london zoo tours

The Ultimate Guide to visiting the London Zoo

The london zoo ultimate guide.

Not many places in the world can boast being home to lions, penguins and Komodo dragons. There’s also not many places in the world where you can be a zoo keeper for the day, and get tips and advice on how to feed various animals from all over the world. That’s why a visit to the London Zoo is a must for any tourist (or even a local!) in London.

The ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo (under the Zoological Society of London) as it has been open since 1828, and houses one of the largest animal collections in the UK with over 756 different species living inside its walls.

Highlights The London Zoo

The zoo is split up into different sections such as the African Bird Safari, Fruit Bat Forest, the Butterfly Paradise, and the Reptile House, so there’s no telling what type of animal species you’ll come across during your visit to the London Zoo.

If you’re interested in learning more about marine life, the London Zoo’s aquarium is home to angelfish, stingrays, seahorses and even piranhas, while the Reptile House is home to the likes of crocodiles, rattlesnakes, chameleons and even poison dart frogs!

If you want to learn more about exotic-type animal species, there’s a Land of the Lions exhibition, as well as other sections like The Tiger Territory, The Gorilla Kingdom and Into Africa, which houses zebras, hippos, and even a high-viewing platform so you can see the giraffes face-to-face. If you’re not bothered by the creepy-crawlies, there’s an entire exhibition dedicated to different types of insects and bugs, such as black widow spiders, cave crickets, leafcutter ants and much more.

There’s also Australian-themed exhibits, indoor Rainforest exhibits, and a new Penguin Beach exhibit which contains England’s biggest penguin pool – make sure to keep your eye out for the single, male rock-hopper penguin named Ricky!

Children will especially enjoy the Animal Adventure section, which is a petting zoo area that includes sheep, donkeys, children and pigs, just to name a few.

Special Tips

Getting there.

Visiting The London Zoo

Recommended visiting time for the London Zoo is around two to three hours, depending on how many animals or exhibits you hope to see. It’s highly recommended that you arrive more than a few hours before last entry so you’re not rushed during your visit.

There are several scheduled events throughout the day depending on what time of the year you visit the zoo. There are daily bird feedings at 11:15 a.m., a Tigers Live! Event and an otter feeding at 12 p.m., and Penguin Beach Live! Shows At three different selected times during the day. Before you visit make sure you check out the London Zoo’s official website for scheduled events and feeding times.

There is also a cafe where you can buy food and drinks during your visit; however the costs can be quite pricey so it may be a good idea to have breakfast or lunch elsewhere before visiting the zoo.

Ticket prices and Opening hours

The London Zoo is open every day of the year (except Christmas) and opens at 10 a.m. Closing times, however, vary depending on the time of year:

• From March to September: 6 p.m.
• September to October: 5:30 p.m.
• November to March: 4 p.m.

Last entry is one hour before closing time each day, but be aware that some animal exhibits may close 30 minutes early.

Ticket costs also vary depending on what time of the year you visit, as well as whether you decide to include an optional 10% donation towards the conservation of the zoo.

Standard tickets cost anywhere from:

• £24.26 to £32.25 for adults
• £17.60 to £24.90 for children ages three to 15

There are also discounted tickets available for seniors, students or disabled adults, which range from £21.80 to £25.29, and children under the ages of three can get in for free.

If you are travelling within a family or group, you can take advantage of some discount package ticket options for families (two adults and two children, or one adults and three children) or groups of 10 people or more, which range from £75 to £82.65.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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'Cute, cuddly' giant pandas will soon call San Francisco home, Mayor Breed announces

G iant  pandas from China will be finding a home at the San Francisco Zoo as part of Beijing’s panda diplomacy with the United States, SF Mayor London Breed announced Thursday night. Pandas last set paw in San Francisco in 1984 and 1985 as part of a global tour, the mayor’s office said in a news release.  

Breed announced the news in a  video posted to social media Thursday night. 

“We have some cute, cuddly, black-and-white beauties coming to our city,” Breed said in a video taken in Beijing.

“These Giant Pandas will honor our deep cultural connections and our Chinese and API heritage,” the mayor said in a written message accompanying the video. “They will bring residents and visitors from all over who come to visit them at the SF Zoo.”

Many questions remained unanswered after the mayor’s announcement. It’s unclear exactly when the furry diplomats will arrive, though the mayor’s office said their arrival is dependent on the construction of a panda facility at the zoo. It’s also unknown exactly how long the animals will stay, though the mayor’s news release did say their residence would be semi-permanent. The San Francisco Zoo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The mayor reached an agreement to bring the pandas to the city with the China Wildlife Conservation Association during her weeklong trip to China to promote San Francisco tourism and fortify relations with the Chinese government. She returns from the trip on April 21 .

