Best for
Families with children, animal and conservation enthusiasts
Time needed
3–4 hours
Worth it?
Yes — one of London's best family days out, with genuine conservation credibility
Skip if
You've limited time and animals aren't a priority for your itinerary
About London Zoo
Founded in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London as a scientific collection for the study of animals — the first zoo of its kind anywhere, predating the term "zoo" itself, which is in fact an abbreviation of "Zoological Gardens" popularised by this very institution — London Zoo opened to the general public in 1847 and has remained on the same Regent's Park site ever since, now run as a conservation and welfare charity.
Today's zoo holds over 300 species across themed zones including Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, In with the Lemurs (a walk-through enclosure), and Penguin Beach, one of the largest penguin pools in Europe, alongside a strong programme of international conservation and breeding work for endangered species.
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Several historic zoo buildings are architecturally significant in their own right, including the Grade I-listed 1930s Penguin Pool (no longer used for penguins but preserved as a modernist landmark) and the Snowdon Aviary, a pioneering 1960s walk-through structure.
Its central Regent's Park location makes it one of the more convenient family days out in London, combinable with a wider walk through the park or a visit to Primrose Hill.
What to See: Highlights
- 1Penguin Beach, one of the largest penguin pools in Europe
- 2Gorilla Kingdom and Tiger Territory
- 3In with the Lemurs, a walk-through enclosure
- 4The Grade I-listed 1930s modernist Penguin Pool building
- 5The world's oldest scientific zoo, founded in 1828
- 6Daily keeper talks and feeding sessions
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Insider Tips
Book online in advance to save on gate prices and guarantee entry on busy days
Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and feeding times as soon as you arrive
Combine with a wider walk through Regent's Park or up to Primrose Hill
Arrive at opening for the best animal activity before the midday heat
The zoo is a significant walk from the nearest Tube — factor in extra time
Book a Guided Tour
Get the most from your visit with a local expert guide.
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Getting There
Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY
Open in Google Maps →- 1Camden Town (Northern line) — a 15-minute walk, or Regent's Park (Bakerloo line), also roughly 15 minutes.
Where to stay
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You're travelling with children looking for a full day out
- You're interested in conservation and endangered species breeding programmes
- You want to combine it with a wider Regent's Park visit
- You appreciate historic zoo architecture like the modernist Penguin Pool
Skip if...
- You have ethical concerns about zoos regardless of conservation framing
- You're very short on time with central London's core sights still unseen
Ready to Book Your Visit?
More to See in London
Sherlock Holmes Museum
A small, immersive recreation of 221B Baker Street furnished exactly as Arthur Conan Doyle described Holmes and Watson's rooms — a quick, characterful stop for fans of the stories.
Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
A 395-acre royal park designed by John Nash, home to London Zoo and formal rose gardens, with neighbouring Primrose Hill offering one of the city's six protected skyline viewpoints.