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Find the best things to do near London Zoo

London Zoo sits at the northern edge of Regent's Park in the London Borough of Camden, NW1 — one of the capital's most well-connected green spaces. Close to London Zoo, you'll find Primrose Hill, the Regent's Canal towpath, and the buzz of Camden Market, all within easy reach. Around the zoo, the park itself opens up into gardens, open-air theatre, and a boating lake, putting an enormous amount of London within a 20-minute walk. Whether you're planning a full day in the park or looking to explore further afield, it's the kind of location that makes the whole day easy to plan.

Top things to do near London Zoo

Regent's Canal Towpath

  • Distance: 2-min walk (≈150 m)
  • Why visit: A scenic canal walk right on the zoo's doorstep, with colourful narrowboats and the option to stroll all the way to Camden.
  • Cost: Free

Primrose Hill

  • Distance: 7-min walk (≈550 m)
  • Why visit: One of London's best protected viewpoints — a gentle climb rewards you with a panoramic skyline stretching from the City to the West End.
  • Cost: Free

Camden Market

  • Distance: 15-min walk (≈1.2 km)
  • Why visit: London's most eclectic market — street food, vintage fashion, live music, and canal-side stalls all packed into one vibrant stretch.
  • Cost: Free (food/shopping extra)

Queen Mary's Gardens

  • Distance: 17-min walk (≈1.3 km)
  • Why visit: Home to London's largest collection of roses — 12,000 plants across 85 varieties — plus ornamental borders inside Regent's Park's Inner Circle.
  • Cost: Free

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

  • Distance: 18-min walk (≈1.4 km)
  • Why visit: Britain's only permanent professional outdoor theatre, running Shakespeare, West End musicals, and family shows each summer in a 1,300-seat park setting.
  • Cost: From £15

Regent's Park Boating Lake

  • Distance: 20-min walk (≈1.6 km)
  • Why visit: Hire a rowing boat or pedalo on the park's ornamental lake, with views of the heron colony — a relaxed, classic London afternoon.
  • Cost: From £6 (pedalo hire)

Explore all attractions near the London Zoo

See more with a London Zoo combo ticket

Make the most of your day around London Zoo by pairing it with top London attractions like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, or a Thames River Cruise. These combo tickets help you save compared to individual bookings while simplifying your itinerary with one easy reservation and coordinated entry options.

Explore combo tickets!

Landmarks near London Zoo

Cumberland Terrace

One of John Nash's grandest Regency terraces, with a dramatic triumphal-arch centrepiece and gold-leaf detailing overlooking Regent's Park's eastern edge. A favourite for architecture fans and photographers.

  • Distance: 8 min walk (650 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Best lit in late-afternoon sun — shoot from across the Outer Circle road for the full façade.

Primrose Hill

A grassy summit just north of the zoo offering one of London's six protected skyline views, taking in the Shard, BT Tower, and St Paul's. Popular with locals for picnics and sunset watching.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset on a clear evening to beat the crowds to the best bench.

London Central Mosque

One of the UK's largest mosques, with a striking gold dome visible from across Regent's Park. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times to admire the architecture and peaceful courtyard.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Dress modestly and check visiting hours ahead, as access is restricted during prayer times.

Lord's Cricket Ground & MCC Museum

The "home of cricket" since 1814, home to the world's oldest sporting museum and the Ashes urn. Guided tours take in the Long Room and the futuristic Media Centre.

  • Distance: 17 min walk (1.3 km)
  • Cost: From £25 (adult guided tour)
  • Tip: Book a tour on a non-match day to access the Long Room, which closes during fixtures.

Camden Lock & Regent's Canal

A bustling stretch of canal-side market stalls, street food, and converted railway arches, reached via a scenic towpath walk that hugs the zoo's northern boundary.

  • Distance: 20 min walk (1.6 km) — short metro ride via Northern line from Camden Town
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Tip: Walk the canal towpath instead of the road for quieter views of houseboats and the zoo's outdoor aviary.

Abbey Road Studios crossing

The iconic zebra crossing made famous by the Beatles' 1969 album cover, still a working recording studio today. A must for music pilgrims.

  • Distance: 25 min walk (1.7 km) — short metro ride via Jubilee line to St John's Wood
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit early morning on a weekday to get a clear shot without dodging traffic.

Museums near London Zoo

Madame Tussauds

World-famous wax museum featuring royals, A-list celebrities, and immersive zones like the Marvel Universe and the Awards Party red carpet.

