London Zoo - Plan Your Visit

A little planning will help you make the most of a day at ZSL London Zoo, with its big cats, walk-through rainforests and nearly two centuries of history. Below you’ll find the essentials for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

London Zoo - Ticket Information

Ticket Purchase Options: Booking online in advance is the easiest way to secure your visit and head straight in when you arrive. Pick the date that suits you and have your tickets ready on your phone or printed.

Ticket Types: This site offers admission tickets to the zoo, granting access to all areas of the zoo for the day.

London Zoo - Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

London Zoo opens at 10am, and closing time changes with the seasons. Last entry is always one hour before closing.

Winter (24 October 2026 to 12 February 2027): 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Spring and summer: in 2026 the zoo stayed open until 6pm from late March to early September, with last entry at 5pm.
Autumn: from early September to late October, closing moves to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

On selected Friday evenings in June and July, daytime visits end at 5pm so the zoo can prepare for its Zoo Nights events. Closing and last-entry times can also change around other special events. Some animal habitats may close up to 30 minutes before the zoo does, so it's worth seeing your must-see animals earlier in the day.

On-site food follows its own schedule. The Barista Bar serves coffee from 10am until closing, and The Terrace Restaurant serves hot food over lunchtime. The smaller kiosks are generally open from 10am into the early afternoon, and some open only on weekends. ZooTown, the indoor role-play area for young children, runs in 45-minute sessions.

How long to spend: the zoo doesn't publish an official visit length. With 17 themed habitats, daily keeper talks and two play areas, we'd suggest planning for at least half a day, and a full day if you have young children or want to catch several talks.

Good to Know Before Visiting London Zoo

Children under 16 aren't admitted without an adult.

Bags are checked and visitors are screened at the entrance, so leave large bags at home if you can.

Dogs and other pets aren't allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs under specific conditions.

Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and adult scooters aren't allowed on site, though children's scooters are fine under adult supervision.

Visitors can't feed the animals, because each animal follows a carefully managed diet.

The zoo doesn't put on animal shows; it runs short, informative keeper talks throughout the day instead.

Some animals may be off show at times for care, but most habitats have indoor viewing areas for colder or wetter days.

You're welcome to bring your own food, and there are picnic tables throughout the zoo.

Smoking and vaping aren't permitted anywhere on site.

London Zoo - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

The Terrace Restaurant is the zoo's main indoor restaurant, offering sit-down and takeaway meals, plus pastries and hot drinks from 10am. Hot food is served over lunchtime. Smaller outlets around the site include Zoo Treats for grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries, the Peckish Parrot Café in Animal Adventure for sandwiches, cakes and children's lunch boxes, a woodland kiosk at weekends, and the Beach Hut beside Penguin Beach for a hot drink. The Terrace accepts cash and card, but every other food outlet is card only.

The menus cater for vegetarians, vegans and a range of allergies; just ask the catering team. The food is sourced with sustainability in mind. Meat comes from Red Tractor-assured British farms, chicken is free-range, and fish is rated sustainable by the Marine Conservation Society. Packaging is plant-based and composted with food waste, and you won't find plastic bottles on sale.

London Zoo - Nearby Attractions

Regent's Park puts plenty to see and do within walking distance of the zoo.

The Regent's Park: one of London's Royal Parks, with formal rose gardens, a boating lake and wide open lawns right on the zoo's doorstep.
Primrose Hill: a short walk north of the zoo, with one of the best free views of the London skyline.
Camden Market: a lively mix of independent stalls, vintage shopping and street food, a short walk east past Camden Lock.
Regent's Canal: a scenic towpath that runs alongside the zoo, linking Camden with Little Venice to the west.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre: an outdoor theatre in the heart of the park, staging productions through the summer season.
Madame Tussauds London: the famous wax museum near Baker Street, on the southern side of Regent's Park.
Sherlock Holmes Museum: a themed museum on Baker Street dedicated to the fictional detective.
Lord's Cricket Ground: the historic home of cricket in St John's Wood, just west of the park.

ZSL London Zoo

Highlights

Get up close to the mighty Asiatic lions at the Land of the Lions.

Visit the Gorilla Kingdom and see the family of silverback gorillas.

Be transported to the lush forest of Central Africa at Monkey Valley.

Discover over 750 species of animals, with talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.

Walk through the zoo’s heritage-listed buildings and beautiful gardens, which have been part of London life for almost 200 years.

FAQs about Visiting ZSL London Zoo

What is the nearest Tube station to London Zoo?

Camden Town on the Northern line is the nearest, about a 16-minute walk away. Chalk Farm, also on the Northern line, is a quieter alternative at roughly the same distance.

Is there parking at London Zoo?

Yes, the zoo's car park is on the Outer Circle (sat nav NW1 4SX). It opens at 9am, has no height restriction, and sits outside the Congestion Charge zone. Pay-and-display parking is also available in Regent's Park.

What are London Zoo's opening hours?

The zoo opens at 10am and closes between 4pm and 6pm depending on the season, with last entry one hour before closing.

Can children visit London Zoo without an adult?

No, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring a picnic to London Zoo?

Yes, picnics are welcome and there are tables around the site.

Where can I eat at London Zoo?

Options include The Terrace Restaurant, Zoo Treats, the Peckish Parrot Café in Animal Adventure, a weekend woodland kiosk and the Beach Hut by Penguin Beach. Only The Terrace accepts cash; all other outlets are card only.

Does London Zoo cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, the catering outlets cater for vegetarians, vegans and specific allergies, and staff can advise on the best choices.

Are there lockers at London Zoo?

Yes, a small number of self-service lockers are available near the main entrance. They must be emptied at least 30 minutes before closing.

Can I hire a pushchair at London Zoo?

Yes, single and double pushchairs can be hired from the gift shop with a refundable card deposit.

Can I hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter?

Yes, wheelchairs and a small number of mobility scooters are available to hire with a refundable deposit. Booking ahead is recommended because numbers are limited.

Can I bring my dog to London Zoo?

Pet dogs aren't allowed. Assistance dogs are welcome under specific conditions and must meet the Animal Duty Manager on arrival.

Are there bag checks at London Zoo?

Yes, bags are checked and visitors are screened at the entrance, so it's best to leave large bags at home.

What is there to do near London Zoo?

The zoo is surrounded by The Regent's Park, with Primrose Hill, Camden Market and the Regent's Canal towpath all within walking distance.

Is there an audio guide at London Zoo?

Yes, a multilingual audio guide covers the zoo's animals, history and heritage in seven languages. It plays on your own phone, so bring headphones.