Discover the wonder of wildlife at Whipsnade Zoo
Explore the UK’s biggest zoo, set across 600 acres in the heart of the Chiltern Hills. Whipsnade Zoo is home to over 11,000 animals, from majestic elephants and powerful rhinos to towering giraffes and magnificent big cats, including tigers and lions. Or watch the playful antics of the chimpanzees and bears as they roam their expansive habitats.
With vast enclosures, breath taking views, and a huge outdoor play zone, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. It’s a Zoonormous wild adventure for the whole family.
Enjoy a day full of wonder and wildlife that you'll never forget, at Whipsnade Zoo.
YOUR VISIT INCLUDES:
- FREE parking: Free and simple parking in our huge external car park. No pre-booking required.
- Expert zookeeper talks: Every day, year round. Check the Whipsnade Zoo app for daily details.
- FREE entry for kids under 3: Plus up to 30% discount for children aged 3-15*
- Weather Buster guarantee: Book with confidence all year round. If the weather lets you down, re-visit for free. T&Cs apply^
- Enormous adventure playground: Over 7,800m² of themed outdoor play area. Bridges, swings, climbing, and more!
- FREE indoor soft play: No charge, but must be booked in advance†
And of course, over 11,000 amazing animals!
SAVE UP TO £35
SAVE UP TO £35 WITH A FAMILY TICKET
Our ticket prices are always best online and now you can save even more with the family ticket for 3 or 4 people.
Our online tickets are always cheaper than buying on the day at the gate.
Book now to secure your date. If you're still unsure when to visit, grab yourself an open-dated flexi ticket.
Every ticket contributes to our vital conservation work
Whipsnade Zoo is part of global conservation charity, ZSL. Our teams of conservationists, scientists, technicians and community specialists are active in over 70 countries - and every visit to Whipsnade Zoo helps fund their vital work to restore habitats and protect wildlife. THANK YOU!
A perfect day out at the Zoo...
A growing giraffe family
Every new birth is a cause for celebration and late last year, we were lucky enough to welcome two new bundles of joy. Leoni and Duke, a baby girl and baby boy, bring our conservation Zoo’s giraffe herd to six. They join teenage siblings Myra and Timba over at Giraffe Heights, all growing up-up-up fast!
Find out more about our giraffes200 years of ZSL
We’re turning 200 — and you’re invited to the party! We are celebrating by running 200th Anniversary Heritage Tours once a month. Discover the legendary animals, pioneering scientists, and surprising famous faces who shaped our story, helping to celebrate nature across generations.
Book 200th anniversary heritage toursNew members of the crash
Find Whipsnade's white rhinos roaming their expansive habitat, including the newest additions to the 'crash' (the name for a group of rhinos), Mick, Khulu and Benja. Growing fast alongside the rest of the family, you'll find all nine rhinos exploring their prime position in the heart of the Zoo, with exceptional views over the surrounding area.
Discover Whipsnade's rhino familyCome meet our North African lion pride
Whipsande's pride is thriving, with two litters of rare Northern African lion cubs now growing up fast. Three-year-old lioness Winta had three cubs in late 2024 and they were joined by lioness Waka's four cubs, born late January 2025. Visit dad Malik, mums Winta and Waka and their gorgeous family.
Learn more about Whipsnade's lionsBig animals at the UK's biggest zoo
From Asian elephants to European brown bears, Whipsnade Zoo is home to some absolutely Zoonormous animals! See Whipsnade’s chimpanzee family foraging for breakfast, marvel at the height of the growing giraffe family and see if you can spot the cheetahs over at Cheetah Rock.
Discover our animalsThe Great Whipsnade Railway
Enjoy the magic of a steam railway, passing by elephants, rhinos, deer and Monkey Forest on The Great Whipsnade Railway. We will take you on a safari adventure you will never forget.
Plan your visit nowDaily animal talks
Get closer to nature and learn more about animals from across the world. Our daily animal talks share the latest understanding of endangered species, their habitats, and how we can protect them. Check our ‘What’s On’ boards when you arrive for accurate timings and additional pop-up talks throughout the day.
Plan your visit nowVirtual Reality Experiences
Feel the wonder of wildlife in a whole new way with an immersive Virtual Reality Experiences at Whipsnade Zoo. This 360° visual experience combines the magic of a VR headset, stunning audio and a motion pod seat to transport you to amazing new habitats. Connect with the natural world and enjoy a unique adventure guided by a host of knowledgeable experts.
Plan your visit nowHow to get here
Whipsnade Zoo is well connected to major towns and main roads - despite our beautiful rural location on top of the Chiltern hills, we're within just 20 minutes of the M25, M1 and A41. We've got a huge free car park and there's a new direct bus service from Luton this year (Saturdays, Sundays and daily during school holidays), so it's never been easier to come and visit!
Find out more
Bring your littlest wildlife explorers for their first magical experience of seeing real giraffes, penguins, chimps and so much more, up close.
They (and you!) will love discovering all the thousands of leaping, roaring, splashing, diving, screeching and breathtaking sensory experiences the zoo has to offer.
* 'Up to 30%' based on the saving for a Child ticket compared to a full-price Adult ticket.
^ If there's more than 90 minutes of continuous rain, or substantial high winds, during Zoo opening hours, that day will qualify for our Weather Buster Guarantee and you can re-visit, within the following two months, for free. To take advantage of our Weather Buster Guarantee, you must have bought tickets online, in advance, from this website, for a qualifying date. Find out more: Weather Buster Guarantee
† Tickets are free of charge and become available to book 24 hours in advance of the play session start time. Find out more and book: Hullabazoo Indoor Play