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London Zoo has one of the UK’s largest collections of animals. It’s the world’s oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828. It’s passionate about conservation, and many of the animals, from frogs to tigers, are critically endangered. From aye-ayes (like a cross between a rodent and a lemur) to zebras (more familiar faces), there are over 300 different species and 20,166 animals to discover.
Ready to explore London Zoo? Here’s all you need to know before you visit.
Where is London Zoo?
London Zoo is in Regent’s Park, between the City of Westminster and the Borough of Camden.
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY.
How to get to London Zoo
South Western Railway services take you to London Waterloo, where you can hop on the Bakerloo line to Baker Street. Find Baker Street Station Stop C, riding the 247 bus to Primrose Hill. It’s a 9-minute walk from there.
Once you’ve seen all the animals, take a step into their enclosures. Meet meerkats, monkeys and penguins, accompanied by expert guides. Take photos with the animals and learn everything about them (you can even feed the monkeys and meerkats)!
Sensory experiences
What better way to introduce future generations to nature than immersive sensory experiences? London Zoo holds weekly sensory stories for babies (aged 0-8 months). Follow the story of various marine creatures and their habitats through interactive storytelling, engaging sight, sound and touch.
Daily talks
London Zoo ditches the dimly lit auditorium and holds daily talks beside the enclosures so you can see the animals up close while listening to their stories. Peak into the predatory mind of the African wild dog, discover the nocturnal life of the slender loris, and find out why flamingos have pink feathers.
Animal Adventure playground
Visiting with kids? They’ll love the Animal Adventure playground, where they can meet alpacas, pigs, porcupines, llamas and goats. There are slides, bridges, ladders, a splash zone and an HMS Beagle-inspired climbing frame (the boat Charles Darwin sailed around the globe collecting samples). Best of all? You can refuel at the Peckish Parrot Café while the little ones let loose.
Things to do near London Zoo
There’s plenty to do nearby after the zoo. Why not explore the rest of Regent’s Park [DF1] (London Zoo occupies just 36 of the park’s 410 acres)? There are fountains, gardens, an open-air theatre and a boating lake.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is near the park’s southwest corner, and the British Museum is also within walking distance, housing some of the best exhibitions in London.
Tips for enjoying London Zoo
London Zoo is open daily from 10:00 – 16:00. It closes at 17:00 from 10thFebruary to 28th March and from 2nd September to 27th October, and at 18:00 between 29th March and 1st September.
There’s a bag check on entry, and leaving large bags at home is advised.
Food and drinks
Exploring the 36-acre zoo is tiring work. Thankfully, London Zoo has plenty of food and drink options, all of which use local, ethically sourced ingredients.
Head to the Terrace Restaurant for sit-down or takeaway classics, like stone-baked pizzas, burgers and fish and chips. Zoo Treats has quick bites like pastries and sandwiches, and the woodland kiosk and Beach Hut serve hot drinks and snacks.
London Zoo accessibility
London Zoo is mostly wheelchair accessible, but there are some uneven paths and steep slopes. There’s one changing place toilet facility and four accessible toilets. Disabled visitors get discounted tickets and free entry for a carer.
The zoo hosts regular British Sign Language, audio-described and relaxed tours. Relaxed early entry is available for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Paid wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available on arrival. Assistance dogs are welcome, provided they meet various criteria.
