JUNGLE FUN
Are zoos open on the August bank holiday? Where kids can see animals this half term
And the only one in England that is home to koalas
GOING to the zoo is a popular day out for families when a bank holiday comes along.
This year's summer bank holiday falls on Monday, August 26, 2024.
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Many businesses across the country will close their doors for the day to enjoy some time off, but does this apply to zoos?
Here's everything we know about whether visiting the zoo is an option this bank holiday.
Are zoos open on the August bank holiday?
Zoos and parks across the country run 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all year round to keep the animals fed and watered.
However, they are not open to the public 24/7.
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Most zoos are open every week day - including on bank holidays.
However, it is always worth checking the opening times of the specific one you'd like to visit to avoid disappointment.
We've looked into what you can expect at various locations so you don't waste a journey.
London Zoo, Regent's Park
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London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in England, having opened in 1828.
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Thankfully, the only day of the year London Zoo closes is Christmas Day.
On the August bank holiday, London Zoo is open between 10am and 6pm — with last admission at 5pm.
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However, 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
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Chester Zoo is open all year round, aside from Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
On the August bank holiday, Chester Zoo opens at 10am and closes at 6pm.
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 in advance.
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
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Whipsnade Zoo is the biggest zoo in England, covering 600 acres of land in Bedfordshire.
It is also the UK’s largest 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 August bank holiday it closes at 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Longleat Safari Park
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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.
It is the only location in England where you can view koalas.
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 August bank holiday, Longleat is open between 10am and 7pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Edinburgh Zoo
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was the first zoo in the world to house and to breed penguins.
It 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 August 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 August bank holiday Colchester Zoo is open between 9:30am and 6pm.
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Last admission is an hour before closing and the website warns that the zoo has an 'earliest closing time' of 5:30pm at this time of the year.
During school holidays and weekends, visitors can expect the zoo to remain open until 5:00pm or 5.30pm.
Bank holiday opening times for your fave shops
Make sure you read this before heading out on a bank holiday.
- Supermarket opening times on bank holidays
- When will my Universal Credit or child benefit be paid?
- Are banks open on bank holidays?
- Are petrol stations open on bank holidays?
- Tesco opening times on bank holidays
- Are pubs open on bank holidays?
- Aldi opening times on bank holidays
- Asda opening times on bank holidays
- Sainsbury's opening times on bank holidays
- Is the Post Office open on bank holidays?
- Are doctors open on bank holidays?
- Are newspapers published on bank holidays?
Get all the other opening times and bank holiday news here.
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