Family fun - Animal magic

You don’t have to go on safari or sailing across oceans to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the animal kingdom. England’s vast array of zoos, sanctuaries and aquariums mean there is a wealth of opportunities to come face to face with all manner of wildlife and sea creatures. 

East of England

Banham Zoo (www.banhamzoo.co.uk), Norwich, is set amongst 35 acres of attractive gardens and parkland and is home to over 1,000 animals - with plenty of educational displays and feeding talks to enjoy. Situated in Lowestoft, Africa Alive (www.africa-alive.co.uk/) recreates the magic of the African Savannah with its walking family safari of animal attractions. Soak up the sights and sounds of a multitude of African birds and animals.

London

Check out London Zoo (www.zsl.org/london-zoo/) where you can see a huge range of animals including the African Hunting Dog, the Asian Lion, the Sumatran Tiger and lots more exotic beasts! The island that forms the gorillas’ outdoor space in Gorilla Kingdom is a beautiful green oasis boasting a cave, heated rocks, a hill that provides a perfect gorilla vantage point and a scene-setting waterfall that cascades through the gorillas’ home and the public area. African style plants give the gorillas extra food to munch on if they want and trees and ropes offer a stimulating climbing environment!

South West

Among the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 150 primates. There are currently 56 chimpanzees at Monkey World (www.monkeyworld.org/) which make it the largest group outside Africa.

Paignton Zoo (www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/) is home to some of the world's most endangered plants and animals and At-Bristol (www.at-bristol.org.uk/) is a unique destination bringing science, nature and art to life.

At Longleat (www.longleat.co.uk/) in Warminster, the first Safari Park outside Africa, you can discover a range of animals from the comfort of your own car. See how you measure up to a giraffe, watch out for the zebras crossing, and be enthralled by the majestic lions and tigers.

Set in 40 acres of pretty woodland and formal grounds, Dudley Zoological Gardens and Castle (www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/) in the West Midlands offers visitors the chance to see some of the rarest, most exotic animals in the world beneath the shadows of a medieval castle.

Overlooking the North Sea, the Blue Reef Aquarium (www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/) in Tynemouth is a great opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the natural world and is perfect for a family day out visit, whatever the weather.

More info on wildlife in the South West

Yorkshire

Hull is home to The Deep (www.thedeep.co.uk/), an attraction that has been making waves since it opened a few years ago. This fantastic futuristic attraction takes you on a dramatic underwater journey.

See seven species of shark, huge marine dinosaurs, Moray eels, rays and hundreds of other stunning sea creatures. Witness the mysteries of the ocean from the world's only underwater lift and Europe's deepest viewing tunnel!

At the Sea Life Centre (www.sealifeeurope.com/local/index.php?loc=scarborough) in Scarborough you have the opportunity to meet creatures that live in and around the oceans of the British Isles, ranging from starfish and crabs to rays and seals.

The successful marine sanctuary is home to endangered species such as otters, sharks, penguins and sea horses, as well as a busy SOS seal rescue hospital for orphaned and injured seal pups.

London Zoo

Come face to face with some of the hairiest, scariest, tallest and smallest animals on the planet - right in the heart of the capital. Set in leafy Regent’s Park amongst heritage-listed buildings and beautiful gardens, London Zoo is a great excuse for a big day out.

Book tickets now

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park

Stroll across acres of lush countryside and watch lions, tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffes out and about in huge outdoor enclosures. With all-day parking, beautiful picnic areas, keeper talks, animal displays and exciting events, the whole family will enjoy a day out at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, full of discovery and wild fun.

Book tickets now (www.enjoyenglanddirect.com/detail.aspx?ID=339)