Whipsnade Zoo

Pssttt... Whipsnade Zoo also has 4 brown bears!!

Whipsnade Zoo is known for its diverse collection of animals and dedication to the conservation of animals. Will it be a furry friend you make today or a scaley one? How do you feel about feathery and flighty animals - do we know many? Take a dive into the blue and search for your new companion that lurks in the deep... With so many intriguing animal inclusions to choose from, who will you visit first?

Don’t miss the rockhopper and African black-footed residents of the penguin pool, with its epic views from the high Chiltern Downs over the surrounding countryside!

Discover new depths as you delve deeper into the fascinating underwater worlds of Whipsnade Zoo’s Aquarium, then bask in the tropical temperatures of the Butterfly House surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies.

The kids can also burn off some energy in the huge outdoor play area! It’s time to let imaginations run wild as kids explore over 7,800m² of themed play area including bridges, swings, climbing frames, tunnels, sand play, mini safari jeep and so much more! There's also plenty of accessible play equipment.

Fancy seeing the animals in a unique way? Hop on The Great Whipsnade Railway for a steam train journey unlike any other! You'll see loads of free-roaming animals on your journey and it makes for a super fun safari!

The kids can also burn off some energy in the huge outdoor play area! It’s time to let imaginations run wild as kids explore over 7,800m² of themed play area including bridges, swings, climbing frames, tunnels, sand play, mini safari jeep and so much more!

Food & Drink

Need to refuel after your fun family day out? At Whipsnade Zoo, there's a Bar & Restaurant to suit all your family needs! Enhance your fabulous experience with a meal at the Basecamp restaurant. Enjoy meat & meat-free sausage baguettes, burgers and soft drinks.

Top Tip! Check out the Viewpoint Restaurant for breathtaking views. It's a restaurant kitchen and deli, that overlooks incredible white rhinos. You can tuck into your Al Forno Pasta dishes and freshly made pizzas with the wow factor! Or dine with a classic afternoon tea.

Keep it traditional and quintessentially British with the Fish & Chip Van! Warm your cockles with a bag of chips or two. You can also enjoy hot drinks, cold drinks, saveloys, fresh fish and cheesy chips.

There is also the Station Store Picnic Shop which is open at weekends and school holidays. Grab a selection of sandwiches, bakery items and hot & cold drinks! You can also get tasty snacks from the Visitor Centre - we recommend the scrumptious baps!

Got a sweet tooth? Head over to Africa Out Post for an ice cream hub and sweet treats galore - plus savoury food too!

Thirsty? Visitors have access to water refills at the water refill stations across the entire zoo.

Accessibility

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is wheelchair accessible / wheelchair friendly with a number of ramps, disability hire and accessible toilet options across the entire attraction. There's also plenty of accessible play equipment.

Ramp access:

- All Animal indoor houses including Butterfly House, Aquarium Base Camp Restaurant and Viewpoint Kitchen and Deli.

- Birds of the World Arena to view the displays.

- Hullabazoo indoor and outdoor play areas.

- Hullabazoo Farm.

- First Aid Point (next to the Visitor Centre).

- The steam train (Please note, two wheelchairs can be accommodated on the train per trip).

- Owl Wood - Access may cause wheelchair users some difficulty, as it is covered by bark chippings.

- Limited number of wheelchairs are available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis and it is advised to book them in advance of your visit by calling the Retail Shop on 01582 871517. - A deposit of £25 is required which will be refunded on the return of the wheelchair at the end of your visit.

- The wheelchairs are non-motorised and are not self-propelling.

- You can also hire a mobility scooter if you book in advance. A mobility scooter will cost £20 to hire, plus a refundable deposit of £30.

Why We Recommend Whipsnade Zoo For Families

You'll make the most incredible memories at Whipsnade Zoo, from the range of animals you can see to the fun steam train safari. Plus, Whipsnade Zoo also offers educational talks and feeding demonstrations, enriching the visit with fascinating insights into wildlife conservation. With spacious picnic areas, scenic views, and family-friendly facilities, Whipsnade Zoo offers a fun, educational, and unforgettable day out for all ages.

- There are over 200 different species of animal, including Chinese water deer, African lions, Asian elephants and more!

- They have daily animal talks and demonstrations

- There are fantastic seasonal events

Image Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Check out nearby events on our Christmas Events 2024 page!