Holmes Chapel Zoo

The zoo sits just outside Knutsford in Cheshire, a proper working collection that punches above its weight for a small-scale operation. You're looking at a mix of big cats, primates, birds and reptiles spread across grounds that feel intimate rather than sprawling - the kind of place where you actually see the animals rather than squinting across a savanna.

It's best suited to families with younger kids or anyone after a relaxed afternoon without the sensory overload of the massive zoos. Don't expect a day's worth of entertainment unless you're the type who reads every placard and hangs around the enclosures. Two to three hours is realistic.

The real pull here is how close you are to the animals and the fact the staff clearly care about what they're doing. The big cats in particular are worth the visit if you catch them during feeding time. Admission details and opening hours weren't readily available when we checked, so ring ahead before making the drive from Knutsford.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Woodlands Park or Royal Vale are both within easy reach - this makes a solid half-day outing alongside other local attractions. Pair it with a walk around the town itself or head to nearby Tatton Park if you want something with more substance. Fair warning though: it's not the sort of attraction that'll keep teenagers entertained for long, and parking can be tight on busy days.