Land of the Lions
Rare Asiatic lions in a set built like a village on the edge of India's Gir forest, with only glass between you.
heena_mistry — CC BY 2.0 · Central News (Agence photographique). Agence photographique pour le document reproduit (commanditaire) Agence Rol. Agence photographique (commanditaire) — Public domain · JSutton93 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The oldest scientific zoo on earth sits at the top of Regent's Park and has been open since 1828, before the word 'zoo' existed; the abbreviation grew out of this very place, the Zoological Gardens. The Zoological Society of London runs it across some 36 acres split by the Regent's Canal, with more than eight thousand animals housed between listed historic pavilions and newer enclosures built around one idea: you walk through the animals' world rather than peer over a fence at it. Three corners justify the trip. Land of the Lions keeps rare Asiatic lions in a set dressed as an Indian village on the edge of the Gir forest, and a single pane of glass is all that separates you. Tiger Territory has a pool, tall trees and floor-to-ceiling glass through which Sumatran tigers pass close enough to count their whiskers. Penguin Beach, the largest penguin pool in any English zoo, has a feeding time that reliably ends the children's complaints. Add gorillas, giraffes, and the Rainforest Life house where sloths and monkeys hang above the path with no barrier at all. Be clear about the gaps: there are no elephants and no rhinos, moved years ago to the sister zoo at Whipsnade outside London, and many enclosures feel small to anyone used to the sprawling safari parks of the Gulf. Nor is it cheap. Adults pay roughly £28 to £35 online depending on the date and about two pounds more at the gate, so a family of four is looking at £95 to £115. Tickets are dated and sold through the website; the gate still sells them, but at the worst price. The site is flat and genuinely pushchair-friendly, buggies can be hired from the shop for £10 plus a refundable deposit, and you may bring your own food, with tables scattered around, which spares you the zoo's restaurant prices. Easiest access is Camden Town on the Northern line, a fifteen to twenty minute walk, or bus 274, which stops at the entrance. London Central Mosque is on the west side of the same park, about fifteen minutes along the Outer Circle, so prayer folds into the day without effort. In the British summer holidays (late July and August) the crowds are heavy and prices at their peak; in winter the gates shut at four and the light goes before that, so make it a morning visit whatever the season.
Rare Asiatic lions in a set built like a village on the edge of India's Gir forest, with only glass between you.
Sumatran tigers among tall trees and a pool, passing a step away behind floor-to-ceiling glass.
The largest penguin pool in any English zoo; the daily feeding talk is the best ten minutes in the zoo for children.
Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY
If you have a car and the children want elephants and rhinos, Whipsnade, about an hour north of London, is far bigger and closer to a safari park. Without a car, or with only a day in the city, London Zoo is the practical choice, and it is plenty for anyone who does not visit zoos often.
Yes if you have children aged roughly four to ten and give it at least four hours with your own food. With teenagers who would rather do museums and shopping, or with under two hours to spare, save the money: the zoo is relatively compact and they will not feel they missed anything.
