Hanwell Zoo
A charming, affordable family zoo in West London, nestled in Brent Lodge Park, offering animal encounters, a playground, and a maze.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Hanwell Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, affordable family zoo in West London, nestled in Brent Lodge Park, offering animal encounters, a playground, and a maze.
"A lovely little zoo and situated in a beautiful area. Peaceful and so relaxing."
🎯 Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value family outing. Adults around £5, kids less!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo and the park, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Peacocks
Throughout the zoo
Wander among these stunning birds, often seen strutting freely, adding a touch of regal beauty to your visit.
Charming Meerkats
Meerkat enclosure
Watch these social and curious creatures as they pop up and interact, a guaranteed hit with all ages.
Vibrant Flamingos
Flamingo enclosure
Admire the striking pink plumage of the flamingos, a colorful and lively addition to the zoo's inhabitants.
Millennium Maze
Adjacent to the zoo
Get lost (and found!) in this fun maze, a delightful activity for kids after exploring the animal enclosures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value family outing. Adults around £5, kids less!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo and the park, so wear comfy shoes!
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Food options are limited; bringing your own lunch and snacks is a smart move.
🅿️ Parking Tips
The car park can get busy. Arrive early or consider parking on Church Road.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value family outing. Adults around £5, kids less!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the zoo and the park, so wear comfy shoes!
🍎 Pack a Picnic
Food options are limited; bringing your own lunch and snacks is a smart move.
🅿️ Parking Tips
The car park can get busy. Arrive early or consider parking on Church Road.
🧸 Playground Fun
There's a great playground inside the zoo and another one nearby in Brent Lodge Park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hanwell Zoo's charm, affordability, and family-friendly atmosphere, calling it a 'lovely little zoo' and a 'fantastic price'. The adjacent park and playground are big hits with children. Some minor points of concern include occasional empty water bowls for animals and limited food options at the cafe.
"What a lovely little zoo and situated in a beautiful area. Beautiful scenery all around, in within nature.. peaceful and so relaxing.
A £5 entry fee as my boy not yet 2 years, so a fantastic price.
We both spent about 2 hours walking around the zoo, looking at all the animals and even got to see feeding time for some of them, which was an added bonus.
As the day was so sunny and bright it actually felt like I was on holiday 😀 with that feeling in mind, we had to end the morning with a cheeky ice cream.
By coming in the week I was lucky to get a parking space, the car park isn't very big so worth getting here early to avoid parking else where.
But id definitely come here again and make a whole day of it.
They have a sand pit play area within the zoo and a play area just opposite the zoo too so lots for the little ones to explore."
Megan Stevens
"Quaint little zoo with a variety of small animals and birds. While they don't have any of the large animals at most big zoos they have a unique collection of very interesting smaller, less common animals and birds in their collection. Definitely worth a visit. Has a nice little Cafe and playground for kids too."
Raman
"This is such an amazing zoo! There is free parking on church rd car park. All the staff greet you with a smile and are very helpful. There are lots of different animals to see, a butterfly house and even a playground. Unfortunately the capybara is no longer at the zoo 🕊️"
Vladlena Scetkovska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hanwell Zoo is located in Brent Lodge Park, accessible by public transport. Several bus routes serve the area, and Hanwell train station is a short walk away. If driving, there's a car park on Church Road, though it can get busy.
Yes, there is a car park on Church Road. However, it's not very large, so it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during school holidays, to secure a spot.
You can take the Underground to Ealing Broadway and then a bus or a short taxi ride to Hanwell Zoo. Alternatively, trains from Paddington to Hanwell station are frequent.
Absolutely! Hanwell Zoo is well-served by local bus routes, and Hanwell train station is within walking distance, making it easily accessible for visitors using public transport.
Yes, cycling is a great option. There are usually places to secure bikes near the park entrance. The zoo is also a pleasant destination for a bike ride through West London.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hanwell Zoo offers very affordable entry fees. Adult tickets are typically around £5, and child tickets are less, making it an economical choice for families.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially avoid queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Hanwell Zoo website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Information on specific membership options and costs for Hanwell Zoo is not widely advertised. For the most current details, it's recommended to contact the zoo directly or check their official website.
