Thursday 27 December 2018
Alfie
had never been to the zoo before, so what better way to introduce him than with
a whole day at ZSL London Zoo? I can’t think when we booked our combi-tickets
for their festive event – but it included day admission and an evening slot
(well 4:45pm) for the light trail spectacular. I couldn’t remember if I’d been
to London Zoo before either, but if I had, it was so long ago!
I
love that London is so easy to get to from MK, just a 40-minute Virgin train.
It was then two stops on the Northern Line to Camden Town and a short walk –
but we decided to walk straight from Euston to Regents Park... and it wasn’t a
bad walk either. We arrived at the zoo at 1pm.
Eating
and drinking at the zoo is super expensive, so I’d recommend eating beforehand,
or bringing your own lunch. Alfie slept as we got off the train, so missed our
sandwich stop at Pret – one of our first stops on arrival, therefore, was to
get him something to eat. A children’s lunch box will cost £5.95 and consists
of half a sandwich, drink, jelly and two snacks (we chose Hula Hoops and
raisins).
With
the zoo closing to the public at 4pm, we had less than three hours to look
around – and we only covered about half of the animals in that time. We arrived
at the penguins during the talk, so watched them being fed fish by the
zookeeper. It was really interesting to hear about the different breeds of
penguins at the zoo, but it was also so crowded. I stayed with the buggy, while
Ash and Alfie went a bit closer and they managed to find one of the cubby holes
with a window to see more clearly.
In
terms of the walk-in enclosures, we saw butterflies, tropical birds and lemurs.
I was terrified of the pigeons that flapped around in the cafe, crashing into
the windows; but I was more at ease with the tropical birds. I love lemurs and
we’d seen them before at Monkey World. We saw them just as they were enjoying
dinner too and I can’t believe how tame they were, looking completely oblivious
to the crowds of people (the majority taking photos on phones). We also visited
the farm area and as buggies weren’t permitted, I was on duty again, while Ash
and Alfie stroked the goats. I didn’t mind.
On
our way to the shop and meeting point for the evening, we quickly went to the
Africa area to see the giraffes. Unfortunately, it was getting dark and cold
and they had gone back into their house. Thankfully, one poked their head out
and I was able to see – so it wasn’t a wasted journey! We will have to go back
in warmer climes, when it’s lighter... oh, and I’m still yet to feed them, so
that needs ticking off soon!
Alfie
fell asleep while we were waiting to start the trail and I believe he missed
the majority of it – a shame, but even if he was awake, I don’t think he would
have understood (and probably wondered where the animals were). There was a
designated track, marked by signs and zoo staff.
The
light tunnel was fabulous, so magical and wintry; the lasers by contrast, fun
and a bit more upbeat. There were lit-up sculptures of animals, including
giraffes, a lion and kangaroos. The tulip and butterfly installation was
another highlight, along with the flying flamingos. There was also a massive
Christmas tree made of sledges, which was beautiful by day – but even better at
night. The penguin pool was also lit-up and fountains sprayed in time to music.
In
the Christmas village, there was a grotto with Father Christmas and his elf
performing; stalls selling festive drinks and snacks; and best of all, two open
fires where you could toast gourmet marshmallows (£1.50 each). With so many
flavours to choose from, I was spoilt for choice and had to sample two (opting
for Christmas pudding and gingerbread), while Ash tried coconut... I could have
eaten them all! That’s my sweet tooth.
Christmas
at London Zoo ran from November 22 to January 1 but I would recommend going if
they decide to do it (or something similar) again this year. Even if you don’t
have children, it’s still an enjoyable experience and would be perfect for a
date night, or just as a social thing with friends before your pre-Christmas meal/drinks!
Love,
Lucy xx
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Love, Lucy xx