THIS early May bank holiday, many families will be looking for entertainment options to enjoy together.
Visiting the zoo seem like the perfect choice — but are they open this coming bank holiday?
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Are zoos open on the early May bank holiday?
The London Zoo, Regent’s Park
London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in England, having opened in 1828.
It’s one of the favourite tourist spots for both visitors and residents in the capital.
Thankfully, the only day of the year London Zoo closes is Christmas Day.
On Monday May 6, 2024, London Zoo is open between 10am and 6pm — with last admission at 5pm.
Please note that some animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before closing time.
Last entry and closing time are subject to change due to special events, so be sure to check the website to avoid disappointment.
There are more than 19,000 different animals at London Zoo.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is open all year round, aside from Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
On the early May bank holiday, Chester Zoo opens at 10am and closes at 5.30pm.
Last entry is one hour before the zoo closes — unless you are a member, when it’s 30 minutes ahead of closing.
Visiting hours can change due to special events, so be sure to check the website to avoid disappointment.
The venue covers roughly 125 acres of land and there are around 400 species of animals to see.
There are also boat trips available at Chester Zoo, meaning visitors can watch the animals in their habitats from the water.
Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is the biggest zoo in England, covering 600 acres of land in Bedfordshire.
It is also the UK’s largest zoo and safari park, with 3,500 animals cared for by a dedicated team of keepers and staff.
The zoo is open from 10am every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
On the early May bank holiday it closes at 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Longleat Safari Park
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park is one of the oldest safari parks in England.
Home to more than 120 species, Longleat was the first safari park to open outside of Africa in 1966.
You can view the animals by car, foot, train, bus or boat.
Bank holidays can be very busy, so it’s best you book ahead.
You can check the website’s calendar to find out if it’s open on any particular day.
This early May bank holiday Longleat is open between 10am and 6pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo was the first zoo in the world to house and to breed penguins.
It is also only zoo in Britain which is home to Queensland koalas and giant pandas.
Spread over 82 acres of land, it receives more than 600,000 visitors each year.
Like many others, the only day Edinburgh Zoo closes is Christmas Day.
On the early May bank holiday it opens at 10am and closes at 6pm, and last entry is an hour before closing time.
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo, Essex, is on the smaller side for a zoo, being based on just 60 acres of land.
But it’s still home to many rare and endangered species including big cats, primates and birds, as well as many invertebrates and fish.
On the early May bank holiday Colchester Zoo is open between 9.30am and 5pm.
Last admission is an hour before closing and the website warns that the zoo has an ‘earliest closing time’ of 4.30pm at this time of the year.
Everything you need to know about Bank Holidays
Make sure you read this before heading out on a Bank Holiday.
