By Lauren Harmes
Sometimes we just need to spend a day with our furry friends. Whether you need cheering up, or just fancy a fun day out, we’ve put together a list of the best places you can find the most aww-inducing creatures in London.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Kicking off this list with everyone’s favourite pets – cute little cats and dogs! You’re not obliged to adopt a pet during your visit – but don’t be surprised if you come home with an extra family member!
Where: 4 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4AA
London Zoo
What animal list would be complete without a mention of the world-famous London Zoo? From tigers and meerkats to giraffes and monkeys, there’s something for everyone here. Make sure you visit Penguin Beach to see these super-cute birds “fly” underwater.
Where: Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY
Hounslow Urban Farm
From the dizzy heights of London Zoo, to an adorable city farm in West London, it’s safe to say these animals are just as cute. Your usual suspects can be found here in the shape of chickens, rabbits, ducks etc, but the real stars of the show are the ridiculously cute micro pigs. Just don’t try putting one in your handbag!
Where: Faggs Road, Feltham, TW14 0LZ
St James’s Park
A city centre park isn’t where you’d normally expect to see pelicans, but that’s exactly what you can find at St James’s Park. Meet Louis, Vaclav and Gargi near to Duck Island Cottage and watch them fish, swim and preen together.
Where: St James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ
Richmond Park
Love Bambi? Then you will adore your visit to Richmond Park. Home to 630 wild deer, you will certainly get your cute animal fix here. Visit in the autumn during the deer ‘rut’ (breeding season) to witness fascinating battles between the large males.
Where: Richmond Park, TW10 5HR
Vauxhall City Farm
Another city farm on our list is a must-visit to meet their three adorable alpacas Tom, Ben and Jerry. While they’re more on the shy side, Vauxhall City Farm is absolutely worth a visit. Other furry friends at the farm include guinea pigs, rabbits, goats and donkeys who are all waiting to say hello!
Where: 165 Tyers Street, Lambeth, SE11 5HS
Horniman Museum & Gardens
This free attraction is a real gem in London, and is home to alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and much more. Fishy friends more your style? Check out the museum’s 15 exhibits in its aquarium showcasing aquatic environments from around the globe.
Where: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ
London Wetland Centre
It’s fair to say that otters are super cute, and there is a collection of these playful little creatures at the famous London Wetland Centre. Watch them play, forage, feed, swim and groom while also keeping an eye out for the abundance of other wildlife that can be found here.
Where: Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SQ13 9WT
Stepney City Farm
Fancy a bunny cuddle? Want to feed some donkeys? Or maybe you’d rather watch some cheeky little ferrets running around? This is all possible at Stepney City Farm. Situated in a beautiful urban setting, this farm is a true joy to visit all year round.
Where: Stepney Way, E1 3DG
Spitalfields City Farm
Ever wanted to watch a pair of goats race? Now’s your chance! At Spitalfields City Farm, two goats representing Oxford and Cambridge university battle it out on the same day of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. I know which one I’d prefer!
Where: Buxton Street, E1 5AR
