Chester Zoo

The zoo sits just outside Chester, and it's a proper operation - not some ramshackle collection of bored animals in tiny enclosures. This is a working conservation space with serious credentials, spread across enough land that you won't feel like you're trudging round concrete paths all day.

You get the usual suspects - big cats, primates, elephants - but the layout forces you to walk through decent landscaping rather than staring at animals through bars. The big cats are worth the trip alone, and the primate section is genuinely well done. Allow a full day if you've got kids; they'll be knackered by late afternoon, which is exactly what you want.

It's paid admission - not cheap, but not outrageous either. The walk can be lengthy, especially if you're with younger children, so sensible shoes matter. Summer weekends get rammed, so go midweek if you can. Early mornings are quieter and the animals are more active before the heat sets in.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Chester Fairoaks is closest at just over two miles, or Oakwood Farm at three miles - this slots in well as a day out. It's close enough that you won't waste half your morning driving, but far enough that you're not glued to the caravan site. Combine it with Chester town centre, which is a short drive away, and you've got a solid couple of days sorted.