The best caravan parks combine excellent facilities with a great location, offering plenty to see and do in the surrounding area. In this guide, we round-up 10 great caravan sites for animal lovers to head to, with the chance to see some wonderful sights.
ZSL ZOO, Whipsnade
Take an international tour around this 600-acre zoo and safari park, divided by continent, giving visitors an immersive experience and insight into the residents’ lives. Also onsite are play areas and Hullabazoo, where children can meet and greet some of the animals.
Stay at Town Farm Campsite
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Set in 160 acres, this wildlife park hosts a range of animals and is involved in vital breeding programmes. Stroll around the walled garden to see penguins, meerkats and 130 types of bird, or swing by Little Africa, where rhinos, camels, giraffes and lions roam. The park is also dog-friendly.
Stay at: Burford CAMC Campsite
Rothiemurchus, Cairngorms
Located in Britain’s largest National Park, Rothiemurchus teems with wildlife. It is home to a quarter of the UK’s threatened species, including red squirrels and European wildcats. Perfect for birdwatchers, rare species here include the Scottish crossbill, Britain’s only endemic bird.
Stay at: Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Site
Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire
The first safari park outside Africa is home to heavy-hitters of the animal kingdom – lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, zebras and more. Explore the enclosures of crocodiles, koalas and otters, or wander in the meerkat area. Children will love the Family Farmyard and Longleat Railway.
Stay at: Longleat CAMC Campsite
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Home to more than 60 species, this park is the only zoo in England to host polar bears. Project Polar is a renowned conservation programme. Other areas house tigers, leopards, sea lions and monkeys. The dinosaur experience’s 30 life-sized models move and roar just like the real thing!
Stay at: Haxey Quays
Feadon Wildlife Centre, Cornwall
This conservation centre near Portreath rescues and rehabilitates many of its residents. The Reptile Rendezvous introduces you to reptiles and amphibians, while Fanatical Feathers houses owls, peacocks and birds of prey.
Stay at: Gwithian Farm
Manor Wildlife Park, Tenby
This is a great place to interact with a variety of animals. Spot the residents of Red Panda Woods, or wander the Lemur and Wallaby Walkthroughs. The African Grasslands area is home to monkeys, tapirs and marmosets, and be sure to visit the Sumatran tigers and white rhinos.
Stay at: Meadow Farm
Loch Lomond Nature Reserve
In summer, the woods are full of wildlife, with ospreys fishing in the loch and sand martins, swallows and swifts visiting. The RSPB Reserve has golden eagles, geese and sea birds. You might spot otters and red squirrels, too.
Stay at: Lagganbeg Caravan and Camping Park
Chester Zoo
Follow the route through the park to see elephants, zebras, rhinos, bears and meerkats, then head to the Madagascar zone, home to lemurs, komodo dragons and penguins. Spot smaller residents such as frogs and tortoises in the Tropical Realm. With major conservation programmes in operation, there’s plenty to learn about here.
Stay at: Chester Fairoaks CAMC Campsite
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Set in 55 acres of grounds, the sanctuary houses and cares for more than 100 donkeys. Entry is free – the organisation operates entirely on visitor donations, adoptions and fundraising events. Wander around the outdoor paddocks or choose from three great interactive packages: grooming, walking, or the donkey experience.
Stay at: Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park
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