The ZSL London Zoo, established in 1828 as the world's oldest scientific zoo, offers a diverse range of experiences within its 36-acre plot in Regent’s Park. Boasting 20 animal-specific areas and 698 species, including its iconic Penguin Beach and captivating daily activities like Penguin Beach Live and Mega bugs Live, the zoo provides an educational and entertaining outing for visitors of all ages. Planning a visit involves considerations of opening times, ticket costs, and transportation options, with ample facilities and accommodations available on-site. Surrounding the zoo, the Regents Park area offers additional attractions, dining options, and vibrant markets, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Most great cities will have a great zoo, but none more historically relevant than the ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park.
AS THE OLDEST SCIENTIFIC ZOO IN THE WORLD, LONDON ZOO WAS OPENED ON THE 27TH APRIL 1828 AS A COLLECTION OF ANIMALS FOR SCIENTIFIC STUDY AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES, USING THE ANIMALS HOUSED AT THE TOWER OF LONDON MENAGERIE.
Opened to the public in 1847, the Zoo now consists of at least 20 animal specific areas and a staggering 698 species of animal on a 36 Acre plot of land. Also known as Regent’s Zoo, the park is in the borough of Camden and debuted the world’s first reptile and insect house, aquarium as well as the first zoo designed for children. Today most of these features are still intact and functioning as well as a London Zoo Hotel making it a must for any animal loving visitor to the city.
Before visiting ZSL, make sure you’re aware of the opening and closing times, which vary over the year. From the 1st of April the Zoo opens at 10am and closes at 6pm, last entry being 5pm. From the 4th September the zoo opens at 10am and closes at 5.30pm, last entry being 4.30pm. From the 21st October, the zoo opens at 10am and closes at 5pm, last entry being 4pm. After the 29th October the zoo opens at 10am, closes at 4pm and has a last entry time of 3pm. Note that the only day that the zoo is closed is on Christmas Day.
There are many London zoo offers you can take advantage of, including London Zoo and hotel deals but tickets on the day for the London Zoo cost as follows: An adult ticket is £24.30 whilst children go for £18.00. Seniors, students and disabled adults go for £21.90 whilst under 3’s go for free. You can find London Zoo tickets at the ZSL itself, online and from various sellers across the city. There also various deals across retailers and businesses which will give you discounted entry fees. The tickets themselves are non-refundable but the good news is that you’ll be able to find many great London zoo deals from many ticket sellers.
There are plenty of bus routes and walking routes to London Zoo through the nearby and beautiful Regents Park. By Overground, you can reach the London Zoo by Camden Road station, again around a 15-minute walk away from the Zoo.
To reach the ZSL by car is easy, in part due to the park being outside the congestion charge zone of London and the park having its own London zoo parking. There is car parking on site and plenty of places for parking near London Zoo but from the 17th of September this has been significantly reduced due to building works.
Now you know how to get there, it’s time to plan your daily activities whilst visiting the zoo. Whether its birds or sea life you’re interested in, there will be a daily activity suitable to your interests.
Every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm you can find professionals and zookeepers feeding the penguins and giving you a guide through the lives of these incredible birds. For any fan of these black and white birds of the arctic, you can get up close and personal to see these birds as they would live in the wild.
At 12.30 every day you can watch as various species of animal show off their various skills, whether that be birds of prey or unique insects.
At 12pm every day, be sure to start your lunch time by visiting the Otters as they have theirs. Learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about these river dwelling creatures as trainers feed them their daily fish.
For a delve into the lives of the Sumatran Tigers, join ZSL Zoologists at the Tiger pen at 12pm and 2.30pm every day.
Get all your creepy crawly questions answered at the insect house at 1pm every day.
At 2pm every day you can join the Zoo Live team as they show you the subterranean world of Mongooses and Meerkats.
Visit the reptile house ever day at 2pm to find out about giant reptiles such as the Galapagos Tortoises and giant lizards from across the world.
Join bird experts at they explore some of the deadliest birds alive today. Watch them in action as they swoop overhead, every day at 2.15pm.
Every day at 2.30pm, you can meet the Lemurs alongside the ZSL live team, learning about these fascinating creatures and their natural habitat.
Spin your web down to the Insect House at 3pm every day to learn about some of the most fascinating insects out there, the arachnid.
The rainforest live experience will introduce you to one of the most densely populated and vibrant environments in the world today, every day at 3pm.
Ever wondered why the camel has humps? Head down to the Camel Chat at 3.15pm every day to find out.
Head down to the London aquarium every day at 3pm to find out about some of the zoos most fascinating fish.
It’s not just educational animal shows you can find at the London Zoo. Be sure to check out the Terrace Restaurant for a great range of sustainable, locally sourced and seasonal meals which cater to all tastes and allergies. Vegan, vegetarian or carnivore, the terrace restaurant is a great place take a moment out from all the wildlife. You can also find a range of baby changing and toilet facilities spread throughout the park.
On top of this, there is high quality London Zoo accommodation and family hotels near London zoo. Whether you’re looking for a one-night stay in London or staying for longer, be sure not to miss the London zoo hotel package deals which are on offer.
With so much more of London to explore, anyone staying at hotels near Regents Park Zoo will be spoilt for choice. With Camden offering a range of amazing clothes and arts markets as well as local amenities including high class restaurants and high street shopping opportunities, you’ll never be bored in the Regents Park Zoo area. The area is well known for its live music scene and nightlife, boasting a broad range of traditional pubs and quirky nightclub venues. What’s more, the areas draw is in the very name. Regent’s Park itself is home to such sites as Primrose Hill, one of the best views of the London cityscape placed perfectly on acres of parkland and conservation areas. On top of this, the nearby Madam Tussauds is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city and the Baker Street and Paddington area hosts many hotels near London zoo with swimming pools.
No! Children under three are free to visit the Zoo. Free entry for one essential carer per paying disabled visitor. Purchase one child or adult disabled ticket online and a free carer ticket is included with each ticket.
Gate prices are 10% more expensive than buying in online. Book online at zsl.org. to receive 10% off
Recommended visiting time is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many animals or exhibits you hope to see.
Yes, you are allowed your own food and drinks, foods are expensive inside.. There are picnic tables & plenty of seats where you can sit & eat your own food.
More than 17,000 animals across over 750 species.
ZSL London Zoo is open from 10am every day of the year (except Christmas Day) with seasonal closing times.
It shuts at 6pm, last admission is at 5pm.
London Zoo was opened on the 27th April 1828 as a collection of animals for scientific study and educational purposes.
Opened to the public in 1847.
36 acres (15 ha)
No dogs are allowed on the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo premises.
Bicycles and motor bikes are not allowed on Zoo premises.
Rollerskates, rollerblades, skateboards are not allowed on zoo premises.
Children’s scooters are permitted as long as they are supervised by an adult.
London zoo is open everyday apart from Christmas day.
No, there are no additional charges.
Yes, there is a good parking facility but this may be expensive. Sunday free parking outside.
Ticket prices vary throughout the year. ZSL London Zoo offers flexible pricing options that are date-based. Following are the avg. cost of tickets. (this data is from their online website where the tickets are cheaper than at the gate so book online if your planning to go there)
Yes it is. There are lift for wheelchair even at the enclosures that can be viewed from hight.
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