The UK has some of the finest zoos in Europe, giving everyone the chance to see some of nature’s wonders.Â
If you are making plans for what to do whilst on your travels to the UK, these three zoos may give you some inspiration on where to visit. They are all excellent zoos in their own unique ways and are all popular attractions in the UK.
Longleat (South/West UK)
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park is found in Warminster in Wiltshire and although it is not too far from the neighbouring Bristol Zoo, they have different appeals and are both excellent attractions in the area. Longleat are always throwing something new and exciting for the guests, such as TV star Steve Backshall making an appearance to work magic on the animals of the park.
Longleat is located in a stunning area surrounded by lakes, open fields and woodland. Even the journey to Longleat makes you feel as if you are in the zoo as you slowly make your way along the narrow winding roads.
Drusillas (South/East UK)
Drusillas Park is located in Alfriston in Sussex and is just a short journey from the main Sussex tourist spot- Brighton. If you are planning a visit to the south of the UK then you will most likely come to Brighton to see many of the attractions on offer, and you could always spend one of your days at the beloved Drusillas Park.
Although Drusillas is smaller than both Longleat and Bristol Zoo, it has been labelled as a leading small zoo in the UK and has a growing base of wonderful animals, some of which are endangered. April 2013 will see the introduction of the red panda which is originally from areas around the Himalayas, including India and China.
Drusillas has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the variety of activities put on primarily for children, such as the Fat Controller from Thomas the Tank Engine making guest appearances, plus many more popular TV stars. The park is also incredibly interactive so kids cannot be bored for a minute, whilst having fun they are learning all about the animals in their environments as well as geography and the origin of the animals. Â You can find everything from meerkats to penguins at Drusillas and have enough time at the end of the day to explore the quaint surrounding area.
Bristol Zoo (South West UK)
Bristol Zoo can be found in the south west UK and is certainly one of the hottest attractions in Bristol alongside the shopping on offer. The zoo prides itself on being more than a fun day out for kids; it is a home to some of the rare species of animals that most people will never set their eyes on unless they go to the zoo.
They have a fun and interactive tool to allow you to preview the zoo so you see all of the attractions and get a feel for the zoo before you have even left your chair.
Photographed here is a penguin sitting low in his home found at the top right of the zoo.
Venture across the side of the zoo and you will enter ‘Zona Brazil’ where you will be surrounded by some of the rare animals of the rainforests of Brazil, including the golden lion tamarins.
Tom Clark loves zoos and loves visiting some of the best towns and cities in the UK.  He has recently been sampling the best zoos in the south.
(Image credit to Glen Bowman, steve-uk and Drusillas Park)
