What is it?
Since Victorian times, the zoological gardens in Regent’s Park have amused and enlightened visitors of all ages, but in the past 15 years, the Zoological Society London has changed the proposition here beyond recognition. Gradually the 36-acre park has been rebuilt to support conservation, ensure animal welfare and to make your animal encounter a more inspiring experience.
The displays are ever-evolving and the Zoo’s staff are always concocting ingenious ways to expose visitors to the natural habitats and routines of the animals. A South American coastline has been mocked up for the penguins, which you can see from the stands or up close through windows looking directly into the water. The gorillas have full use of an entire African-like kingdom, and the Gir Lion Lodge, where you can stay the night (for real) near – note not with, thankfully – Asiatic lions. A night in one of these sweet little huts can set you back £435 at peak periods for two adults, which includes a two-course dinner, a full English in the morning, free parking at the Zoo (something that’s unheard of in the Camden borough!), an after-hours tour and a complimentary drink on arrival.
This is as wild as wildlife gets without putting you at risk of being their next meal. Daily events include talks and feeding times, but there are also one-off events throughout the year, including ‘Sunset Safari’ openings on summer evenings.
Recent additions to the zoo include Monkey Valley (which opened in 2022, replacing the old Snowdon Aviary) in which you can walk through a gigantic Colobus Monkey habitat, and 2024’s The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians, a massive upgrade to the old Reptile House.
Why go?
To see a whole load of exotic creatures up close in Zone 1 and help fund ecological research and conservation.
Don’t miss:
Make time to wander through the huge, living indoor rainforest inhabited by brave sloths, armadillos, monkeys and more, who have no qualms about getting up close and personal with you. Don’t worry, the keepers are always on hand to put a stop to any critters with too much confidence. The ring-tailed lemurs are also a cocky bunch, running along ropes right in front of your eyes.
When to visit:
Daily, Mar-Sep 10am-6pm, Sep-Oct 10am-5pm, Oct-Feb 10am-4pm, Feb-Mar 10am-5pm
Ticketing info:
£27-£31, concs £25-£29.00, child £18.90-£21.70, under 3 free
Time Out tip:
Look out for the zoo’s daily programme of talks which lets you hear from and speak to the zoo keepers as they look after the animals. They encompass everything from meeting lion cubs to learning about Komodo dragons.
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