Are you looking for a fun and educational day out with your family? In this blog post, I’ll share my review of London Zoo, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world.
Pros and cons of visiting the London Zoo as a family
London Zoo is not just a tourist attraction featuring impressive animals, you’ll also get a real sense of their focus on conservation. From breeding endangered species like lions and tigers to conserving local eels in the Thames, the London Zoo plays an important role in protecting animals and their natural habitats around the world. Here are some of the pros and cons
Going to the Zoo more than once per year? Did you know that an annual membership to the London Zoo costs less than two visits per year for a family of 4 compared to standard tickets? With a family membership, you get unlimited visits to both London and Whipsnade Zoos for one year. Definitely worth considering if you’re visiting London with kids several times per year!
Pros:
- Animals: Lots of animals to see and learn about, from lions and tigers to penguins and giraffes. You can find over 750 species of animals at the zoo, some of which are rare and endangered. You can also learn about their habitats, behaviours and threats, and how the zoo is helping to protect them. My kids love seeing the animals and learning new facts about them. They especially like the penguin pool, where they can watch the penguins swim and play.
- Activities: Educational and fun activities for kids of all ages, such as feeding sessions, keeper talks and animal encounters. You can watch the animals being fed and cared for, listen to the experts talk about their work and stories, and even get up close and personal with some of the animals. There are also interactive exhibits, games and quizzes to keep the kids entertained and engaged. My kids enjoy participating in the activities and asking questions to the keepers. They once had a chance to touch a snake, which was both scary and exciting for them.
- Gardens: Beautiful gardens and scenery to enjoy, especially in spring and summer. The zoo is set in Regent’s Park, one of London’s most famous parks, which has stunning views, flowers and trees. You can also admire the historic buildings and architecture of the zoo, such as the Mappin Terraces, the Snowdon Aviary and the Reptile House. My kids like to run around the gardens and play hide and seek. They also like to take pictures of the flowers and the buildings.
- Location: Convenient location in central London, easy to reach by public transport or car. The zoo is located in Zone 1, close to Camden Town and Baker Street stations. You can also take a bus, a bike or a boat to get there. There is also a car park nearby, but it can get full quickly. We usually take the tube or the bus to get to the zoo, which is convenient and cheap. Sometimes we also take a boat from Little Venice, which is a nice way to see the canal and the park.
- Conservation: Supports conservation and research projects around the world. The zoo is part of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which is a charity that works to save wildlife and habitats in over 50 countries. By visiting the zoo, you are helping to fund their work and raise awareness about their causes. My kids are very interested in conservation and want to help the animals. They often donate some of their pocket money to the zoo or adopt an animal online.
Cons:
- Cost: Expensive tickets, especially for larger families. The zoo is not cheap to visit, especially if you have a big family or want to see everything. The standard ticket price for an adult is £30, and for a child is £20. You can save some money by booking online or using a discount code, but it is still a lot of money to spend on one day out. We usually try to find some deals or vouchers online before we go, or we use our Tesco Clubcard points to get cheaper tickets.
- Crowds: Crowded and noisy at peak times, especially during school holidays and weekends. The zoo is very popular with tourists and locals alike, which means it can get very busy and loud at certain times of the year. You may have to queue for a long time to enter the zoo, see some of the animals or use the facilities. You may also have to deal with crowds, noise and litter around the zoo. We try to avoid going on weekends or holidays, or we go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is less crowded.
- Visibility: Some animals may be hiding or sleeping, which can be disappointing for kids. The zoo tries to provide the best possible environment for the animals, which means they have a lot of space
and freedom to roam around. This also means that they may not always be visible or active when you visit. Some animals may be hiding in their enclosures, sleeping during
the day or undergoing medical treatment. This can be frustrating for kids who want to see their favourite animals or take pictures with them. We try to check the feeding times or animal talks before we go, so we know when we have a better chance of seeing them. - Food: Limited food and drink options, mostly fast food and snacks. The zoo has several cafes and kiosks where you can buy food and drink, but they are not very varied or healthy. Most of them sell fast food such as burgers, chips, pizza and ice cream, as well as drinks such as coffee, tea and soft drinks. There are not many options for vegetarians, vegans or people with allergies or dietary requirements. You can bring your own food and drink, but there are not many places where you can sit down and eat comfortably. We usually bring our own sandwiches, fruits and water bottles, and we find a nice spot in the park to have a picnic.
Summary – My personal view of London Zoo
If you are an animal lover and a family traveller, you might be wondering if London Zoo is worth a visit. London Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world, and it has a lot of attractions and activities for kids and adults alike. But it also has some drawbacks, such as the high price, the crowds and the potential stress for both you and the animals.
London Zoo has its own charm and appeal. It is located in a beautiful park in the centre of London, which makes it a rare and fascinating sight. It also has a rich history and a strong commitment to conservation and education. London Zoo is not just a place to see animals, but also to learn about them and their habitats.
As a London mum with three kids aged 2, 6 and 10 years old, I have visited the zoo multiple times with my kids and we always have a good time. While I’m not a big fan of zoos in general, London Zoo is definitely one of the better ones out there. You’ll look hard to find a more professional and educational place to see wild animals in captivity.
London Zoo Ticket Deals
London Zoo is a fantastic place to see animals in the middle of London, but it can get very expensive costing nearly £100 for a family of four paying for standard tickets. Here are some ways to get a cheaper deal and save some money going to the zoo:
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to London Zoo.
- Annual membership: Getting a membership saves you money if you visit London Zoo more than once per year.
- City Passes: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, a city pass could save you money at London Zoo.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get two tickets for the price of one to London Zoo.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to the London Zoo by simply buying a lottery ticket (not always available).
Popular areas for kids in London Zoo
London Zoo was founded to be used as a place of scientific study, and this is also reflected in the types of animals you can see here. In a 36-acre area, you can find 755 different species of animals, which include lions, camels, giraffes, penguins, tigers, monkeys, meerkats and many more. Here are some of the more famous ones:
- The Okapis – The okapi mother Oni gave birth to an adorable calf Ede during the lockdown in 2020 made famous by the ITV Documentary “London Zoo: An Extraordinary Year”
- The Giraffes – Always popular with kids, usually standing tall and proud outside their iconic giraffe house that was purpose-built in 1836, one of London Zoo’s oldest buildings.
- The African hunting dogs – Playful and entertaining, and there are plenty of places for kids to watch them.
- The Lions – An all-time favourite in London Zoo, and they’ve done a tremendous job in creating an authentic Indian environment surrounding the enclosure great for kids to explore.
- The Komodo Dragon – Such a unique creature and kids just love to watch it roam around.
Here are the areas that our kids enjoyed the most at London Zoo:
Penguin Beach
The most popular section of London Zoo when it comes to families with small kids is arguably the lovely Penguin Beach. The penguins are so playful and it’s fascinating for kids to watch them fly through the water a few centimetres away on the other side of the glass wall.
Penguin Beach is the largest penguin pool in England, where you can watch the playful Humboldt penguins dive, swim and socialize. You can also learn more about these amazing birds and their conservation at the daily live shows. Penguin Beach features a 1200 square meter pool with underwater viewing areas, a rocky beach and a penguin nursery. You can also see other aquatic birds, such as pelicans and flamingos, in the nearby exhibits.
Gorilla Kingdom
The Gorillas are also very high up on our list of priorities at London Zoo. First, a word of warning: When the gorillas don’t want to be seen, you won’t see them either 🙂 This could mean disappointed kids, so it’s all about managing expectations giving the kids a hint that some animals might be hiding away. Also, if it’s a really hot day, or wet and cold it’s less likely that you’ll see fewer animals out in the open.
The Gorilla Kingdom is home to the impressive western lowland gorillas. You can watch them from a viewing platform in their habitat consisting of a clearing, their own personal island, and an indoor gymnasium. In this area, you can also find black-and-white colobus monkeys, White-naped mangabeys, Nile Monitors, a variety of bird species and Diana monkeys. The area is specially designed with plants and herbs that the gorillas can eat.
Tiger Territory
Tiger Territory is home to a pair of critically endangered Sumatran tigers, who have access to five different areas, including a pool, a feeding platform and a high vantage point. You can get up close to these majestic predators and discover how ZSL is working to protect them in the wild. Tiger Territory is designed to replicate the tigers’ natural habitat of dense forest and open clearings. You can also learn about the threats they face and the conservation efforts they support.
