Are you ready for an unforgettable family adventure? Pack your things and go on a fantastic journey through some of Europe's most remarkable zoos, where you'll encounter exotic animals and learn about conservation efforts. To make your trip even more enjoyable, we've paired each zoo with nearby campsites, offering the perfect blend of wildlife exploration and outdoor relaxation.
Chester Zoo, UK
Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest and most popular zoos. Spread over 128 acres, the zoo is home to over 31,000 animals from 500 different species. Visitors can enjoy unique exhibits such as the Islands, where Southeast Asian animals roam in immersive habitats, and the Spirit of the Jaguar. Chester Zoo also offers numerous educational programs and conservation efforts.
Child watches alligator through glass at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo boasts an array of incredible exhibits. Venture into the "Islands" area, where you'll discover the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia, then walk through the lush habitats, spotting Sumatran tigers, charismatic orangutans, and playful Malayan sun bears. For a truly immersive experience, don't miss the "Spirit of the Jaguar" exhibit, where you'll come face-to-face with these magnificent big cats in a stunning recreated rainforest environment.
Conservation, Education and Breeding Programs
What sets Chester Zoo apart is its commitment to conservation and education. The zoo participates in over 80 global conservation projects, working tirelessly to protect endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and the black rhino. Over the last decade, Chester Zoo has spent over £180million on conservation.
During your visit, attend the captivating daily talks and demonstrations, where knowledgeable zookeepers share fascinating insights about the animals in their care and the vital work being done to ensure their survival in the wild.
Conveniently located only 10 minutes drive from Chester, Oakwood Farm Touring Park is a spacious family friendly site which opened in 2017. Oakwood Farm Touring Park is a spacious all year site located just 10 minutes from Chester, on the edge of the Wirral. It has 18 full-serviced hardstanding pitches for tourers and motorhomes, and there's also 8 grass pitches suitable for tents. Located off the main road, it's convenient to explore the Cheshire Oaks, the Wirral, and a gateway to North Wales. Easy reach to Liverpool and Manchester too. This is a small yet spacious site with good facilities including a café. Take a swift exit from the end of the M56 and pitch up within minutes, how’s that for easy access? With the M53 and A55 nearby as well, Oakwood Farm Touring Park is spectacularly well located for travel from Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales.
Chester Fairoaks Caravan and Motorhome Club site is a pleasant, open and level site in Cheshire bordered by oak trees. It is conveniently placed just off the M53 gateway to North Wales and close to the delightful walled city of Chester. The site is also close to a lovely canal walkway, a local swimming pool, and has two pubs and shops just a short walk away. The site has 93 mainly hardstanding pitches all with electricity 16amp.
ZooParc de Beauval is a stunning zoological park in the heart of France's picturesque Loire Valley. With over 35,000 animals from across the globe, including rare and endangered species, this zoo offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Commonly called Beauval Zoo, it has been declared the 4th most beautiful zoo in the world.
ZooParc de Beauval is renowned for its impressive collection of animals, from the majestic white tigers to the adorable red pandas. Don't miss the chance to visit the giant panda exhibit, where you can marvel at these gentle giants as they munch on bamboo. The zoo also boasts a fascinating tropical greenhouse, a sprawling African savannah, and an immersive aquarium that will transport you to the depths of the ocean.
Sorry, this map cannot be displayed.
The following consent is required: Tracking & performance, Targeting & advertising.
Be sure to catch one of the spectacular shows during your visit. The bird show is a true highlight, featuring over 200 birds soaring through the sky in a breathtaking aerial display. The sea lion show is equally impressive, showcasing the intelligence and agility of these playful marine mammals.
Conservation, Education and Breeding Programs
ZooParc de Beauval is dedicated to protecting endangered species and has achieved remarkable success in its conservation and breeding programs. The zoo made history when it welcomed the first panda cub born in France, the adorable Yuan Meng. By visiting ZooParc de Beauval, you're embarking on a thrilling adventure and supporting crucial conservation efforts worldwide.
Situated on the banks of the River Cher, Camping Les Cochards is ideally located for exploring the Loire Valley and its many attractions. Just a short drive away are the famous Beauval Zoo, Château de Chenonceau, Château Royal d'Amboise and Château de Valençay.
Les Chênes is directly off the D960 Loches road, within walking distance of the town of Valençay, which lies in a green belt and is noted for its fine château and good motor museum. This is an excellent municipal site with flags flying to herald an easily negotiable entrance, a modern reception area and broad parking space. Behind reception is the town swimming pool (open July/August), a tennis court and a small fishing lake (where you can fish for trout and carp for free), which is overlooked by several pitches. Large oaks dominate the entrance, beyond which are 50 spacious, level, grass pitches, divided by hedges.
