London Zoo 2026: tickets, prices, opening times and visit

Located in the northern part of Regent's Park, London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. Opened in 1828, it is now home to thousands of animals in areas dedicated to lions, tigers, gorillas, giraffes, penguins, reptiles, amphibians and many other species.

Its central London location makes it easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary, particularly with children. The zoo is large enough to spend several hours exploring, with a mix of outdoor areas, historic buildings and indoor habitats.

What can you see at London Zoo?

London Zoo is organised into different habitats and themed areas rather than simply being a succession of animal enclosures. Some of the main areas to explore include:

• Land of the Lions: home to Asiatic lions, in a setting inspired by India's Gir region.
• Tiger Territory: the Sumatran tiger habitat, with large viewing windows where you can watch the animals.
• Gorilla Kingdom: dedicated to western lowland gorillas and their rainforest environment.
• Penguin Beach: a large habitat for a colony of Humboldt penguins, featuring a 1,200 m² pool.
• The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians: opened in 2024, this area is home to snakes, crocodiles, salamanders, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians across eight habitats.
• Rainforest Life: a tropical habitat where you can see animals including monkeys, sloths and bats.
• Tiny Giants: dedicated to smaller species, from insects to corals.

Animals are not guaranteed to be visible at all times: some may remain indoors or temporarily stay out of sight for reasons related to their welfare.

London Zoo with children

The zoo is well suited to a family day out and can easily be included in a trip to London with children. Big cats, penguins, monkeys and reptiles are among the areas that families can explore without having to follow a fixed route.

Indoor areas also make it possible to continue your visit when it rains. Personal pushchairs are allowed, and the zoo offers single and double pushchairs for hire, subject to availability.

How long should you spend at London Zoo?

Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to enjoy the zoo without rushing. With children, a lunch break and several talks or indoor areas, you can easily spend most of the day here.

The zoo is divided into three main zones. Its mobile app allows you to view the map, create an itinerary and check the day's schedule of talks and activities.

London Zoo ticket prices in 2026

London Zoo uses variable pricing depending on the date of your visit. Tickets purchased online before 10am on the day of your visit are cheaper than tickets bought at the entrance or online later in the day.

In 2026, an adult ticket booked online in advance costs, excluding the optional donation, between £27.70 and £34.50 depending on the period. For children aged 3 to 15, prices range from £19.40 to £24.10. Admission is free for children under 3.

A ticket including a voluntary 10% donation to ZSL is also available. Check the price and ticket type selected before completing your booking.

ZSL London Zoo

From 32.24 € (or £27.70)

From £27.70 (or 32.24 €)

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London Zoo opening times

London Zoo opens every day at 10am, except on 25 December. Closing times vary throughout the year, with the zoo staying open later during the brighter months and closing earlier in autumn and winter.

Last admission is one hour before closing. A standard ticket allows you to enter from the time shown on your ticket until the last admission time, so you do not need to arrive at the exact minute indicated on your booking.

Practical information

Zoo map

London Zoo is divided into three zones to make it easier to navigate. A map is available at the zoo and online, while the official app provides GPS navigation around the site.

The map above gives you an idea of the size of the site, but the layout of the zoo changes over time. Use the official map or app on the day of your visit to check which habitats are open and plan your route.

Restaurants and picnics

Several food outlets are located around the zoo. The Terrace Restaurant is the main restaurant, serving hot meals, drinks and takeaway options. Other kiosks and food outlets operate depending on the season.

You can also bring your own food. Picnic tables are available around the zoo, which can be particularly convenient for families or anyone looking to keep the cost of the day down.

Pushchairs and accessibility

Most of London Zoo is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility, although some paths may be uneven and the slopes leading to the two tunnels are fairly steep. Most buildings have level or ramped access.

Accessible toilets are located around the zoo. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters may also be available; advance booking is recommended for wheelchairs and required for mobility scooters.

