Make a day out of ‘The Lion King’ in London | London Theatre

Make your London trip extra roar-some by planning fun activities around your visit to Disney’s family-favourite West End musical.

Countless theatregoers had their first thrilling experience of a West End musical with Disney’s The Lion King – and have since taken their own children to this spellbinding show. That’s the circle of ife! No wonder the beloved London production is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024.

Be prepared to celebrate with a trip to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, and follow our guide to find plenty more roar-some entertainment in the capital to make your visit even more special. Of course a trip to London Zoo is a must, or you can pair this amazing show with a Disney shopping trip or another production with incredible puppetry.

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London Zoo

Julie Taymor’s incredible production of The Lion King brings to life the animals of the African Pride Lands via beautifully designed puppets. It’s almost as good as the real thing – and you can see the latter via a visit to the legendary London Zoo.

Lioness Arya gave birth to three cubs in spring 2024, so you can see an actual lion family like Simba and his parents. There’s also a warthog that will remind you of Pumbaa, and you can meet (and feed!) meerkats just like Timon. You can also explore their environment thanks to the zoo’s Into Africa habitat.

Address: Regent’s Park, London NW1
Price: £

Disney Store

Can you feel the love tonight? You and your kids will definitely fall in love with the characters in The Lion King: Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, and more. So, to stock up on souvenirs, head to London’s magical Disney Store on Oxford Street, which is packed with official merchandise – from toys and clothes to stationery and games.

There are also special events at the Disney Store such as movie screenings and animation workshops, so if your imagination has been fired up by seeing the Lion King show, you can explore more stories or even start crafting your own.

Address: 350-352 Oxford Street, London W1C
Price: ££

My Neighbour Totoro

You can never have enough theatre, so why not do the double and pair a matinee with an evening show? That way, you can see another astonishing production that is both child-friendly and uses the most amazing puppets as part of its award-winning theatrical craft: My Neighbour Totoro.

Just like The Lion King, it’s a jaw-dropping stage version of a hit animated movie, and its wood spirits are represented by epic puppets, including the titular Totoro. It’s also a relatable story, centring on two young sisters who move house when their mother is sick, finding comfort in nature and in each other.

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Address: Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B
Price: ££

Royal Observatory

The wise Mufasa tells Simba in The Lion King: “Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars.” It’s a lovely moment between father and son, and a comforting idea for people of all ages. So, why not add some stargazing to your London trip?

The best place for that is the historic Royal Observatory in Greenwich, which dates back the 17th century. You can stand on the Meridian Line, with one foot in each hemisphere, enjoy the spectacular views of Greenwich Royal Park and the River Thames, and visit the nearby Peter Harrison Planetarium, where you can touch a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite.

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Address: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10
Price: £

Buckingham Palace / Kensington Palace

Eager young Simba just can’t wait to be king! See if you’re similarly suited to royal life by checking out a couple of London’s swanky royal residences during your visit. Kensington Palace has been home to Princess Margaret, Princess Diana and the Cambridge family, and there is plenty to explore both inside and in the gardens.

Buckingham Palace is one of the capital’s most famous landmarks, and you can check out its glittering State Rooms and impressive art collection. You can also get a guided tour of the Royal Mews, from huge gold coaches to the friendly carriage horses – continuing your trip’s animal theme.

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Address: Buckingham Palace, The Mall, London SW1A; Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8
Price: £

Heddon Street Kitchen

It’s all about the hunt in The Lion King: Timon and Pumbaa teach Simba how to hunt bugs, while Scar upsets the ecosystem of the Pride Lands by striking a deal with the hyenas and giving them hunting rights. If all of that food chain talk is making you hungry, hunt down your own family-friendly feast.

Everyone will be happy at Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen in Piccadilly. Even better: kids aged eight and under eat for free on weekdays, and the welcoming kids’ menu includes favourites like macaroni and cheese, meatball pasta, burger and chips, and bangers and mash. Much tastier than bugs, anyway.

Address: 3-9 Heddon Street, London W1B
Price: £-££

The Lion King

All of that should definitely whet your appetite for the main attraction: going to see Disney’s The Lion King in the West End. Watch as lion cub Simba gradually learns how to be a good leader, with help from his family and friends, as this boundlessly inventive production immerses you in Africa’s natural world.

The stage musical also features the catchy songs by Elton John and Tim Rice that we loved in the film, including “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Hakuna Matata,” as well as new songs written for the stage. It’s a real treat, whether this is your first theatre show or you’re seeing it for the 25th time!

Book The Lion King tickets on London Theatre.