CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED
Zoos & Wildlife Parks in London
If you want proper animals without leaving London, Golders Hill Park has a free small zoo, a walled garden and a decent playground, no booking needed. St James's Park, right by the lake near the centre, is free too, and the pelicans there are a good excuse for a slow walk. For something bigger with rides attached, Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Chessington starts from £32 and has its own parking on site. For toddlers, the free options win: Golders Hill Park or Cedars Park in Waltham Cross, which opens from 7am and has a play maze and ponds to wander round. Older children might prefer World of Dinosaurs out at Broxbourne, more novelty than zoo, walking among animatronic dinosaurs, with soft play if the weather turns. Colchester Zoo, a longer trip out to Colchester, is one to plan properly rather than a quick visit, so build in the whole day.
10 places 1 upcoming event 4 free to visit
What's on: zoos & wildlife parks
Places for zoos & wildlife parks
FreeCedars Park
Waltham Cross
A free park with a play maze, ponds and woodland trails to wander with the kids, open from 7am all year round.
from £32Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Chessington
Surrey theme park and zoo with rides, animals and on-site parking.
ParkingToiletsAccessible toiletFood on site+6 more
FreeGolders Hill Park
London
Free small zoo, a walled garden and a proper playground, all with no entry charge and no need to book.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+3 more
from £8.50Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
Horsham
Grade I listed gardens with seven lakes, wallaby feeding and a Dolls' House Museum to explore over a good three to four hours.
Accessible toiletAllergy awareBirthday partiesBlue badge parking+14 more
FreeSt James's Park
London
Free park by the lake where kids can spot pelicans and watch soldiers march down The Mall.
Surrey Hills Falconry
Dorking · ages 7+
Fly hawks, owls, falcons and even a vulture on your own arm, guided by trained falconers at Gatton Manor.
CaféParkingToilets
from £7Tilgate Zoo
Crawley · ages 6+
Feed a lemur, meet a capybara and hunt down over 100 animals in a zoo built into Tilgate Park's woodland.
Accessible toiletGift shopFood on siteParking+1 more
FreeWarburg Nature Reserve, BBOWT
Henley-on-Thames
Free woodland reserve where kids follow a backpack trail spotting rare butterflies, orchids and birds from the hides.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingPicnic area+1 more
Wild About Britain
Cranleigh
British wildlife animals come to you, with guided encounters rather than a walk-round zoo visit.
World of Dinosaurs
Broxbourne
Over 30 animatronic dinosaurs to walk among, plus a train ride, crazy golf and soft play if the rain sets in.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCard only+9 more
Good to know: zoos & wildlife parks in London
Are any of them free?
Yes, Cedars Park, Golders Hill Park, St James's Park and Warburg Nature Reserve, BBOWT are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £7 at Tilgate Zoo. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find zoos & wildlife parks in Waltham Cross, Chessington, London, Horsham, Dorking and 4 more. Every place we list is in or around London, and each listing has the full address and directions.
More ways to plan a day out
KEEP EXPLORING
Not a zoos & wildlife parks day? Try another lane
THE WEEKENDER
Next weekend, sorted. Every Thursday, free.
The best family things happening around London, one hidden gem, and a rainy-day backup plan, from a dad who's been there with a bored seven-year-old.
Free forever. One brilliant email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.