There are many places to enjoy nature in London, but the London Zoo must be one of the best. It is a great place for children of all ages to visit. Wildlife conservation is the priority for ZSL London Zoo. The various animals and educational exhibits give a fascinating insight into nature in the world today.
Set in leafy Regent’s Park amid heritage-listed buildings and beautiful gardens, the Zoo is an oasis in the heart of the capital. With over 750 amazing animal species to discover, as well as live shows and fantastic, immersive exhibits, this is an unmissable attraction. Here you can explore 36 acres of leafy, outdoor space with three carefully mapped out nature routes.
The Zoo’s biggest experience, Land of the Lions, gives visitors the chance to get closer than ever before to the mighty Asiatic lions. Sadly only only 400 remain in the wild. Visitors can explore three walkways covering the 2,500m2 exhibit with thrilling, immersive themed areas to explore. You will be able to see the Asiatic lions roaming around a recreation of the Gir Forest. The forest is skirted by a miniature Indian village which enhances the experience.
Embark on a journey through an Indonesian habitat at Tiger Territory, where you can come face-to-face with one of nature’s most awesome predators, learn about the natural behaviours of Sumatran Tigers at the daily Tiger Talk and discover the conservation issues these creatures face in the wild.
View animals in a different light at Rainforest Life (London’s only living rainforest), and go on a journey high into the treetops to meet a variety of amazing rainforest species. Then head down below to meet the creatures who only come out in the dark in the amazing nocturnal experience, Night Life.
Visitors can head down to the beach and watch London’s largest colony of Humboldt Penguins dive, swim, frolic and feed, meet the Monkeys in their natural habitat – with no boundaries between animals and visitors in a walk through enclosure, step Into Africa and observe the elegance and grace of the giraffes from the viewing platform and move through lush forested pathways when Gorilla Kingdom brings the African rainforest to the heart of London.
In June and July you can enjoy a Sunset Safari.
You can also enjoy displays, feeding times and talks at no extra cost!
Discover Tiny Giants
Enjoy London Zoo’s revamped mugs house. Replacing the old B.U.G.S. exhibit this spring, Tiny Giants is a celebration of all things small but mighty and the sometimes strange but always wonderful world of invertebrates. Explore this window on the world of the spineless, from minuscule mites to colossal squid. Go In with the Spiders. You can now also take a trip under the waves with a brand new coral tank celebrating the jewels of the ocean which, although individually small and delicate, collectively form the biggest living structures on earth.
How to get there
There are so many ways to get to London zoo….. It is located on the northern side of Regent’s Park.
By Tube
Camden Town (16 mins / 0.8 miles walk from the Zoo)
Camden Town station (Northern Line) is the nearest Underground station.
Chalk Farm (18 mins / 0.9 miles walk)
Camden Town station can get extremely busy, especially at weekends. Chalk Farm (Northern Line) is an ideal alternative, approximately the same walking distance from the Zoo. It has lift access and this route offers a pleasant walking route through Primrose Hill’s pretty residential streets and beside Primrose Hill park.
Baker Street (21 mins / 1.1 miles walk) / (14 mins via 274 bus)
Walking from Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City Lines) is via Regent’s Park.
Or take the 274 bus northbound.
Regent’s Park (24 mins / 1.2 miles walk)
The Zoo is an easy walk from Regent’s Park station (Bakerloo Line). Once out of the station and across Marylebone Road, the route is signposted through leafy Regent’s Park. Or take the 88 bus northbound from nearby Albany Street (exit Regent’s Park tube station to the right) to approximately halve the walking distance.
By London Overground
Camden Road station (21 mins / 1 mile walk from the Zoo)
London Overground makes travel to the Zoo easy from southwest, north and northeast London. The Zoo is an easy walk from Camden Road station, or catch the 274 bus towards Camden Town.
Nearest National Rail stations to ZSL London Zoo
Euston (Virgin Trains, London Northwestern Railway or London Overground).
Fro Euston, the fastest route is to take Northern Line tube from Euston to either Camden Town or Chalk Farm.
Marylebone (Chiltern Trains)
From the main entrance of Marylebone Station walk left to Baker Street, then either follow Baker Street tube walking directions, or take the 274 bus northbound, which leaves every 12 minutes. See map of 274 bus.
Please note, if you are travelling over school or bank holidays, your journey may be affected by planned engineering works. Check your journey at National Rail.
By bus
88: Northbound, towards Kentish Town: Alight on Albany Street at Prince Albert Road.
88: Southbound, towards Great Portland Street: Get off on Albany Street at Regent’s Park Barracks.
These stops are just a few minutes’ walk from the Zoo. See map.
274: Northbound and Southbound: Get off on Prince Albert Road at ZSL London Zoo. See map.
Plan your journey with the TfL Journey Planner.
By car
ZSL London Zoo’s car park is on Outer Circle, Regent’s Park. At present the Zoo is outside of the congestion charging zone. Sat nav: NW1 4SX. The car park is chargeable. For more details please see full parking information.
A disabled parking bay is available in front of the Zoo entrance, with other dedicated spaces on the main road (up to four hours) and in the main car park.
Please note that parking space in the Zoo’s main car park has been significantly reduced due to Thames Water/HS2 works.By bike
By bicycle
Cycling to the Zoo is easy. There is a public bike shed in the car park opposite the main Zoo entrance.
And there are two TfL Barclays Cycle Hire scheme docking stations nearby.
By waterbus
Camden Lock to Little Venice Waterbus
The London Waterbus Company runs a scheduled service along the Regent’s Canal between Camden Lock or Little Venice and ZSL London Zoo.
Zoo website
Accommodation nearby
If you are bring your family to London and wish to stay near the zoo, rent an apartment nearby. Whether you wish to rent an apartment or stay in a hotel there are some excellent options available. The Melia White House Hotel is a particularly good option, being close to Great Portland Street underground. It is located on the south side of Regents Park. It has on-site restaurant and bar, as well as a gym.
