London Zoo London Zoo

Nestled in the heart of Regent’s Park, ZSL London Zoo is one of the world’s oldest and most iconic zoos. With over 750 species from around the globe, including endangered and rare animals, London Zoo makes a great day out. This comprehensive guide will help you plan the perfect day at London Zoo, covering everything from ticket prices to top exhibits, travel tips, and what to expect when you arrive

How to get to London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park, London. It’s easily accessible by public transport, with nearby stations offering great connectivity.

By bike

Travelling by bike is a great option. The zoo has a public bike shed in the car park opposite the main entrance. They also have two TfL Santander Cycle Hire scheme docking stations, one in the main car park and one in the small car park opposite the zoo.

By car

The car park is situated on the outskirts of Regent's Park. You can find full details and advice on getting to London Zoo here.

By public transport

• Tube: Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line) and Camden Town (Northern Line) are the nearest underground stations. Both are just a short walk from the zoo.
• Bus: Several bus routes, including 46, 274, and C2, stop near the zoo.
• Train: Euston and King's Cross stations are about a 20-minute walk from the zoo.

Tickets and booking

General admission: Ticket prices vary depending on whether you’re visiting at peak times (on the weekends). Family/ group tickets are also available. If you’re not sure when you want to visit, you can get a flexi ticket that allows you to visit whenever you want in the next 12 months.

Deals and discounts: If you’re a student looking for a discounted price, expect to provide your student ID as proof of arrival. You can also check if you’re eligible for a discounted universal credit ticket. ZSL Members enjoy free entry. Combo Tickets are available if you want to visit both ZSL London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, offering savings on multiple visits.

It’s advisable to purchase tickets online to avoid long queues at the entrance. Booking in advance often provides a discount, and you can select a time slot for entry to manage crowd flow.

Opening hours

Standard opening times are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:00 pm) every day. The opening times vary seasonally, so to plan your visit, check the website.

Animals to see at London Zoo

London Zoo houses over 10,000 animals from more than 750 species around the world. You can meet the Asiatic lions in the Land of the Lions exhibit, which are critically endangered, with fewer than 500 left in the wild. Over in Gorilla Kingdom, watch the western lowland gorillas, who share about 98% of their DNA with humans! From sloths to meerkats, each species has its own story to tell. We’ve listed the different animal attractions at London Zoo below so you know what to look forward to.

Tiger Territory

This impressive exhibit mimics a dense jungle environment, allowing you to see the majestic Sumatran tigers in their natural habitat. It’s a must-see for tiger enthusiasts, and the large glass viewing windows let visitors get extremely close.

Land of the Lions

The Land of the Lions exhibit is one of the zoo's most popular attractions. It showcases the rare Asiatic lions in a setting inspired by an Indian village. Visitors can watch the lions roam around their expansive enclosures and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

Gorilla Kingdom

Gorillas are a highlight at London Zoo, and the Gorilla Kingdom exhibit is one of the best places to see these incredible primates up close. The large, lush enclosures allow the gorillas to interact with each other in a naturalistic environment, and visitors can often observe playful young gorillas engaging in their social behaviours.

Penguin Beach

Penguin Beach is one of the largest penguin enclosures in Europe. Visitors can watch the penguins dive and swim in their pool, providing an entertaining and educational experience for all ages.

Reptile House

Home to an array of reptiles, including pythons, crocodiles, and tortoises, the Reptile House is a must-see for anyone fascinated by these cold-blooded creatures. The exhibit is one of the oldest parts of the zoo, offering a glimpse into its long history.

Click here to read more about all the different animals at London Zoo.

Things to do at London Zoo

London Zoo offers a variety of activities that make the visit even more memorable:

Daily animal talks and feedings

The zoo hosts a schedule of animal talks and feeding sessions throughout the day, where visitors can learn about the animals and conservation efforts. Check the daily schedule upon entry, or use the zoo’s app to plan your visit around these educational events. Download directions to these talks.

Meet the keeper experiences

For a more personal and in-depth experience, consider booking an experience to meet the keeper. This allows you to spend some time with the zoo’s animal keepers, learn about their daily routines, and ask questions about the care and conservation of the animals.

Animal adventure play area

If you’re visiting London Zoo with children, the Animal Adventure play area is a great spot to let them burn off some energy. It features climbing structures, splash areas, and interactive exhibits designed for kids.

Conservation at London Zoo

London Zoo is part of ZSL (Zoological Society of London), a global wildlife conservation charity. London Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation, working on breeding programs, habitat restoration, and research to protect endangered species. Visitors can support these efforts by donating, adopting an animal, or simply learning about the zoo's global conservation projects. By visiting, you help fund these important initiatives and contribute to protecting wildlife for future generations. You can find out more about the zoo’s conservation efforts here.

Eating and drinking at London Zoo

There are several dining options at London Zoo, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary requirements:

The Terrace Restaurant

Offering a selection of hot meals, sandwiches, and salads, the Terrace Restaurant is a family-friendly spot with outdoor seating and views of the zoo. It’s ideal for a more relaxed dining experience.

Penguin Café

Located near Penguin Beach, the Penguin Café offers quick snacks and drinks for visitors who want to refuel while watching the penguins.

The Paddock Café

For a more casual bite, the Paddock Café, located near the African Savanna area, serves up sandwiches, pastries, and a range of beverages.

Where to Stay

Want to camp near London? We have many campsites to choose from. Our Theobalds Park Club site is a great choice, located just outside the M25. This way, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peace of nature.

Accessibility at London Zoo

London Zoo makes good efforts to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit. Many areas have ramps, but please note that certain areas have uneven floors. Slopes leading to the two tunnels in the zoo are steep, so keep this in mind if you have a wheelchair.

To find out more about how the zoo caters to your accessibility needs, visit the website.