Review of 'London Zoo Twilight'

https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whats-on/twilight-opening-for-adults-only

We have long enjoyed attending the various after-hours adults-only events at the London Zoo (see my review of Sunset Safari (2016)) where we can explore the zoo in peace and calm as well as tuck into some street food (all street food vendors accepted plastic).

In the past we have very much enjoyed the talks given by keepers and staff but, unfortunately, this year in addition to the £19.99 entrance fee there were no such options though there were tours (£10 extra) and “Champagne at the Penguin Pool” (£10 extra).

The tickets said the doors opened at 6 pm but when we visited they were opened about 15 minutes beforehand to let the large queue in. The end time was set at 10 pm but in reality after about 9:30 none of the animal exhibits were open any longer so you were left with eating and/or listening to live music.

This year there was a DJ in the “Barclay Court”, which is the central area for any night time visit (and is close to the souvenir shop and exit), alongside several street food vendors though no big names on the street food scene (alas). Additionally, there was much more sedate live music nearby on the lawn outside the “Terrace”.

“The farmyard” is always a hit with my companion as this is where she can get in the pen and pet animals. This time there were only goats on show but this did not disappoint her in the least.

Of course, the entire zoo was open to visit with the exception of the large animal exhibits across the road from the main entrance, including all walkthroughs (“In With the Monkeys”, “Butterfly Paradise” and “Tiny Giants” spider walkthrough) and buildings. For the most part the animals come alive after dark so you can actually see them. Despite the short period of time for the opening we saw a good portion of the animals.

Ultimately, a bit disappointing without the talks from the keepers/staff but otherwise very enjoyable.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2021-07-22

Location: London (England)

Address: Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY

Public Transport: Camden Town Baker Street

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7449 6200

URL: https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo

The London Zoo is a small zoo located on the north side of Regent Park with a long history – indeed, the old penguin enclosure is actually a listed structure. They have a wide assortment of animals including three lions in their new, much-vaunted, enclosure made up to look like it is straight out of India as well as the ever-popular penguins, tigers, giraffes, hippos, kangaroos, etc. The grounds are very nicely laid out and much of it is like a park. Certainly worth a half-day to look around but much longer and you might be getting bored. Visiting can be quite expensive with adult tickets right now at about £25.