Bristol Zoo is extremely popular and if you want to avoid the crowds, get there as soon as it opens in the morning, especially during school holidays. It draws the crowds because it's a very modern and well-done place, housing over 300 different species of animals and wildlife. There's also a strong educational and conservational slant, so the kids will actually learn something as well. Much of it is undercover, so it's still a good place to visit on rainy days.
Highlights include Gorilla Island and the Seal and Penguin Coasts, whose landscaped beaches, tunnels and cliffs are home to some very lively wildlife. Every kind of wildlife is here, from lions to lizards and elephants to dung beetles. Check out the hands-on activity centre and interactive Zoolympics trail - see how you match up to the animals! As you'll no doubt spend a whole day here, take advantage of their covered picnic area or restaurant.
Admission: adults £11, children (aged three-14) £7.