ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Explore 600 acres of wildlife at Whipsnade Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals, with interactive experiences and conservation at its heart.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 600 acres of wildlife at Whipsnade Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals, with interactive experiences and conservation at its heart.
"We had the best day at Whipsnade Zoo, it was brilliant and well worth the money!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is huge! Be prepared for lots of walking to see all the animals.
🚗 Consider Driving In
You can drive around certain areas for an extra fee, which can save your legs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Giraffes
Giraffe Enclosure
Witness the rare reticulated giraffes, including adorable calves like the newly arrived baby girl.
Rhino Family
Rhino Enclosure
Meet the impressive white rhinos, including young calves like Benja and Khulu, part of a successful breeding program.
Asian Elephant Nang Phaya
Elephant Enclosure
See Nang Phaya, the 10-week-old Asian Elephant, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
Playful Meerkats
Meerkat Enclosure
Observe the energetic meerkat pups, a reminder of conservation efforts in the face of climate change.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Plenty of Walking
Check for Special Offers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is huge! Be prepared for lots of walking to see all the animals.
🚗 Consider Driving In
You can drive around certain areas for an extra fee, which can save your legs.
📱 Use the Zoo App
Navigate the vast grounds with the app's live moving map.
💰 Check for Discounts
Universal Credit recipients can get reduced entry with proof.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is huge! Be prepared for lots of walking to see all the animals.
🚗 Consider Driving In
You can drive around certain areas for an extra fee, which can save your legs.
📱 Use the Zoo App
Navigate the vast grounds with the app's live moving map.
💰 Check for Discounts
Universal Credit recipients can get reduced entry with proof.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic spots are available, saving money on food.
🐘 Don't Miss Animal Talks
Engaging talks by keepers and presenters offer fascinating facts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Whipsnade Zoo for its vast grounds, diverse animal collection, and friendly, helpful staff and volunteers. The spacious enclosures and successful breeding programs are often highlighted as positives. However, some reviewers noted that the zoo's size can be overwhelming, leading to extensive walking, and a few felt certain animal enclosures were too small.
"We visited Whipsnade Zoo today as a birthday treat for me. As with every other time of visiting Whipsnade we had the best day. Today was great as it was quieter and the weather was amazing also. We got to see nearly all the animals and the staff were lovely. BIG shout out to the volunteer staff!! We had some great conversations with various volunteers. The food was very good and a simple but effective menu caters for all. The gift shop is great and not overly pricey. Thoroughly enjoyed today. Thank you to all the staff at the zoo!!"
Karen Gordon
"First time visiting, absolutely loved it, an amazing day. The enclosures were lovely and spacious, all areas lovely and clean, staff we spoke to were so helpful. We had afternoon tea at view point, which was lovely and the staff really friendly. The day was just brilliant, would highly recommend a visit."
Vicky Graves
"I had a wonderful day at Whipsnade zoo today. Highlights of the day were the brown bear, elephants, rhino’s, giraffes and the birds of the world show.
Didn’t see the lynx which was a shame. Didn’t see a lion only a lioness and some cubs.
1 star lost because the tigers enclosure seemed really small and the tiger looked sad pacing around the enclosure. I also felt sad for the chimpanzee who seemed like it was having fun and was very entertaining but again enclosure felt small. Park could also do with more signage to help navigate the way around as although map on the app is good would still be good to have more signage as the grounds are huge and easy to take a wrong path.
I also went on the steam train which was £5 for adults but I wouldn’t go on it again. Very big ground with loads of viewpoints and lots of walking however lots of places to sit along the way and plenty of small shops providing snacks and some provide food like hotdogs at £8.50 a pop.
I much prefer this zoo to London zoo, I feel like you have better sight of the animals in comparison. One other perk about this zoo is that you can drive around the grounds with an additional fee. There is also free parking with easy access to the zoo.
There is also an app with a live moving map which helps you navigate around the park very good."
All Things Nice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whipsnade Zoo is located near Dunstable in Bedfordshire. You can reach it by car, with free parking available.
Yes, Whipsnade Zoo offers free parking for visitors.
Yes, you can drive around dedicated areas of the zoo for an additional fee, which can be a great way to cover the vast grounds.
