Whipsnade

Heritage Site in Bedfordshire

England

Whipsnade

The Dunstable Downs Windcatcher This is a ventilator for the Visitor Centre
The Dunstable Downs Windcatcher Credit: Bob Walters

Whipsnade, located in Bedfordshire, England, is a renowned heritage site that attracts visitors from all over the world. Spread across a vast area of around 600 acres, it is home to the famous Whipsnade Zoo, which was established in 1926 and is one of the largest conservation parks in Europe.

The site boasts a rich history, as it was originally part of the ancient Icknield Way, an ancient trading route dating back to prehistoric times. In the early 20th century, the land was acquired by the Zoological Society of London to create a unique open-range zoo. Today, Whipsnade Zoo is known for its commitment to conservation and plays a crucial role in breeding programs and wildlife research.

Apart from the zoo, Whipsnade offers visitors a chance to explore its stunning landscape, which consists of rolling hills, woodlands, and meadows. The site is home to various species of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, adding to its charm.

To enhance the visitor experience, Whipsnade offers a range of amenities, including a visitor center, restaurants, and picnic areas. It also provides educational programs and interactive exhibits to educate visitors about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting the environment.

Whipsnade, Bedfordshire, is a truly remarkable heritage site that combines natural beauty, wildlife conservation, and educational experiences. It continues to be a must-visit destination for those seeking to reconnect with nature and learn about the diverse species that inhabit our planet.

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Whipsnade Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.858/-0.551 or Grid Reference SP9918. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Dunstable Downs Windcatcher This is a ventilator for the Visitor Centre
The Dunstable Downs Windcatcher
This is a ventilator for the Visitor Centre
Hornbeam Avenue Hornbeam Avenue is before the entrance to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral.
Hornbeam Avenue
Hornbeam Avenue is before the entrance to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral.
Footpath through Whipsnade Heath Woods The path goes uphill through the woods towards Kensworth.
Footpath through Whipsnade Heath Woods
The path goes uphill through the woods towards Kensworth.
Dunstable Downs car park
Dunstable Downs car park
B4541 near Allcroft Wood
B4541 near Allcroft Wood
B4540 at Whipsnade Zoo
B4540 at Whipsnade Zoo
Car park on the Dunstable Downs in summer Yes, we did have an ice cream.
Car park on the Dunstable Downs in summer
Yes, we did have an ice cream.
Part of the Dunstable Downs in the summer of 2022 Glorious.
Part of the Dunstable Downs in the summer of 2022
Glorious.
Scene on the Dunstable Downs in summer 2022 This elegant and independent woman has settled herself into a most comfortable and commodious looking chair and is drinking in the exceptional views laid out in front of her. My type of person! No boring sea view. No sitting in her back garden and looking at the Downs. She has picked up her mat and walked. She knows that she needs the scale of a JMW Turner or Constable painting and subject matter to match. She is aloof but also very much central to the scene. I envied her her vision, insight and depth of thought. More of this please!
Scene on the Dunstable Downs in summer 2022
This elegant and independent woman has settled herself into a most comfortable and commodious looking chair and is drinking in the exceptional views laid out in front of her. My type of person! No boring sea view. No sitting in her back garden and looking at the Downs. She has picked up her mat and walked. She knows that she needs the scale of a JMW Turner or Constable painting and subject matter to match. She is aloof but also very much central to the scene. I envied her her vision, insight and depth of thought. More of this please!
Whipsnade - St Mary Magdalene Church
Whipsnade - St Mary Magdalene Church
On the Icknield Way Trail, Dunstable Downs
On the Icknield Way Trail, Dunstable Downs
On the Icknield Way Trail, Dunstable Downs - view to Beacon Hill
On the Icknield Way Trail, Dunstable Downs - view to Beacon Hill
Path onto Whipsnade Heath Although mostly secondary woodland, there is a pleasant open area with a picnic table.
Path onto Whipsnade Heath
Although mostly secondary woodland, there is a pleasant open area with a picnic table.
B4540 / B4541 roundabout, Whipsnade Heath
B4540 / B4541 roundabout, Whipsnade Heath
Isle of Wight Lane Presumably named after Isle of Wight Farm - rather short of a full explanation!
Isle of Wight Lane
Presumably named after Isle of Wight Farm - rather short of a full explanation!
View from Dunstable Downs Dunstable Downs Airfield is below, much used by gliders.
View from Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs Airfield is below, much used by gliders.
Tree Cathedral Created following the First World War in ‘Faith, hope and reconciliation’, the Tree Cathedral covers 9½ acres and contains many tree species. Grass avenues form chancel, nave, transepts, chapels and cloisters.
Tree Cathedral
Created following the First World War in ‘Faith, hope and reconciliation’, the Tree Cathedral covers 9½ acres and contains many tree species. Grass avenues form chancel, nave, transepts, chapels and cloisters.
Whipsnade Zoo The white rhinos are in a large paddock and this represents generally the rural scene.Ok if you have a car.
Whipsnade Zoo
The white rhinos are in a large paddock and this represents generally the rural scene.Ok if you have a car.
Show me another place!

Whipsnade is located at Grid Ref: SP9918 (Lat: 51.858, Lng: -0.551)

What 3 Words

///chaos.heats.learning. Near Totternhoe, Bedfordshire

Nearby Locations

Whipsnade

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.858,-0.551
Parking
Bison Hill
Parking: surface
Lat/Long: 51.8554431/-0.5492573
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8596593/-0.5549385
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8603167/-0.5557352
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8592008/-0.5574937
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8609296/-0.5522348
Bison Hill
Place: locality
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 51.854781/-0.5482012
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8609229/-0.5478335
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.860125/-0.55232
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 51.8611912/-0.5464466
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 51.8568011/-0.5566017
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.8567745/-0.5566449
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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