  • Distance: 23 min walk (2.6 km) — short metro ride via Bakerloo line to Baker Street
  • Cost: From £27 (online, off-peak)
  • Tip: Book the earliest entry slot to avoid the longest queues, especially on weekends.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

A meticulously recreated Victorian townhouse at the fictional 221B Baker Street, with period rooms staged exactly as described in Conan Doyle's stories.

  • Distance: 23 min walk (2.6 km) — short metro ride via Bakerloo line to Baker Street
  • Cost: From £16 (adult, cash only on arrival)
  • Tip: Visits run 20–30 minutes, so pair it with Madame Tussauds or Regent's Park for a fuller afternoon.

Family-friendly experiences near London Zoo

Regent's Park boating lake

A peaceful lake within the park where families can hire rowboats or pedalos and spot resident herons and waterfowl.

  • Distance: 10 min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: From £12 per adult (approximate, varies by season)
  • Tip: Go mid-morning on weekdays for shorter waits and calmer water.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

A much-loved outdoor venue staging summer productions of musicals, Shakespeare, and family shows beneath the park's trees.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (950 m)
  • Cost: From £25 (approximate, varies by show)
  • Tip: Bring a blanket — evening performances can get cool even in summer.

Primrose Hill playground

A well-equipped playground at the base of Primrose Hill with climbing frames and swings, right next to a café for parents to grab a coffee.

  • Distance: 10 min walk (850 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: There's a toilet block right by the playground — handy before the climb up the hill.

Gloucester Gate playground

A Regent's Park playground close to the zoo's southern entrance, with a refreshment kiosk nearby, making it easy to combine with a zoo visit.

  • Distance: 8 min walk (650 m)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Good spot for a packed-lunch break between the zoo and a stroll through the park.

Broad Walk stroller route

A wide, flat, tree-lined path running the length of Regent's Park, ideal for pushchairs, with cafés and toilets spaced along the route.

  • Distance: Adjacent to zoo
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: The northwest end, near the zoo, is shadier — useful on hot afternoons
Hungry after the zoo?

Camden Market's food stalls are just a 20-minute canal walk away, serving everything from Caribbean jerk chicken to fresh dim sum and craft beer. For something sit-down, book a guided Camden food tour and sample five+ vendors with a local host who knows the best stalls to skip the queues at.

Where to eat & drink near London Zoo

Lemonia

A long-running Primrose Hill institution serving generous Greek mezze, charcoal-grilled meats, and moussaka in a vine-draped dining room. A favourite with local families for decades.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Mains from £16 (approximate)
  • Tip: Go for the weekday set lunch — three courses for around £16.50.

Greenberry Café

A relaxed all-day spot in Primrose Hill known for weekend brunch, with shakshuka, loaded sourdough toasts, and seasonal sharing plates in a brick-walled room.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Brunch dishes from £12 (approximate)
  • Tip: Book ahead for weekend brunch — walk-ins rarely get a table before 1pm.

Feng Shang Princess

A floating Chinese restaurant moored on Regent's Canal, styled as a pagoda boat, serving dim sum and classic Cantonese dishes with canal views.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: Mains from £18 (approximate)
  • Tip: Ask for a window table for views of passing narrowboats.

Regent's Bar & Kitchen

A spacious park café and restaurant overlooking Regent's Park's boating lake, serving breakfast, burgers, pizzas, salads, and afternoon drinks with plenty of outdoor seating.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: Mains from £14 (approximate)
  • Tip: Grab a terrace table on sunny afternoons for one of the park's best views.

Mildreds Camden

One of London's best-loved vegetarian and vegan restaurants, serving globally inspired dishes ranging from Sri Lankan curries to burgers, tacos, and plant-based desserts.

  • Distance: 18 min walk (1.4 km)
  • Cost: Mains from £14 (approximate)
  • Tip: Ideal if your group has mixed dietary preferences—there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

130 Primrose

A stylish neighbourhood restaurant serving modern British cooking with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, while supporting a social enterprise that trains people with lived experience of homelessness.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Mains from £18 (approximate)
  • Tip: Visit for lunch if you prefer a quieter atmosphere than the evening service.

ARVO Cafe

A popular Kiwi-inspired café known for speciality coffee, fresh pastries, colourful brunch plates, and wholesome breakfasts in the heart of Primrose Hill.

  • Distance: 13 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Brunch dishes from £11 (approximate)
  • Tip: Arrive before 10am on weekends to avoid the brunch queue.

Budget-friendly things to do around London Zoo

Primrose Hill viewpoint

A free, unobstructed panorama of the London skyline from one of the city's six protected viewpoints — no ticket, no queue, just a short climb.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Pack a flask of coffee and watch the sunrise for the quietest version of the view.

