Home to more than 30,000 animals and 550 species, the renowned Chester Zoo has topped the list of the nation’s leading zoos and aquariums due to consistently outstanding visitor reviews on TripAdvisor. Chester Zoo, which is less than an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre, was also not only named the UK’s best rated zoo on TripAdvisor, but also the third best in Europe too.
With 11,392 ‘excellent’ ratings, the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite when it comes to zoos and aquariums across the continent. Chester Zoo beat the likes of Oceanogràfic Valencia in Spain, Pairi Daiza in Belgium and Prague Zoo in Czech Republic in the European rankings as well as Hoo Zoo And Dinosaur World in Telford and Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster in the UK rankings in order to be crowned the best rated zoo.
Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named the UK’s top zoo. This recognition, based on thousands upon thousands of genuine visitor reviews, is a huge testament to our incredible team and everything they do to make Chester Zoo such a special place.
“Every visit helps support our vital conservation work, both here in the UK and around the world. As a charity and a national conservation zoo, it means the world to know our efforts are being so warmly received by our guests. It’s people coming through our gates who enable us to do what we do – lead the charge to save wildlife, protect and restore habitats and safeguard ecosystems. Together, we’re securing the long-term future of some of the world’s most endangered species.”
10 best rated zoos and aquariums in the UK in 2025, according to Tripadvisor:
- Chester Zoo
- Hoo Zoo And Dinosaur World
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- West Midlands Safari Park
- The Deep
- Colchester Zoo
- London Zoo
- Folly Farm
- Blackpool Zoo
- Port Lympne
10 best rated zoos and aquariums in Europe in 2025, according to Tripadvisor:
- Loro Parque
- Oceanario de Lisboa
- Chester Zoo
- Oceanogràfic Valencia
- Pairi Daiza
- Hoo Zoo And Dinosaur World
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- Prague Zoo
- Bioparc Valencia
- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Earlier this month, Chester Zoo opened Heart of Africa, the largest UK zoo habitat ever created and spanning more than 17 football pitches (22.5 acres). Home to 57 iconic African species, the new zone recreates a variety of grassland habitats found across central Africa and is among the most ambitious zoo expansions ever undertaken in Europe.
The opening of Heart of Africa comes ahead of the unveiling of another exciting new development at the zoo this summer. The Reserve, Chester Zoo’s answer to a premium safari getaway right here in the UK, will feature 51 luxury African-themed lodges, offering guests the chance to stay overnight at the zoo for the very first time.