The zoo is very large, so comfortable shoes are essential. You can also use the park's train for longer distances, though it doesn't reach every area. Some visitors suggest scooters for younger children.
While driving is common, bus services do connect to Whipsnade from surrounding areas. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a family ticket for two adults and two children can be around £100+. It's advisable to book tickets online in advance for potential savings.
Yes, visitors on Universal Credit can get discounted entry by showing their latest statement.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Whipsnade Zoo website for the most current opening and closing times before your visit.
While tickets can often be purchased at the gate, booking online in advance is recommended to secure your entry and potentially get better prices.
It's generally a good idea to book your tickets and any specific experiences in advance, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the rare reticulated giraffes, the impressive white rhinos, Asian elephants like Nang Phaya, and playful meerkat pups.
Yes, Whipsnade Zoo offers a children's farm, playground, and soft play area. They also host special events like 'Boo at the Zoo' and 'Zoorassic Park' with dinosaur attractions.
The Great Whipsnade Railway offers a scenic ride around parts of the zoo, with special themed trails like a ghost trail during Halloween events.
Whipsnade Zoo frequently hosts special events, including Christmas celebrations with Santa, Halloween 'Boo at the Zoo', and seasonal attractions like the Thomas Dambo Trolls.
Many visitors praise the spacious and clean enclosures, allowing animals privacy and the ability to exhibit natural behaviors. However, some reviewers noted that certain enclosures, like those for tigers and chimpanzees, seemed small.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several food outlets, including Viewpoint, which offers afternoon tea. Hot dogs are available for around £8.50. Many visitors opt to bring their own picnics to enjoy in designated areas.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a popular option, with many picnic areas available throughout the zoo.
Some reviewers found the food prices to be on the higher side, with hot dogs costing around £8.50. Bringing your own food can be a more budget-friendly choice.
While specific menus aren't detailed, most zoo cafes offer a range of options. It's advisable to check with the specific food outlet on the day of your visit.
Viewpoint is mentioned as a nice spot for afternoon tea with friendly staff. Many visitors also enjoy picnicking near animal enclosures, like the red panda.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast open spaces offer great opportunities. Look for areas with good natural light and try to capture animals in their spacious enclosures.
The zoo's size and diverse animal collection provide many unique shots. Consider capturing the scale of the giraffes or the interaction between rhino calves and their mothers.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing distant animals, while a wider lens can be good for the overall landscape and larger enclosures.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the animals' welfare and avoid using flash photography that could disturb them.
While generally permitted, always follow zoo guidelines and be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid disruptive behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1💰 Budget Travelers
Packing a picnic is also a great way to save money, as there are many designated picnic spots. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a telephoto lens for capturing animals in their large enclosures and a wider lens for the scenic views. Look for moments with good natural light and try to capture unique interactions, like the playful antics of meerkat pups or the majestic presence of elephants. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Vastness of Whipsnade Zoo
This sheer size means comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. Visitors often report significant amounts of walking, with some areas being quite spread out and potentially challenging to navigate. For families with younger children, bringing scooters is a common strategy to keep little legs from getting too tired.
Despite the challenges of its size, the spaciousness is a major plus for the animals, allowing them ample room to roam and exhibit natural behaviors.
Conservation Efforts at Whipsnade Zoo
Conservation messages are woven into the visitor experience. For instance, the zoo educates visitors about the challenges faced by wild meerkat pups due to climate change, emphasizing ZSL's work in tackling the climate crisis to protect wildlife globally.
Beyond breeding programs, Whipsnade Zoo also engages in vital research and health checks, such as the hoof care procedure for a giraffe named Bashu, which was essential for his well-being and mobility.
Family Fun and Special Events
Seasonal events like 'Boo at the Zoo' during Halloween, complete with a ghost trail on the Great Whipsnade Railway, and Christmas celebrations featuring Santa, transform the zoo into a festive wonderland.
+1 For dinosaur enthusiasts, 'Zoorassic Park' offers a thrilling encounter with life-like animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, creating an immersive prehistoric experience. These events are often highlighted by visitors as a major draw, making a trip to Whipsnade a memorable adventure for all ages. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit