Preparing for your education visit

Please see the information and links below for all of the information you will need for a visit to Whipsnade Zoo. 

Map and visitor information

A map of the Zoo and helpful information for planning your school visit

Teachers' guide to the Zoo

Coach parking at the Zoo

Coaches can park for free in the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo car park, subject to available space, Coaches are not able to enter ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Getting to the Zoo

Please see our complete guide on finding your way to the Zoo by public transport. Whether you're coming by bus, train or car, this page has all the information you need.

Directions to Whipsnade Zoo

Activity sheets

Our activity sheets to help pupils to make the most of their time in the Zoo. These sheets are designed to encourage observation and discussion.

Download some of our online resources for use before, during and after a trip to the Zoo.

Please support ZSL’s sustainability aims and print all resources double-sided and fold them in half to make a booklet.

Education workshops

Have you booked your education workshop? Workshops are curriculum linked and available during UK term time. Workshops are FREE from 1 September to February half term. Charges apply from the February half term to the end of the summer term.

Education Workshops

Eating lunch at the Zoo

There are a number of spaces that can be used by school groups for lunches. If there is fair weather, we have abundant outdoor green spaces to use as picnic areas.

If there is inclement weather, we have an Indoor Picnic area which is prioritised for school groups on weekdays. This cannot be booked and is on a first come first served basis. We also have wet weather shelters dotted around the zoo which you can use for lunch.

Risk Assessment

Students aged 16 or under must be supervised at all times

The health and safety of our visitors is one of our main priorities. To help ensure this, all students must be supervised whilst in the Zoo. Those aged 16 or under must always be with a designated adult from your school. Students aged 17-18 do not need to be with an adult at all times, but school staff must be in the zoo and contactable during the trip.

To enable this, we offer:

  • One free supervising adult with every five students aged 16 or under (including EYFS)
  • One free supervising adult with every ten Post-16 & HE students
  • Free entry for 1-to-1 staff supporting SEND students

Risk ASSESSMENT

Public Liability

Code of conduct

School Souvenirs

Have your students take home a special ZSL souvenir as a reminder of their time at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Save time and hassle by ordering souvenirs ahead of time to be picked up in bulk during your visit at the main gift shop. Or have your order sent directly to your school. Please contact [email protected] for more details

Subscribe to our education mailing list
Sign up to hear more about student and teacher activities and events, new workshops and ZSL conservation and science work.