1. ZSL London Zoo
Located in Regent’s Park, ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, offering an immersive experience with over 750 species in well-designed habitats. It’s managed by the Zoological Society of London, a charity focused on wildlife conservation. London Zoo’s compact, central location is ideal for schools, providing students with an accessible way to learn about animal behaviour, ecology, and conservation. Select Coach Hire can provide coaches and minibuses for groups of all sizes to ZSL London Zoo or any of the attractions mentioned in this article.
Unique Features: The zoo is known for its themed zones such as Land of the Lions, where visitors can observe Asiatic lions in a replica Indian Gir Forest. Tiger Territory provides an immersive experience with endangered Sumatran tigers in naturalistic enclosures.
Animals to See: Highlights include Asiatic lions, Western lowland gorillas, Komodo dragons, and Humboldt penguins. London Zoo also houses rare species like the okapi and Galápagos tortoise.
Other Attractions: In addition to animal exhibits, there are daily animal feedings and talks led by expert zookeepers. London Zoo offers various hands-on workshops and behind-the-scenes experiences designed to align with educational curriculums.
Location: Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY
Opening Hours: Generally, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; hours vary seasonally.
Website: https://www.zsl.org
2. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is a vast open-air zoo spread across 600 acres of Bedfordshire countryside, offering an immersive, safari-like experience. It’s known as one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in the UK, providing ample space for larger animals and a more naturalistic experience for both visitors and residents.
Unique Features: Whipsnade’s open spaces allow for unique experiences, like the Passage Through Asia, a drive-through exhibit where animals such as camels and deer roam freely. The Rhino Plateau provides up-close views of these magnificent animals in a large, natural enclosure.
Animals to See: Key species include elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and brown bears. Whipsnade is also home to reindeer, bison, and the iconic Asian elephant herd.
Other Attractions: A miniature train, the Jumbo Express, takes visitors around the park. There’s also an Explorer’s Outpost area for hands-on activities, playgrounds, and several picnic spots. The educational programs emphasize conservation and include animal encounters and workshops tailored for school groups.
Location: Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF
Opening Hours: Usually 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; seasonal variations apply.
Website: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
3. Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is a unique blend of theme park rides, a zoo, and a SEA LIFE center. Known for its combination of thrill and education, it provides students with an exciting environment to learn about animals, marine life, and habitats.
Unique Features: The park’s multi-attraction format is a standout, including zones like the Trail of the Kings, where visitors see big cats, and Penguin Bay, where children can observe penguins in a lively habitat with underwater viewing.
Animals to See: Highlights include Amur tigers, gorillas, sea lions, and capybaras. In the SEA LIFE center, students can explore marine life from tropical fish to jellyfish.
Other Attractions: Apart from animals, Chessington has themed rides like Vampire and Scorpion Express. Live shows, feeding demonstrations, and animal talks are available daily. They offer STEM and ecology-based workshops that tie into school curriculums.
Location: Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE
Opening Hours: Generally, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, subject to seasonal changes.Website:https://www.chessington.com
4. Woburn Safari Park
This safari park combines drive-through safari and foot safari experiences, allowing students to see animals in semi-wild settings. It’s ideal for teaching about animal behaviour, conservation, and environmental adaptations.
Unique Features: The Road Safari allows visitors to drive through different zones like Kingdom of the Carnivores and Giraffe Junction. The safari experience makes it one of the few places in the UK where students can observe animals from their vehicles in a free-roaming setup.
Animals to See: Visitors can see lions, giraffes, elephants, lemurs, and black bears. The monkey drive-through is a favourite for watching these playful animals interact.
Other Attractions: The Leisure Area has educational displays, playgrounds, and walk-through enclosures. They also provide animal encounters, allowing students to learn about animal training and conservation work.
Location: Woburn Park, Crawley Rd, Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9QN
Opening Hours: Typically, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm; seasonal variations apply.Website: https://www.woburnsafari.co.uk
5. Paradise Wildlife Park
Paradise Wildlife Park, a family-run zoo, offers intimate, hands-on experiences with animals. Its focus on close encounters makes it an interactive learning environment, especially popular with younger children.
