London Zoo - Parking At or Park & Ride?

mew

I'm planning a trip to London Zoo on a weekend in the Easter School Holidays. As it will be a weekend and in the school holidays, I expect it to be busy but that's ok. According to the ZSL website, parking is £13! (and people complain about £2 at Chessington or £5 at Alton Towers).

Would It be wise to try and park at the Zoo or would/does the car park get full quickly? Alternatively, as I really wouldn’t like the idea of trying to find alternative parking in London, what would be the best/easiest way to 'Park & Ride' to the Zoo, I would either be coming from the Days Inn hotel Near the start of the M1 or driving down from the North via the M1 or A1?

minerva_windsong

Honestly? I wouldn't bother driving and would instead get a train into London and then the Tube to Regent's Park. Or alternatively find a train station outside London with parking, leave the car there and then get the train.

moneypooh

If you haven't already got a discount on tickets (you probably have ) getting a train ticket can get you 2 for 1 as well.

http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/zsl-london-zoo

I'd use the train as well, far more flexible and lass hassle.

deedee1966

We parked at the Zoo's car park which is only a very short walk away from the Zoo entrance itself.

It can get busy, but we got there just before the Zoo opened and got in with no problem. Which was handy because it took us all day to get round the Zoo, and you then know you can go back to the car and sit down.

greenface

its a reasonable and nice walk from euston if you dont want to go tube Straight rd(Euston) & through regents park . About 35 minutes

mew

Thanks for the replies, I have the tickets already (Got them with a collection of stuffed animals from Debenhams). As most people are recommending the train/tube, Does anyone know of the best train or tube station north (ish) of the Zoo with parking?

wealdroam

mew wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, I have the tickets already (Got them with a collection of stuffed animals from Debenhams). As most people are recommending the train/tube, Does anyone know of the best train or tube station north (ish) of the Zoo with parking?

Have you looked at their website?
There are details on how to get there.

If I was coming down the M1, I'd leave at junction 4 and head for Stanmore tube station. Less than two miles from j4 and plenty of parking.

Jubilee to Baker Street, then either walk or get a bus... details on the above webpage.

crystaltipps

We used to park at Barnet as it was part of the underground and had a cheap car park.

Going back a few years now though as the past three or four years we have taken advantage of the special East Midland Train offers on London-Nottingham returns combined with a family railcard. It works out cheaper than petrol and parking and is quick and more relaxed too! You have to book in advance for the best deals though.

We got the Debs zoo tickets too but as we have done London Zoo a couple of times, we are going to try Whipsnade instead with them. It was a great deal, wasn't it!

crystaltipps

Although after Google mapping it - I think Wealdroom has a better plan! Avoids faffing about with the M25 for one!

reddonna

I have always used the carpark or parking in the street (in the park) just outside the door. The Carpark costs £13, but if you have to get a tube, 2 adults, 2 single fares each = total £8 and thats is you have an oyster card, if not it will be £16. Car park every time for me!

giraffe69

If you are at the Days Inn then you will be at the equivalent of Junction 3 so travelling from there to the end of the M1 gives you a choice of Hendon Central or Brent Cross. Both stations have parking nearby which is free on a weekend and the journey time to Camden Town or Euston is under 20 minutes.