If your little explorers have ever wondered what happens at the zoo once the gates close and the crowds drift home, the ZSL London Zoo lodges offer a truly magical answer. Hidden within London Zoo’s Land of the Lions habitat, these vibrant Gujarati-inspired lodges promise an unforgettable night’s sleep within roaring distance of the resident Asiatic lion pride. And this festive season, the experience comes with a generous dose of Christmas sparkle. Zoey Goto and her eight-year-old daughter Indiana checked in for the night.
Indiana with lion at London Zoo
Our mini reviewer Indiana with tiger jaw at London Zoo sleepover
Children prepping enrichment boxes
Dining at London Zoo’s Sleepover
Dinner was far fancier than expected: a candlelit affair, with crisp white tablecloths and the tinkling of music floating through the restaurant. The experience includes a two-course meal. I opted for the shepherd’s pie and mash, served in an iron skillet, followed by a rich, gooey chocolate brownie with berry compote. Indiana chose fish fingers, potato wedges, and peas – and, of course, a brownie for dessert. Both were delicious and demolished at record speed. In the morning, breakfast was plentiful: a generous buffet spread with full English, cereals, pastries, tea, and coffee – everything needed to set us up for another day of animal adventures.
London Zoo Lion Lodges entrance
Indiana outside the Sunbird Lodge at London Zoo
Inside the London Zoo Lion’s Lodges
Each of the nine lodges is inspired by the rich colours and textures of India’s Gir Forest, the natural homeland of the Asiatic lions. Ours was adorned with painted murals of sunbirds and warm wooden tones that instantly felt inviting. The twin beds (plus a pull-out sofa) were topped with fluffy towels folded into elephants on each bed – a charming touch that delighted Indiana.
The bathroom was compact yet well-equipped, with a shower, heated towel rail, and complimentary toiletries. A well-stocked tray of teas and coffees, a kettle, hairdryer, and ample plug sockets made it feel more boutique homestay than back-to-nature campsite.
Each lodge also comes with a private wooden veranda furnished with a small table and chairs, the perfect spot to unwind with a hot drink and take in the tropical planting. With the lions roaring nearby, it’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of London rather than a far-flung corner of the wild.
Inside the Lion Lodges at London Zoo
A lodge bedroom at London Zoo
The London Zoo Lodges during winter season
Exploring the Zoo After Hours
Staying overnight meant three exclusive tours, each uncovering a new secret side of London Zoo. After dinner, we set off on a torch-lit adventure to the mini-beasts enclosure, getting up close to the zoo’s tiniest residents; spiders, shiny beetles, and wiggly worms.
Our final stop of the evening took us behind the scenes to the primate kitchen. Here, the children rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on enrichment session, smearing a fragrant paste of spices into cardboard boxes. These little parcels would be delivered the next morning to some very special zoo residents.
The next day, before the public arrived, we discovered who would be receiving our handiwork: the Sumatran tigers. Watching these magnificent cats pounce, swipe, and play with the boxes the children had prepared was an unforgettable start to the day – a wild, memorable moment before the gates opened to the crowds.
Exclusive Zoo Entry for the Weekend
Guests enjoy free entry to both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo across two days, making it easy to extend the adventure. Between the immersive animal habitats, interactive exhibits, and keeper talks, there’s more than enough to keep families entertained from dawn till dusk.
A Christmas-themed Stay at London Zoo
On select dates between 19 and 30 December, the London Zoo Lodges are transformed with festive cheer. The lodges are festively decorated and surrounded by twinkling lights, creating a cozy, enchanting atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy seasonal treats and warming drinks, from hot chocolate to mulled wine, and gather around the campfire to toast marshmallows under the stars. There’s also the chance to get creative with Christmas-themed enrichment, discovering the animals’ favourite festive gifts, while children aged 5–13 receive a special present on arrival.
The Verdict
For a safari-style stay without the long-haul flights, this sleepover experience is hard to beat. Highlights include the fun and fascinating VIP nighttime tours of the zoo, and the thrill of being serenaded to sleep by the roar of lions just metres from the beds.
My daughter, already an animal lover, left even more fascinated by conservation – a perfect example of an activity that manages to be educational while still utterly fun for families. All in all, it was completely roarsome!
Essentials
Family nights are available year-round, with children aged 5–13 welcome. Stays include a two-course dinner, buffet breakfast, and three exclusive after-hours tours. Guests also receive two-day entry to both ZSL London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo.
From £138.75 per person per night for a family of four.
