London Zoo

The Basics

A London Zoo entry ticket includes full access to the zoo’s many attractions, as well as daily events such as zookeeper talks and animal feedings. From February to October, it’s also possible to upgrade to include skip-the-line access. If you’re sightseeing in London, it might be worth investing in a London Pass, which includes free entrance to the zoo, as well as other London attractions such as the View from the Shard and the Tower of London, plus a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lines can be long, especially in peak season, so buy tickets in advance.

• On-site facilities include paid storage lockers, water fountains, and restaurants and gift shops.

• Paid parking is available but limited; visitors are encouraged to arrive by public transport.

• Visitors are required to pass through security and submit to bag checks before entrance to the zoo.

• The ZSL London Zoo is wheelchair accessible and discounted entrance fees are available.

How to Get There

Camden Town (Northern line) is the closest Tube station; from there, it’s a short walk to the zoo entrance. There are also several buses that run from Camden past the zoo. You can also reach the zoo from the Baker Street (Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines) or Regent's Park (Bakerloo line) Tube stations and then walking through the scenic Regent’s Park.

When to Get There

London Zoo is open daily year round, although opening times vary slightly throughout the year. The busiest time to visit is in July and August or during school holidays; weekdays outside of these times are generally much quieter. To avoid the crowds, opt to visit on a rainy day; many of the outdoor viewing areas are covered, and there are a number of indoor exhibitions as well.

Wildlife Experiences at ZSL London Zoo

Highlights of a visit to ZSL London Zoo include the Tiger Territory, where you can marvel at endangered Sumatran tigers through floor-to-ceiling glass windows; the Gorilla Kingdom, where Western Lowland Gorillas roam freely in their African jungle habitat; the Land of the Lions, where walkways overlook mighty creatures; and the Penguin Beach, where 150 Macaroni and Humboldt penguins live in an enormous pool. Behind-the-scenes tours, zookeeper-for-a-day programs, and interactive BUGS sessions are also available for those wanting a more hands-on experience.

Ways to explore

A London Zoo entry ticket includes access to the zoo’s many exhibits, as well as daily events such as zookeeper talks and animal feedings—you can save time by buying your tickets in advance. Optional add-ons include more specialized animal experiences. If you’re sightseeing in London, it might be worth investing in a multi-attraction London pass, which includes entrance to the zoo, as well as other London attractions such as the View from the Shard and the Tower of London, plus a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city.

Accessibility

Most of the zoo is wheelchair accessible, and accessible toilets are available. The zoo also offers audio-described tours and British Sign Language tours.

Age limits

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Refillable water bottle and picnic lunch (there are fountains and picnic tables throughout)

What to wear

Weather-appropriate layers (most of the zoo is outdoors) and comfortable shoes (the zoo is huge)

Not allowed

Smoking, vaping, feeding the animals (outside of organized feeding sessions). Leave large bags at home or in a self-service locker.

Amenities

Restaurant, food vendors, restrooms, wheelchair hire (free with a deposit), mobility scooter and pushchair hire (for a fee)

Address

The London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park in northwest Inner London. It’s reachable by car, bus, or Underground.

Driving

The London Zoo’s parking lot is on Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, which is outside of the city’s congestion charging zone. However, it is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), so if your vehicle does not meet criteria, hail a cab or book a rideshare instead.

Public transportation

Camden Town and Chalk Farm (on the Northern line) are the closest London Underground stations, both located a 15-20-minute walk to the zoo entrance. Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines) is just over a 20-minute walk away, or 15 minutes by bus route 274.

Best times to visit

Beat the crowds by arriving close to 10am, when the zoo opens, or later in the afternoon.

Best days to visit

Weekdays—Tuesdays and Wednesdays in particular—are almost always quieter than weekends. Keep an eye on the school holiday calendar though, as they can bring in weekday crowds.

Best months to visit

If you want to dodge the biggest crowds, avoid the zoo during July and August. The spring and fall months, from March to May and September to November, promise mild weather and smaller crowds.

Special events

In the summer, the zoo runs adult-only after-dark experiences on Fridays with live music, talks, and street food vendors.