Whipsnade Zoo is an amazing place, it is set up on the hillside near the stunning Dunstable Downs. It offers free parking as part of your ticket price and there is an option, for an additional cost, of driving around part of the zoo.
We had two adults and two children under three in our party and once we got a map of the zoo we headed off on an adventure. Isabella who is nearly 3 wanted to see the lions first so that is where we headed. Alice who has just turned one and thinks everything with four legs is a dog was bouncing with excitement seeing the monkeys.
We were amazed how close you could actually get to the animals, the view of the lions through protective glass was superb. The giraffes wandered under the wooded walkway and we watched them reaching up for leaves off the trees. The baby elephant standing by its mum was a joy to see and the sea lions were amazing.
The children loved everything they saw and when we took them into the butterfly house and large blue beauties landed on their outstretched hands they were transfixed.
There is a train ride around the zoo which costs £4, we did not go on it as we were happy to walk around. There are plenty of places to get an ice cream or grab some lunch. We took a picnic but who can resist ice cream on a sunny day.
The zoo is huge so be prepared for lots of walking or take the train ride. The Zebras lazily watched us and the pink flamingos had Isabella insisting on standing on one leg every time we stopped.
The massive tiger stalked the fence of his enclosure and as his fur ruffled in the breeze you saw how truly magnificent these creatures are.
Whipsnade Zoo is part of London Zoo and they do an amazing job not just at the zoo`s but through research and protecting animal environments. You can get annual passes for the zoo for £65 which is a great price if you live close to either of the zoos. What could be nicer than going of to see monkeys each week.
Adults £22.90 online £28.00 on the gate
Children (3-15 years) £16.60 £20.35
Children under 3 years FREE FREE
Concession (senior (60 or over), student & disabled adult) £20.65 £25.20
Carers get in free.
Sprawling, 600-acre home to more than 2500 animals, with tours, adventure play areas and classes.Hours: Open today · 10am–5:30pm
“Website”:https://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo