In search of London attractions suitable for the whole family? You need merely visit one of the city’s many zoos. Choosing which zoo to visit might be challenging since there are so many of them. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best zoos in London to ensure you have a memorable day.
These zoos are perfect for a day trip with the family or a chance to get up and personal with some exotic creatures. Prepare to have a day that you won’t soon forget by wrapping yourself in warm clothes and getting ready for it!
Table of Contents
Top 7 Must-Visit Zoos In London
#1. ZSL London Zoo
The ZSL London Zoo is among the best Zoos in London. This world-renowned attraction is home to over 750 species of animals, including endangered species such as the Sumatran tiger and the Asiatic lion.
The zoo is divided into themed zones, including the Land of the Lions, Tiger Territory, and Gorilla Kingdom. Visitors can also explore the Butterfly Paradise, Rainforest Life, and Aquarium. The zoo’s exhibits aim to educate visitors on animal conservation, the environment, and sustainable living practices.
ZSL London Zoo also offers interactive experiences, including the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes and meet some zoo inhabitants up close. The zoo hosts various events throughout the year, including after-hours and seasonal activities.
Location: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday 10 am–5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am–5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am–5 pm
- Thursday 10 am–5 pm
- Friday 10 am–5 pm
- Saturday 10 am–5 pm
- Sunday 10 am–5 pm
Entry Fees: Starting at £35.50
#2. Hobbledown Heath
Hobbledown Heath is a unique animal adventure zoo near London. This park offers visitors a thrilling experience with play areas and animal exhibits. The park is inspired by the popular children’s book “The Hobbledown Tales” and is home to various animals, including alpacas, meerkats, wallabies, and pigs.
Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences with the animals, including feeding and petting sessions. Aside from the animal exhibits, Hobbledown Heath offers a range of activities, including zip-lining, adventure courses, and a playground for children. The park also has several restaurants and cafes serving a range of food and drink options.
Location: Staines Rd, Hounslow TW14 0HH, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday 9:30 am–5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am–5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am–5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am–5:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am–7 pm
- Saturday 9 am–7 pm
- Sunday 9 am–7 pm
Entry Fees: Starting at £18
#3. Howletts Wildlife Park
Howletts Wildlife Park is one of the Zoos in London located in the picturesque countryside of Kent, just a short distance from London. The park has over 400 animals, including elephants, tigers, gorillas, and monkeys. What sets Howletts Wildlife Park apart is its focus on conservation and animal welfare.
The park is committed to caring for endangered species and is actively involved in breeding programs to help ensure the survival of threatened animals. In addition to the animal exhibits, the park offers a range of activities, including animal talks, feeding sessions, and a treetop challenge course. The park also has several restaurants and cafes serving a range of food and drink options.
Location: Bekesbourne Ln, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury CT4 5EL, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday 9:30 am–5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am–5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am–5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am–5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am–5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am–5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am–5 pm
Entry Fees: Starting at £22.27
#4. Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is a stunning 140-acre zoo located in Winchester, Hampshire. The zoo has over 1,200 animals, including giraffes, tigers, penguins, and lemurs. One of the unique features of Marwell Zoo is its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The zoo is actively involved in a range of conservation programs. It is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact through initiatives such as solar panel installations and sustainable materials.
In addition to the animal exhibits, Marwell Zoo offers a range of activities and experiences, including animal talks, feeding sessions, and a train ride around the park. The zoo also has several restaurants and cafes serving a range of food and drink options.
Location: Thompson’s Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JH, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday 10 am–5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am–5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am–5 pm
- Thursday 10 am–5 pm
- Friday 10 am–5 pm
- Saturday 10 am–5 pm
- Sunday 10 am–5 pm
Entry Fees: Starting at £19.00
#5. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is one of the popular family-friendly Zoos in London. The animal park in London is designed specifically for young children and offers a range of fun and educational activities, making it a perfect destination for families with young children.
The zoo is home to various animals, including monkeys, meerkats, and farm animals, such as pigs and goats. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences with the animals, including feeding and petting sessions. The zoo’s facilities include a large playground, sandpit, and giant bouncing pillow. There’s also a cafe where visitors can enjoy refreshments while the children play.
Location: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday 10 am–4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am–4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am–4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am–4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am–4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am–4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am–4:30 pm
Entry Fees: Starting at £8.95
#6. Paradise Wildlife Park
Paradise Wildlife Park is a family-owned zoo located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, just a short distance from London. The park has over 800 animals, including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and farm animals. One of the unique features of Paradise Wildlife Park is the opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with some of the animals.
The park offers a range of interactive experiences, including feeding and petting sessions, as well as animal encounters where visitors can meet some of the park’s more exotic residents. In addition to the animal exhibits, Paradise Wildlife Park offers a range of activities, including a dinosaur trail, a woodland railway, and a soft play area for children. The park also has several restaurants and cafes serving a range of food and drink options.
