A DAY-TRIP to the zoo isn’t always enough for the family.
Luckily, many animal attractions around the UK have hotels and lodges where you can spend the night, and even interact with the creatures after hours.
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One of the biggest zoos in the UK is Port Lympne Safari Park, which has lodges where you can stay.
While there, you can even enjoy a private safari and giraffe feeding.
And at London Zoo – the most popular zoo in the country – you can go on three after-hours tours with an experienced guide.
Each hotel lets guests stretch out their break with visits to the zoo before and after the stay, and breakfast and dinner are included as well.
With prices starting from £189 for two people, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay for animal lovers.
Giraffe Lodge, Port Lympne Safari Park
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Giraffe Lodge at Port Lympne overlooks the family of giraffes at the zoo.
After arriving at the lodge, where you’re welcomed in with a glass of fizz, you are taken on safari with the chance to feed the mammals yourself.
The ten luxury tents have four-poster beds, with options for en-suite bathrooms and African inspired dining.
A full English breakfast and shuttles to the animal park is also included.
Port Lympne Safari Park is home to over 760 animals, including Kent’s only giraffe.
Prices start from £455 per night for two people.
Chessington Safari Hotel, Chessington Zoo
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Chessington World of Adventures’ Safari Hotel includes themed rooms featuring tigers, zebras and giraffes as well as films such as Madagascar and Gruffalo.
A short stay package entitles you to a second day in the park for free, as well as early ride times and a free breakfast.
Kids can make the most of the Zootastic sleepover, which lets them meet and greet the animals and learn how to be a zoo keeper.
You can also book the hotel on a normal bed and breakfast package.
Prices start from £364 for a family of four.
Lookout Lodge, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
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Whipsnade Zoo’s lookout lodges include all of the animal extras your kids will love.
Along with a stay in a private lodge and welcome drink on arrival, free entry to the zoo on both days on either side of your stay is part of the package.
On top of that, three after-hours tours are included – at sunset, after-dark and in the morning.
You can spot animals such as white rhinos, reindeer and lions during your stay.
A two-course dinner and full English breakfast are complimentary too.
Prices start from £298 for two people, with additional kids £40 each.
The Lodge, Bristol Zoo
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One of the most luxurious ways to stay at a zoo is at The Lodge at Bristol Zoo, a secluded safari lodge.
It has animals just outside the window, and you have the chance to interact and play with them.
A behind-the-scenes evening tour is conducted by the keepers, as well as a morning tour during sunrise – which includes breakfast with the gorillas.
For dinner, expect a four-course meal cooked by your own personal chef.
Free tickets to the zoo are, of course, included.
Prices start from £850 per night.
ZSL Lodges, ZSL London Zoo
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Also owned by the Zoological Society of London is London Zoo, which offers similar options for families.
Each lodge is themed on the lion’s native home Gujarati in India.
Free breakfast and buffet dinner, welcome drinks and car parking are included, along with 10 per cent discount in the shops and restaurants.
The three tours included in the package remain a secret so you won’t know what animals you will see until you get there.
Prices start from £189 for two people, with additional kids £50 each.
Chester Zoo is expanding their attraction with new hotel rooms and wildlife, launching in 2022.
Earlier this year, a group of meerkats escaped their enclosure at Southend zoo and caused chaos.
We stayed at Marwell Hotel in their African safari lodge, perfect for guests at Marwell Zoo.
