2 Best Sights in Chester, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England

Well-landscaped grounds and natural enclosures make the 128-acre zoo one of the country's most popular and also one of its largest. Highlights include the Realm of the Red Ape (where you can see orangutans), the jaguar enclosure, and the Dragons in Danger habitat (home to the Komodo dragon). Eleven miles of paths wind through the zoo, and there's a Lazy River boat trip. Baby animals are often on display, and 10-minute animal talks, aimed at kids, take place at various locations throughout the day; little ones will especially love the Madagascar PLAY zone.

Start a visit to this local history museum with a look at the Roman Stones Gallery, which displays Roman-era tombstones previously used to repair city walls (keep an eye out for the wounded barbarian). Afterward you can skip a few centuries to explore the period house for a tour that covers the1680s to the 1920s.