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Original poster

Whipsnade Zoo?

15 replies

starlingdahling · 04/07/2022 21:50

Has anyone got any reviews on Whipsnade Zoo recently?

Planning a birthday weekend away in the autumn for my ASD son (12) to Harry Potter studios and was considering visiting the zoo as well as he loves animals and outdoor environments. We don't live anywhere near so have never been before.

The tripadvisor reviews look quite iffy which surprise me for a big zoo?

OP posts:
InflagranteDelicto · 04/07/2022 21:55

I've always enjoyed going, both in a family group and a part of a large scale group. Not been since covid but its a great place for an explore, learn about the animals there and a picnic.

ChiefWiggumsBoy · 04/07/2022 22:11

I should be going on Monday so I’ll save your post and update when I’m back!

Last time I went was probably over 30 years ago so probably not very relevant.

popandchoc · 04/07/2022 22:21

We have been quite often and had membership for the last two years.

I think it's really nice and massive so can do lots of walking around etc. There is a train you can pay extra to go on and see more animals.

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MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 04/07/2022 22:25

It's great, use Tesco vouchers.

ISeeTheLight · 04/07/2022 22:27

It's a great zoo, absolutely huge so expect to do a lot of walking. You get some amazing views too over the hills.

justasmalltownmum · 04/07/2022 22:29

We loved it. My dc are younger though.

Nix32 · 04/07/2022 22:29

It's brilliant! Huge open spaces and never feels crowded.

Original poster
starlingdahling · 04/07/2022 22:47

Great!! Thanks all!

OP posts:
Original poster
starlingdahling · 04/07/2022 22:47

ChiefWiggumsBoy · 04/07/2022 22:11

I should be going on Monday so I’ll save your post and update when I’m back!

Last time I went was probably over 30 years ago so probably not very relevant.

Ooh please do!

OP posts:
SilverHill · 04/07/2022 22:59

I took my teenager (autism, severe anxiety) in the May half term. It was one of the best days out we have had in ages. Despite being a bank holiday, nothing felt too crowded. The talks were interesting; the keepers are knowledgeable about the individual animals and their needs.

There was quite a lot of walking; I'd recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Icanseeclearlynow12 · 04/07/2022 23:07

We’ve had membership for the last 8 years, live very close by. It’s an amazing zoo, definitely recommend for an animal lover!

It is huge and everything is spread around so be prepared for lots of waking although you can pay extra to take your car in. I would imagine it’s difficult to fit in seeing everything in one day so good to grab a map and plan what you want to see the most

Be warned there’s not much shelter if it’s raining and you will find a very big wait for the main restaurant but there’s some beautiful spots for a picnic and it never feels crowded even on busy days

Hope that helps a little

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 04/07/2022 23:57

Isn't there the bus to take you round now?

ThatsALotOfPassionfruit · 05/07/2022 06:31

It’s a great zoo, one of my favourites. It is big but we’ve always managed it in a day and we’ve never taken the car in

NatM15588 · 05/07/2022 08:51

I took my daughter to hp at easter and we also spent a day at Whipsnade. It was a lovely zoo with a great selection of animals. My daughter said it was the best part of the trip!

Original poster
starlingdahling · 05/07/2022 20:05

Thanks everyone - will definitely be going now!

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