For those cats lovers in London, we have five purrfect attractions for you.
1. ZSL London Zoo & ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Run by international conservation charity, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), these two zoos give visitors the opportunity to spot big cats. Take a trip to India at ZSL London Zoo’s new Land of the Lions enclosure, carefully designed to replicate the Asiatic lions’ native home of Gujarat, India. Visitors will then step into Indonesian-inspired Tiger Territory to meet Critically Endangered Sumatran tigers. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, a short prowl away from the capital, is home to a pride of African lions who spend their days playing and snoozing at Lions of the Serengeti. Follow the path through Africa to enter Cheetah Rock, home to a coalition of cheetahs, before taking a stroll across the park to explore Tiger Falls and catch a glimpse of Endangered Amur tigers.
Locations: ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY; and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 2LF
2. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
Lady Dinah’s is the UK’s longest-running cat cafe and home to the most lovable, quirky feline characters around. In addition to an a la carte menu of decadent cakes, fragrant teas and delightful speciality drinks named after the Cat Emporium’s cats, it is also the only cat cafe in the world to serve a traditional High Tea service — the purrfect afternoon for cat lovers! Pre-booking is advised.
Location: 152-154 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG
3. London Lion Hunt
Pick up ‘The London Lion Hunt’ by Francesca Fenn and Margie Skinner (published by Step Outside Guides) and spend the day exploring London with a three-mile safari through Westminster, Whitehall, and beyond. Taking you past famous sites such as the lions in Trafalgar Square, this child-friendly book shares the history of the lions of London.
Location: Various.
4. The Lion King
Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King is now in its 18th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in 1999, The Lion King has entertained over 13-million theatregoers and remains the West End’s bestselling stage production.
5. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home cares for over 8,000 animals a year and its three centres welcome visitors all year round. Even if you aren’t planning to rehome an animal, for just a small entry donation, cat lovers can sniff out the cafe and gift shop and get to know more about the Home, its history, and its future.
Locations: London (4 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4AA); Brands Hatch (Crowhurst Lane, Ash, Kent TN15 7HH); and Old Windsor (Priest Hill, Old Windsor, Berks. SL4 2JN)