The best animal parks and aquariums United Kingdom

Located in County Hall, the London Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquariums, featuring almost 500 species including sharks, catfish, eels... It extends over three floors and is divided into 14 different zones, each representing the different types of seas and ecosystems that exist. From the cold waters of Antarctica to tropical climates, you'll discover a wide variety of marine species found around the globe. You can even snorkel with sharks for an immersive experience!

The Bournemouth Aquarium has many species of fish and can be a good family visit, especially if the weather is not in the area. There are rays, sharks, penguins and giant tortoises, as well as other reptiles, birds and mammals. It is possible to attend the meals of some animals. The aquarium also has underwater tunnels, which allow you to observe all the fish as closely as possible, the feeling of immersion is guaranteed. The visit of the sharks in particular is quite impressive.

Opened in 1913, this 33-hectare zoo is home to more than a thousand animals from 170 different species. Its two giant pandas, the only ones in Britain, arrived from China at the end of 2011: Tian Tian ("Honey"), the female, and Yang Guang ("Sunlight"), the male, are its main attraction. Koalas are also very popular, and there are many other fascinating specimens such as chimpanzees, penguins, Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, zebras, rhinos and many others.

Sea life Brighton, with its Victorian architecture, opened its doors in 1872 and claims to be the oldest aquarium still in operation today. At the time, it was the largest in the world, and today you can still come and meet some 3,500 marine creatures, from the most colorful fish to sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and many more. Awe-inspiring! A must-see attraction for families and when the weather's not on your side. Which is often the case in England.

The Donkey Sanctuary is an animal welfare charity. It was founded in 1969 by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen MBE, and since then, it has grown to become one of the largest animal charities in the UK, providing care and protection for donkeys around the world.

The Sanctuary is set in over 500 acres of countryside, and it is home to over 7,000 donkeys from all over the world. Visitors to the Sanctuary can enjoy the park for a free admission and explore the beautiful grounds, which include a visitor center, a nature center, and several walking trails.

Butterflies fly in the greenhouse in which you walk…

Marwell Wildlife is a zoo and protection centre with rare and endangered species. The jungle tigers, savanna giraffes, desert foxes or tropical frogs, live in a great area, pleasant to travel for a whole day.

The aquarium has been established in Fowey for over 50 years and is home to the various fish that populate the river near Fowey. Octopuses, crayfish, crabs and congresses can also be found here.

This centre with multiple activities offers, among other things, cooking sessions on Monday, the club of young farmers on Saturdays from 8-13 to for years, and every day the milking of goats, what to organize a full-filled home job for your ends.

The Scottish Deer Centre park covers 55 hectares and invites you to discover Scotland's (and the world's) iconic wildlife in a privileged environment. Twelve species of deer are housed here, as well as a pack of wolves, otters, foxes, red squirrels and Scotland's famous wildcat. Guided tours are offered with a park ranger, as well as a "nose to nose" encounter with a deer, falconry demonstrations... You will also be able to watch the otters eat. And for yours? A small café is there for that.

More than 35 birds of all sizes live on the shores of Loch Lomond at the Bird of Prey Centre. Owls, eagles, falcons, hawks, buzzards and kestrels can be seen up close and personal in their daily lives. Several species are quite rare and some activities can be reserved in advance. A must for all lovers of our winged friends. Be careful, the openings can depend on the weather conditions.

It's a welcome change from the pleasures of sea, beach and hiking. Spread over 5 hectares on the edge of Newquay, you can come here to meet species from all over the world, such as lions, toucans, meerkats, snakes, penguins and many others. You can even watch the animals feeding. Reduced rates are available for online bookings, and attractive prices are available for families. It's an enjoyable family outing that's a welcome change from cultural visits.

No need to go all the way to Scandinavia to get close to the reindeer! The ticket for the visitor centre includes the exhibition and the approach of a few deer in the enclosure, but you will have to follow one of the daily visits to venture out to meet the herds on the hills. If we forget everything once we are with the reindeer, busy feeding them, we still have to take into account that the "hill trip" is done in large groups (sometimes 80 people) and that you have to be in the queue as soon as the centre opens to get your place.

The famous aquarium chain has an attraction as far as Loch Lomond, with this marine sanctuary of some 1,500 aquatic animals. Through seven themed zones, you can encounter turtles, sharks, octopuses, rays, seahorses, colourful fish and many more. You can also see otters and stroke starfish. It is even possible, upon reservation, to feed the sharks, or to spend a night in the aquarium.

This small city farm in the heart of the trendy, alternative district of Hackney offers playful artistic activities and a privileged relationship with nature through direct contact with the animals. You'll find donkeys, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep and many other surprises. The store sells local produce, eggs from the day's laying, honey... It's an ideal place for a country activity with your children in the heart of London. A little corner of greenery that's good for you!

The aquarium faces the sea, and is a great place to see sharks, as well as all sorts of colorful fish, octopuses, rays and a host of molluscs. It's not necessarily the most typical activity in the area, but it can be a great activity for the whole family. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, as you'll benefit from discounts and avoid the wait. You can also join a guided group tour. The aquarium is very spacious, so you'll have no trouble spending the whole day there. Ideal when it's raining.

The Belfast Zoo presents to its visitors no less than 150 different species (elephants, penguins, lions, kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, bird park...) and 1000 animals in their "natural" environment. This zoo is particularly famous for its location, it spreads over the 55 hectares of Cave Hill, and also for its involvement in programs to save endangered species. It is a very beautiful place, as much as a zoo can be. Notice to the amateurs! Of course, bring rain gear just in case...

The zoo highlights local marine life and its conservation. In a spirit of protection and awareness, the aquatic zoo is packed with aquariums and tanks in which you can discover the region's marine biodiversity. Fish, jellyfish, crabs, octopuses and even rays and sharks will give you an unforgettable experience. Interactive activities and educational presentations will enable young and old alike to learn more about marine life. An entertaining visit for the whole family.

Overlooking Colwyn Bay and the Irish Sea, the view alone is worth a visit to the zoo! But that's not all: here, camels, snow leopards, chimpanzees, alligators, parrots and many more live side by side. As part of its commitment to conservation and awareness-raising, the zoo organizes a wide range of activities for the general public, including interactive experiments with the animals and lectures on a variety of subjects. More than just a visit, a true educational discovery for the preservation and well-being of animals.

Severn Farm Pond is described as a "small oasis" of 1.3 hectares in the middle of the industrial region. This nature reserve is open all year round and access is free. We walk around an artificial pond to follow the quiet development of the fauna and flora. Bird watchers will find their happiness here with many specimens: coots, mallards, cast-like grebes, reed buntings... Ideal for families and in all seasons, this is a walk that will revive both young and old.