5 August
12 August
19 August
Summer Saturdays is now over for this year - find out what's coming up at the Zoo.
Whipsnade Zoo stayed open late on four evenings this summer – a great opportunity to see some of our amazing animals and their behaviours in a relaxed setting as the sun goes down across the Zoo. It's not too late to see the Zoo after hours - did you know that you could sleep over at Whipsnade?
Our Summer Saturdays were perfect for anyone wanting to see a different side to the zoo in the evening, or to have a little more time to explore Whipsnade - after all, it is the UK's biggest zoo!
Spectacular evening views off the Downs behind the penguin pool were popular, along with the opportunity to discover species that can be more active around dusk, including lions, tigers, porcupine and aardvarks. Plus of course our wonderful free-roaming wallabies.
Stay overnight in one of our cosy private lodges, opposite our white rhinos. Discover what our animals get up to when everyone has gone home...
Your questions answered:
9pm, with last pedestrian entry 7:30pm and last car entry 5pm.
No. These evenings are simply extended opening hours, giving more people the chance to visit Whipsnade Zoo, or experience it at a new time of day when different animals may be more active. There will be no catering/entertainment hub as you may have known at previous after-hours events and you won’t need a separate event ticket.
Our normal programme of expert talks will be extended to run through the whole day from 10am and through the evening. However, there are no new talks or demonstration planned specially for these evenings.
The Beano Goes Wild activity will remain open until 8pm (last entry to scooter park 7.30pm).
No. Your standard day ticket is valid any time from the time of entry stated on it and you can then stay as long as you want through to closing time at 9pm.
Yes, just arrive any time before last entry time and your membership card will be scanned as normal.
No. These evenings are simply extended opening hours – once in the zoo you can stay as long as you want, right through to 9pm.
Animal houses close 8:30pm, half an hour before the zoo closes.
Yes. We’re keeping the zoo open later for everyone.
Yes. Our range of catering outlets will be open serving a delicious range of options, but if you’d like to bring a picnic that’s absolutely fine.
See below for planned closing times for our cafes and kiosks.
Welfare is our top priority and we make every effort to ensure animal comfort and wellbeing at all times. These evenings are an extension to the normal daytime experience, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the conservation zoo for a few extra hours while the evenings are at their lightest and longest. Our expert keepers will be on hand to monitor behaviour as always.
Closing times and other useful information
- Zoo closes 9pm.
- Last entry (pedestrian entry) 7:30pm.
- Last car entry 5pm.
Animals
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Animal houses close 8:30pm, half an hour before the zoo closes.
Food and drink
- Viewpoint Al Forno Restaurant & Deli will close at 8pm, with last food orders 7pm.
- Basecamp Restaurant will close at 8pm, with last food orders 7pm.
- Visitor Centre Café will close at 9pm.
- Station Store and Africa Outpost will run subject to demand, closing at 8pm.
- Hullabazoo Café will be available, subject to demand, via the hatch near the outdoor playground. Closing no later than 8pm.
Other facilities
- Hullabazoo indoor play will be open as usual during the day, but not extend into public use during the evening. Daytime slots for these dates will be pre-bookable 24hrs in advance.
- Face painting available until 6pm.
- The Beano Goes Wild activity will remain open until 8pm (last entry to scooter park 7.30pm).
- Carousel operating until 8:30pm.
- The Great Whipsnade Railway will operate a normal service during the day with a special adapted timetable beyond 6pm, and run no later than 8pm.
Book your tickets today
Whipsnade Zoo Tickets
To experience Whipsnade in the evening, simply select one of the four late opening dates: 29 July or 5, 12, 19 August.
Make your visit even longer by staying overnight!
If you're a camping enthusiast then our Nature Night camping experience is for you. Pitch your tent on the main lawn and explore the Zoo at your leisure. Once everyone else has headed home, our team will take you on a torchlight walk around the Zoo to see who likes to stay up late, before you settle down for the night, After a hearty breakfast, you'll get a morning tour before opening and then be able to spend the rest of the day in the Zoo.
Book Family Nature Night Camping
BOOK Adult Nature Night Camping
Not a tent fan, then our Lookout Lodges are for you. Check in to your own private lodge and get settled while sipping a complimentary drink. Explore the Zoo at your leisure and then head to your reserved table for dinner at one of our restaurants. At 9pm as visitors head home you'll be taken on a torchlight walk around the Zoo to see who likes to stay up late. After a good night's sleep, you'll have a full English breakfast and get a private tour before the Zoo opens to the public.
Nature Nights family camping
Lookout Lodge at Whipsnade Zoo
