London Zoo

London Zoo in Regent's Park is the world's oldest scientific zoo, founded in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London. It holds around 20,000 animals across 700 species and is one of London's most popular family destinations. As a working conservation organisation rather than a purely commercial attraction, it operates differently to many large theme-park style zoos.

What to See

The standout enclosures include the Gorilla Kingdom (a large naturalistic enclosure, one of the best gorilla habitats of any European zoo), the Land of the Lions (Asiatic lions in a themed environment), the Penguin Beach (feeding times are popular), Tiger Territory and the Walk-In Butterfly Paradise. The aquarium and reptile house are older buildings with original Victorian character — the reptile house is where Harry Potter filmed his parseltongue scene. The new Rainforest Life exhibit allows nocturnal animal viewing.

Tickets & Hours

Adult tickets from around £28 online (significantly more at the door). Children aged 3–15 around £20, under 3 free. Open daily year-round, typically 10am–5pm (summer) and 10am–4pm (winter). ZSL members enter free and membership pays for itself in two visits.

Is It Worth It?

For families with children under 12, yes — a full day here is genuinely engaging and the conservation mission gives it a purposeful feel. For adults without children, it depends on interest in wildlife; the gorilla and tiger enclosures particularly reward those who spend time watching rather than moving quickly through. Book online — the on-door premium is steep.

Getting There

Camden Town station (Northern line) then a 15-minute walk through Regent's Park, or Regent's Park station (Bakerloo line) then a 20-minute walk north through the park.

Tips

• Book online — the on-door price is significantly higher and queues on busy days are long.
• Gorilla Kingdom in the morning is the best time to see the gorillas active.
• Feeding times for penguins and sea lions draw the biggest crowds — check the daily schedule on arrival.
• ZSL membership is excellent value for London families who'll visit more than once a year.

Check the official London Zoo site for current prices and feeding times.