ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo opened in 1828 as a collection for scientific study, run by the Zoological Society of London, and it claims to be the oldest scientific zoo in the world. It opened to the public in 1847 and pioneered the reptile house, the public aquarium and the insect house. Today it is a conservation charity's flagship, and it remains the easiest full-scale family day in central London: it sits on the northern edge of Regent's Park, a walk from Camden Town or Regent's Park stations, with the Regent's Canal running through the grounds. The zoo is home to a large number of animal species, and its best zones are immersive. Land of the Lions recreates an Indian village and forest for its Asiatic lions, a rare and endangered subspecies, with walkways that bring you surprisingly close. Gorilla Kingdom and the monkey forest show primates in leafy, landscaped space. Walk-through exhibits let you share territory with lemurs, squirrel monkeys and birds. Penguin Beach, the reptiles, the giraffes and the butterfly house complete a long day's circuit. The zoo is also notable for its architecture: the modernist Penguin Pool and the Snowdon Aviary are listed buildings, and the aviary has been reimagined as a walk-through home for colobus monkeys. Talks and feeding sessions run through the day. Tickets are bought online in advance and are cheaper that way. Expect a premium price for a big zoo, but most families make a full day of it, and the conservation story behind the visit gives children plenty to think about.

Planning the day: the daily schedule of talks and feeds is the backbone of a good visit, so check it as soon as you arrive and route around the ones you care about. Starting at Land of the Lions and Gorilla Kingdom early gives you the best chance of active animals. The zoo spans both sides of the Outer Circle road, connected by tunnels, and the canal side includes the giraffes and the old Snowdon Aviary area. Food is available on site, though picnics are welcome and many families bring their own. Pushchairs are manageable on the paths, and there are baby-changing facilities and play areas. Allow at least four hours, and a full day for young children who want to see everything.

Getting there and around: Camden Town station is about fifteen minutes' walk, through Primrose Hill or along the canal towpath, and Regent's Park station is a pleasant walk across the park. Buses stop close to the gates. Combining the zoo with a canal walk to Little Venice or Camden Market, or with a climb up Primrose Hill for the skyline view, turns it into a classic north London day. In winter the zoo is quieter and opening hours are shorter, but the indoor houses mean it works in mixed weather.

Honest notes: zoos divide opinion, and London Zoo has worked hard to put conservation and education at the centre, with ZSL's field programmes around the world funded in part by visitor income. It is expensive for a family, so buying online in advance, checking for off-peak pricing, and making a full day of it all help with value. For visitors with only a few days in London and no children, the city's free museums are a better use of time. For families on longer trips, it is one of the most reliable days out the city offers, and the zoo's location means the rest of the day can be spent in some of London's most pleasant green space without another ticket.