Rainforest Life
Rainforest Life is an immersive experience that transports you to the tropical forests of South America. You can encounter a variety of animals, such as sloths, monkeys, armadillos and tamanduas, as well as hundreds of free-flying birds and bats. Rainforest Life is a walk-through exhibit that simulates the day-night cycle of the rainforest. You can explore the canopy, the forest floor and the nocturnal zone, where you can see some of the most elusive creatures.
Into Africa
Into Africa is where you can meet some of the most iconic African animals, such as giraffes, zebras, okapis, warthogs and African hunting dogs. You can also see the magnificent black rhinos and learn how ZSL is fighting to save them from poaching. Into Africa offers a panoramic view of the African savanna, where you can watch the animals graze and interact. You can also visit the interactive discovery centre, where you can learn more about the wildlife and culture of Africa.
Reptile House
Reptile House is one of the oldest buildings in the zoo, dating back to 1926. It houses a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians, from venomous snakes and crocodiles to frogs and salamanders. You can also see some of the rarest and most endangered species, such as the Komodo dragon and the Chinese giant salamander. Reptile House is divided into several zones, such as desert, rainforest and aquatic, where you can see the animals in their natural habitats. You can also watch feeding demonstrations and learn about their biology and behaviour.
Butterfly Paradise
Butterfly Paradise is a walk-through exhibit that showcases hundreds of colourful butterflies from around the world. You can marvel at their beauty and diversity, and learn about their life cycle and importance for the environment. Butterfly Paradise is a tropical greenhouse that maintains a constant temperature and humidity for the butterflies. You can also see other insects, such as beetles, stick insects and spiders, in the insect house.
Land of Lions
Land of Lions is an award-winning exhibit that recreates the Gir Forest National Park in India, where the last remaining population of Asiatic lions lives. You can explore the vibrant village and temple, and watch the lions roam in their naturalistic habitat. You can also find out how ZSL is working with local communities to protect these endangered cats. Land of Lions is a multi-sensory experience that immerses you in the sights, sounds and smells of India. You can also interact with animatronic characters and digital displays that tell you more about the lions and their conservation.
Vintage photos from London Zoo
Special events at London Zoo
Halloween
London Zoo at Halloween transforms into a thrillingly spooky destination, offering visitors a unique and eerie experience. Here’s what you can typically expect during this hauntingly fun event:
- Frighteningly Fun Decor: The zoo is adorned with spooky decorations, creating an atmosphere of Halloween magic. Expect to see carved pumpkins, cobwebs, and eerie lighting throughout the premises.
- Animal Adventures: Special Halloween-themed animal talks and encounters add an educational twist to the festivities. Learn about the nocturnal habits of creatures, or delve into the creepy crawly world of insects and arachnids.
- Trick-or-Treat Trails: Younger visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed trick-or-treat trails, where they can collect sweets and goodies while exploring the zoo’s various exhibits.
- Costume Contests: Many visitors and even some of the animals get into the Halloween spirit by donning costumes. Costume contests for both children and adults are a common feature of the event.
- Spooky Storytelling: Gather ’round for spooky storytelling sessions that transport you into the realm of ghostly tales and legends.
Christmas
London Zoo at Christmas is a magical place to celebrate the festive season, and it offers a variety of enchanting experiences during Christmas:
- Illuminated Trail: As darkness falls, the zoo comes alive with a stunning illuminated trail. The grounds are adorned with twinkling lights, creating a winter wonderland that’s perfect for a festive stroll.
- Meet Santa: Children have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in a charming grotto, where they can share their Christmas wishes and receive a small gift.
- Animal Encounters: Special festive-themed animal talks and encounters continue during Christmas, allowing visitors to learn about the winter behaviours of various species.
- Christmas Crafts: Families can engage in Christmas craft activities, creating seasonal decorations and keepsakes to take home.
- Festive Food: The zoo’s restaurants and cafes serve up delectable festive treats, from mulled wine and hot chocolate to mince pies and gingerbread cookies.
- Unique Shopping: Visitors can find unique Christmas gifts at the zoo’s shops, which offer a range of animal-themed merchandise and holiday souvenirs.
Key Information London Zoo
- Paid entry
- Outdoor and indoor
- Type: Animal Attraction
- Borough: Camden
- Area: Central London
- Tube: Camden Town
- Nearby: Regent’s Canal
- London Zoo Website