ZSL London Zoo

Opened since 1828, the zoo is home to more than 15,000 animals from more than 700 different species, from meerkats to moon jellyfish. Following years of of decline, the Zoological Society of London is redeveloping the London landmark with improved natural environments. Notable architectural features include the Mappin Terraces (1914) and the 1930s structures the Round House and, most famous of all, the Penguin Pool. Of close proximity to the Zoo is Primrose Hill — with its possibly unbeatable views of the London landscape — and adjacent ever-so-quaint chain-store-eschewing shopping street Regent's Park Rd, serving locals such as Jude Law. In Gloucester Avenue are celebrated gastro pubs the Engineer and the Landsdowne. Buzzy Camden Town is only minutes away, reachable via a footbridge en route to Chalk Farm tube station [very good ice cream at Marine ices just opposite] or, in the other direction, via the Regent's Canal — an excellent and atmospheric walk best started via the entrance on Albert Rd near St Mark's Square, just opposite the church. The zoo is open every day except Christmas.