Days Out Things To Do

See these animals for free in London

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Find out where you and your family can see all the best animals for free in London.

If you have children who love their animals, there are some great places in London to see them for free. Perfect for a family day out, here are some of the fantastic locations to see animals for free in the city.

Hackney City Farm

You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy the fun of the farmyard. This hidden gem in Hackney has numerous farmyard animals including donkeys, goats and pigs. Kids can enjoy this slice of farm life while learning about food and the environment.

1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA | hackneycityfarm.co.uk

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Situated in Forest Hill, the Animal Walk at Horniman Gardens let you walk through the centre of their enclosures. There you’ll find animals like alpacas, goats and rabbits. You’ll also find the Horniman Nature Trail on the grounds, which houses birds, insects and other creatures in the oldest nature trail in London.

100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ | horniman.ac.uk

Richmond Park

This natural reserve is home to over 600 deers who’ve been living there since the 17th Century. Richmond Park also house numerous small mammals, birds and even bats. Of course, Richmond Park is also a lovely park to exploreand contains a tearoom and cafe.

Richmond Park, Richmond | royalparks.org.uk

Stepney City Farm

This delightful city farm spread over three acres  can be found hidden away in Tower Hamlets. This working farm gives visitors plenty of opportunities to interact with farm animals like sheep, poultry and donkeys. There’s also ‘small furries’ in the farm like guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.

Stepney Way, E1 3DG | stepneycityfarm.org

St James’s Park

While St James Park is one of the nicest royal parks in London, it’s oddly also the best place to see wild pelicans in the city. Pelicans were first gifted to the park in 1664 by a Russian ambassador. Whilst you’re in the park, you can also enjoy a visit the Mall and the Horse Guards Parade.

St James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ | royalparks.org.uk