Top 10 zoos in Europe, according to TripAdvisor

Chester, Colchester and Paignton Zoo all feature in the top ten

TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the top zoos in Europe, based on the results of their Travellers’ Choice Awards - so if you are planning a European holiday over the next few weeks, have a look at this selection of marvellous menageries.

Read more: Chester Zoo named best UK zoo

The results were a resounding success for Spain, with Loro Parque in Tenerife winning first place, and with three Spanish zoos featuring in the winning ten.

However, if you aren’t leaving the country this summer then never fear, because votes show that we’ve got some of the best roaring, splashing, slithering and prowling right on our doorstep. In fact, the awards results – based on the reviews of travellers from around the world – shows that, in 2014, the UK boasts more show-stopping zoos than any other European country.

Chester, Colchester and Paignton Zoo all feature in the top ten and, in the worldwide polls, the UK occupies three spots in the top twenty five – coming in at second place and losing only to the United States with nine.

Chester Zoo was voted second best in Europe, and sixth in the world. Managing Director of Chester Zoo, Jamie Christon, commented: “We are absolutely delighted” before thanking visitors to the zoo, a charity-funded establishment, for helping support the zoo’s conservational work.