7 reasons to visit Whipsnade Zoo in autumn

Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect day out for all ages and no matter what the weather.

Here are seven great reasons to visit Whipsnade Zoo this autumn. And remember, ZSL members enjoy unlimited free entry to Whipsnade and London Zoos the whole year round!

1. Escape the cold with our tropical enclosures

Keep the cold at bay this autumn and warm up in our heated Butterfly House while exploring more than 30 different species from all over the world. We have one of the largest butterfly biomes of any UK Zoo, which offers an exquisite tropical experience for families to learn about nature. Plus, before entering our butterfly domain, delve deeper into the underwater worlds of the Aquarium and discover some of the rarest freshwater fish in the world.

2. Celebrate Halloween with Boo at the Zoo

Looking for things to do with the kids this October half term? Join us for frightfully good fun with Boo at the Zoo. Activities include creepy crafts, a monstrous magic show and a Halloween disco. 

3. Join our walk of the week

Autumn is here, and it's time to dig out your coats and boots, get out in the crisp fresh air and reconnect with nature. On selected dates, join one of our team on a relaxing guided walk around the Zoo. This one-hour walk and talk is the perfect opportunity to stroll around our big green spaces with our experts and get behind the scenes info. Joining these walks is free of charge on paid entry to the Zoo, but places must be booked online in advance.

4. Indoor soft play for under 10s

Watch your little ones climb like a monkey in our Hullabazoo indoor soft play, suitable for children up to 10 years of age. Each element of Hullabazoo is designed around different habitats so children can mimic all their favourite animals. And it's perfect for those chilly days. Our indoor soft play is pre-bookable from the day before your visit so you can guarantee your slot. 

5. Enjoy a view like no other

As the season changes, enjoy the incredible views over Aylesbury Vale from the best spot in the Zoo - the penguin pools! On a crisp clear day, the views go on for miles and who better to share the views with than our lovable penguins.

Here at Whipsnade Zoo, we’re lucky enough to feature two penguin colonies: African black-footed and rockhopper. Our penguins live in an amazing environment, featuring custom penguin pools and rock formations for our rockhoppers and it's the best place to soak up the views across the Downs.

So grab a takeaway coffee and spend some quality time looking out onto the beautiful Chilterns countryside. Or, as Gold members benefit from 10% off in our restaurants, stop for lunch at Viewpoint Kitchen and Deli, in the picturesque spot close to our Southern white rhinos. 

6. Look out for our new arrivals 

What do a Francois langur baby, two red panda cubs and a Grevy's zebra foal have in common? Well they're all endangered animals, and they're all new arrivals at Whipsnade Zoo. See how many you can spot when you visit!

These baby animals are important additions to the European breeding programmes for their species, which ensures there's a healthy and genetically diverse back-up population, in case their numbers fall further.  

7. Look out for the free-roaming wallabies

As you journey around Whipsnade, our free-roaming wallabies make the perfect company. As the days start to get shorter, they love hopping around in the cool, shadier parts of the Zoo so keep your eyes peeled! We’ve shortlisted the best places to spot them:

• From the Great Whipsnade Railway Train, as you go through the train yard around the back of the elephant enclosure. 
• In the trees running between the elephant paddock and our yaks.
• The corner between Lookout Lodges and wolverine enclosure.
• To the right as you walk up to the entrance of the penguin pools.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore our 600 acres of beautiful wide open space as the seasons change. We hope we've persuaded you to dust off those cobwebs, ditch the sofa and bask in the crisp air at the Zoo. 

Book your tickets today and remember, under 3s go free!

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