ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Dunstable

Spend Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo

Inc. free Christmas activities!

Celebrate Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo - festive activities included with your general admission tickets!

Enjoy a wild Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo from 21st November to 24th December 2026, with festive storytelling, Christmas activities and seasonal animal talks to discover alongside your day at the Zoo.

  • Dates: 21st November - 24th December 2026
  • Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo: Enjoy festive activities alongside your usual day exploring the Zoo
  • How to Train Your Reindeer: Join an interactive story session and discover how Santa and his elves prepare the reindeer for their big Christmas Eve flight
  • The Great Train Advent Calendar: From 1st - 24th December, open a new advent calendar door, meet the featured animal and answer a quiz question for the chance to win a soft toy
  • Letters to Santa: Write your Christmas list at the Visitor Centre before sending it on its way with the Zoo's elf post
  • Winter Animal Talks: Discover how different animals adapt to colder weather with special seasonal talks throughout your visit
  • Christmas Cracker Competition: Enter your best Christmas cracker joke for the chance to win an animal experience in 2027

Book Whipsnade Zoo tickets & visit the biggest zoo in the UK, with over 10,000 animals set across 600 acres!

As the UK's biggest zoo, Whipsnade Zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals across hundreds of acres of beautiful countryside!

  • See over 10,000 animals from around the world
  • Meet Asian elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions, bears and many more incredible species
  • Enjoy daily animal talks and learn about wildlife conservation
  • Explore one of the largest zoos in Europe set across hundreds of acres
  • Get even closer with unforgettable animal experiences and keeper experiences
  • Enjoy family play areas, seasonal events and activities for children
  • Support vital global conservation work with every visit

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable:

  • Tickets Include: All-day entry to Whipsnade Zoo
  • Instant Delivery: Receive eTickets instantly via email and text
  • Please Note: Whipsnade Zoo's last entry is an hour before closing.

Explore over 600 acres, see over 10,000 animals & run wild on children's play area's - included in your tickets!

Whipsnade Zoo combines world-class animal habitats with stunning open landscapes, creating one of the UK's most unique zoo experiences.

Watch a herd of Asian elephants roam across spacious paddocks, come face-to-face with giraffes, discover fascinating reptiles, marvel at big cats and explore habitats inspired by regions across Africa, Asia and beyond.

The zoo's daily animal talks offer opportunities to learn more about the animals and the conservation work helping protect endangered species worldwide.

Young adventurers can enjoy play areas, family activities and seasonal events, while visitors of all ages can discover how ZSL is working to create a world where wildlife thrives.

  • Meet more than 10,000 amazing animals from around the world, including Asian elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, bears, penguins and many more
  • Explore the UK's biggest zoo, set across hundreds of acres
  • Watch daily animal talks and discover incredible wildlife facts from expert zoo staff
  • Spot some of Whipsnade Zoo's newest arrivals and baby animals throughout the year
  • Hop aboard the Whipsnade Zoo steam train and enjoy a unique view of the zoo
  • Let the little ones run wild in the Adventure Area, over 7,800m² of themed play equipment
  • Discover how ZSL is helping protect endangered species through global conservation projects
  • Enjoy seasonal events, family activities and interactive experiences throughout the year
  • See one of Europe's largest collections of animals living in spacious habitats designed to support their welfare

So if you're looking for things to do in Luton, places to visit outside London, or simply looking for one of the UK's best zoos, book Whipsnade Zoo tickets today! Tickets delivered instantly via email. 

Location

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade,
Dunstable,
Bedfordshire,
LU6 2LF
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

Address: Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF

What3Words: cowering.elevates.tenure

By Car:

  • M25 (Junction 21): 20 minutes away
  • M1 (Junction 9 & 12)

There are two car parks at Whipsnade Zoo. There is an external one, which is free, and a car park inside the zoo that costs £30 (unless you are a Blue Badge holder).

By Bus:

Centrebus local services that operate from Dunstable to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo:

  • 40
  • 40A
Facilities
  • Multiple cafés and restaurants
  • Picnic areas
  • Accessible toilets
  • Changing Places facilities
  • Free external car park
  • Blue Badge parking
  • Internal zoo parking options
  • Mobility scooter hire
  • Wheelchair hire
  • Pushchair hire
  • Gift shop
  • Internal electric bus service
  • Steam train
  • Baby changing facilities
More Info
Is Whipsnade Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Whipsnade Zoo offers extensive accessibility facilities including wheelchair hire, mobility scooter hire, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, an internal electric bus service and wheelchair access on the steam train. Some areas of the zoo feature slopes, grass, bark chippings and uneven terrain which may be more difficult to navigate. Advance booking is recommended for mobility aids.

What age is Whipsnade Zoo suitable for?

Whipsnade Zoo is suitable for all ages, from toddlers and young children to adults and animal enthusiasts. The zoo offers family attractions, play areas, animal talks and experiences designed for a wide range of ages.

Is there food and drink at Whipsnade Zoo?

Yes. Whipsnade Zoo has a range of cafés, restaurants, kiosks and picnic areas located throughout the zoo, offering refreshments, snacks and meals during your visit.

How many animals can I see at Whipsnade Zoo?

Whipsnade Zoo is home to over 10,000 animals, including Asian elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, bears, butterflies, reptiles, primates and many other species from across the globe.

Can I bring my dog to Whipsnade Zoo?

No. Pets are not permitted inside Whipsnade Zoo. Assistance dogs are also currently unable to enter the zoo due to the presence of free-roaming animals. Kennel facilities and alternative support options are available.

How long do I need at Whipsnade Zoo?

Whipsnade Zoo covers hundreds of acres and is the UK's biggest zoo. Most visitors spend a full day exploring the animal habitats, attending talks, enjoying family attractions and taking part in seasonal activities.

Is there parking at Whipsnade Zoo?

Yes. Whipsnade Zoo has a free external car park. Blue Badge holders can also access designated parking areas within the zoo grounds where appropriate

How do I buy carer tickets for Whipsnade Zoo?

For Whipsnade Zoo, you should:

  • Book a Disabled Adult or Disabled Child ticket online.
  • The free essential carer ticket is included with that booking and does not need to be purchased separately. 

Bring:

  • Your booking confirmation/e-ticket.
  • Supporting evidence that you require a carer (such as a Blue Badge, PIP/DLA award letter, Access Card, or other appropriate documentation). 
  • On arrival, the carer enters free alongside the disabled visitor using the same booking. 
What do Whipsnade Zoo tickets include?

Standard admission includes zoo entry, access to thousands of animals, daily animal talks, exhibits, habitats, seasonal activities available on the day and the opportunity to explore the UK's biggest zoo.

Are these the cheapest tickets for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

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