Call Of The Wild Zoo

The animals here range from big cats to smaller creatures you can actually get close to, which makes a proper change from zoos where everything's behind reinforced glass. Call of the Wild Zoo sits just outside Chelmsford and pulls in families who want something more hands-on than your typical day out.

You're looking at big cats, wolves, and various enclosures where the setup lets you see behaviour rather than just spot animals in the distance. It's the kind of place where kids aren't bored after forty minutes - there's enough to engage them for a solid few hours. The walk between sections is reasonable, though you'll want sensible shoes.

For camping-based holidays, it works well alongside Stuarts Wood Campsite or The Courts Campsite, both within easy reach. If you're doing the Essex circuit and want something beyond the beaches and countryside walks, this breaks up the itinerary nicely. Depending on how many animals you linger over and whether the kids want to feed anything, budget three to four hours.

It's not revolutionary - zoos rarely are - but the proximity to decent campsites and the fact you can actually see the animals move and interact with their environment makes it worth a morning visit if you're based nearby. Definitely check admission fees and opening hours before you head over from your campsite, as details change seasonally.