Get to know animals CIC, London Travel Guide

What it is

Get To Know Animals CIC is a small interactive zoo and animal experience centre in Epping, on the northeast edge of London’s commuter belt. It is best understood as a rescue-led, educational venue rather than a traditional zoo. The focus is on close contact with animals, guided handling, and short, structured encounters that bring visitors face to face with reptiles, small mammals, and other unusual species.The setting is a 12,000 sq ft indoor tropical sanctuary in a commercial complex, so the experience is compact, controlled, and largely weatherproof. It is run as a community-interest company, which gives the place a welfare-first, not-for-profit feel. The emphasis is on rehomed animals, conservation messaging, and learning through direct interaction.

What the visit feels like

A visit here is active rather than leisurely. You move between enclosures and handling stations, with the pace shaped by the animals and any booked experiences. Standard admission gives you the core visit, while paid extras can include aviary, iguana, tarantula, monkey, and tamarin encounters. That makes the attraction especially appealing if you want more than a quick look through glass.The atmosphere is informal and family-friendly, with a strong educational tone. It is not a place for long scenic walks or big-animal drama. Instead, the draw is proximity: the chance to see textures, movement, and behaviour at close range, often with a keeper or guide explaining what you are looking at. For children, that can be more memorable than a larger, more distant zoo layout.

Who it suits

This is a good fit for families, couples, solo visitors, school groups, and anyone interested in reptiles or rescue animals. It also works as a short day trip from London, especially when you want an indoor activity that does not depend on good weather. Because the venue is compact, most visits are best measured in hours, not a full day.It is less suitable if you want expansive grounds, a quiet nature setting, or a classic safari-style experience. The appeal lies in the hands-on format and the chance to engage with animals in a controlled indoor environment. For visitors who enjoy educational attractions with a slightly quirky edge, it offers a focused and memorable stop.

Getting there and practical expectations

The easiest public transport route is the Central line to Epping, then a short taxi or rideshare transfer to the venue. Driving is also practical for local visitors, though parking should be checked in advance. The site sits on a road-commercial edge rather than in a pedestrian centre, so it is not a place you usually reach on foot from the station.Expect a visit of around one to three hours, depending on whether you book handling experiences. Facilities are likely basic but functional for a small indoor attraction, and the experience is strongest when you arrive ready to participate rather than simply browse.