The mayor got the invite to visit China from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng in November during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. At one of the conference dinners, Xi dropped a hint that he hoped to send pandas back to California, specifically to the San Diego Zoo,  SFGATE reported previously.

Determined to bring pandas to San Francisco, Breed wrote a letter earlier this year “along with over 70 local Chinese and API community and merchant leaders to advocate for San Francisco to receive pandas, and to highlight the opportunity to build a stronger, lasting relationship between China and San Francisco,” the mayor’s office  said.

News broke in February that China would be sending pandas to San Diego , marking the first time China has sent pandas to the U.S. in more than two decades. California last had pandas at the San Diego Zoo in 2019. The only pandas in the U.S. right now are at the zoo in Atlanta. 

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The 5 best sightseeing tours of buckingham palace.

See one of Britain's top attractions on a walking, biking, bus or private taxi tour.

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

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A tour of Buckingham Palace is a must-do on your next London vacation.

On a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

The Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Come on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday morning to see the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area while sharing  knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a two-hour tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony, while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the corner of Piccadilly and Arlington Street (between The Ritz and The Wolseley), ending at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Tour

Price: From $164

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines. The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection – the ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

Full-day London with Changing of the Guard and Private Cruise

Price: From $158; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony, and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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The London Essentials Bike Tour

Price: From $38

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were really impressed by the knowledge of the guide. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

View & Book Tickets: GetYourGuide

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $461

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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San Francisco Zoo to receive giant pandas from China, Mayor Breed announces

SAN FRANCISCO -- For the first time in decades, San Francisco will receive giant pandas from China as part of China's Panda Diplomacy program.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed shared the news on X Thursday night.

Breed is still in China as part of her weeklong visit to bring in new business and tourism to San Francisco, Califronia.

"San Francisco is absolutely thrilled that we will be welcoming Giant Pandas to our San Francisco Zoo," said Mayor London Breed. "We have been working closely with our local API community to advocate for pandas nearly a year ago leading up to APEC in November, and it's an honor that our City has been chosen for the first time to be a long-term home for Giant Pandas. San Francisco is an international destination and the gateway to the Asia Pacific - having pandas here will strengthen our already deep cultural connection and honors our Chinese and API heritage that is core to San Francisco's history. We are ready to welcome visitors from all over the world to our beautiful zoo. This is a momentous opportunity, and one I am grateful for, I know I join so many who can't wait to see them in San Francisco."

The zoo's CEO said she hopes to renovate an existing facility so the pandas can arrive by 2025.

That will cost around $4 million, followed by $20 million for a new exhibit.

The zoo plans to launch a major fundraising effort

Preliminary planning has already begun with collaborative efforts by Beijing Zoo and San Francisco Zoo engineers.

The San Francisco Zoo previously hosted China's giant pandas in 1984 and 1985 as part of a global tour.

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Opening times

Our opening times are seasonal and change slightly throughout the year..

Paid tickets grant visits any time after the time shown on your ticket, with last entry times below. Further visitor information is available here .

Members , Patrons and Fellows do not need to pre-book and can visit during opening hours up until the last entry time.

Have special access requirements? We offer relaxed, early opening for those with autism and other neurodiversity conditions .

London Zoo is normally open every day of the year except for Christmas Day when we will be closed. 

• Last admission is one hour before advertised closing time.
• The Zoo will close at 5pm on 7, 14, 21 and 28 June and 5, 12, 19 and 26 July 2024 for Zoo Nights .
• Last entry and closing time subject to change due to special events.
• Some animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before closing time.
• We always want to make sure that London Zoo is a safe and secure place to visit. In line with increased security measures being implemented across the UK, we will be carrying out bag checks at the Zoo entrance. We would recommend, wherever possible, you leave large bags at home. As well as bag checks we will be carrying out person screening upon entry and we have various other security measures you cannot see. If you see something suspicious please call us and report it on 0344 225 1826.

BOOK TICKETS TO THE ZOO 

Opening times for our on-site eateries and cafes

• Coffees and hot drinks are available from our Barista Bar, next to The Terrace Restaurant , from 10am until the Zoo closes.
• The Terrace Restaurant is open for eat in or take aways from 11.30am - 2.30pm year round.

Bag checks in progress

We always want to make sure that London Zoo is a safe and secure place to visit. In line with increased security measures being implemented across the UK, we will be carrying out bag checks at the Zoo entrance. We would also recommend, wherever possible, you leave large bags at home. 

Terms of entry

• Permission must be obtained for all filming and photography  for commercial purposes.
• Children under 16 will not be admitted without an adult.
• Bicycles are not allowed on Zoo premises.
• Rollerskates, rollerblades and skateboards are not allowed on Zoo premises. Children's scooters are permitted as long as they are supervised by an adult. No adult scooters are allowed on site.
• Heelys roller shoes must not be used as skates, but may be worn as shoes.
• View full terms of entry here .