Everyone’s got their favourite animal at the zoo. Whether it’s the curious monkeys, the playful penguins or the big cats, there’s always something you just can’t wait to see.
Well, we’re lucky to have holiday parks near enough zoos to be able to see them all. But which one is the best for 2026? Based on updated entry fees, the latest TripAdvisor reviews and the current range of animals on offer, we’ve re-ranked them to see who takes home the ultimate wildlife crown this year. We’ve also refreshed our separate lists to find the best value zoos in the UK and the ones with the highest number of 5 start reviews.
The lion might be king of the jungle, but who’s king of the zoos in 2026?
What are BIAZA zoos?
In our study, we chose to specifically focus on BIAZA accredited zoos, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland. The association ensures that their members are chosen for their excellent animal welfare, education and conservation work.
We want to ensure that all the zoos on our list provide a safe space for animals as well as being a great day out for families. Therefore, by choosing BIAZA zoos we hope to promote ethical visits to some of the UK’s top attractions.
BIAZA zoos strive to:
- Inspire people to help conserve the natural world
- Participate in effective, cooperative conservation programmes
- Deliver the highest quality environmental education, training and research
- Achieve the highest standards of animal care and welfare in zoos, aquariums and in the wild
| Ranking | BIAZA Zoos | County | Entry Fee (2026) | Species of Animal | % of 5* TripAdvisor Reviews | Index Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tilgate Zoo | West Sussex | £9.00 | 100+ | 69% | 78.4 |
| 2 | Cotswold Wildlife Park | Oxfordshire | £16.00 | 260+ | 75% | 74.1 |
| 3 | Five Sisters Zoo | West Lothian | £20.95 | 165+ | 74% | 69.8 |
| 4 | Folly Farm | Pembrokeshire | £29.00 | 90+ | 78% | 68.5 |
| 5 | Colchester Zoo | Essex | £25.85 | 260+ | 72% | 67.2 |
| 6 | Belfast Zoo | Antrim | £15.50 | 130+ | 63% | 66.1 |
| 7 | Chester Zoo | Cheshire | £34.21 | 523 | 74% | 65.5 |
| 8 | Yorkshire Wildlife Park | South Yorkshire | £25.50 | 70+ | 76% | 63.2 |
| 9 | Blackpool Zoo | Lancashire | £22.99 | 200+ | 65% | 62.8 |
| 10 | London Zoo | London | £31.00 | 650+ | 60% | 61.4 |
| 11 | Tropical Butterfly House | South Yorkshire | £17.95 | 122+ | 66% | 60.9 |
| 12 | Whipsnade Zoo | Bedfordshire | £24.45 | 250+ | 66% | 60.1 |
| 13 | Knowsley Safari | Merseyside | £27.50 | 100+ | 67% | 59.3 |
| 14 | Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh | £32.50 | 250+ | 68% | 58.7 |
| 15 | Marwell Zoo | Hampshire | £25.00 | 140+ | 68% | 57.4 |
| 16 | Dudley Zoo | West Midlands | £24.95 | 200+ | 64% | 56.8 |
| 17 | Newquay Zoo | Cornwall | £19.50 | 130+ | 62% | 55.9 |
| 18 | Bristol Zoo Project | Bristol | £18.00 | 50+ | 64% | 54.2 |
| 19 | Twycross Zoo | Leicestershire | £26.95 | 150+ | 61% | 52.1 |
| 20 | Paignton Zoo | Devon | £23.55 | 270+ | 65% | 50.8 |
Zoos near our holiday parks
Many of the UK’s top-ranked zoos are just a short drive from our holiday parks, making them the perfect day out during your stay. We’ve cross-referenced our 2026 index against our 65 park locations to find the best wildlife spots within an hour’s drive:
- Newquay Zoo: This Cornwall favorite is just minutes away from Newquay Holiday Park, and only a 15-minute drive from Crantock Beach, Holywell Bay, and White Acres.
- Colchester Zoo: Ideally located for guests staying at Highfield Grange, Valley Farm, or Weeley Bridge, all within a 30-minute drive.
- Paignton Zoo: A fantastic day out for those staying at Torquay Holiday Park, located less than 10 minutes away.
- Blackpool Zoo: Easily accessible for guests at Ocean Edge or Regent Bay, situated within an hour’s drive along the Lancashire coast.
- Folly Farm: A family favorite for those visiting Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park or Pendine Sands.
- Chester Zoo: Perfect for a day trip from Ty Mawr Holiday Park, which is approximately 50 minutes away.
The most popular zoos
While our main index looks at the percentage of top reviews to find the best-rated experiences, this list looks at the sheer volume of 5* reviews. These are the heavy hitters that attract the biggest crowds and consistently deliver on the "wow" factor.
| Ranking | BIAZA Zoos | County | Number of 5* TripAdvisor Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chester Zoo | Cheshire | 15,316+ |
| 2 | Longleat | Wiltshire | 8,709+ |
| 3 | Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh | 8,573+ |
| 4 | Yorkshire Wildlife Park | South Yorkshire | 7,936+ |
Best value for money
For a great day out that doesn’t break the bank, these locations offer the most budget-friendly entry fees in the UK for 2026. Sometimes the most affordable days out can be the most rewarding!
- Golders Hill Park Zoo (London): £0.00 (Free)
- Calderglen Zoo (South Lanarkshire): £1.10
- Kirkleatham Owl Centre (North Yorkshire): £3.50
- Tilgate Zoo (West Sussex): £9.00
Your zoo needs you
Zoos and wildlife parks play an essential role in conservation, education and animal welfare. Many are involved in breeding programmes for endangered species, habitat protection projects and research that helps animals both in the UK and around the world.
Visitor support is a key part of how zoos continue this work. Every ticket helps fund animal care, specialist staff, and conservation initiatives that go far beyond the zoo itself. By planning a visit in 2026, you’re not just enjoying a great family day out — you’re also helping to support organisations working to protect wildlife for the future.
Note: All entry fees reflect standard adult gate prices (including voluntary donations) as of February 2026. Many zoos offer discounts of 10-20% for booking online in advance.