London zoos and animal attractions are reopening post-lockdown

By Jen Barton Packer on 11/6/2020

While parents are concerned (read: losing their minds) about the continuation of distance learning - it's not getting any easier, is it? - at least we can now take our little ones on field trips.
Yes, London zoos and wildlife sanctuaries - which have been terribly impacted by this crisis - are reopening from June 15th, with city farms looking to reopen in July. We can't wait - although those virtual zoo tours did help get us through the past several weeks. Just remember: social distancing rules remain in place, and indoor facilities - e.g. reptile houses and aquariums - will remain closed. Tickets will likely need to be pre-booked online, so check the website ahead of your visit.

WWT London Wetland Centre

This idyll in Barnes is a nature reserve that illustrates conservation in action and appeals to kids – and adults – of all ages, especially budding ornithologists (there are over 180 species of bird).

Credit: Saleel Tambe/WWT

WHERE

WWT London, Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT

ZSL London Zoo

A favourite for kids of all ages, the ZSL London Zoo is where to go to spot the big beasts: the lions, the tigers, the gorillas, the giraffes, the hippos and more. No matter what time of day you're there, you can catch something exciting - even though animal experiences aren't running at the moment.

Credit: ZSL London Zoo

WHERE

Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

Battersea Park's Children's Zoo is a family favourite because it's not too overwhelming but there's still plenty to do, from fun outdoor play spaces to spotting farm animals, meerkats and monkeys.

WHERE

Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea, London, SW11 4NJ

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington is the theme park that parents actually enjoy, with a wide variety of rides and activities to suit children of all ages. There's also an on-site zoo, with a large selection of animals kids love, including lions, gorillas, rhinos, zebras, reindeer, flamingos and more. Chessington Zoo will reopen June 18th, with more attractions set to open in July.

WHERE

Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE

Hobbledown Farm

A favourite destination with school classes, Hobbledown farm has it all. In addition to the usual-suspect farm animals, you'll spot camels, meerkats, wallabies, otters, coati, deer and birds of prey. Located right near Epsom station, it's a 25-minute journey out of Clapham Junction. Hobbledown should be opening up again in July.

WHERE

Hobbledown, Horton Lane, Horton, KT19 8PT

Bocketts Farm

Located just south of Leatherhead, Surrey, Bocketts Farm is worth the trip away from your comfort zone with hundreds of animals to see (and, in the past, lots to do with them: pony rides, pig racing, goat milking, tractor rides and the chance to see a baby animal or two). Bocketts Farm should be reopening in July.

WHEN

Open seven days a week, 10am-5:30pm. Tickets from £11.25

WHERE

Young Street, Fetcham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9BS