Where is ZSL Whipsnade Zoo?
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Which is just north of London in the UK. Its postcode is LU6 2LF
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo | UK’s Biggest Zoo | Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
How large is ZSL Whipsnade Zoo?
Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s biggest Zoo. It is set in 600 acres and home to more than 2,500 animals.
Is ZSL Whipsnade currently open?
No, sadly as I write this, Zoo’s are currently closed due to COVID-19. The current COVID-19 roadmap has it that Zoo’s will reopen on the 12th April. Hopefully this will be the case as Zoo’s are really struggling, even when the parks are closed, they still have all the animals to care for, so need the staff to provide this care.
Both Whipsnade and its partner London Zoo are asking us to donate to help them survive being closed due to COVID. Help us save wildlife (zsl.org).
But back to our visit in July 2020
At Whipsnade you have the option to park outside the Zoo for free, or take your car in.
When we went it cost £25 to take your care into the Zoo, but the cost varies throughout the year.
We always take the car into Whipsnade Zoo.
If you take your car into Whipsnade there are multiple car parks for you to move your car around as and when you want to.
- You can do multiple loops of the zoo in your car should you wish to.
- If the weather is changeable you can keep warm clothes or whatever at hand in the car.
- If you plan on having a picnic, you can keep your food, blankets and chairs in the car.
- If you struggle with walking long distances this option would help your experience.
- You can drive through the car safari – Passage Through Asia (multiple times if you wish)
- If you don’t have your car you can take the Great Whipsnade Railway to enjoy the Passage Through Asia. We have never tried this, the website implies there is a cost, but no mention of what it is, I believe it is £4.50 for Adults and £2 for children.
As things stand you have to pre book your visit to Whipsnade, but you pay for your parking on arrival.
What is our favourite area at Whipsnade Zoo?
It is the penguin area!
The two different penguin colonies are nicely themed. The penguins are fun to watch and the views are amazing.
Talking about views!
There are quite a few vantage points where you can enjoy a picnic with an amazing view.
What are my other favourite animals to see?
A trip to Whipsnade wouldn’t be the same without visits to the elephants and giraffes. Also, after our latest visit, the bears are also on my ones to definitely see, as they were so playful.
Do the current experience closures affect a day at Whipsnade Zoo?
It certainly didn’t for us and if the closures are the same this year as when we went last year, we would still pay the money and go again. We still had an amazing day.
The only thing I did miss was the sea lion show, so hopefully they will be back in action for our next visit.
What is new at Whipsnade?
A baby giraffe was born on Tuesday 8th December. The six foot tall baby giraffe was named ‘Margaret’. She looks pretty cute doesn’t she.
How much do tickets cost for a day at Whipsnade?
The tickets prices above include a voluntary donation.
Seniors are aged 65 and over.
Students must be full time.
Visitors with a registered disability may bring a carer for free.
Tickets are not currently for sale, so there is no information on what days will be what prices yet.
Upon re-opening, you are likely to need to buy a ticket and book at date before arriving at the zoo.
Is there any way of getting the tickets cheaper?
Yes, absolutely here are a couple of options.
TESCO CLUBCARD – if you have Clubcard points, then for every 50p you transfer into vouchers you get £1.50 to spend on your Whipsnade tickets. Follow this link for more information Tesco Clubcard.
QUIDCO – if you think you might go a few times a year and prefer to get a membership, then if you go through Quidco https://www.quidco.com/raf/206926/ (affiliate link), then you currently get 5% cashback on your spend. Follow this link for more information Save Money On Your Next Trip – Ears and Ideas
What are the membership costs and benefits?
I hope you manage to get to a zoo this year and I hope you have a fabulous time!
Ears and Ideas 