The London Zoo in London is located at one end of Regent’s Park, specifically about 10 minutes walk from Camden Town. Since we live in London we have visited London Zoo several times. Both before and after having a child. It is a visit that in our opinion is worth it if you are going to spend several days in London, and even more so if you have never been to a Zoo. But it is a fantastic idea, especially if you are going to visit London with children, since it is fabulous to spend the day with the little ones. We now have the annual pass to take our son and we go quite often since he loves it.
Information about the London Zoo
London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. It was opened in London on 27 April 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. In 1831 or 1832, the animals of the Tower of London menagerie were transferred to the zoo’s collection. It was opened to the public in 1847. Today almost 800 species and more than 1,600 animals can be seen at London Zoo. Over the last several years, the zoo has continued to evolve and major renovations have been made to transform the space the animals inhabit. The old cages have given way to some of the most modern facilities in the world to ensure that visitors can admire the animals almost as they would in their natural habitat. As a curiosity for Harry Potter fans, in the snake area, “Reptile House” is where one of the scenes from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was filmed in which Harry talks to one of the snakes just as explains a plaque that is in the same place in the zoo.
Visit London Zoo with children
The best thing about taking children to the London Zoo is that they are going to spend an unforgettable day, and they will be almost all day with their mouths open, hallucinating while learning very interesting things. The London Zoo is free for children under 3 years old, and from 3 to 15 years old they need to pay entrance although it is reduced in price when comparing the price with the entrance of an adult.
What to do at London Zoo with children
Well have a great day! There is a reptile, there is an aquarium, there are penguins, there are lions and tigers, there are giraffes, an insect and spider area, a butterfly tunnel, among many other things! There is also a merry-go-round and next to the merry-go-round there is a stall where children’s faces are painted. There is also often a huge bouncy castle and slide, as well as a spectacular playground. There is a section of farm animals, with pigs, rabbits, sheep, donkeys…. and a section where children can enter and touch the goats. During the day there are talks and exhibitions, and the schedule is usually printed with the Zoo map that you can pick up when you enter the Zoo.
Getting around London Zoo with kids
The London Zoo is ideal to go with children, and is fully accessible to carry a child’s pushchair. But, there is also the option of going without a pushchair, since it is possible to rent pushchairs, both single and double, to walk around the Zoo but it is also possible to rent a “trike”, a tricycle directed by parents. Since our son is two years old we always rent the trike, since that way we go to the center without a stroller, and once at the Zoo he can sit whenever he wants and it is more pleasant than going in the buggy. To rent pushchairs or trikes, you have to go to “The Lion’s Den” store (photo) which is on the right as you enter the Zoo. And you simply have to pay a deposit, in addition to the rental price, and when you deliver the cart or trike they return the deposit. When you rent a trike they also give you a helmet for the child. Price to rent pushchairs and trikes:
| Bail | Rental price | |
| Trolley | £23 | £7 |
| Double trolley | £30 | £10 |
| Bike | £30 | £5 |
Lunch at London Zoo
In the London Zoo, right in front of the merry-go-round and next to the shop and the exit, you will find a huge restaurant. They serve a bit of everything here, from Pizza and Pasta to Fish and Chips. They have a wide selection of sandwiches. For children they have children’s dishes, and you can also buy a bag with a sandwich, a fruit, a yogurt and a special juice for children in a decorated bag. The restaurant is self-service, they do not serve tables. I have to say that the restaurant is quite expensive and the quality of the food is not really the best. On weekends there is usually a long queue to eat, so my recommendation is to eat early. You can bring your own food to the Zoo, as there are no restrictions. There are picnic areas with benches and tables to sit on. Scattered around the Zoo there are free water fountains to refill water bottles, as well as stalls where you can buy drinks and ice cream.
How to get to London Zoo
London Zoo is located within Regent’s Park. A park that we definitely recommend visiting before or after visiting the zoo. Here you can see the location on the map. The nearest tube stop to get to London Zoo is “Regent’s Park” on the Jubilee Line, which is the gray line, although you can also easily walk from Camden or Mornington Crescent, on the Northern Line, which is the gray line. In addition, as I mentioned before, it is close to Camden Town, perfect to go later to walk around the famous market or to have a drink after the visit.
London Zoo opening hours
The London Zoo opens at 10 am every day. During the peak season of March to August, London Zoo closes at 6 pm, from September to October, it closes at 5.30 pm, and from November to February, the wildlife attraction closes at 4 pm. It remains closed on Christmas. The last admission is one hour before the closing time. 
How online tickets work
When you buy ZSL London Zoo tickets, you select your preferred time of visit. Immediately after purchase, your tickets get emailed to you. You don’t need to take any printouts. Now all you must do is, reach the wildlife attraction 10 minutes before the time mentioned on your ticket. Since you have a ticket and are on time, you can show it on your smartphone and walk into the Zoological Park right away.
London Zoo opening times
The zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., although during the summer months it is open until 6:00 p.m. During the summer, there are times when evening events are organized so you can go for drinks inside the zoo when night falls.
London Zoo ticket prices
London Zoo’s ticket prices depend on two factors – the day of your visit and the guest’s age. Depending on the crowd expected, every day is labeled as Peak day, Standard day, Off-Peak day, Saver day, or Super-Saver day, and the ticket prices vary accordingly.
| Type of visitor | Peak | Standard | Off-Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (16 to 64 years) | £32.27 | £30.00 | £27.73 |
| Child (3 to 15 years) | £21.00 | £19.50 | £18.04 |
| Senior (65+ years) | £29.04 | £27.00 | £24.95 |
| Student (with ID) | £29.04 | £27.00 | £24.95 |
On Saver days, London Zoo’s ticket costs £26 for adults, £17 for kids, £23.50 for students with ID cards. On Super Saver days, the tickets are priced at £24 for adults, £16 for kids, £22 for students. Kids under three years enter for free, but while booking your tickets you must get a free ticket for them.
Same day ticket prices
Earlier, London Zoo used to price same-day tickets higher than if you booked the tickets much in advance. Nowadays, there is no such thing as the same-day London Zoo ticket. Now, the day of your visit decides the price and not when you buy the ticket.
London Zoo discount
Irrespective of the day of your visit, London Zoo offers a 40% discount for all kids aged 3 to 15 years and a 10% discount for seniors aged 65 years and above and students with a valid ID card. For instance, on a Peak day, an adult ticket (16+ years) costs £32.27 while kids pay only £21. Both seniors and students with IDs also pay a discounted rate of £29.04 per person. On a Standard day, a kids’ ticket costs only £19.50 – a discount of about £11.50 on the £30 which the adults pay for their tickets. Both seniors and students pay a discounted price of £27 per person. An essential carer for disabled visitors gets free entry.
Whipsnade Zoo outside of London
Located in north London, 53 km from Central London Zoo, we find Whipsnade Zoo, the sister Zoo of London Zoo. It is a Zoo – Safari, which is absolutely gigantic. It occupies 2.4 km2 of surface. We also go to this one a lot, since it is very easy to go by car. It is possible to park and walk inside the Zoo or go on a bus that takes you from one place to another, or you can enter by car and park in the different sections. It is also possible to rent buggies and trikes at this zoo, and there is a free children’s play area in addition to the playground.