Explore Whipsnade Zoo this autumn

Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect day out in Bedfordshire for the whole family this autumn and October half term. 

Autumn is the perfect time to explore our 600 acres of beautiful wide open space as the seasons change. By joining as a member you can enjoy free entry to both of our Zoos, for a whole year. Here's what to look out for when you visit this autumn.  

1. Celebrate Halloween with Boo at the Zoo

Looking for things to do with the kids this October half term? Join us for frightfully good fun with Boo at the Zoo. Activities run from 25 October - 2 November and include creepy crafts, a spooky science show, and ghoulish ghost tours, and much more!

Plus, exclusive for Members, Fellows and Patrons, take part in our daily golden pumpkin hunt for the chance to win a prize. 

Book now for Boo at the Zoo

Looking for a Halloween treat? Visit our Zoo shop for fancy dress costumes, animal toys and games, and so much more, or browse our Halloween collection online. Remember that Gold members get 10% off!

2. Indoor soft play for under 10s

Watch your little ones climb like a monkey in our Hullabazoo indoor soft play, suitable for children up to 10 years of age. Each element of Hullabazoo is designed around different habitats so children can mimic all their favourite animals. And it's perfect for those chilly days. Our indoor soft play is pre-bookable from the day before your visit so you can guarantee your slot. 

3. Meet our new arrivals 

You might be lucky enough to find the new faces at the Zoo: 

• A South American tapir, Anna, now lives next to our pygmy hippo. If you can't see her inside her house, head down to the furthest paddock as she might be outside in the pool. Tapirs are excellent swimmers - they have a prehensile snout, which they can use as a snorkel!
   
• An Endangered red panda cub, named Hattie, was born in June and is a vital boost to the European breeding programme. She'll soon start to leave the nest box and explore her surroundings for the first time with mum, Ruby. 

4. Wind down with our walks and tours 

It's time to dig out your coats and boots, get out in the crisp fresh air and reconnect with nature. 

Whipsnade is the UK's largest Zoo, and there's so much to discover around our 600-acre nature haven. From our guided walk of the week, toddler safari for little ones, and three heritage tours, there's plenty to keep you busy throughout the autumn as the season's colours change.

Enjoy autumnal strolls to meet like-minded visitors, hear from our experts, and discover more about the work that goes on behind-the-scenes. There's no extra charge, the walks are included in Zoo entry or membership. 

View our upcoming events

5. Escape the cold with our tropical enclosures

Keep the cold at bay this autumn and warm up in our heated Butterfly House while exploring different species from all over the world. We have one of the largest butterfly biomes of any UK Zoo, which offers an exquisite tropical experience for families to learn about nature.

Plus, before entering our butterfly domain, delve deeper into the underwater world of the Aquarium and discover some of the rarest freshwater fish in the world.

6. Enjoy a view like no other

As the season changes, enjoy the incredible views over Aylesbury Vale from the best spot in the Zoo - the penguin pools! On a crisp clear day, the views go on for miles and who better to share the views with than our lovable penguins.

Here at Whipsnade Zoo, we’re lucky enough to feature two penguin colonies: African black-footed and rockhopper. Our penguins live in an amazing environment, featuring custom penguin pools and rock formations for our rockhoppers and it's the best place to soak up the views across the Downs.

So grab a takeaway coffee and spend some quality time looking out onto the beautiful Chilterns countryside. Or, as Gold members benefit from 10% off in our restaurants, stop for lunch at Viewpoint Kitchen and Deli, in the picturesque spot close to our Southern white rhinos. 

7. Look out for the free-roaming wallabies

As you journey around Whipsnade, our free-roaming wallabies make the perfect company. As the days start to get shorter, they love hopping around in the cool, shadier parts of the Zoo so keep your eyes peeled! We’ve shortlisted the best places to spot them:

• From the Great Whipsnade Railway Train, as you go through the train yard around the back of the elephant enclosure.
• In the trees running between the elephant paddock and our yaks.
• The corner between Lookout Lodges and the wolverine habitat.
• To the right as you walk up to the entrance of the penguin pools.

We hope we've persuaded you to dust off those cobwebs, ditch the sofa and bask in the crisp air at the Zoo. 

Book your tickets today and remember, under 3s go free!

BOOK ZOO TICKETS NOW