London Central Mosque

A grand gold-domed mosque open to visitors outside prayer times, with intricate tilework and a peaceful courtyard — no entry fee required.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Check the visiting schedule online before heading over, as access pauses during prayers.

Regent's Canal towpath walk

A flat, scenic walking route along the water from the zoo's edge toward Camden, passing houseboats, gardens, and glimpses into the zoo's outdoor enclosures.

  • Distance: 5 min walk to access point
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Walk it in the late afternoon when the light on the water is best for photos.

Camden Market browsing

Wander the stalls, railway arches, and canal-side yards of Camden's markets without spending a penny — browsing and people-watching are free, even if the snacks aren't.

  • Distance: 20 min walk (1.6 km)
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to browse without the weekend crowds.

Gardens and parks near London Zoo

Regent's Park

One of London's grand Royal Parks, with 410 acres of formal gardens, open lawns, sports pitches, and a boating lake, wrapping right around the zoo itself.

  • Distance: 2 min walk (adjacent)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Enter via the Broad Walk for the most direct, shaded route from the zoo.

Queen Mary's Gardens

A formal rose garden at the heart of Regent's Park with over 12,000 roses, ornamental fountains, and an open-air theatre tucked just behind it.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit in June for peak rose-blooming season — the scent alone is worth the detour.

Primrose Hill

A grassy, open hillside park just north of the zoo, popular for picnics, kite-flying, and dog-walking, with a children's playground at its base.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: The playground side has more shade than the summit — better for younger kids on hot days.

Public squares, streets, and more

Chalcot Square

A small, perfectly photogenic square of pastel-coloured Georgian houses tucked behind Primrose Hill's high street, often recognised from film and TV.

  • Distance: 14 min walk (1.1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit early morning for empty streets and the best light on the pastel façades.

Regent's Park Road

Primrose Hill's village-like high street, lined with independent boutiques, delis, and cafés — a pleasant, low-traffic walk between the zoo and the viewpoint.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Stop at a deli here to grab picnic supplies before heading up the hill.

Parkway, Camden

A lively street connecting Camden Town to Regent's Park, lined with casual eateries and independent shops, and a handy route on foot from the zoo.

  • Distance: 16 min walk (1.3 km)
  • Cost: Free to walk
  • Tip: Quieter and faster than cutting through Camden Market itself if you're short on time.

Outdoor activities near London Zoo

Regent's Park boating lake

Hire a rowboat or pedalo and paddle around the lake's islands, spotting herons and waterfowl along the way — a relaxed way to cool off after the zoo.

  • Distance: 10 min walk (800 m)
  • Cost: From £12 per adult (approximate)
  • Tip: Boats are first-come, first-served, so arrive early on sunny weekends.

Outer Circle running and cycling route

A flat, traffic-free loop around the edge of Regent's Park, popular with runners and cyclists, passing directly by the zoo's perimeter.

  • Distance: Adjacent to zoo
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Early morning is quietest — by mid-morning the path fills with joggers and prams.

Regent's Park tennis courts

Public hard courts available to book by the hour, tucked near York Gate in the southwest of the park — a fun, active break from sightseeing.

  • Distance: 18 min walk (1.5 km)
  • Cost: From £10 per hour (approximate)
  • Tip: Book online in advance, as weekend slots fill up quickly.

Nightlife & evening activities

Sunset at Primrose Hill

The same panoramic viewpoint transforms after dark, with the city skyline lighting up below — one of the best free evening experiences nearby.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to claim a bench before it gets busy.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

An atmospheric outdoor venue staging summer evening performances of musicals and Shakespeare beneath the park's trees, with picnic-friendly grounds.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: From £25 (approximate, varies by show)
  • Tip: Bring a blanket and a layer — it cools off quickly once the sun goes down.

The Roundhouse

A historic Victorian railway turntable shed turned live music and performance venue, hosting gigs, comedy, and theatre most evenings in nearby Chalk Farm.

  • Distance: 18 min walk (1.5 km)
  • Cost: From £15 (approximate, varies by event)
  • Tip: Check the listings ahead — late weekday shows tend to have better ticket availability.

Seasonal events near London Zoo

Queen Mary's Gardens rose season

Each June, the formal rose garden bursts into bloom with over 12,000 roses across hundreds of varieties — one of the prettiest free seasonal sights in the city.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for the best light and fewest crowds among the blooms.

Frieze London

A major international contemporary art fair held in a temporary pavilion in Regent's Park each October, drawing galleries and collectors from around the world.