Location: White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne EN10 7QA, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Entry Fees: Starting at £20.00
#7. Maryon Wilson Animal Park
Maryon Wilson Animal Park is a small but one of the charming Zoos in London. The park is home to many animals, including goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, such as parrots and owls. Its focus on conservation and animal welfare sets Maryon Wilson Animal Park apart.
The park is committed to caring for animals that have been rescued or cannot be returned to the wild, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. In addition to the animal exhibits, the park offers a range of activities and educational programs, including animal talks and feeding sessions. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the park’s beautiful surroundings or visit the park’s cafe for refreshments.
Location: Flamsteed Rd, London SE7 8HT, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Monday Open 24 hours
- Tuesday Open 24 hours
- Wednesday Open 24 hours
- Thursday Open 24 hours
- Friday Open 24 hours
- Saturday Open 24 hours
- Sunday Open 24 hours
Entry Fees: FREE
Do’s And Dont In A Zoos In London
Zoos are popular locations for families and animal enthusiasts who want to get up and personal with various exotic creatures. Although visiting a zoo may be a joyful and instructive experience, some criteria must be followed to protect the animals’ and visitors’ safety and well-being. These are some things to remember while visiting a zoo.
Do: Respect the animals’ space.
While visiting a zoo, one of the essential things to remember is to respect the animals’ space. Always stay within barriers and fences, and never touch or feed the animals unless authorised to do so by a zookeeper. Remember that the animals are not meant to amuse you or to be used as props for selfies. They are live beings that need respect and space.
Don’t: Disturb the animals.
Although it may be tempting to attempt to acquire a better view of the animals or to elicit some reaction from them, it is critical not to disturb them. Make no loud sounds, beat on the glass or fences, or throw anything into the animal cages. These activities may induce tension and worry in the animals, affecting their health and well-being.
Do: Follow the rules.
To protect the safety of both visitors and animals, most zoos have particular regulations and norms in place. Make a point of reading and adhering to these regulations at all times. These might include food and drink restrictions, illicit goods, or specified paths that visitors must use. Observing the regulations may assist in guaranteeing a fun and safe experience.
Don’t: Litter or leave trash.
Zoos are public areas, thus, they must be kept clean and litter-free. Be sure to put garbage and food waste in the correct bins, and avoid putting anything in the animal inclosures or walkways. This not only keeps the zoo clean, but it also prevents animals from swallowing or becoming entangled in the trash.
Do: Learn about the animals.
Zoos are excellent places to learn about a wide variety of animals from across the globe. Take advantage of educational opportunities and learn as much as possible about the creatures you observe. Many zoos provide guided tours, animal lectures, and other educational events to assist visitors in learning more about the animals and their environments.
Don’t: Tease or taunt the animals.
Animal teasing or taunting is never appropriate. This may induce tension and worry in the animals, affecting their health and well-being. Moreover, it might be hazardous to both tourists and animals. Always treat animals with respect and love; remember, they are not there for your enjoyment.
Do: Dress appropriately.
Dressing correctly for the weather and terrain while visiting a zoo is essential. Choose comfortable shoes and clothes that can withstand the weather. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and carry a rain jacket or umbrella if the weather is terrible.
Don’t: Ignore safety warnings.
There are safety warnings in most zoos for a reason. It is critical to take these warnings seriously, whether alerting tourists about possible threats or safeguarding the animals. Follow their directions whenever a zookeeper or staff member advises you to do anything. This may assist in avoiding accidents and injuries while ensuring a safe and pleasurable experience.
Do: Respect the zoo staff.
Zoo employees work tirelessly to maintain the animals’ and visitors’ safety and well-being. Offer them respect and thanks for their efforts, and don’t be afraid to seek their help if necessary. Ask a staff member for assistance if you see anything that seems wrong or have a problem. They are on hand to ensure everyone has a safe and pleasurable experience.
Don’t: Use flash photography or camera drones.
Although photographing animals may be appealing, it is essential to do it ethically. Flash photography should be avoided since it might scare or hurt the animals. Moreover, many zoos ban camera drones since they might disturb the animals and their environments. If you wish to take photographs, use a camera without a flash or ask a staff member whether using a camera drone is permitted.
Final Words!
In conclusion, visiting one of the above-mentioned Zoos in London can be a fun and educational experience. Still, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the animals’ and visitors’ safety and well-being. By respecting the animals’ space, following the rules, and learning about the animals, visitors can have an enjoyable experience while supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.
It is also important to avoid disturbing the animals, littering, teasing or taunting them, and ignoring safety warnings. With a little effort and respect, a trip to the zoo can be a memorable experience for the whole family.
