The concrete labyrinth of London isn’t exactly top of the list when it comes to animals and nature, but the city has its fair share of fascinating wildlife. If you’re happiest when cuddling up to a cat, watching deer graze on dewy grasslands or delving into the rich history of the natural world then we’ve got some ideas for the perfect day of animal adventures. Here are some of the best things for an animal lover to do in London…
1. See the famous pelicans at St. James’s Park
Now pelicans wouldn’t really be my first thought when it comes to gifts, but in 1664 a Russian Ambassador thought they’d be the perfect present for King Charles II, and they have been residents of St. James’s Park ever since. You can swing by the park for a nature-wrapped stroll and see them being fed next to Duck Island Cottage between 2.30pm and 3pm each day.
There are currently six pelicans, Isla, Tiffany, Gargi, Sun, Moon and Star. When they’re not being fed you can usually spot them relaxing on the rocks, catching fish or enjoying a swim – sounds like a hard life, eh?
2. Get cosy in a cat cafe
Here’s one for all you cat lovers who might not have your own feline friend but would love a few cat cuddles to make it through the day. The bonus of coffee, tea and delicious pastries doesn’t hurt either. London has its fair share of cat cafes where you can grab a bite to eat with a cat curled up in your lap, including the Victorian-style Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Shoreditch and the purrfectly named Whiskers & Cream in Islington.
3. Feast your eyes on fossils and more at the Natural History Museum
This one might go without saying but I’m going to say it anyway, as this is where you need to go to truly immerse yourself in the world of wildlife. The Natural History Museum is home to over 80 million objects, with incredible displays of dinosaur skeletons, fossils of marine reptiles, a Victorian avian anatomy display and a gigantic blue whale model. You can easily while away the hours soaking up all the animal knowledge which includes everything from insect communication to new deep-sea species that have been discovered.
4. Enjoy some deer-spotting in Richmond Park
The deer-lightful (sorry couldn’t resist) Richmond Park is worth a visit for many reasons, with its woodland trails, cycle paths and even a fairytale cafe. But one thing it’s particularly famous for is the many deer who call it home – over 600 to be exact – which means there’s a very high likelihood you’ll spot some roaming among the trees and wild grasslands.
What better excuse to visit the sprawling park, breathe in some fresh air and admire the wildlife? Just be sure to bring your binoculars, you not only need to keep a safe distance from the deer but they’ll also come in handy for spotting the variety of birds flying above.
5. Meet the animals of Hackney City Farm
For a wholesome animal-filled day out, head on over to Hackney City Farm. Just go to Hackney Road and follow the sounds of clucking chickens and braying donkeys. The farm is chock full of cute animals, including pigs, ducks, goats, donkeys, sheep, chickens and geese – and it’s free to enter! You can stroll around and meet the adorable residents before tucking into a delicious breakfast at their on-site eatery.
There are also many other charming farms in London if you’d rather stay down South or just fancy visiting the whole lot – meeting farm animals never gets old after all.
6. Look out for the gang of terrapins in the Barbican Conservatory
It’s a tale as old as time…kinda. The release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles inspires an influx of people buying terrapins, people realise terrapins actually grow (and aren’t the most friendly creatures) and subsequently lots are released into the wilds – many on Hampstead Heath. As a result, the local wildlife was severely affected by the nicknamed ‘terrorpins’, so damage control was required and this led to them being relocated to the urban rainforest of the Barbican Conservatory.
You can visit the conservatory for free but you just need to book a slot. There, be sure to look out for these snap-happy turtles, frequently seen basking in the smaller pools.
7. Experience wildlife from around the world at ZSL London Zoo
In the heart of London, you can find a gateway to the animal kingdom. The ZSL London Zoo is a conservation zoo and the world’s oldest scientific zoo, which not only allows visitors to feast their eyes on incredible wildlife such as Asiatic lions, silverback gorillas, pygmy hippos and Sumatran tigers but also teaches you about conservation efforts and how the zoo helps restore habitats and protect wildlife. With daily talks, a diverse variety of habitats and over 750 species to discover, this day out will be one to remember.
8. Learn the story behind the Tower of London Ravens
A perfect excuse to soak up history and see some iconic birds while you’re at it. The ravens of the Tower of London are a protected resident of the fortress since the reign of Charles II and drenched in mythology and superstition. Legend has it that if the ravens fly away or get lost, then it means the Crown and Britain will fall.
There are six current Tower ravens to spot on the grounds – Jubilee, Harris, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar and Branwen – all of which are looked after by the Ravenmaster. Keep an eye out on a Tower of London tour and find out more about these intelligent birds.
9. Go wildlife watching in WWT Wetland London Centre
Fancy seeing some frolicking otters? Pay a visit to the WWT Wetland London Centre. The wildlife-rife nature reserve is located in Barnes, in Richmond Upon Thames, and is made up of scenic walkways winding among four disused Victorian reservoirs. The site is also home to the elusive bitterns bird, the incredibly rare Leisler’s bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat, as well as adorable Asian short-clawed otters. Find out more here.