  • Distance: 15 min walk (1.2 km)
  • Cost: From £45 (approximate, day ticket)
  • Tip: Book timed tickets well in advance — the fair regularly sells out.

Camden winter lights and markets

Camden's markets take on a festive feel each December, with mulled wine stalls, fairy lights, and seasonal pop-ups along the canal and railway arches.

  • Distance: 20 min walk (1.6 km)
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Tip: Evenings are prettiest for the lights but also the busiest — go just after opening for a calmer visit.

Shopping near London Zoo

Camden Market

A sprawling cluster of markets along the canal and in converted railway arches, selling everything from vintage fashion to handmade jewellery and global street food.

  • Distance: 20 min walk (1.6 km)
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Tip: Stables Market tends to have better-quality vintage finds than the main Camden Lock stalls.

Regent's Park Road boutiques

Primrose Hill's high street of independent shops, including a well-loved bookshop, delis, and small fashion boutiques, all within a short, pleasant walk.

  • Distance: 12 min walk (1 km)
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Stop at the neighbourhood's independent bookshop — it's a local institution with a strong secondhand section.

Marylebone High Street

A polished, village-like shopping street with independent boutiques, a Saturday farmers' market, and upscale homeware and fashion stores.

  • Distance: 25 min walk (2 km) — short metro ride via Bakerloo line to Baker Street
  • Cost: Free to browse
  • Tip: Visit on Sunday for the weekly farmers' market on Cramer Street.

How to plan your day near London Zoo

Path: London Zoo highlights → Primrose Hill viewpoint → café stop.

Steps & timing:

  • Focus on London Zoo's headline exhibits — Land of the Lions and Penguin Beach (60 min).
  • Walk through Regent's Park toward Primrose Hill (15 min).
  • Climb to the summit for skyline views (15 min).
  • Grab a coffee at a Regent's Park Road café before heading off (20 min).

Alternative: If Primrose Hill feels too far, swap it for a quieter stroll along the Broad Walk inside Regent's Park.

Path: London Zoo → Regent's Park boating lake → Primrose Hill → lunch on Regent's Park Road.

Steps & timing:

  • Explore London Zoo at a relaxed pace (2 hrs).
  • Hire a rowboat or pedalo on the Regent's Park boating lake (45 min).
  • Walk up to Primrose Hill for panoramic photos (20 min).
  • Lunch at Greenberry Café or Lemonia on Regent's Park Road (1 hr).

Alternative: Swap the boating lake for a stroll through Queen Mary's Gardens if visiting outside boating-lake hours.

Path: London Zoo → Regent's Park → Madame Tussauds → lunch → Camden Market → Primrose Hill sunset.

Steps & timing:

  • Morning at London Zoo (2.5–3 hrs).
  • Walk through Regent's Park toward Baker Street (30 min).
  • Visit Madame Tussauds (1.5 hrs).
  • Lunch near Marylebone or Baker Street (1 hr).
  • Head to Camden Market via Regent's Canal towpath for browsing and street food (1.5 hrs).
  • Finish at Primrose Hill for golden-hour skyline views (30–40 min).

Alternative: If Madame Tussauds queues are long, swap for the Sherlock Holmes Museum nearby.

Path: London Zoo evening event (seasonal) → dinner at Primrose Hill → sunset at the hill.

Steps & timing:

  • Catch a seasonal evening event at the zoo, such as Zoo Nights, if running (2 hrs).
  • Walk to Primrose Hill for dinner at Lemonia or The Queen's (1.5 hrs).
  • End with a sunset walk up Primrose Hill (30 min).

Alternative: If no evening zoo event is running, start the evening at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre instead.

Path: London Zoo → Gloucester Gate playground → ice cream stop → Regent's Park boating lake.

Steps & timing:

  • Visit London Zoo, prioritising Animal Adventure and Penguin Beach (2 hrs).
  • Let kids burn off energy at Gloucester Gate playground (30 min).
  • Stop for ice cream from a park kiosk (15 min).
  • Finish with a family pedalo ride on the boating lake (30–45 min).

Alternative: Swap the boating lake for the Primrose Hill playground if traveling with younger toddlers.

Path: London Zoo → Primrose Hill sunset → dinner at Feng Shang Princess.

Steps & timing:

  • Spend the afternoon together exploring London Zoo (2 hrs).
  • Walk up to Primrose Hill in time for sunset (30 min).
  • Stroll down along Regent's Canal toward the Feng Shang Princess (20 min).
  • Settle in for a candlelit dinner aboard the floating restaurant (1.5 hrs).

