Whipsnade Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals. It’s a whole day of outdoor adventure. Set high on the Chiltern Hills, it feels more like a nature reserve than a city zoo, with wide open spaces for the animals and for little ones to run (or scoot) free.
The enclosures are impressively large, giving animals like elephants, rhinos and giraffes room to roam, which is fantastic to see. It does mean there’s a fair bit of walking between attractions, though. Children are allowed scooters, which makes exploring much easier (and saves a few tired legs!).
One of the highlights is the charming steam railway, which puffs its way around part of the park, passing rhinos, wallabies and some stunning views along the way. The huge adventure playground is another must-do, packed with climbing frames, slides and rope bridges for every age group. There’s also a soft play area, perfect for letting under-5s burn off energy indoors or for sheltering from a sudden rain shower.
For families who like a more relaxed pace, there are pockets of woodland ideal for den building, and plenty of benches and picnic spots. Bringing your own picnic is highly recommended. There are grassy areas and shaded spots everywhere, so you can stop when hunger strikes.
By the end of the day you’ll have explored, climbed, scooted, built, played and (of course) seen some incredible animals. Whipsnade isn’t just a zoo; it’s a full family adventure that blends wildlife with fresh air, play and space to roam.