Knotts of Tempsford

The animals here are the real draw - Knotts of Tempsford, just outside St. Neots, is a proper working zoo that takes its conservation seriously. You'll see everything from big cats to primates, birds of prey to reptiles, spread across grounds that feel spacious enough that the animals aren't cramped in. It's the sort of place where you can spend a solid three to four hours wandering around without feeling rushed, though families with younger kids might be done in two.

The zoo does lean towards education rather than theme park spectacle, which means there's less of the hand-feeding and photo-op nonsense you get elsewhere. Staff actually know their animals and will chat if you ask questions, though the place never feels overcrowded enough that you're competing for a view. The enclosures are thoughtfully laid out - you're not trudging across miles of concrete.

Worth noting: opening hours and admission aren't pinned down online, so ring ahead or check their website before you drive out. Parking is straightforward and it's accessible enough for pushchairs, though there's quite a bit of walking involved.

If you're based at Cambridgeshire Lakes or the St Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site - both excellent parks within a couple of miles - this makes a solid day out when the weather's reasonable. It's not a must-do if you've already got a zoo trip booked elsewhere, but it's a genuine alternative to the bigger corporate attractions.