Alternative: Swap the floating restaurant for a quiet table at York & Albany if you prefer dining on land.

Visitor information

  • Tube: Camden Town (Northern line) is the nearest station, ~16 min walk. Chalk Farm and Regent's Park stations are also ~20–25 min walk via the park or canal.
  • Bus: Routes 88 and 274 stop right by the zoo entrance on Prince Albert Road and Albany Street.
  • Bike hire: Two Santander Cycles docking stations sit right at the zoo (one in each car park). Hire costs £1.65 per 30 minutes.
  • Water taxi: London Waterbus Company runs canal boats between Camden Lock/Little Venice and the zoo.
  • Airport transfer: From Heathrow, take the Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road, then the Northern line to Camden Town.
  • Eurostar: Kings Cross St Pancras is three stops from Camden Town on the Northern line.
  • Location: Two car parks on the Outer Circle, Regent's Park — one for pre-booked ticket holders, one for pay-on-the-day visitors.
  • Cost: Chargeable; check current rates when booking, as space has been significantly reduced due to nearby Thames Water and HS2 works.
  • Congestion zone: The zoo is outside the Congestion Charge zone but within the ULEZ, which applies 24/7 except Christmas Day.
  • Disabled parking: Free for Blue Badge holders, with bays directly outside the entrance and in the main car park.
  • Height limits / EV chargers: Not specified in available zoo or TfL sources — confirm directly with London Zoo if this affects your visit.
  • Restrooms: At London Zoo, located near B.U.G.S, the Aquarium, Animal Adventure, and the African aviary. In Regent's Park, public toilets are open across the park. Madame Tussauds has accessible toilets throughout the building.
  • Lockers / storage: London Zoo offers pram hire on a first-come, first-served basis. Madame Tussauds stores pushchairs and buggies free of charge in its cloakroom, as they aren't permitted inside.
  • Water fountains: Drinking fountains are marked throughout Regent's Park, including near the children's play areas.
  • Shaded seating: Regent's Park has seven cafés with garden seating (including the Hub Café and Broad Walk Café), plus open lawns and benches around Primrose Hill.
  • Tube step-free access: Camden Town, Chalk Farm, and Baker Street stations are not wheelchair-accessible. The nearest fully step-free station to the zoo is Bond Street, around a 45-minute walk away.
  • London Zoo: Mostly wheelchair accessible, though some of its 170+ year-old listed buildings have uneven paths or steep ramped tunnels. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire with a refundable deposit. Assistance dogs are generally not permitted except ADUK-accredited dogs under specific conditions.
  • Madame Tussauds: Fully wheelchair accessible except the Spirit of London ride, with lifts between floors (max 3 wheelchairs in the building at once — book 24 hours ahead). Ear defenders and BSL interpretation are available, alongside scheduled Quiet sessions with reduced sound and lighting. Assistance dogs are allowed throughout, except on the Spirit of London ride.
  • Regent's Park: Main paths, including the Broad Walk and Outer Circle, are flat and paved, generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
  • Hearing loops / tactile paths: Not confirmed in available sources for the zoo, the park, or Madame Tussauds — contact each venue directly if this is essential to your visit.

Visitor tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning right at opening (10am) for the quietest paths and most active animals — weekends and school holidays draw the biggest crowds, especially around Penguin Beach feeding times.
  • Catch sunset from Primrose Hill, a 12-minute walk from the zoo, for one of London's best free skyline views, with the Shard, BT Tower, and St Paul's all visible.
  • Camden Market and busy tube stations like Camden Town are known pickpocket spots — keep bags zipped and valuables out of back pockets, especially during weekend crowds.
  • The zoo's multifaith quiet room near Tiger Territory is available throughout the day for prayer or a sensory break, and London Central Mosque nearby welcomes visitors outside prayer times if dressed modestly.
  • Regent's Park Road in Primrose Hill is where locals actually eat — independent delis, bakeries, and cafés rather than the tourist-heavy spots closer to Camden.
  • Queen Mary's Gardens hits peak bloom in June, and Frieze London's contemporary art fair takes over part of Regent's Park each October — both worth timing a visit around.
  • Download the London Zoo app before you go for GPS-guided navigation, a daily talks schedule, and a personalised visit plan.

Frequently asked questions about things to do near London Zoo

Regent's Park and Primrose Hill are generally safe but quiet and poorly lit after dark, as the park itself closes at dusk. Stick to well-lit streets like Regent's Park Road or Parkway if walking after sunset.

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