London Zoo

About London Zoo

London Zoo opened in 1828 as the world's first scientific zoo, set up by the Zoological Society of London for the study of animals rather than public amusement. It threw open its gates to paying visitors in 1847 and has stayed on the same site in Regent's Park ever since, which makes it one of the oldest continuously running zoos anywhere. Over nearly two centuries it has racked up a string of firsts, including the first reptile house, the first public aquarium, which is where the word "aquarium" was coined, and the first insect house.

The zoo is home to several hundred species, from Asiatic lions and Sumatran tigers to penguins, gorillas, giraffes, and a walk-through monkey enclosure. A number of its buildings are landmarks in their own right, including the modernist Penguin Pool and the 1960s Snowdon Aviary, so there's architecture to look at alongside the animals. Daily keeper talks and feeding sessions run throughout the day, and it's worth grabbing a map on arrival to time your visit around the ones you care about most. Plan on at least half a day; families with younger children often stay longer.

The zoo sits on the northern edge of Regent's Park, with Camden Town and Regent's Park Underground stations both within walking distance, and the canal towpath running right past the grounds. Entry is a separate, paid ticket, and booking ahead online is sensible in summer and during school holidays, when queues at the gate build up. London is an easy add-on at the start or end of a Turkiye trip if you're routing through the UK, and the zoo pairs well with a wider day in Regent's Park.