Zoos near me: 6 great zoos to visit within a two-hour drive of Nottingham

Although they can be divisive, a trip to the zoo is still a beloved day out for many.

While Nottingham itself doesn’t have any zoos or animal parks to speak of, there are several nearby.

Each zoo has its own range of rare and exotic animals from lions and tigers to elephants, giraffes, and creepy crawlies!

So pack up the car and get ready for a day out at the zoo. Here’s our top pick of zoos within a comfortable two-hour drive of Nottingham.

Best zoos near Nottingham

1. Twycross Zoo

Location: Atherstone, Leicestershire

Drive Time from Nottingham: Approximately 1 hour

Highlights: Twycross Zoo is renowned for its collection of primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.

The zoo also features a wide variety of other animals, such as big cats, elephants, and reptiles.

2. Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Drive Time from Nottingham: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Highlights: This park is known for its large, open enclosures and is home to polar bears, lions, tigers, and a wide range of other exotic animals. The park offers a more immersive experience, with some walk-through enclosures.

3. West Midland Safari Park

Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire

Drive Time from Nottingham: Approximately 2 hours

Highlights: West Midland Safari Park combines a traditional zoo experience with a drive-through safari. You can see animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos up close as you drive through the park. The park also has a range of rides and attractions.

4. Peak Wildlife Park

Location: Leek, Staffordshire

Drive Time from Nottingham: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Highlights: This smaller zoo focuses on walk-through enclosures where visitors can interact more closely with the animals, including lemurs, wallabies, and penguins. It's a great option for families.

5. Chester Zoo

Location: Chester, Cheshire

Drive Time from Nottingham: Approximately 2 hours

Highlights: Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest and most popular zoos. It features over 35,000 animals and is known for its extensive conservation efforts. Highlights include the Islands exhibit and the Spirit of the Jaguar house.

6. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Location: Burford, Oxfordshire

Drive Time from Nottingham: Approximately 2 hours

Highlights: Set in beautiful parkland, Cotswold Wildlife Park offers a wide range of animals, from rhinos to red pandas. The park also has lovely gardens and a popular children’s farmyard.