Tiger Territory

Tiger Territory is a dedicated big cat enclosure in London Zoo where you can get genuinely close to these magnificent animals - far closer than you'd manage on a safari. The space is built to let you observe them properly, with multiple viewing angles and decent sightlines so the tigers aren't just distant shapes behind wire.

It's aimed squarely at families and anyone with more than a passing interest in big cats. Young children will be mesmerised by the sheer size and movement of the animals; older kids often spend longer here than anywhere else in the zoo, which tells you something. If you're already visiting London Zoo - and it's worth a day if you've got school holidays to fill - Tiger Territory is the section that justifies the trip.

You'll need at least two hours to do the zoo properly, and another 45 minutes here if the tigers are active. Go midweek if you can; weekends get rammed. Early morning is best, before the heat sends the cats into shade for most of the day.

Lovat Parks is just under three miles away if you're basing yourselves in the area for a longer stay. The zoo itself is accessible from central London by tube, which beats driving and fighting for parking. Entry isn't free - it's a paid attraction - but London Zoo often has online discounts if you book ahead. Worth checking their website before you visit.