Zoos and Wildlife Parks In London UK
I love zoos. London has lots of them. One of my favourite things to do when visiting the capital is to visit the best zoos and wildlife parks in London. To be honest, I am in my element when visiting zoos and wildlife parks around the UK, such as the Wolds Wildlife Park in Lincolnshire.
There is something about visiting a zoo. It turns me from a mature and responsible adult into an excited little child. I’m lucky because there are lots of zoos near me. But, even if there weren’t lots of great wildlife parks near me, I would be prepared to travel, like I do when I visit London.
London zoo animals have become a regular feature on national TV news shows, such as a recent headline from London Zoo that said the animals at London Zoo got into the festive spirit as lions, meerkats, and squirrel monkeys opened their very different advent calendars. And not forgetting Kiburi the gorilla finds a new home at London Zoo. Although the zoos in London, get a lot of exposure, it doesn’t mean a wildlife park near you is not just as good.
I have looked at all the zoos in London and near London to find out what I believe to be the best zoos and wildlife parks in London for a great day out.
There are 27 London zoos and wildlife parks and many more near London. If you are looking for a great day out and want to visit some of the best zoos in London, but are not sure which one to visit, then have a look at what I believe to be the best.
The Best Zoos in London and near London
If you live in London and looking for wildlife parks near me, or are visiting London and looking for local zoos, then please read on.
From the oldest zoo (ZSL London) to the more recent zoos, London has some incredible places to visit for a great day out. If you believe a London Wildlife Park should be on my list of the best zoos in London, then let me know and give me your reasons why they should be included.
ZSL London Zoo

It is obvious to the regular readers of my Staycation In The UK blog that I am a huge fan of ZSL London Zoo. It was a no-brainer that the oldest scientific zoo in the UK came top of my list of the Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks In London.
The London Zoo which is situated in Regent’s Park is known all over the world. It has been welcoming visitors from London and all over the UK and the world since 1828. In more recent years, the zoo in London has had a huge investment and brought the zoo into the modern world.
If you are worried about missing the animals at the London zoo when your visit is over, then how about staying the night? You can stay in a private lodge which is near the lion pen. I have never done it, but I have been told it is a magical experience.
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Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
Kids love this London Zoo. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is great for seeing monkeys. It is the perfect day out for the whole family and would make a great day out on a child’s birthday. You will see lots of great animals from rabbits, goats, sheep, and chickens. If that is not impressive enough, then you can have a great time with my favourite zoo animals and that is the monkeys. There are also meerkats, lemurs, Scottish wildcats, Asian short-clawed otters, turtles, emus, and tortoises at the Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
There’s an outdoor and indoor play area to keep the children entertained. And, if you get hungry on your London zoo visit, then don’t worry, there is a café called the Lemon Tree Café.
When you visit Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, you will understand why I believe it to be one of the best London zoos.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo which is 600 acres is a great zoo near London and is run by the team behind London Zoo. So, you know, when visiting ZSL Whipsnade Zoo you are guaranteed a great day out.
The popular wildlife park is located in Bedfordshire and is home to lots of great animals which includes Chimps. Each time I see chimps in a zoo I always think about the old Tea advert with the chimps. Not sure if you can remember that far back?
Other great animals you can expect to see at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are lions, elephants, camels, zebras, hippos, and giraffes. There is even a butterfly house, just like the Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary.
The viewing huts are remarkable and allow you to get close to the animals What I love is the daily shows where you can see the animals being fed.
If you love camping and want to stay overnight at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, then you can pitch your tent and experience a wonderful night of animal noises.
This is a great zoo near London that is worth the visit.
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Howletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts Wild Animal Park is known for having the largest herd of African elephants in the UK. It started off as a private zoo which was opened in 1975.
The popular London zoo is home to 400 rare and endangered species which includes tigers, African elephants, monkeys, and gorillas. You can arrange to go on a guided walking tour which allows you to get really close to the London zoo animals.
There is a farm shop on site which I love, so if you want to stock up while you are there, then go and visit them, and while you are there, go and buy some homemade jam.
Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is a great zoo to visit. It is known for its sea lions. The zoo was opened in 1963 and is a magical place to visit for a great day out.
There are 180 species of animals to see over 60 acres. Some have said that it is better than ZSL London zoo. Although it is an amazing zoo, and one of the most popular zoos in London, I still think ZSL London Zoo is the best zoo in London.
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Marwell Zoo
Another great zoo near London is the Marwell Zoo. The wildlife park is a 140-acre zoo that is situated in Colden Common near Winchester, in the English county of Hampshire. It is owned by the registered charity Marwell Wildlife. There are 1,208 animals to see at the popular wildlife park.
This is a great zoo for flamingos and exotic ranges of species. When the children get bored with the animals, there are five adventure playgrounds for them to play on, and there are two trains.
Hobbledown Heath
When I was looking at London best zoos, and zoos near London, I was not familiar with Hobbledown Heath. It was one of those hidden treasures that needs more people to shout about.
Hobbledown Heath deserves its place on my list as one of the best zoos in London and near London for the great animals it has on offer and the great day out it provides. It is home to some amazing breeds of cows of Scotland, and you can also expect to see capybaras, macaw parrots, giant tortoises, and three ringtail lemurs.
The children will enjoy their visit to Hobbledown Heath, and parents will love it because it offers a very affordable day out.
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Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is set on 600 acres (1 Square Mile), making it the UK’s biggest zoo. It is located close to Dunstable in Bedfordshire. The popular wildlife park was first opened in 1931, so although it is the biggest zoo in the UK, it is not the oldest.
You can expect to see more than 6,405 animals at the wildlife park. What I love about the Whipsnade Zoo are the elephants that roam freely. It is a wonderful wildlife park to visit and would make a perfect gift for a special celebration.
Chessington Zoo
Chessington Zoo is another popular zoo London has to offer. It is located in Chessington and has over 1,000 animals from all corners of the world. You can expect to see cheetahs, tigers, giraffes, lions, and lots more great animals.
Chessington Zoo is also a theme park with lots of events organized for Halloween and Winter’s Tale for the winter season.
It is a lovely zoo to visit, one that the children will love, and one that is very affordable.
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Maryon Wilson Animal Park
A visit to Maryon Wilson Animal Park is a great day out. It may not be as big as London zoo and may not have the animals London zoo has on offer, but it is still worth a visit.
You can expect to see wonderful animals including goats, deer, cattle, pigs, ducks, and chickens. There are also guided tours available where you can learn lots about the animals at Maryon Wilson Animal Park.
There are more than 100 animals to see at the Maryon Wilson Animal Park. It is a wonderful day out.
Golders Hill Park Zoo
This may not be the biggest zoo in London and may not be the best London zoo or have as many animals as other zoos in the UK, but it is still worth a visit.
It is located in Golders Hill Park, and you can expect to see some loving animals and learn about the animals through educational talks.
Paradise Wildlife Park
Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne. You can expect to see lots of great animals. They include lions, tigers, meerkats, wolves, and lemurs.
It is an affordable zoo to visit for a nice day out.
With so many great animals at London zoos to see, vising London can be an exciting day out for the kids. I hope you enjoy my list of the best London zoos.