How Much Time Do You Need to Visit the London Zoo?

Zoo Core Editors Desk

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit the London Zoo?

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

Recommended Time to Spend at the London Zoo

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

To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to plan your trip in advance and check the London Zoo’s official website for scheduled events and feeding times. You can also download the London Zoo mobile app to get information about daily event listings and scheduled reminders.

Ticket Prices and Discounts

london zoo time needed

Ticket costs vary depending on the time of 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:

  • Adults: £24.26 to £32.25
  • Children (ages 3-15): £17.60 to £24.90

There are also discounted tickets available for:

  • Seniors: £21.80 to £25.29
  • Students or disabled adults: £21.80 to £25.29
  • Children under 3: Free

If you are travelling within a family or group, you can take advantage of some discount package ticket options for:

  • Families (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children): £75 to £82.65
  • Groups of 10 people or more: £75 to £82.65

Scheduled Events and Feeding Times

There are several scheduled events throughout the day depending on what time of the year you visit the zoo. These include:

  • Daily bird feedings at 11:15 a.m.
  • Tigers Live! Event and otter feeding at 12 p.m.
  • 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 the latest scheduled events and feeding times.

Dining Options

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

Visitor Experiences

In terms of how long a visit around the zoo usually takes, it varies depending on who you ask. Some visitors have reported spending around 4 to 5 hours easily, with a stop to eat. Others have mentioned that it took them around 5 hours, including a lunch stop and a coffee break. Some have suggested allowing at least 3 hours because although the zoo is small, you may well get to see some of the demonstrations or heat talks about the animals. However, there are also those who have spent around an hour and a half or even less than that, depending on their pace and interests.

To make the most out of your visit, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance and check the London Zoo’s official website for scheduled events and feeding times. You can also download the London Zoo mobile app to get information about daily event listings as well as scheduled reminders. Additionally, there are memberships available for £63 which allow unlimited visits throughout the year to both the ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoo.

References:
TripAdvisor Review
TripAdvisor FAQ
Strawberry Tours
London Zoo Official Website
Digital Spy Forum

Leave a Comment