April 8th is National Zoo Lovers Day, giving you the perfect excuse to visit one of the more than 350 zoos dotted across the UK.
If you’re packing up your caravan or motorhome with the aim of adding a zoo to your touring itinerary, which ones have great campsites close by?
Edinburgh Zoo
Famed for its daily Penguin Parade, Edinburgh Zoo has an emphasis on education and immersive experiences, with the chance to feed some of the animals and walk among the wallabies. Koalas, chimpanzees and sun bears are just some of the highlights of the 171 species housed at Edinburgh Zoo.
Pitch up at Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, a 20-minute drive from the zoo.
Northumberland Zoo
Boasting snow leopards, lemurs and capybaras, it’s safe to say that the family-run Northumberland Zoo is well worth a visit. Regular keeper talks and displays offer insight into the more than 80 different types of animal that call this corner of the north east home.
Stay at Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, which is 20 minutes away and right by the beach.
Chester Zoo
Dating back to 1931, Chester Zoo is one of the biggest in the UK and home to more than 31,000 animals. From aardvarks and black rhinos to cheetahs and flamingoes, there are species to enchant every member of the family. The zoo is also home to botanical gardens, where visitors can discover the national collections of orchids and cacti.
Park your leisure vehicle up at Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club Site, 24 minutes away.
Marwell Zoo
Located near Winchester, the 1,208 animals at Marwell Zoo are spread across 149 species. While tigers, white rhinos and snow leopards are among the most impressive creatures to visit, the meerkats and sloths are just as charming. Don’t miss the chance to do something truly unique with one of the zoo’s special Animal Experiences.
Book a pitch at Marwell Resort, which couldn’t be more convenient at just six minutes’ drive from the zoo.
London Zoo
No list of zoos would be complete without this gem in Regent’s Park, but most people don’t associate a city break in London with pitching up in a caravan or motorhome. It’s actually a great option, with public transport taking you into the city and the 10,000 animals waiting at London Zoo. From leafcutter ants to silverback gorillas, there’s plenty to marvel at.
Plan to stay at Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park in North London and use public transport to travel to the zoo.
Newquay Zoo
Visit lemurs, otters, penguins, red pandas, lynx, armadillos, meerkats, birds and reptiles all set against the tropical garden backdrop of Newquay Zoo. There are no fewer than 1,000 animals living at the zoo and many are the subject of daily talks by qualified professionals to help you learn more about these fascinating species.
The Tregurrian Camping and Caravanning Club Site is just 11 minutes away by car.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Andrew Dawes
