Golders Hill Park Zoo
Rating
Family of 4
USD 0 for zoo entry; budget USD 20–30 for cafe lunch
Duration
1–2 hours
Best Ages
1–10
About
Golders Hill Park Zoo is one of London's most underrated free family attractions. Part of the wider Golders Hill Park on the western edge of Hampstead Heath, this small but well-maintained zoo charges nothing for entry and delivers a genuinely worthwhile animal experience for young families.
The collection includes wallabies, fallow deer, flamingos, axolotls, and a well-stocked exotic bird aviary. None of these are headline zoo animals, but for children under 10 — and especially toddlers experiencing animals up close for the first time — the variety is more than enough to spark real excitement.
The zoo is integrated into the wider park, so a visit flows naturally into time on the park's excellent playground, a walk along the formal garden paths, or a stop at the much-loved Golders Hill Park cafe for an ice cream or a light lunch. On a sunny day, this is one of those effortlessly good London family outings.
Because entry is free, there's no pressure to rush or cram everything in. You can spend as long or as short as your kids' energy allows and come back another day at no cost. The park is well-connected by bus and is a short walk from Golders Green tube station.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Yes — at the park's Hill Garden facilities
Kid Meals
Yes — Golders Hill Park cafe adjacent to the zoo
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or sunny weekend afternoons
Wait Times
None — free entry, no queuing
Nearby Food
Golders Hill Park cafe on site; Golders Green high street is a 10-minute walk with many cafes, bakeries, and restaurants
Why Kids Love It
It's a real zoo and it's completely free, which feels almost too good to be true. Kids can see wallabies, flamingos, fallow deer, and exotic birds just a short walk from Hampstead Heath. The intimate size means young children stay engaged the whole visit without getting tired.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The flamingo enclosure is a favorite — visit early before weekend crowds arrive
- Combine with Hampstead Heath for a longer day; the two parks connect directly
- The park cafe is popular and does run out of certain items by midday on busy weekends — arrive early if you want a full lunch
What to Bring
- A picnic — the park has lovely green spaces perfect for eating outside
- Small binoculars for the bird aviary
- A change of clothes for kids who will inevitably find mud near the deer enclosure
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 0 for zoo entry; budget USD 20–30 for cafe lunch
Tips to Save
- Bring a packed lunch and use the park's picnic areas to keep costs at zero
