Amazu

Amazu sits right on the doorstep of Chessington, which makes it a natural add-on if you're already in the area for Chessington World of Adventures Resort. It's a compact zoo operation - the kind of place you can walk around in a couple of hours without feeling rushed, unlike the sprawling theme park next door.

The zoo focuses on smaller animals and exotic birds rather than big cats or elephants, so don't expect the spectacle of a major wildlife park. What you get instead is closer encounters and a more intimate feel. Kids under ten will probably enjoy it more than teenagers, who might find it a bit limited after the adrenaline of the theme park.

Practically speaking, I'd treat it as a half-day activity rather than a full day out. Pop in mid-morning, grab lunch at one of the cafes, and you're done by early afternoon. The grounds are manageable for buggies and pushchairs, which counts for something when you're holidaying with young children.

If you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Chessington World of Adventures Resort is literally minutes away - Amazu works as a quieter alternative on a day when the theme park queues look grim. It won't blow your mind, but it's decent value for a couple of hours if you've got the family in tow and want something low-key and local.