Going to Whipsnade for the first time

[StarDustInTheWind]

Hiya, Got some tickets "for free" from our airmiles, we are going tomorrow and were wondering what to expect really..

Is it worth paying to take the car in?
We have a journey to get there, are there loos OUTSIDE the park so we can go when we get there, before queuing, or do we need to find somewhere on the way?
Is there much to do if it rains?

ANY advice welcomed.....

don't think there are loos outside but there obviously some inside! i never bother taking the car in, you can take a little train to see the animals in the open part. it's large but not that large that you can't walk around comfortably. would say though take lots of layers as it gets windy and rain is forecast for tomorrow. otherwise have fun and check out the otters (my favourite!).

Book your play hour in the softplay as soon as you arrive to avoid dissapointment! Its a nice little softplay.
No need to bring car in, we never have!

oh - ok thanks for that - will save £20 for the over spending in the shop on the way out..... I love otters tooo!!

No need for the car. It's really open and exposed to the elements there so second the advice for wrapping up.

no need for the car.
we have been yesterday and it was fab.
it's a lovely zoo with lots of space, a bit like a country park without the dogs :)
take wellies, lots of paths are on grass, so feet get wet.
we didn't bother with the soft play, were much too busy running walking from keeper talk to keeper talk and doing all the deadly 60 trail stuff.
food there is actually quite good and reasonably priced.

Well, we went - weather was crappy, so we did take the car in in the end - and were pleased we did - rain was on and off ALL day, so we could pick up/drop off the raincoats, take refuge etc when needed....

Thanks for the tips on layers - it is really exposed up by the penguins in particular, was glad to be wrapped up warm... but loved watching all their antics...

Highlights were the lions, cheetahs, elephant parade, baby hippo and mum and the drive around the deer park (you can either take the train, or drive, not allowed on foot..) Did not realise that there were SOOOOO many of each species there - most places have 3 lions... there were 7, and 8 cheetahs etc... and we got to see them ALL... apparently a dull/wet and cool day is the best to see the animals.. with the advantage of less people too...

A fab day out was had...

ooh i love the elephants! glad you had a nice day am tempted to go myself again now!