School trips to the Zoo

We are teaching students about the natural world to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Our education team are eager to support your class’s learning both in person and digitally with our range of national curriculum-based workshops.

Book your visit

School trip costs

Prices for academic year 2021-2022 5th September - 21st October 2022 31st October 2022 - 10th February 2023 20th February - 30th March 2023 17th April - 21st July 2023
Primary and Secondary Students (Under 16 yrs) self-guided £8 £7 £9 £9
Post-16 Students self-guided (A-levels and FE) £9 £8 £10 £10
Higher Education Students self-guided* £14.25 £14.25 £14.25 £14.25
Additional adults £14.25 £14.25 £14.25 £14.25
1:1 Carers Free Free Free Free
Education workshop Free Free £45.00 per workshop £45.00 per workshop

*Higher Education students are those students at Level 5 and above. 

 

Schools in postcodes LU1 - LU7    

Rates are available Monday - Friday during term time only for UK schools, international schools and home educators. 

To ensure good supervision of groups at all times, one adult is admitted free for every 5 paying primary pupils or every 10 paying secondary pupils or older. Any adults above this ratio are required to pay the additional adult price.

Education trips terms and conditions 

Not sure if a zoo visit is right for you? Contact us to discuss how a zoo trip might meet your learning outcomes.

Contact us

School visits at the Zoo

  • Ricky the rockhopper penguin at Whipsnade Zoo
    Supporting SEND students

    Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Whipsnade Zoo

    We aim to ensure that our Learning sessions are as inclusive as possible, and that they meet the diverse needs of all learners.

  • School students watching the bird flying demonstration
    Prepare for your education visit

    Education pre-visit checklist

    Everything you need to know to prepare for your education trip to the Zoo.

  • Primary school education workshop at Whipsnade Zoo
    Bringing learning to life

    Educational workshops

    Get your students closer to nature with our learning workshops for all ages and abilities. Our interactive sessions provide an opportunity to bring learning to life by meeting animals and Zookeepers. 

  • Animal skull on table for education learning session at Whipsnade Zoo
    Wildlife teaching resources

    Online resources

    From equipping students with the knowledge to carrying out their own animal behavioural study to animal treasure hunts, our resources will help capture the imagination of your students both in the classroom and at the Zoo. 

  • New Butterfly House at ZSL Whipsnade zoo with visitors looking around
    Whipsnade Zoo Education Access Scheme

    Whipsnade Zoo Education Access Scheme

    Exclusive to schools in the LU1 - LU7 postcode area. Get unlimited access for your school to Whipsnade Zoo for £500.

  • Student at Whipsnade Zoo education workshop looking at hissing cockroaches on a learning officers hands.
    Empowering teachers in their classrooms and beyond

    Teacher Hub

    We support local teacher training providers with day long workshops on teaching outside of the classroom, and are beginning to develop training for more experienced staff too. 

Lioness soft toy which is available at the Zoo shop
© ZSL
A Whipsnade Zoo presenter with a four teenage school children

School souvenirs 

Pre-purchase souvenirs for your students and have them ready and waiting for you on arrival.

Our line of keyrings, notebooks, pencils and more will be fond momento of their time spent at the Zoo and some of our iconic animals. Souvenirs can be ordered up to 3 days in advance of your visit and be picked up on the day of your visit at the gift shop, or delivered directly to your school (extra costs apply). 

Our shop

Planning your visit

  • A Whipsnade Zoo presenter with a group of teenage school children
    Prepare for your education visit

    Education pre-visit checklist

    Everything you need to know to prepare for your education trip to the Zoo.

  • Map of Whipsnade Zoo
    Finding your way around the Zoo

    Whipsnade Zoo Map

    Use our map to find your favourite animals around the Zoo. 

  • Directions to get to Whipsnade Zoo map
    How to get to the Zoo

    Directions to Whipsnade Zoo

    Directions to the Zoo by bus and car.

  • Steam train at Whipsnade Zoo
    Our seasonal opening times

    Opening Times

    We're normally open from 10am every day of the year, with seasonal closing times.