If you’re looking for something to do in London that will excite and delight the whole family; a trip to the zoo is an absolute must. And luckily for us Londoners, there are plenty of them to choose from. But which one should you go to? And how do you know they’ll be up to scratch? Never fear, Secret London are here. We have put together a handy guide to some of the best zoos in and around London. Whether you’re looking for a day out with the kids or want to get up close and personal with some exotic creatures, these zoos have something for everyone! So, grab your coats, dust off your cameras, and get ready for a truly roar-some day out.
1. London Zoo, Regent’s Park
As the world’s oldest scientific zoo, London Zoo is unsurprisingly one of the best zoos in London. Located in Regent’s Park, it first opened its doors in 1828 and today houses over 20,000 animals from across the globe. This zoo is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about wildlife and seeing some of the world’s rarest creatures.
Highlights include the ‘Penguin Beach’ exhibit, where you can waddle among the penguins, and the ‘Rainforest Life’ exhibit, where you can see sloths, snakes, and butterflies up close. The zoo is also more than just a spot to see animals – they also offer a range of educational talks and experiences. From learning about the care and husbandry of the animals to hearing intimate stories about their lives, there is so much to discover at this zoo, making it a great choice for curious kids (and even more curious adults).
You’ll find London Zoo at Outer Circle, London, NW1 4RY. Nearest stations are St. John’s Wood and Mornington Crescent.
2. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea
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As the name may suggest, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a fun and exciting zoo in London for kids of all ages. With a wide variety of animals to see, it’s a great place to spend a day exploring. The zoo also has a lot to offer families. There’s a playground for the kids to burn off some energy, picnic areas for relaxing, and even a cafe so you can relax and refuel.
Home to over 150 animals, there are meerkats, goats, llamas, and reptiles all here. You’ll be able to meet some of your favourites up close, and even feed them, so if you’re looking for something fun to do then this is definitely up there!
You’ll find Battersea Park Children’s Zoo at Chelsea Bridge Gate, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station is Battersea Park.
3. Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow
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Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and transport yourself to another world at Hobbledown Heath, which is home to some of the most unique breeds of cows of Scotland – the famous Highland, which are known for their shaggy coat and long horns. The cows have also been joined by various different birds of prey, capybaras, macaw parrots, giant tortoises and three ringtail lemurs called Lionel, Margaret, and Makira (named by their avid Instagram followers in a social media competition).
Hobbledown offers an incredible experience with their memberships, with perks like 15% off parties and discounts on special events. As a member, you’ll get unlimited access to the playing fields plus everything that comes along with that — think climbing walls and digging holes — so it’s truly one membership deserving of its price tag.
You’ll find Hobbledown Heath at Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HH. Nearest station is Hounslow West.
4. Maryon Wilson Animal Park, Charlton
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Go to Maryon Wilson Animal Park and expect to see a wide range of animals, including deer, goats, pigs, cattle, ducks, and chickens. Guided tours are available here too, so you can expect to learn interesting facts about the animals and their history on any visit here.
One of the highlights of the park is the wallaby walk-through, where you can feed and pet the friendly wallabies. With over 100 animals to see, you can explore the park at your own pace and take plenty of photographs as you wander around too.
You’ll find Maryon Wilson Animal Park at Flamsteed Road, Charlton, SE7 8HT. Nearest station is Charlton.
5. Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne
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Another one of the best zoos near London, Hertfordshire Zoo (previously known as Paradise Wildlife Park) is home to a wide range of wildlife, and is located deep within Hertfordshire’s beautiful countryside. With a focus on education and conservation, this famous wildlife park allows visitors the chance to interact with some of the world’s most exotic and fascinating animals. You can observe lions, tigers, meerkats, or lemurs from a safe distance in a selection of large enclosures.
They’re all about making life easier here, which is why they operate on a cash-free basis in their catering and retail areas, and the tickets for non-members are available exclusively online.
You’ll find Hertfordshire Zoo at White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA. Nearest station is Broxbourne, though we’d recommend driving here.
6. Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent
With over 500 animals, including some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world, you’re sure to find your favourite at Howlett’s Wildlife Park in Kent. From tigers to rhinos to elephants, they really have it all here.
Whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a chance to learn about wildlife conservation, Howletts is sure to leave a lasting impression. With towering trees and winding pathways, it is a place where you’ll be amazed by the array of animals and the beauty of the grounds. Don’t forget your camera and get ready to polish up your photography skills. They’re also supported by the Aspinall Foundation, whose mission is to halt the extinction of rare and endangered species and return them to the wild.
You’ll find Howletts Wildlife Park at Howletts Wildlife Park, Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury, CT4 5EL. Nearest station is Bekesbourne, though we’d recommend driving here.
7. Marwell Zoo, Hampshire
Visitors to Marwell Zoo can explore over 140 acres of meadows, rivers and themed habitats, which are home to more than 1,200 animals. It’s a great spot for a fun day out, with something for everyone, from exotic wildlife to child-friendly features. With different species of animals, you’re sure to see something you’ve never seen before! Plus, there are plenty of food options and a shop on-site too.
The staff at this zoo, which is one of the best zoos near London, are all lovely. Many of them are happy to give you all the info about all the animals residing here, and it’s clear that they all care deeply about the animals’ well-being.
You’ll find Marwell Zoo at Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH. There are no stations nearby here, so we’d recommend driving.
8. SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Waterloo
Though it’s not technically a zoo per se, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is well worth a visit when you’re in town. With a huge collection of incredible marine life, you can come within inches from sand tiger sharks and witness piranhas feeding too. And if that isn’t enough excitement — you’ll also find cute penguins cuddling with each other too.
The aquarium offers engaging talks on fascinating topics like what happens during mating selection rituals or how different types of wildlife lived through mass extinctions throughout history. With three different floors and 14 different zones, there’s plenty of things to see, and kids will be able to learn about natural history and deep conservation issues too.
You’ll find SEA LIFE London Aquarium at County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. Nearest station is Waterloo.
9. Hanwell Zoo, Hanwell
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The diversity of wildlife at Hanwell Zoo (previously known as the Brent Lodge Park Animal Centre) makes it a pretty wonderful place to explore. Visitors can see an extensive selection of birds and mammals as well as other residents like Hatari the porcupine, Margay the armadillo, meerkats, marmosets, and bright pink flamingos too.
Hanwell Zoo is home to a number of animals that are declining in numbers. They take care of endangered species like the Bali starling, red-crowned crane, and phantasmal poison arrow frog, so it’s a real conversation success story too.
You’ll find Hanwell Zoo at Church Road, Hanwell, W7 3BP. Nearest station is Hanwell.
10. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable
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Another ZSL conservation zoo, Whipsnade is just outside of London and packed full of amazing animals to explore. The 600-acre zoo is one of Europe’s largest wildlife conservation parks. From a herd of Asian elephants to a huge variety of species of butterflies and invertebrates, Whipsnade Zoo as over 10,000 animals, many of which are endangered in the wild.
You’ll find Whipsnade Zoo at Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LF. Nearest stations are Luton and Hemel Hempstead.
So there you have it: ten brilliant zoos in and around London that are definitely worth a visit. Why not start planning your trip today?!