Golders Hill Park Zoo

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 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.