Hanwell Zoo: A Charming Family-Friendly Wildlife Haven in West London
Discover Hanwell Zoo, a charming small zoo in West London offering close animal encounters, a maze, and playgrounds for an affordable family day out.
Hanwell Zoo, nestled in Brent Lodge Park in West London, is a compact, community-focused zoo offering an intimate encounter with a variety of small mammals, exotic birds, and reptiles. Known locally as the 'Bunny Park,' it features engaging animal exhibits, a fun playground, and the Millennium Maze, making it a perfect budget-friendly day out for families and nature lovers alike.
A brief summary to Hanwell Zoo
- Church Rd, London, W7 3BP, GB
- +447803454510
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a spot in the limited free car park near the zoo, as it fills quickly by mid-morning.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the zoo, the adjacent Millennium Maze, and surrounding park playgrounds.
- Pack snacks and drinks since food options inside the zoo are limited, though a nearby park café offers takeaway refreshments.
- Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy a quieter experience and ample time for children to enjoy both animals and play areas.
- Check the zoo’s website or contact them ahead if you require accessibility assistance or have special needs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
Hanwell Zoo is about a 10-minute walk from Hanwell Station on the Elizabeth Line. Trains run frequently, with journey times from central London around 20–30 minutes. The walk from the station to the zoo is flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve stops on Greenford Avenue and near Ealing Hospital, both within a 15–20 minute walk of the zoo. Buses run regularly throughout the day. Walking from the bus stops involves some park paths and is manageable for most visitors.
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Car
There is a small free car park near the zoo with limited spaces that fill quickly, usually by 11 AM. Additional limited on-street parking is available on Church Road with a small charge. Early arrival is advised to secure parking.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking through Brent Lodge Park to the zoo is pleasant and accessible, with flat terrain and clear signage. The park also features the Millennium Maze and playgrounds, making for an enjoyable stroll.
Hanwell Zoo location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Hanwell Zoo
A Community-Centered Wildlife Experience
Hanwell Zoo, located within Brent Lodge Park in Hanwell, West London, has been a beloved local attraction since its origins as the 'Bunny Park' in 1975. This small but vibrant zoo focuses on providing close-up encounters with a diverse range of animals including small mammals like meerkats, porcupines, and marmosets, as well as exotic birds such as flamingos and peacocks. The zoo’s community ethos is evident in its reliance on dedicated volunteers who help with animal care and site maintenance, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.Compact Yet Rich in Wildlife
Despite its modest size, Hanwell Zoo offers a rich and varied collection of animals that captivates visitors, especially families with young children. The intimate setting allows for close viewing of species such as lemurs, alpacas, and a shy margay cat, alongside a small aquarium housing clownfish. The layout encourages exploration at a leisurely pace, making it easy to cover the entire zoo in about 45 minutes to an hour, with plenty of opportunities to pause and learn about conservation efforts.Interactive and Playful Attractions
Adjacent to the zoo is the Millennium Maze, a captivating labyrinth made from 2,000 yew trees, providing a playful challenge for visitors. Within the zoo grounds, a sand playground and an interactive toy elephant add to the family-friendly appeal. Nearby Brent Lodge Park also offers additional play areas, picnic spots, and a café serving refreshments, creating a well-rounded outing that blends wildlife observation with outdoor recreation.Accessible Location with Thoughtful Facilities
Hanwell Zoo is conveniently accessible, situated about a 10-minute walk from Hanwell Station on the Elizabeth Line and served by several bus routes within a 15- to 20-minute walk. Limited free parking is available near the zoo, though it fills quickly, so early arrival is recommended. The zoo is pushchair-friendly and offers free entry for carers with supporting documentation. While food options inside the zoo are limited, the nearby park café provides takeaway snacks and drinks.Reasonable Admission and Year-Round Opening
Entry to Hanwell Zoo is affordably priced, with adult tickets around £5 and children’s tickets about £4, while children under three enter free. The zoo operates year-round, with seasonal opening hours from 10am to 5pm during spring and summer, and 10am to 4pm in autumn and winter, closing only on Christmas Day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, with booking recommended during busy periods to ensure entry.A Welcoming Spot for Families and Nature Enthusiasts
Hanwell Zoo’s blend of small-scale animal encounters, interactive play areas, and scenic park surroundings makes it a standout destination for families seeking an affordable and engaging day out in London. Its focus on conservation education and community involvement enriches the visitor experience, inviting guests to connect with wildlife and nature in an intimate, relaxed setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford
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Queen Charlotte's Cottage
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The King's Head Gantry
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Richmond Bridge
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Courtyard London Heathrow Airport
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Church Street Twickenham
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Richmond Hill - Viewing Point
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Britain's only parliamentary-protected view, where the Thames winds through timeless meadowland.
Barmy Arms
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Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque
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Strawberry Hill House & Garden
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Battle of Britain Bunker
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Hammersmith Bridge
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Heathrow Airport
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St Martin's
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Experience the serene beauty and community spirit at St Martin's Church in Ruislip, a perfect blend of history and tranquility.
Manor Farm Library
9.2 km
Discover the hidden gem of Ruislip at Manor Farm Library, where literature meets community in a picturesque setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Brent Lodge Park
0.1 km
A serene riverside park in Hanwell featuring a small zoo, Millennium Yew Maze, playgrounds, and scenic river walks for family-friendly outdoor fun.
Hanwell Flight Of Locks
0.8 km
Explore London’s largest historic flight of canal locks, where engineering heritage meets serene waterside walks and rich local history.
Southall Broadway
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National Trust - Osterley Park and House
2.6 km
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Boston Manor House
3.1 km
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Boston Manor Park
3.2 km
A historic 28-acre park in Brentford blending Jacobean heritage, waterways, and family-friendly green spaces.
The SkyEx Community Stadium
3.2 km
A modern football stadium in Hayes blending community spirit, sporting heritage, and versatile event spaces.
West London Film Studios
3.4 km
Premier London film studio complex hosting Oscar-winning productions across two purpose-built sites.
BucketRace Games
3.8 km
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Ealing Common
3.8 km
A historic and spacious green oasis in West London, blending Victorian charm with lively community spirit and cultural events.
Gunnersbury Park Museum
4.5 km
Discover West London's rich heritage and tranquil green spaces at Gunnersbury Park Museum, where history meets nature.
Syon Park
4.6 km
Explore centuries of history, stunning gardens, and the iconic Great Conservatory at Syon Park, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland.
Syon House
4.7 km
Discover the rich Tudor history, Robert Adam’s neoclassical interiors, and Capability Brown’s sweeping landscapes at Syon House in Brentford.
The Musical Museum
4.7 km
Discover the enchanting world of self-playing instruments and live Wurlitzer concerts at Brentford’s Musical Museum.
London Museum of Water & Steam
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Explore Victorian steam engines and the story of London's water supply at this historic Brentford museum with interactive exhibits and a steam railway.
Essential places to dine
Man vs Food
3.5 km
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La Rosetta Restaurant
4.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm family hospitality at La Rosetta, a beloved Brentford dining destination.
A Cena
6.8 km
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Tamara Lounge
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The Pheasant Inn & Restaurant Heathrow (over 18s only)
7.0 km
A refined adult-only pub and restaurant near Heathrow offering generous British fare, excellent gluten-free options, and warm hospitality.
The Petersham Restaurant
7.6 km
Elegant British fine dining with stunning Thames views in Richmond’s historic mid-Victorian setting.
Three Magpies
7.9 km
A cozy Heathrow pub serving hearty classics and a wide drink selection in a friendly, family- and dog-friendly setting.
Madeirinhas
8.1 km
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Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2) London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
8.4 km
A stylish and comfortable retreat in Heathrow Terminal 2 offering quality food, drinks, and amenities for all travelers.
Brouge Gastropub
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Plaza Premium Lounge London Heathrow (Departures, Terminal 4)
8.9 km
A spacious, modern lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4 offering diverse dining, apron views, and comfortable amenities for travelers seeking relaxation before departure.
Le Taj
9.0 km
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Humble Thali
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The Bell On The Green - Pub, Bar and Indian Restaurant
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Fez Mangal Ladbroke Grove
9.7 km
Experience authentic Turkish barbecue and vibrant atmosphere at Fez Mangal Ladbroke Grove, a beloved London institution for kebab lovers.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stuff
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Always & Forever - Wedding Dresses London
5.1 km
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Unique Globe Curiosities Gift Shop
6.0 km
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The Discount Store
6.2 km
Discover unbeatable prices and a wide variety of products at The Discount Store in Hayes, a must-visit destination for budget-savvy travelers.
Neelam Post Office & Convenience
7.3 km
Experience the best of convenience shopping in Uxbridge at Neelam Post Office & Convenience, offering fresh produce, postal services, and more.
Harrods
8.4 km
Experience the pinnacle of luxury shopping and festive magic at Harrods, London’s iconic department store in Knightsbridge.
The London Heritage
8.7 km
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Westfield London
8.8 km
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Fabulous Woman Limited
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Louis Vuitton Heathrow T3
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Antique Clothing Shop
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Jovonna Notting Hill Boutique
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Hangout Clothing
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The Pavilions
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Portobello Rd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Star & Scorpion
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The Queen's Head, Cranford
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London Apprentice
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Middlesex Arms
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The Music Box
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The White Hart Harlington
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The Castle, Harrow
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The White Horse
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Green Man
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The Sussex Arms
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The Elgin
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The Week
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The Curtains Up
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Trailer Happiness
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Tranquil
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
