If dating is not scary enough for you (!), then make tracks for London, where you can have a roaring time. Literally. The peeps at London Zoo are organising Date Nights at the Gir Lion Lodge, which is part of the new Land of the Lions exhibit, which is designed to tell the story of Asiatic lions – how they live and the conservationists trying to save them. 

The lion enclosure itself covers 2,500 square metres and has been modelled on the lions’ habitat, featuring 46 species of plant and 47 trees. It’s the most immersive zoo exhibit I’ve ever come across.

Just steps from the lions is the lodge, a collection of nine bright and colourful huts, made to look like the guesthouses in India’s Gir Forest. The inside, however, is luxurious and modern with comfy beds, fluffy towels, tea and coffee, and an en-suite bathroom.  But the most exciting thing of all is that you’re in roaring distance of the lions 

Zoo Nights are back for another year on Fridays from 5 June to 24 July 2026, and will be open from 6pm – 10pm, just for adults. The invite says Explore our world of wildlife in the heart of the city with talks, games and over 8,500 amazing animals. After you’ve worked up an appetite, discover our street food market serving up fantastic flavours from across the globe, with plenty of choice for herbivores and carnivores. Then grab a drink from one of our watering holes and settle in for some spectacular, gravity-defying acrobatics in our finale showstopper.

Plus, there is ZooTown, which is normally just for kids, but they’re opening it up especially thes date nights.  You can collect zebra poo like a keeper, collect post and deliver it across ZooTown, sing your heart out on the mic, and carry out vital health checks in our Vet Hospital – there’s plenty to get stuck into!