Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible. Access to the Owl Wood may cause wheelchair users some difficulty, as it is covered by bark chippings. But there are a number of ramps and disability hire around the zoo. There's also plenty of accessible play equipment.

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, wheelchairs can be rented. The cost is £25 per rental.

Do you offer special assistance for visitors in the wheelchair?

Yes, special assistance is available.

Is Whipsnade Zoo wheelchair friendly?

Yes, Whipsnade Zoo is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets. Access to the Owl Wood may cause wheelchair users some difficulty, as it is covered by bark chippings. But there are a number of ramps and disability hire around the zoo. There's also plenty of accessible play equipment.

Is Whipsnade Zoo baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities. You'll find baby-changing facilities at the entrance to the Butterfly House.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

Yes, all areas are pushchair friendly. There are flat paths and pavements throughout the zoo, making it easily accessible via pushchair.

Is there a restroom for mothers that are breastfeeding?

No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.

No, Whipsnade Zoo have stated they are not dog friendly. No dogs are allowed as there are several free-roaming species in the Zoo. Assistance dogs are also not allowed.

Is there food and drink available to buy?

Yes there is dining and snack options. There are a number of places you can grab food from. Base Camp Restaurant, Viewpoint Kitchen and Coffee Shop, Visitor Centre Cafe, Hullabazoo and African Outpost.

Can visitors bring their own food?

Yes, guest are allowed to bring their own food There are plenty of picnic benches available around the zoo for you to enjoy a picnic.

How much does food and drink typically cost for a family of 4?

For a typical family of 4, food and drink costs around £45.

Is Whipsnade Zoo bigger than London Zoo?

Whipsnade Zoo is the UK's biggest zoo! It is 600 acres of beautiful panoramic scenery, situated near Dunstable in Bedfordshire.

How many hours do you need at Whipsnade Zoo?

We'd say you would need a minimum of half a day at Whipsnade Zoo!

Is there a lot of walking at Whipsnade Zoo?

It is the UK's biggest zoo, so yes there is a fair bit of walking required. We'd recommend wearing your most comfiest trainers!

Yes, there is parking. There is a large, free car park just outside the zoo.

How far is the parking from the attraction?

There is on-site parking available

Can parking spaces be pre-booked or reserved?

No, parking can not be pre-booked or reserved.

Are there accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities. You can either park in the free external car park with designated accessible parking bays and push around the Zoo. Or drive into the zoo and park in designated spaces with a Blue Badge.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

No, there is no private hire at Whipsnade Zoo.

What are the closest public transport stops or stations to the attraction?

The closest train stations from Whipsnade Zoo are Hemel Hempstead, Leighton Buzzard, and Luton Parkway train stations.

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

Yes, Whipsnade Zoo had stated that you will need to pre-book. Pre-booking ensures the best availability and price.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public. Toilets can be found by the main entrance, near the Butterfly House/Aquarium, by the Tigers/Base Camp and at the Viewpoint Kitchen and Deli.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available You can find accessible toilets with the main toilets, at the main entrance (which needs a RADAR key, available in shop if required). Near the lawn area before the Butterfly House/Aquarium, at the Tigers/Base Camp and at the eateries like the Viewpoint Kitchen and Deli; Hippos/Africa Outpost.

Whipsnade Zoo

Dunstable, Bedfordshire

All AgesZoos and Wildlife ParksAquariumsIndoorsOutdoors

About Whipsnade Zoo

Looking for a really wild day out? Check out the UK’s largest zoo - Whipsnade Zoo! Did you know it's one of the most impressive zoos in the UK? Set in over 600 acres of the beautiful Chiltern Hills countryside, the attraction is an escape from the urban jungle.

They have a huge variety of animals, with over 10,000 amazing animals to discover, including rhinos, tigers, giraffes and elephants. Spend a day discovering new breeds you’ve never even heard of before, with lots of fascinating animal enclosures to explore!

HUGE Hullabazoo Play Areas
Kids can run, play and explore 7,800m² of themed play area including bridges, swings, climbing frames, tunnels, sand play, mini safari jeep and so much more! There's also an indoor play area, perfect for dull and dreary days.
We suggest this play area for those kiddies with endless energy!
The Great Whipsnade Railway
Choo-choo along the incredible steam engines on the Whipsnade Railway! The impressive train will weave in and out of the animal terrorities and offer you an insight into the animal attractions. You'll come across elephants, camels, rhino and deer too!
Visit The Aquarium & Butterfly House
Discover marine life in Whipsnade Zoo's amazing Aquarium as well as a Butterfly House that is home to hundreds of colourful butterflies.
Dive into the depths of the ocean or wander through the tropical flora as 30 different species of butterflies flutter around you. We think this unique experience is a true paradise for nature lovers!

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Monday, 10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday, 10:00 - 16:00
Friday, 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday, 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00

*Closing times vary between 16:00 and 18:00

Last entry is one hour before closing.

28/03/2026 - 02/09/2026: 10am opening, 5pm last entry, 6pm closing.

03/09/2026 - 23/10/2026: 10am opening, 4pm last entry, 5pm closing.

24/10/2026 - 12/02/2027: 10am opening, 3pm last entry, 4pm closing.

Animal houses and Passage through Asia close 15 minutes before the zoo closes.

Closing times may change due to special events.

Great Whipsnade Railway is a paid extra and does not run year-round.

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 4 - 5 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

Tried & Tested by Real Families

The Dunn Family

Family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids)

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Whipsnade Zoo as a family of 5!

Visited: Jun 2026

"We recently spent the day at Whipsnade Zoo and had the best time! From getting up close to some amazing animals to enjoying quality family time together, we’re sharing a few highlights from our visit and why it made for such a memorable day out." ...read more.

Whipsnade views that quite literally take your breath away…

The penguins were the very first animals we visited, and they certainly didn’t disappoint! 🐧 Watching them waddle, swim and show off their personalities was the perfect way to start our day at Whipsnade Zoo celebrating Robert’s birthday. 🎉

Safety & Cleanliness4.0

Rides & Entertainment4.0

Food & Drink3.0

Queues & Crowds4.0

Fun & Delight4.0

Value for Money2.0

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Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF, England

Tel: 03442251826

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This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last updated: 12:54 29/07/2026

Whipsnade Zoo

About Whipsnade Zoo

HUGE Hullabazoo Play Areas

The Great Whipsnade Railway

Visit The Aquarium & Butterfly House

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Pricing & Tickets

Facilities

Plan Your Visit

Tried & Tested by Real Families

Whipsnade Zoo as a family of 5!

FAQs

Directions

Whipsnade Zoo Reviews

More fun places to visit in Dunstable