Whether you love exotic animals, farm animals, fish, butterflies, or birds, London has a wide variety of attractions for any animal lover to enjoy.
With such an array to choose from, here are ten of the best spots for animal-lovers to meet up and hang out with the cutest animals in London.
1. ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park boasts a multitude of animals from across the globe. From lemurs to giraffes, otters to hippos, meercats and penguins, there is sure to be something for every animal lover.
Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY.
2. Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is made up of four acres of freshwater habitat, designed to reintroduce wildlife and biodiversity to the city. This urban wetland in the heart of Greenwich is home to a fascinating array of wildlife.
John Harrison Way, Olympian Way, SE10 0QZ.
3. Spitalfields City Farm
The Spitalfields City Farm is fun for all the family. Meet Gilbert and Sullivan, the dynamic dinky donkey duo, Holmes the pig, and Beatrix the sheep. Even better, this farm is the closest to the city’s square mile, located less than a 20-minute walk from Dorsett Hotel, City.
Buxton Street, E1 5AR.
4. Richmond Park
Richmond Park is just one of many Royal Parks that London has to offer. Be on the look out for Red and Fallow deer, which have been roaming the park freely since 1637.
Richmond Park, TW10 5HR.
5. Horniman Museum & Gardens
The Horniman Museum & Garden’s Living Collection consists of four main areas. The Animal Walk has sheep, goats, guinea pigs, alpacas, rabbits, and chickens. After this, take a look around the Aquarium, Butterfly House, and the museum gardens.
100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ.
6. Sea Life London Aquarium
From the Polar Adventure to Ocean Invaders, to the Coral Kingdom, and the Rockpool exhibit, there is no corner of the ocean that Sea Life London Aquarium leaves unturned. However, the stars of the aquarium have to be their adorable colony of Gentoo Penguins.
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB.
7. London Wetland Centre
Another conservation area and nature reserve, the London Wetland is home to playful Asian short-clawed otters, American wood ducks, Hawaiian geese, and many other water birds from all over the world.
Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT.
8. St James’ Park
In 1664, St James’ Park was gifted pelicans by the Russian Ambassador. Since then, over 40 mischievous pelicans, including the world-famous Isla, Tiffany and Gargi, have made the park their home.
St James’ Park, SW1A 2BJ.
9. The Darwin Centre
Inside the Cocoon in the Darwin Centre, you can find hundreds of specimens of historic insects and plants. You can also meet Archie, the 8.62-metre-long squid, and Darwin’s octopus on a Spirit collection tour.
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD.
10. Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is one of the best places to see London’s wild flock of parakeets. You can either watch them from afar, or it is rumoured that they will even land on your arm if you offer them food!
Kensington Gardens, W2 2UH. Now you know the best hotspots for animal lovers in London, all that is left to do is to get out, enjoy, and explore.