Step into a world of wildlife wonder at Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany's oldest and most beloved zoo. Located in the vibrant heart of Berlin, this iconic zoo seamlessly blends history, culture, and nature, offering a truly unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Berlin Zoological Garden is home to an astounding variety of species, from majestic polar bears to graceful giraffes; there's no shortage of captivating creatures to discover. The zoo's thoughtfully designed exhibits, such as the Hippo House and the Nocturnal Animal House, provide an immersive experience that allows you to observe animals in naturalistic habitats.
Giraffe area at Berlin Zoological Garden
Be sure to visit the zoo's renowned aquarium, considered one of the most important public aquariums in the world. Here, you'll encounter a mesmerising array of aquatic life, from vibrant tropical fish to fascinating sharks and rays.
Conservation, Education and Breeding Programs
Berlin Zoological Garden is dedicated to conserving endangered species and has achieved remarkable success in its breeding programs. The zoo has played a crucial role in preserving species like the okapi and the white rhinoceros, ensuring their survival for generations to come. By visiting the zoo, you're supporting these vital conservation efforts and helping to protect our planet's incredible biodiversity.
D.C.C. Camping Gatow is an all-year site near Gatow, Berlin. Concentrated history, that's the German capital Berlin. There is hardly any other European city where German history is reflected as intensely as in Berlin. Berlin offers a variety of highlights worth seeing. World-famous buildings, museums, city parks, cabarets, festivals and, of course, many shopping opportunities in addition to the historic sites. Berlin's nightlife is just as unique. Brandenburg's state capital, the newly blossomed Potsdam, is worth more than a day trip. A charming cultural landscape and numerous sights offer new and interesting things. The former summer residence of Frederick the Great, Sanssoucci Castle, is certainly one of the most famous and magnificent testimonies. The Dutch Quarter, the historic Russian colony Alexandrovka and the former Bohemian Weavers' Quarter convey a special flair. 25-minute walk to the Beer Garden in Kladow. The site has 120 grass/hardstanding touring pitches with 10-amp hook-up point. There are also 70 seasonal pitches.
Sanssouci is a good, if relatively expensive, base for visiting Potsdam and Berlin. It lies about 2 km. from Sanssouci Park on the banks of the Templiner See, in a quiet woodland setting. There are 240 pitches in total, 170 for touring with 6-16A electricity, and many also have their own water tap and drainage. Tall trees mark out these pitches; most have views overlooking the lake. There is a separate area for tents.
Opened in 2008. Bioparc Valencia offers an immersive experience with its zoo-immersion concept, blurring the lines between visitor and habitat. Visitors can explore African ecosystems and observe animals in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats.
African Savannah area at Bioparc Valencia
Bioparc Valencia's commitment to creating authentic habitats is evident in every carefully designed detail. Each element has been meticulously crafted to integrate natural barriers, such as rock formations and water features. These barriers allow animals to engage in their natural behaviours and social dynamics, offering a rare glimpse into their world.
Camping Coll Vert is located in Playa de Pinedo and the nearby Albufera nature reserve, only 6,5 km from Valencia. There is a bus stop in front of the main gate with buses on the hour to the Valencian city centre. The sandy beach is within walking distance from the campsite. The Albufera lake is about 7 km away where you can enjoy boat trips and local food. There is also a cycle route along the beach to Valencia and to the lake from the campsite. There are approximately 80 touring pitches on loose gravel and grass, many have natural shade. There are also 3 sanitary blocks. The site offers rooms in their hostel and bungalows for rent. Free wifi is available all over the campsite.
This campsite is owned by the Samay Group, and the huge investment made is showing as the comprehensive renovation programme continues. It is situated between the Albufera lake and the sea, with rice fields on both sides.
The Rome Zoological Garden, established in 1911, was designed by architect Carl Hagenbeck, who revolutionised zoo design by replacing cages with open spaces and moats. Initially, the zoo's primary purpose was entertainment, focusing on displaying rare and exotic animals. In 1935, architect Raffaele De Vico expanded the zoo to its current size of 17 hectares, adding a reptile house and a unique geodesic aviary. These developments made the Rome Zoo one of the most important in Europe, surpassing even those in Paris and Berlin.
Lemurs at Bioparco di Roma
The Bioparco is a haven for animals and a treasure trove of botanical wonders. Its extensive botanical garden is home to an array of rare and exotic plants, creating a lush and vibrant backdrop for the zoo's inhabitants. Bioparco's commitment to conservation extends beyond its animals, as it actively participates in numerous projects to protect endangered species.
Conservation, Education and Breeding Programs
The zoo's dedication to conservation is evident in its impressive exhibits, such as the spacious aviary, which provides a sanctuary for various bird species. The reptile house offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of scaly creatures, while the nocturnal animal exhibit allows visitors to observe the mysterious lives of animals active during the night.
