Opening times

From 1 April - 1 October 2023, the Great Whipsnade Railway will be open every day. 

Type of place
Railway
Area
Base Camp
Status
Open

Take a ride on one of our steam trains and see a different view of Whipsnade Zoo!

The Superior steam train with passengers on board at Whipsnade Zoo

Take a ride on one of our two impressive steam engines, Excelsior and Superior, as they weave their way through the territories of some of the world's most inspiring animals. Enjoy the magic of a steam-hauled railway - very few zoos have them so it's a great treat to make your day at Whipsnade even more special. 

Elephants, rhinos, camels and deer are just some of the mammals you can expect to see on your journey on The Great Whipsnade Railway. We will take you on a safari adventure you will never forget.

How much does it cost to ride on the steam train?

The Station Store will open at 11:30am each day where tokens can be purchased. Please find fares below: 

Adult (Inc. Seniors.) £4.50
Essential Carer FREE
Child (Under 3) FREE
Child (Aged 3-15) £2.00
Child School Group Free
Adult School Group £4.50
Adult (Inc. Seniors) Gold Member / Fellow £4.00
Child Gold Member £1.50

When is the train running?

From 20 February, the Great Whipsnade Railway will be running on weekends (every half an hour), up until 31 March 2023. From 1 April - 1 October 2023, the Great Whipsnade Railway will be open every day. 

 

Footplate Experience

Ever wanted to find out what it really takes to be one of our steam engine drivers? With our unique Footplate Experience you can get an insight into what goes on, on the footplate while steaming past some of your favourite animals. 

  • Asian elephants with an elephant calf
    Elephas maximus

    Asian elephants

    Asian elephants are more closely related to the extinct woolly mammoth than to the African elephant.

  • Greater one-horned rhino Hugo at Whipsnade Zoo

    Greater one-horned rhino

    Greater one-horned rhinos are the second largest species of rhino, after the white rhino

  • Deer park at Whipsnade Zoo passage through Asia
    Some of Asia's biggest mammals

    Passage through Asia

    Journey through the fields with some of Asia's biggest mammals, including the extinct in the wild Père David's deer and only true wild horse, the Przewalski's horse.

  • A steam train at Whipsnade Zoo

    Footplate Experience at Whipsnade Zoo

    Our Footplate Experience allows you to ride on the footplate of one of our beautiful steam engines at Whipsnade Zoo

  • Book now to visit our animals at Whipsnade Zoo