Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo
Ages
All ages
Price
£££
Typical visit
~5 hours
Whipsnade Zoo is one of the UK's largest and most spacious zoos, set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire countryside. Home to over 2,500 animals from around the world, it offers families a full day of wildlife discovery with plenty of room for animals to roam naturally. Beyond the animals themselves, there's a toy train that runs around the grounds, adventure play areas, keeper talks, and educational classes. The sheer scale of the zoo means there's a real sense of exploration, and many families find the open design less intensive than smaller urban zoos.
Facilities
What to bring
- Sun cream and hats - with 600 acres to explore, there's limited shade in many areas
- Waterproof jackets and layers - weather can change quickly and the zoo is exposed in places
- Comfortable walking shoes or wellies - you'll cover a lot of ground, potentially muddy after rain
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle - to keep energy levels up during a full day
- A pushchair or buggy for younger children - useful for tired legs given the size of the site
- Picnic blanket and packed lunch - to take advantage of picnic areas and save money
Top tips
- Arrive early, especially during school holidays and weekends - the zoo gets very busy and early arrival gives you the best chance to see animals when they're most active
- Wear comfortable shoes and consider using the train service if walking the whole site feels overwhelming - it covers most of the zoo and gives little legs a rest
- Check the keeper talk schedule when you arrive - these are informative and fun, and give you a reason to return to specific areas at set times
- Bring a picnic or budget for catering costs, which can be significant for larger families - the zoo has cafes but picnic areas offer better value
- Plan your route in advance or grab a map - with 600 acres and animals spread across the site, having a sense of direction helps maximise your time
Practical details
All ages years
5 hours
Pushchair friendly
No dogs
Suitable for all ages from babies upwards. Older children and teenagers will particularly enjoy the interactive experiences and adventure play.
Open year-round. Spring and summer offer the most comfortable visiting conditions and best animal activity. Winter visits can be quieter but bring cold weather.
Accessibility
Tags
Location
Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LF
LU6 2LF
Free and paid parking available on site, plus free street parking nearby.