one of the first in England to get some special award for it I think. A definate must for anyone visiting Cornwall with little ones imo. If you do go you have to check out the Pygmy Marmosets (google for pictures of them), they are the smallest monkeys and are so incredibly sweet (and tiny!).

There you go I hope some of this has helped?!

M_o_3 (off to google Chester & Colchester zoos cos they sound great )

boo2009

Whilst have been to Chester Zoo and thought it was great my all time favourite is the animal park in the South Lakes the lemurs that wander about freely are all time favourites and cheeky too

They are doing a winter offer which is on till the end of March at £7 for adults and £4 for the children under 3's go free.

Fantastic day out and our all time favourite, have fun.


http://www.wildanimalpark.co.uk/wildlifepark_home.asp for more info.

kr15snw

Another vote for paignton, although I will agree with yvonne in that as the enclosures are so HUGE for the animals sometimes you cant see them. Lol. Been there before and the zebra for example are somewhere in there gigantic field but you cant tell where..... Lol. At least their happy though

A vote for Living coasts though! ADORE this place. Although its only an afternoon or morning trip, where else do you get to have a penguin walk up to you, sqwark (or what ever they do) at you and then walk off! Its great! I have so many photos of me next to the penguins

dobbie82

boo2009 wrote: »

Whilst have been to Chester Zoo and thought it was great my all time favourite is the animal park in the South Lakes the lemurs that wander about freely are all time favourites and cheeky too

They are doing a winter offer which is on till the end of March at £7 for adults and £4 for the children under 3's go free.

Fantastic day out and our all time favourite, have fun.


http://www.wildanimalpark.co.uk/wildlifepark_home.asp for more info.

One thing to note with the wild animal park isthat it can be quite scary for kids with animals running free. I was very nervous wheeling my baby in a pushchair past wild animals (didnt realise they were loose, no mention on leaflet and had travelled 60 miles or so) ostriches hissing etc.

Lemurs are amusing though.


I found chester zoo the best zoo i have visited. its huge though so be prepared to spend the day there and take a buggy for kids.

yorksbabe

I really like Paignton Zoo (been twice) and when I went to Jersey we went to their zoo and it is brilliant! Spent hours just watching the Gorillas!!

pcamps

Paignton's pretty good, I'm lucky enough to live down here so get to go quite often with my kids
Marwells a close second though, had a really good break up there last year actually, stayed in a hotel just off the M27 holiday inn I think (got it from meridianleisure.com incase you care)

Paignton Zoo number one though!

chez22

Another vote for South Lakes, a great day out.