Simon Applebaum, Managing Director at www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, said: “We’re the first place families come to when looking for ideas and inspiration for days out, so we really wanted to approach it from the other side and let our families tell us the days out that really matter to them. From the big name attractions to the local gems, the Family Favourites Awards champions family days out in a way that nowhere else does, and with 20,000 votes helping to crown our deserved winners, we’ve been blown away by the success of the awards this year.”

Owen Craft, Chief Operating Officer of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo said: “We are delighted that ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has been named as the Best Animal Day Out in the UK. We know our visitors love exploring our huge open spaces on the Chiltern hills and seeing our 3500 fascinating animals, from the tiny butterflies that fill one of the largest butterfly biomes in the country, to towering giraffes, rhinos, lions, hippos, our herd of magnificent Asian elephants and our new litter of endangered Amur tiger cubs.

“In 2019, we will be opening a unique freshwater aquarium, giving children an up-close opportunity to see the work we’re doing to bring species on the edge of extinction back from the brink. We strive to provide the very best day out for families, with outdoor and indoor play areas, a children’s farm, a steam train, special family activities during school holidays and healthy, tasty food and drink, and are thrilled that our commitment to families has been recognised through this award.”

For more information about the DOWTK Family Favourites Awards, or to see the full list of regional winners across the UK, please visit https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/family-favourites-awards.