Everything you need to know about Whipsnade Zoo prices

If you’re after an unforgettable walk on the wild side, Whipsnade Zoo will have the whole family eager for some animal encounters. There’s no need to worry about a hairy trip with unexpected events, just check out the information below to find out everything you need to know about Whipsnade Zoo prices and what adventures await for the entire family pack.

Escape the urban jungle and embrace the thrilling animal escapades

Whipsnade Zoo is on the Chiltern Hills near Dunstable in Bedfordshire. There are over 2,500 animals in this 600 acre zoo. There are several options for exploring this vast zoo. There is only one car drive-through exhibit, the Passage through Asia. However, this exhibit and the other main exhibits can also be explored via the Jumbo Express where you ride on two steam engines. Alternatively, you can ride on the free Safari bus which will also take you to the zoo’s main exhibits.

Tickets and opening times

The full ticket prices include an optional 10% donation that helps with the zoo’s conservation work and enables the zoo to claim Gift Aid if the purchaser is a UK tax payer. Adult tickets with a donation cost £21 each (£18.50 during the winter season), tickets for children aged 3 to 15 years old cost £16 (or £15 during winter) and children younger than 3 always enter free.

The zoo’s online family offer is the cheapest option for family entry to the zoo. The offer applies to two adults and two children or one adult and three children. Receive a 10% discount when purchasing tickets online (normally £62.10 in summer or £57.15 in winter with donation) by entering the code ‘SAVER’ in the promotion code box. There are also discounts for groups of ten or more people. 

The zoo opens at 10 am everyday of the year except for December 25th. It is open until 6 pm through September 29th, 5:30 pm from September 30th to October 25th and 4 pm from October 26th to February 15th.

Wild activities for young and old

The zoo has a host of entertainment that will have adults and children hooting for more. Learn some fun facts with the animal talks and see the animals in action with a range of daily shows. From beautiful birds to sleek sea lions and awe-inspiring bears, these events will have you learning whilst you’re laughing in delight. 

In addition to the wild animals, there is also the chance to get up close to domesticated animals in the Children’s Farm, which is a great attraction for both parents and their little ones. Hullabazoo Adventure Play is the perfect opportunity for parents to relax as the kids burn off excess energy in this fantastic outdoor play area. Plus, if you’re tuckered out and keen to tuck in to some grrrr-eat food, there is a selection of cafes and kiosks that will cater to those with the appetite of a lion. 

Special seasonal events

Whipsnade Zoo offers a large variety of seasonal events such as Christmas celebrations where you can see reindeers, meet Father Christmas and help prepare treats for the animals in Elf workshops. There is lots of fun to be had during Halloween as well, where children can get stuck into making scary masks, listen to some chilling tales, handle some spooky bugs and enjoy Halloween-themed animal talks.

Other events include the likes of photography workshops and ‘Keeper for a Day,’ which allows you to experience the daily lives of the keepers and participate in activities such as preparing food and feeding the animals, mucking out enclosures and meeting a fantastic range of animals.

Other popular family attractions nearby

In addition to the zoo, there are some fabulous attractions in Dunstable and the surrounding areas that will keep everyone entertained while on holiday. Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is an enchanting free attraction consisting of trees, plants and shrubs that form a medieval cathedral. Explore the beautiful Dunstable Downs where you can enjoy a picnic if the weather is good or grab a bite to eat in the local visitor centre. Try your hand at bowling in Dunstable’s GOBowling centre or head further afield to discover the wide range of museums and art galleries in and around Bedford. There are several camping and caravanning sites in the area so you can opt for the best one to suit your needs.

Get close to nature

A trip to Whipsnake Zoo provides the opportunity to see amazing animals that you might never otherwise encounter. The range of educational activities will keep the whole family entertained while providing some fur-tastic learning experiences.