by Jenny Underhill

Animal parks are continually amongst the most popular visitor attractions in Great Britain. Almost every county has at least one zoo or safari park. Fortunately, most of them now work closely with conservation groups and the animals are wonderfully cared for. It's very difficult to agree on which British animal park is best but here are some of our favourites:

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne

Things to do in Hertfordshire

London Zoo, Regent’s Park

London Zoo is fantastic animal park, set in the heart of our capital city. The zoo boasts an impressive selection of animals, most of which live in their own spectacular manmade habitats. Entry to the zoo is currently £13 for adults and £9.75 for the kids every day from 10am till 5.30pm. In the winter months doors close a little earlier at 4pm. For further details call 020 7722 3333 or go to www.londonzoo.co.uk

Days out in London

Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh

Days out in Central Scotland

Flamingo Land, Malton

Flamingo Land is an exciting mix of wild animals including tigers, monkeys and of course flamingos. And if that was not enough you can also take a ride on the zoo’s many roller coasters. Admission to Flamingo Land is £16.50 for adults and £15.50 for children from 10am to 5pm from March to October. For further details call 0870 7528000 or visit www.flamingoland.co.uk

Things to do in Yorkshire

Woburn Safari Park, Woburn

Things to do in Bedfordshire

Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester

Undoubtedly one of the biggest and best zoos in the United Kingdom. Chester animal park contains nearly 8000 animals as well as stunning gardens. Entry to the zoo is £13 for adults and £9.50 for the kids from 10am till dusk every day of the year except Christmas Day. For further details call 01244 390280 or go to www.chesterzoo.org

Things to do in Cheshire

Colchester Zoo, Colchester

Things to do in Essex

Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot

Knowsley Safari Park is one of the North West's most popular visitor attractions amongst kids and adults alike. The five mile long drive takes you passed everything from lions to elephants. Admission is £9 for adults and £6 for the kids every day from 10am till 4pm. In the winter months the park close an hour earlier at 3pm. For more information call 0151 4309009 or go to www.knowsley.com

Days out in Merseyside

Skegness Seal Sanctuary, Skegness

Things to do in Lincolnshire

Whipsnade Animal Park, Dunstable

Whipsnade is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of England. 2,500 animals roaming around over 600 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire - animal parks don't get much better. Admission is £14.50 for adults and £11 for children every day from 10am to 6pm. In October the park closes at 5pm and during the rest of the winter doors close at 4pm. For further details phone 01582 872171 or visit www.whipsnade.co.uk

Days out in Bedfordshire

Monkey World, Wareham

Things to do in Dorset

Sealife and Marine Sanctuary, Oban

This fantastic wildlife site has over thirty different marine habitats with everything from sharks to shrimps. However, the stars of the show are the lovely seals. Admission is £7.95 for adults and £5.50 for children from 10am to 6pm. For more information call 01631 720386 or go to www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

Days out in Northern Scotland

Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth

Things to do in Tyne & Wear