Unique Features: The Big Cat Territory is a highlight, housing white lions, tigers, and cheetahs in spacious enclosures. Paradise also boasts a collection of reptiles in the Reptile Temple.
Animals to See: Notable residents include snow leopards, meerkats, red pandas, and various primates.
Other Attractions: The park offers the World of Dinosaurs, a popular attraction with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Educational workshops focus on endangered species and adaptation, making it suitable for young students.
Location: White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA
Opening Hours: Generally, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.Website:https://www.pwpark.com
6. Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts is a conservation-centred park that’s part of The Aspinall Foundation, known for its efforts to breed and protect endangered species. It’s set in a natural woodland area that allows animals to thrive in spacious enclosures.
Unique Features: Howletts is known for its family groups of gorillas and large African elephant herd, both living in expansive enclosures designed to mirror their natural environments.
Animals to See: Key species include African elephants, gorillas, cheetahs, and clouded leopards.
Other Attractions: Visitors can explore the Treetop Challenge, an adventure playground, and take part in guided educational tours that emphasise conservation.
Location: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5EL
Opening Hours: Usually 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.Website:https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts
7. Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is a conservation-focused zoo situated on a large estate in Hampshire. It’s ideal for exploring a variety of habitats and animals from different continents.
Unique Features: The zoo has a Tropical House with a simulated rainforest environment, home to free-flying birds and butterflies. The African Savannah zone is another highlight, housing giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Animals to See: Notable species include cheetahs, snow leopards, lemurs, and Humboldt penguins.
Other Attractions: Marwell’s play areas, picnic spots, and educational talks are tailored to different age groups. The Wild Explorers area offers insights into conservation efforts.
Location: Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH
Opening Hours: Typically, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.Website:https://www.marwell.org.uk
8. Beale Wildlife Park
This park combines wildlife with gardens, ideal for a more relaxed, intimate visit. It’s especially suited to younger students and focuses on smaller animal species.
Unique Features: Beale Park’s riverside setting includes themed gardens, ponds, and animal enclosures. The train ride and adventure playgrounds make it appealing for primary school groups.
Animals to See: Visitors can see lemurs, kangaroos, meerkats, and various birds in the aviary.
Location: Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Reading RG8 9NW
Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.Website:https://www.bealepark.org.uk
9. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, located in the heart of London, is specifically designed for children, providing a closer, more interactive experience with animals. The zoo is small and easy to navigate, making it ideal for younger school groups. It combines a traditional zoo experience with hands-on activities and play areas to engage children in learning about animals.
Unique Features: The zoo’s intimate setting encourages interaction with animals in ways that larger zoos cannot, such as feeding sessions and educational talks on animals suited for younger children.
Animals to See: Visitors can see lemurs, meerkats, donkeys, otters, and various birds and reptiles. The small farmyard area, featuring rabbits, chickens, and other domestic animals, offers close encounters, giving children a sense of care and responsibility for animals.
Other Attractions: The zoo also has playgrounds, sandpits, and a digger area where children can play. Special activity days focus on conservation and education, offering hands-on learning opportunities with zookeepers.
Location: Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, London SW11 4NJ
Opening Hours: Typically, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm (closing times vary seasonally).Website:https://www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
10. Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo, located in Essex, is one of the UK’s leading zoos and spans over 60 acres with over 200 species. Known for its large enclosures and award-winning conservation efforts, Colchester Zoo is ideal for school trips with its combination of animal encounters and educational activities.
Unique Features: The zoo’s distinct habitats, like Lost Madagascar (housing lemurs) and Bears of the Rising Sun (dedicated to sun bears), make it unique. It also features the Orangutan Forest and Kingdom of the Wild, where visitors can observe animals like rhinos, elephants, and giraffes.
Animals to See: Key species include white rhinos, elephants, orangutans, red pandas, and African lions. The Sea Lion Cove offers interactive sea lion shows, and Tiger Taiga is home to rare Amur tigers.
Other Attractions: Colchester Zoo offers numerous educational talks, feedings, and interactive experiences like the giraffe feed. The Wild Displays Arena hosts daily shows, and adventure playgrounds offer recreational activities for younger children.
Location: Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL
Opening Hours: Typically, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm; hours vary seasonally.Website: https://www.colchester-zoo.com