10 of the best zoos and aquariums

Welsh Mountain Zoo

Located high above Colwyn Bay in North Wales, the Welsh Mountain Zoo provides the opportunity to see some of the rarest animals from around the world including Snow Leopards, Chimpanzees, Red Pandas and Sumatran Tigers. The Welsh Zoo also has breathtaking scenery and a wide range of activities for children, such as the Jungle Adventureland and Tarzan Trail Adventure Playground.

Exmoor Zoo

Since its opening in 1982, Exmoor Zoo has become a favourite for families around the UK. Exmoor Zoo is a friendly and contact orientated zoo, where visitors get to be involved in Zoo life, including meeting the animals and joining in the handling sessions.

Africa Alive!

One of the UK's largest and most exciting wildlife attractions, Africa Alive is a safari park set in 100 acres of dramatic coastal parkland. With hundreds of African animals and birds to marvel at, the park offers a free Safari Roadtrain with live commentary to navigate the venue. Families are also able to visit Farm Yard Corner, where children and parents can touch and feed some of the park's farm animals.

West Midland Safari and Leisure Park

Located just outside Kidderminster, the West Midland Safari Park and Leisure Park offers families a unique wildlife experience. Guests are encouraged to embark on the four mile safari adventure before heading to the Discovery Trail and finally to the amusement area where the whole family can enjoy a host of activities. Children under 3 years go free!

Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Located in a beautiful parkland setting with waterfalls, lakes and dramatic views across the sea, the Seaview Wildlife Encounter is a great attraction for visitors to the Isle of Wight. It offers a personal, hands-on experience and a close encounter with nature as you’re able to walk amongst the animals and birds (including flamingos), before escaping to the tranquil lower lake to visit the ducks and geese.

London Aquarium

Since 1997 the London Aquarium has hosted the biggest collection of aquatic species in the capital, with a breathtaking collection of sea life living in the centre. The aquarium is located on the south side of the River Thames, opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Blue Reef Aquariums (Nationwide)

The Blue Reef Aquariums are based around the UK and aim to help children understand and fall in love with the natural world. Suitable for all the family, displays feature animals from the British coastline all the way to tropical reefs in over 40 naturally recreated displays.

Macduff Marine Aquarium

Located in the North East of Scotland, the Macduff Marine Aquarium offers an award-winning marine experience. It promotes a unique view of the sea world, and the Macduff’s central exhibit (a living kelp reef) is the only one of its kind in Britain.

National Sea Life Centre

The National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham houses over 1,000 aquatic creatures, including the UK’s first Hammerhead Sharks. From the 1 million litre underwater tunnel to the 4D cinema and over 60 aquatic displays such as rock pools, turtle breeding and tropical features, there’s plenty for the whole family.