Disabled visitors are eligible for a specific admission rate and can be accompanied free of charge by an essential companion, subject to the required supporting documentation.

Staying overnight at London Zoo

The London Zoo Lodges allow you to spend the night inside the zoo, close to Land of the Lions. The nine lodges each have a private bathroom and a small veranda.

In 2026, standard stays start at £220 per person based on two people sharing a lodge. Prices then vary depending on the number of guests and the type of evening.

The experience includes:

• one night in a private lodge;
• a two-course dinner and breakfast;
• two exclusive tours of the zoo after it closes;
• a morning tour the following day including a keeper experience;
• access to London Zoo for two days around your overnight stay.

Adult-only and family evenings are available. On family nights, children must be aged 5 to 13; children under 5 cannot take part in the overnight stays.

History of London Zoo

London Zoo officially opened on 27 April 1828. Created by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), it was originally dedicated to the scientific study of animals and was only accessible to members of the society and their guests.

It is now considered the world's oldest scientific zoo. Its history is also associated with several firsts: the first Reptile House was built in 1849, while the Fish House, opened in 1853, became the world's first public aquarium.

London Zoo remains part of ZSL, a science and conservation organisation that also operates Whipsnade Zoo, north of London.

Harry Potter and London Zoo

Harry Potter fans may recognise the former Reptile House. A scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in which Harry discovers that he can talk to snakes, was filmed here.

The historic building closed as a reptile house in 2023, and the animals have since moved to the new The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians habitat. The former Reptile House is now home to ZooTown, but the zoo has kept a reference to the film with a recreation where visitors can take a photo in front of the vivarium associated with the scene.

How to get to London Zoo

London Zoo is located at Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, between Regent's Park, Primrose Hill and Camden Town.

The nearest Underground station is Camden Town on the Northern line, around a 15 to 20-minute walk away. Chalk Farm, also on the Northern line, is another good option and allows you to reach the zoo via the Primrose Hill area.

From Baker Street, allow around 20 minutes on foot through Regent's Park or take the 274 bus. From Regent's Park station, the walk takes a little over 20 minutes; the 88 bus can shorten part of the journey.

Camden Road London Overground station is also around a 20-minute walk away.

What to do near London Zoo

The zoo's location makes it easy to continue exploring the area on foot. Regent's Park surrounds much of the site, while Primrose Hill, just to the north, offers one of London's best-known skyline views.

You can also head to Camden Town and its market after your visit. Further south, Madame Tussauds is located near Baker Street, although combining both attractions on the same day requires careful timing if you want to explore the zoo without rushing.

FAQ

How long does it take to visit London Zoo?

Allow at least 3 to 4 hours. Half a day is enough to see the main areas, while families stopping for lunch and taking part in several activities can easily spend most of the day at the zoo.

Can you bring a picnic to London Zoo?

Yes. Visitors can bring their own food and use the picnic tables around the zoo. Several restaurants, cafés and kiosks are also available on site.

Is London Zoo suitable for pushchairs?

Yes. Pushchairs are allowed, and single or double pushchairs can be hired at the zoo, subject to availability.

Is London Zoo included in the London Pass?

Yes. Admission to London Zoo is currently included with Go City London passes. If you are planning several paid attractions, compare the price of the pass with the combined cost of individual tickets.

Can you still see the Harry Potter Reptile House?

Yes, but it no longer houses the zoo's reptiles. The former Reptile House, used for filming Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, closed as an animal habitat in 2023. The reptiles and amphibians are now housed in a new habitat, while the historic building is home to ZooTown.

Summary

London Zoo is particularly well suited to families and visitors who want to spend half a day or longer discovering animals. Located in Regent's Park, it is home to Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, gorillas, penguins, reptiles and many other species, with several indoor areas.

Ticket prices and closing times vary depending on the date, and booking online in advance generally gives you a better price. Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit and check the map and daily schedule before you start exploring.