Colchester Zoo named among UK’s best-rated attractions

Colchester Zoo placed seventh in a ranking of UK zoos, safari parks and wildlife parks, with an average Google rating of 4.67 out of five.

The attraction's score was based on 21,593 reviews, according to research carried out by travel specialists Ski Famille.

One visitor who left a review this month said: “Was such a fun experience, got to see plenty of animals which I’ve never seen.”

Researchers analysed Google reviews for 39 UK zoos, safari parks and wildlife parks which had received at least 5,000 reviews.

The ratings were checked on October 18, with attractions ranked according to their exact average star rating.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, topped the rankings with a score of 4.75 from 11,001 reviews.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Oxfordshire was second, also displaying a rating of 4.75, while Tropical Birdland in Leicestershire came third with 4.74.

Colchester Zoo's 4.67 score put it ahead of attractions including Tropical Butterfly House near Sheffield, Crocodiles of the World in Oxfordshire and Wingham Wildlife Park in Kent.

At the other end of the research, Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire had the lowest rating among the 39 attractions analysed, with an average of 4.17 from 19,775 reviews.

Alex Dyer, managing director at Ski Famille, said: “A zoo ticket is one of the bigger costs of a family day out, so it’s worth knowing what you’re getting before you go.

“The reviews show people are happy to pay when they can actually see the animals. What annoys them is paying full price and then walking past empty or closed enclosures.

“Check the zoo’s website on the morning you go for anything that’s shut, book online if it’s cheaper, and get there for opening so you get a full day out of the ticket.”