Whipsnade Zoo

A few months ago we bought an annual pass to Whipsnade Zoo - having had an annual pass to Legoland for a year, we needed a change :) It's definitely worth considering an annual pass if you you plan to go a few times as the pass pays for itself within 3 goes. Plus the annual pass allows you access to London Zoo too, aswell as offering discounts in the shops & cafes. Whipsnade Zoo is massive and you can definitely spend a day there. We have attended a few talks which have been really interesting including Birds of the World which was amazing (hawks, owls and macaws swoop above your head in the flying bird demonstration), Sealion Splash (fun packed acrobatic demonstration filled with aquatic fun and frolics) and the Lion chat (where we learnt that Lions are on average only awake for 3 hours a day!. There is a a brilliant indoor play area at the zoo - you can book a 45 minute time slot which allows a limited number of people access at a time (brilliant!) - children need to wear socks so make sure you take them with you or if you forget you can buy some there at a reasonable price. The outdoor playground is vast - there's lots of things to keep the kids entertained plus there are a few picnic benches making it the perfect spot for lunch. We always take food with us as my kids are always hungry plus it keeps costs down. When we visited last week the brand new Butterfly House was open, featuring over 30 different species from around the world - the kids loved being surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies. This really is a brilliant family day out. We left home at 9am and got back at 6pm - the kids were knackered :) but had an amazing day.

Brilliant for a half term outing
We love it here, so much to see and do all washed down with plenty of fresh air. Wrap up warm and enjoy scooting around visiting the various animals from elephants to penguins to cheeky meer cats. Wrap up warm though, it's very windy up there especially by the penguins. Great all year round, oh and the playground and animal displays are brilliant too.

Whipsnade is a great day out with loads of different animals to keep the little ones amused and a large playground area as well. There is also an indoor play centre opening over October half term which looks great. The train ride is good fun for the kids although you do have to pay extra for this. The entrance charge is a little steep but if you think you may go a few times then it is well worth paying for an annual membership. There is a complimentary 'safari bus' which has multiple pick up and drop off points around the zoo so you don't have to walk all the time and you can even take your car in and drive round (free between oct-feb if you have membership).

It's a fun day out butif you are going with small children then a pram is needed as there is LOTS of walking around. The animals are all there and the children loved the outdoor play area but it is expensive for what you get. I think they are putting in a new soft play which would make it better, for a winter day out.