Battersea Park Children's Zoo, London
Address Battersea Pk, London, SW11 4NJ, United Kingdom Map, Location Entrance is at Chelsea Gate on Queenstown Road. Near the Peace Pagoda close to the river, Cost £6.50 adults; £4.95 children, Hours 10am–5.30pm (4pm in winter), every day, Tube Sloane Square Website
I’m a big fan of London Zoo but I was really blown away by Battersea. It’s compact, all on one level (so easy for buggies and little legs) but the best thing about it is its originality. The cages are well laid out with interesting activities for the animals – it looks perfectly curated and has some interesting creatures, both cute and furry (rabbits, baby meerkats, a mouse house, etc) and the more reptilian. The farm section has a cute miniature pony, donkeys and pigs – all happy to be petted.
The playground at the end was great too – lots of interesting climbing things, a digger and a real tractor for kids to clamber around. You won’t find the big animals here – no lions, tigers etc… BUT it’s perfect for younger children, very central, a fraction of the price of London Zoo and without the queues and the long walks.
The café is closed in winter so make sure you take a snack or lunch if you need to.