London Zoo by cargo bike: a Regent's Park family day
Some days don’t need a clever route — they need a good destination. ZSL London Zoo is one of the oldest scientific zoos in the world, home to more than 10,000 animals, and it sits right on the northern edge of Regent’s Park, which makes it about as easy a cargo bike trip as we run. Park, animals, ice cream on the way home. Nobody complains about this one.
Before you roll
- Distance: roughly 6–8km round trip, flat throughout.
- Timing: the zoo opens at 10am and closes anywhere between 4pm and 6pm depending on the season — check the current day’s closing time before you go, since last entry is an hour before close.
- Booking: book tickets online in advance. It’s usually cheaper than paying on the gate, and it guarantees entry on busy days.
- Bikes at the gate: cargo bikes aren’t allowed inside the zoo itself — lock up securely at the entrance and go in on foot.
Through Regent’s Park
The ride up is the easy part: cross into Regent’s Park and follow the Outer Circle north. It’s flat, mostly car-light, and pleasant enough that the ride there is not just a means to an end — boating lake, rose gardens, and (if you’re lucky) a heron doing its best statue impression.
Inside the zoo: what actually holds a kid’s attention
~25–30 minutes from Mayfair
The zoo is big enough that trying to see everything in one visit is a recipe for tired legs and a meltdown by 2pm. A few reliable highlights, in our experience:
- Tiger Territory — glass viewing panels put you close enough to a Sumatran tiger that toddlers go instantly quiet, which is its own kind of miracle.
- Penguin Beach — check the board for feeding times when you arrive. Watching penguins in a feeding frenzy is one of the more reliable “wow” moments in the whole zoo.
- The Children’s Zoo / petting areas — hands-on with goats and other friendly animals, good for younger kids who need a break from just looking at things behind glass.
- Gorilla Kingdom — a real crowd favourite, and usually busy mid-morning, so consider timing it either early or after lunch.
Pace it. Pick three or four zones, take a proper lunch break, and treat the rest as a bonus if energy allows.
The loop at a glance
| Stop | Highlight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regent’s Park | Boating lake, rose gardens | Free, flat riding |
| ZSL London Zoo | Tigers, penguins, gorillas, children’s zoo | Book ahead; check feeding times |
| The ride home | Regent’s Park, in reverse | Ice cream optional but recommended |
Total distance: 6–8km. Flat throughout. A relaxed half-day, or a full day if you linger.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book London Zoo tickets in advance?
It’s strongly recommended. Booking online is usually cheaper than paying at the gate, and it guarantees you a slot on busy days — the zoo can sell out, especially in school holidays.
What time does London Zoo open and close?
The zoo opens daily at 10am. Closing time varies by season, from around 4pm in winter to 6pm in summer, with last entry an hour before close — check the current day’s hours before you set off.
Can I bring a cargo bike inside the zoo?
No. Bikes need to be locked up securely outside the entrance; you’ll explore the zoo on foot.
Is London Zoo suitable for toddlers?
Yes — the Children’s Zoo area in particular is designed for younger children, with low-set enclosures and hands-on animal encounters, alongside plenty of pushchair-friendly paths throughout.
Photo: Northern rockhopper penguin, ZSL London Zoo by Katie Chan — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Fancy trying it yourself?
We hire electric family cargo bikes from Mayfair — the zoo is one of our easiest, most reliable family days out. Book your ride on gozoom.uk and we’ll get you rolling.
Tell us which animal stole the show — we’re building a very unscientific league table.