Penguin Bay

You'll find Penguin Bay tucked within Chessington World of Adventures, and it's the sort of place that works brilliantly if you've got kids in tow - they'll stand there for ages watching the birds dive and potter about. The enclosure gives you a proper look at how these creatures move both above and below water, which is genuinely interesting if you've never paid close attention before.

It's not a massive attraction - you won't spend half a day here - but as part of a wider Chessington visit it slots in nicely. The setup is decent enough, though like most zoo exhibits these days it comes with the usual caveats about space and authenticity. Give it thirty minutes to an hour, depending on how chatty your group is and whether the penguins are actually doing anything when you turn up. They're not always cooperative.

If you're staying at Chessington World of Adventures Resort just down the road, you've basically got the whole theme park on your doorstep, and Penguin Bay comes as part of that experience. The Polyapes Scout Campsite and Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both within a few miles if you fancy something slightly less hectic. Best time to visit is mid-week during school term when it's quieter, though the penguins themselves don't really care when you show up. Fair warning: admission costs are folded into the main park entry, so budget accordingly if you're doing a full day.