Opened in 1828, this is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. With 712 species and over 20,000 animals, it’s an expansive and highly interactive dive into the wild.

The Zoo’s biggest and perhaps most breathtaking experience is the Land of the Lions. They've created a state of the art facility for their pride of Asiatic animals. Sadly only 400 of these beautiful creatures still exist in the wild so they’re doing everything they can to educate visitors and support a flourishing breeding programme. Equally brilliant is the giraffe viewing platform from which you can get eye-to-eye with the world's tallest mammal.

If your littluns love all things creepy and crawly, take them to the BUGS exhibit or on a trip through Europe’s only walk through spider enclosure! For some that might sound like a special form of torture... If so lean towards Penguin Beach where Humbolt penguins dip, dive and delight everyone with their antics. The Aquarium is also a lovely break from reality with soothing blue hues and 100s of exotic sea species.

• The world’s oldest scientific zoo
• Land of the Lions experience
• Europe’s only walk through spider enclosure