Duration
3h 30m
Best Time
Any time
Price
€€€
Walking
Minimal walking
About London Zoo
London Zoo occupies 36 acres in the northern corner of Regent's Park and houses over 750 species. The Tiger Territory's floor-to-ceiling glass puts you inches from 400-pound Sumatran tigers - genuinely heart-stopping when they approach. Land of the Lions recreates a Gujarati village complete with railway station, and the penguins have a proper beach with a 140,000-liter pool.
The layout follows the outer circle then spirals inward, so you'll walk about 2 miles total. Gorilla Kingdom sits on a hill with three separate viewing areas - the indoor viewing room gets you closest to the silverbacks lounging behind glass. The reptile house runs cool and humid, while Butterfly Paradise stays tropical. Kids sprint between playgrounds scattered throughout.
Three hours minimum, but families easily spend five. The Lubetkin penguin pool (1934) no longer houses penguins but architecture fans photograph it constantly. Skip the overpriced cafes - Camden Market is a 10-minute walk. Weekends mean crowds and screaming children echo off the glass enclosures. The new monkey walkway overhead is impressive but brief.
Insider Tips
Enter through the main gate on Outer Circle, not the side entrance - you'll miss the map and feeding schedule board that saves your entire visit
Most people rush to the big cats first, but starting with the reptile house when it opens means you'll have the snakes and komodo dragons to yourself for 30 minutes
The upper viewing deck in Gorilla Kingdom at 11 AM catches the silverbacks at their most active - they're usually napping by afternoon
Getting There
Address
Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, UK
Neighborhood
Camden TownNearest Metro
Skip the queue: Book tickets online to avoid the ticket line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for about 3h 30m.
London Zoo is in the Camden Town neighborhood of London. The address is Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, UK. The area is well-served by metro.
This works well at any time of day, though mornings tend to be quieter. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parts are outdoors, so bring a light layer.
Nearby in Camden Town
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