UK Travels | Spending the Day at ZSL London Zoo

As a family, we love to visit a zoo in whatever place we are visiting. On this particular trip, 3 of my children and I went to London for a week and planned our day at ZSL London Zoo. None of us had ever visited before, which I found humorous because I myself have been in London countless times. But I guess, that just shows that no matter how many times you come to London, there is always something new to see and do.  As a bonus, I also managed to get a decent deal on our ZSL London Zoo entry tickets with the help of online 2 for 1 vouchers. The deals on these websites change all the time, but check out South Western Railways.

Getting to ZSL London Zoo

Getting there was a little trickier than what we thought, or more like, it was farther from the tube station that we thought! We got off at Camden Town and walked for about 20 minutes before getting to the entrance of London Zoo. So, not bad really and as first timers didn’t think we were going the right way for a time. However, once we came across signs, we knew we were on the right track. It’s actually based in London’s Regent Park, which is also stunning for a walk around after. The entrance to London zoo was cute and there was a zoo keeper there to greet everyone, informing us of feeding times and things we should look out for. I personally have never seen this at any other zoo I have ever visited before and thought it was a really cool touch.

London Zoo is HUGE!

One thing you need to know, if you are first timers visiting, like we were; London Zoo is MASSIVE! It’s so big in fact that you’re not quite sure were to start, and even though there are footprints helping you find your way, we actually found these a little confusing. So we just made our own way around, making sure not to leave anything out.

ZSL London Zoo was founded way back in 1826 and it graces over 1 million visitors through its gates, every single year. Having visited now for myself, it is easy to see why, after almost 200 years, the zoo is still very much loved to this day. And seeing some of the original buildings {some repurposed, due to age} was just something else. The animals, without a doubt are the reason for visiting, however, some of the architectural treasures within the gates are breathtakingly beautiful.

This zoo is home to over 19,000 living animals with an impressive number of different species, 950 to be exact! With areas mapped out such as Africa, Gorilla Kingdom, Monkey World, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach, the Reptile House and so much more. Not forgetting to brave Spider walk-through! Also, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you might also spy the exact spot Harry talks Parseltongue to the snake in The Philosopher’s Stone movie! Who doesn’t love a Harry Potter movie location!

Let’s Explore Monkey Valley!

My son Jacob, is monkey mad! He just adores everything monkeys embody and I would be lying if I didn’t think it was the most endearing quality. Monkey Valley in London Zoo, which opened in the summer of 2022, is nothing short of impressive and unlike anything I have ever seen at any other zoo before. Something which other zoological gardens could maybe take inspiration from.

They have an open air, secure habitat where monkeys can be purely and naturally what they are. Monkeys. They can swing, leap, run, have fun in their social groups and be observed with utter fascination by the general public as they walk through their enclosure. There are really knowledgeable and helpful keepers inside the enclosure to ensure the monkeys are safe and not being disturbed in any way. As well as answering any curious questions that you may have. It was an honour to walk through and a beautiful gang of columbus monkeys. 

Jacob also had one of the most precious interactions with the monkeys and his smile just made my eyes leak! I mean, just look…

You can even check it out over on my TikTok Channel as well, because the video is even more precious than the photo. So pleased he had such a sweet experience during our visit. 

Aside from the amazing experiences and gorgeous winter sunshine we had, it was such a fun day. And rather than me sharing photos of every inch of London Zoo, I will share a sprinkle and leave the rest as a mystery for you. 

Is a visit to London Zoo worth the money? 

I have to be honest, yes I do think it is, especially if you are first timers, like we were. 

A few tips and advice before you visit ZSL London Zoo: 

• I would bring a packed lunch and snacks along with you. The food we had in the restaurant was massively overpriced and didn’t rate very high on the taste ladder.
• Look out for 2 for 1 vouchers for entry to ZSL London Zoo. 
• It is huge, wear comfortable shoes.
• The zoo has a mix of indoor and outdoor habitats, so don’t be put off by the weather!

We really enjoyed our first time at ZSL London Zoo and I look forward to visiting again because the surrounding Regents Park is stunning. So, until next time ZSL London Zoo. I look forward to seeing the finished construction work the next time we visit! Exciting times. 

For more Harry Potter Filming Locations, check out this post.