Perched high on a hilltop on the edge of Rome, the site is owned by the Cardini/Vanucchi family, who have other quality city sites in Italy. The diverse range of facilities are designed in particular to meet the needs of young travellers and the aim here is to provide a friendly helpful service all year round. There are 100 touring pitches of varying sizes on level terraces. Motorhomes are mostly placed in a separate area where 20 pitches are fully serviced. There is a new swimming pool and a jacuzzi on a terrace with beach volleyball on soft sand, and relaxation areas with a barbecue. The modern bar (nightclub) has a huge TV screen and a terrace to relax and enjoy the cool evening breezes and the views. We visited on a Saturday when there was a superb cheap buffet prepared in the large, well appointed, Italian-themed restaurant. A vibrant site where all can have fun and get good value for money, but the many young people can be noisy after hours.
Flaminio Village Camping Bungalow Park is a high quality campsite near Rome, with many flowers, shrubs and trees giving some shade. Being 400 metres from the main road it is protected from traffic noise. Although it is quite a large site, there are around 180 pitches for tourers, all with 6A electricity, which are approached by brick access roads. The excellent sanitary block is close to both camping areas, as is the restaurant, bar and info point.
Declaring itself "Europe's best zoo," Pairi Daiza, located in Brugelette, Belgium, is a beautifully landscaped zoo and botanical garden featuring animals from around the world. Housing over 7,500 animals, it certainly has a wide variety, all contained within 75 hectares.
The Kingdom of Ganesha at Pairi Daiza
With rare and iconic animals such as the giant panda, unique gardens like the Indonesian Garden, and the immersive African savannah called The Land of Origins, this zoo covers many environments.
Conservation, Education and Breeding Programs
The team of Pairi Daiza dedicates over 4,400 hours a year to caring for these animals, and as such, conservation is very high on their list. They have projects ranging from polar bear protection to an international panda programme.
The campsite is in a quiet rural area, surrounded by trees and only 40 kilometres from Brussels. La Dîme Camping has 90 pitches on fairly level grass, of which around eight are hard-standing pitches. All pitches have 10A or 16A electricity. Pitches are a minimum area of 100 m² for motorhomes and caravans. This site is perfect for those who want to get away from it all and enjoy a relaxing holiday. The facilities on site are limited, but there is a small outdoor swimming pool, children's play area and fishing pond.
Camping De Gavers is a modern, well organised holiday site in a peaceful location adjacent to a large sports complex, about 5 km. outside Geraardsbergen. A busy site in season, there is good security and a card-operated barrier. Most of the 428 grassy, level pitches are taken by seasonal pitches, but some 70 are left for touring units. Pitches are arranged on either side of surfaced access roads with some hedges and a few trees to provide shade in parts, with electricity available to all (long cables may be required). The site offers an extensive range of sporting activities and a full entertainment programme over a long season.
Vienna Zoo, also known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is the world's oldest zoo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, it is home to over 700 species, including giant pandas, koalas, and orangutans.
An additional area to the main zoo, The Desert House (Wüstenhaus), located opposite the Palm House near the main Hietzing entrance of the Vienna Zoo, offers a unique desert experience trail showcasing the flora and fauna of various desert landscapes from Central America to Madagascar.
Zebras at Vienna Zoo [Credit: Daniel Zupanc for Vienna Zoo]
Visitors can explore the adaptations of desert dwellers, including nibble fish, Kaiser's spotted newts, black-tailed rattlesnakes, and a colony of naked mole rats in a 70m-long glass tube maze. The trail also features rare radiated tortoises, venomous Gila monsters, and a diverse collection of cacti and succulents. Originally built in 1904 by order of Emperor Franz Joseph I to house his valuable Australian and South African plant collection, the Desert House was redesigned in 2000 to create an immersive desert experience.
This is a very good site from which to visit Vienna. It is easily accessible from the Autobahn system, and the city centre is quickly reached from the site by the efficient Vienna U-Bahn system, via line U2. Some train tickets can be purchased at reception. There is some traffic and train noise, as found on most city sites. There are 200 level touring pitches with electricity, a further 12 with water and drainage, and a separate area for tents. The site is large, and people come and go regularly. The site is close to the Donauinsel, a popular recreation area.
Klosterneuburg lies just to the north of Vienna on the Danube. It is outside the city boundary, away from the noise and bustle of the famous city but only minutes away by train. Owned and run by the Austrian Motor Club (OAMTC), this site is in a park-like situation, surrounded by trees but with little shade. The 100 pitches are on the small side. However, all are accessed from hard roads, and all have 6A electricity. Alongside the site is Happyland, an amusement park with a large swimming pool (discounts for campers).
Peter is a key part of our creative team; he's a multifaceted individual with a deep love for cooking, travel, and music.
While he does a stellar job of keeping our content fresh, focusing on SEO and monitoring website traffic, his heart truly belongs to the world of culinary delights, exploration, and his guitar.
In the heart of the United Kingdom lies a treasure trove of historical wonders that often escape the attention of mainstream tourists. This blog aims to shed light on wheelchair-accessible historical attractions, offering a unique and enriching experience for those who seek a journey beyond the beaten path.
