Days out: 7 of the best zoos and animal sanctuaries in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands for summer 2025

With schoolchildren in Nottinghamshire now enjoying the May half-term, parents will no doubt be thinking of ways to keep their little ones entertained.

Coming up with activities and days out can be a difficult task, particularly if you’re on a budget.

One sure-fire way to spend a day this summer is to visit one of the brilliant zoos, animal sanctuaries and aquariums in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands.

Many of these sites use ticket sales to aid conservation efforts, meaning that your visit will have a positive impact.

You don’t have to jump on a flight to South Africa to see the Big Five, with zoos here in Nottinghamshire offering visitors the opportunity to see exotic animals in-person.

Ahead of the summer, we’ve chosen 7 of the best local zoos, animal sanctuaries and aquariums that you should definitely consider visiting.