Overview

Whipsnade Zoo, located in the beautiful Chiltern Hills countryside, is one of the most impressive zoos in the UK. Covering over 600 acres, it offers a perfect escape from the city.

Things to do

With so much space available, you will need a full day to enjoy the lions, tigers, rhinos, elephants, zebras, hippos, and giraffes in their large outdoor enclosures. Not to mention the lynx and European bison, once common in Britain.

Whipsnade Zoo is renowned for its diverse collection of animals and commitment to animal conservation. Don’t miss the rockhopper and African black-footed penguins in the penguin pool – the views from the high Chiltern Downs over the surrounding countryside are epic from here! Dive into the fascinating underwater worlds of Whipsnade Zoo’s Aquarium. Then bask in the tropical temperatures of the Butterfly House, surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies.

Kids can also burn off some energy in the enormous outdoor play area too! Let imaginations run wild as they explore over 7,800m² of themed play area, including bridges, swings, climbing frames, tunnels, sand play, mini safari jeeps, and much more.

Food & Drink

After spending a fun-filled day with your family at Whipsnade Zoo, you may be in the mood to refuel and recharge. Luckily, the zoo offers a wide range of dining options to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary preferences.

If you’re craving a satisfying meal, head to the Basecamp restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious meat and meat-free sausage baguettes, burgers, and soft drinks. For a more upscale dining experience, choose the Viewpoint Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the magnificent white rhinos. Here, you can enjoy scrumptious Al Forno pasta dishes, freshly made pizzas, and classic afternoon tea.

For a classic British meal, try the Fish & Chip Van, where you can grab saveloys, fresh fish, and cheesy chips, along with hot and cold drinks,

If you’re looking for a quick snack or a light lunch, visit the Station Store Picnic Shop, which is open on weekends and school holidays. They offer a variety of sandwiches, bakery items, and hot and cold drinks. You can also grab some tasty snacks from the Visitor Centre, and we highly recommend trying their scrumptious baps.

Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, head over to Africa Out Post, which offers delicious ice cream and sweet treats in addition to savoury food options.