Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol, Somerset
If you’re planning on a day trip or two when you’re on your family holiday in Devon, Bristol Zoo Gardens should definitely be high up on your list. It’s one for a proper day out, leaving early in the morning, getting back quite late at night, all tired and ready for bed after a brilliant time of it.
Bristol Zoo Gardens first opened its gates to visitors in 1836, making it the fifth oldest zoo in the world; they are really big on conservation and protecting threatened species, which is why you can see such a diverse range of creatures here – some are part of a breeding programme that helps to ensure the survival of animals that would otherwise be extinct. Among the happy residents are gorillas, Asiatic Lions, red pandas, aye-ayes, pygmy hippos, two toed sloths, howler monkeys and sand cats, as well as reptiles – iguanas, chameleons, geckos, turtles and poison arrow frogs. See the beautifully coloured love birds, Victoria crowned pigeons, and the graceful Greater flamingos in Forest of Birds, and over 90 species of fish in the Aquarium; you’ll be awestruck in the Butterfly Forest with the incredible exotic species, and in Bug World you’ll see all manner of creepy crawlies from giant stick insects and hairy tarantulas to brightly coloured beetles and scary scorpions.
The kids can have a barrel load of fun playing in the adventure playground and you can all try the adventure ropes course in Zoorapia; then there’s the gardens that have one of the UK’s most important plant collections, with trees, shrubs and flowers from around the globe – honestly, Bristol Zoo Gardens is such an amazing place!
You certainly won’t go hungry on your day out, you can have a leisurely picnic on the lawns, or head to The Hide Restaurant or BBQ Grill, or grab something from one of the food shacks. It’s a full-on visitor experience with absolutely loads to see and do; it’s one you won’t forget in a hurry.
The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day but do check the website as you may need to book your arrival slot. Note that in late 2022 Bristol Zoo Gardens will close to allow for an exciting development phase before re-opening in 2024 as the new Bristol Zoo.
All information correct at the time of writing