ZSL London Zoo

No city-break is complete without a trip to the local zoo, and London Zoo is both fascinating and highly entertaining. Perfect for couples and families with young children, the zoo is divided up into a number of different sections based on species.

Pay a visit to the king of the jungle in the Land of Lions or enter a hive of activity in the Gorilla Kingdom, there’s thought to be around 700 different species in total at the zoo! With so much to see and do, visitors will be hard-pressed to explore it all before the sun goes down. Fear not though, reptiles, amphibians and fish can all be found in indoor enclosures.

Officially opened in 1828, almost 200 years ago, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. It is managed by the Zoological Society of London and spans across an area of around 36 acres. While the zoo is certainly famed for its fun-loving atmosphere and family-friendly ethos, many tend to forget that the zoo has had to overcome uncertainty and hardship over the years. During World War II, the zoo was forced to close on multiple occasions due to air raids.

• The zoo is home to two Grade I and eight Grade II listed structures.
  
• London Zoo featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone during the infamous Burmese python scene.
  
• Contrary to common belief, the zoo receives no state funding. It solely relies on the profits it makes from admission fees, sponsorships and donations.