Given the already low ticket prices, specific discounts are not heavily promoted. However, family packages or special event pricing might be available, so it's worth checking their official channels.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hanwell Zoo features a variety of smaller animals and birds, including peacocks, flamingos, tortoises, meerkats, and porcupines. While they don't have large zoo animals, their collection is unique and interesting.
Yes, Hanwell Zoo is excellent for young children. It's a compact, family-friendly zoo with a playground and often has animals that captivate little ones.
Yes, toilet facilities are available at Hanwell Zoo, ensuring a comfortable visit for families and all guests.
Generally, feeding the animals at zoos is not permitted to ensure their health and well-being. It's best to observe feeding times if they are scheduled and not offer your own food.
The Millennium Maze is a fun, twisty maze located adjacent to Hanwell Zoo within Brent Lodge Park. It's a popular attraction for children to explore after visiting the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located near the entrance of Hanwell Zoo that offers a selection of food and drinks.
The cafe offers a selection of food and drinks. However, many visitors recommend bringing your own packed lunch and snacks as the options might be limited.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is a great idea, especially for families with young children, to ensure you have plenty of options and to save money.
While specific picnic tables might not be abundant, the surrounding Brent Lodge Park offers ample green space perfect for enjoying a picnic before or after your zoo visit.
Besides the zoo's cafe, there are local shops and eateries in the Hanwell area. For more extensive dining choices, Ealing Broadway is a short bus or train ride away.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant peacocks, curious meerkats, and colorful flamingos. The intimate setting allows for great close-up shots of many animals.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Hanwell Zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing animals from a distance. However, even a smartphone can take excellent photos given the zoo's manageable size.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid using flash photography, especially near sensitive animals, and to respect the animals' space.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting, which is ideal for photography. Animals are also often more active during these times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1 The animals are engaging for little ones, and the affordable entry fee makes it a budget-friendly outing. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as food options can be limited. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and allow your children ample time to enjoy both the animals and the play areas. The Millennium Maze also offers a fun, interactive experience for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 You can further save by bringing your own picnic lunch and snacks, as recommended by many visitors. Combine your visit with a stroll through Brent Lodge Park and enjoy the free playground, making for a full day of entertainment without breaking the bank. It's a great option for experiencing a bit of nature and wildlife without the hefty price tag of larger attractions.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Its location within Brent Lodge Park means you can easily extend your visit by enjoying a picnic or letting the kids loose in the playground. It's a perfect, low-stress day out that offers a pleasant change of pace from the busier city attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Brent Lodge Park
Beyond the zoo, the park features a well-equipped playground that keeps children entertained for hours, making it a dual-purpose destination for families.
+1 There's also the Millennium Maze, a fun challenge for all ages that adds an element of adventure to your outing. For those looking to extend their exploration, walking south along the river from the park leads to a flight of canal locks, which are noted as being worth checking out.
Family Fun at Hanwell Zoo
The presence of a playground within the zoo grounds is a major draw, allowing kids to burn off energy after observing the animals. +1Many reviews highlight the affordable ticket prices, making it an accessible outing for most families.
+2 The opportunity to see animals up close, coupled with the nearby playground and maze, ensures a day filled with smiles and excitement. Visitors often recommend bringing a packed lunch and snacks, as this can make the day more convenient and cost-effective for families. Beyond the zoo itself, the surrounding Brent Lodge Park offers additional space for children to play, including a separate playground.
Value and Experience
+1 The zoo's charm lies in its intimate setting and unique collection of smaller animals and birds, providing a different, yet equally rewarding, experience compared to more expansive wildlife parks. Visitors often spend around two hours exploring the zoo, taking in the sights and sounds of the animals.
While it may not boast large, exotic animals, Hanwell Zoo excels in providing a peaceful, relaxing, and educational experience that resonates with many visitors, particularly families and those seeking a quieter, more personal encounter with wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit