Lookout Lodge at Whipsnade Zoo
Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Lying in bed listening to the zoo wake up is something children never forget. The torch-lit night tour is the highlight, dinner and breakfast are sorted, and you get two days in the park. Family nights sell out fast, so book the moment dates are released.
For the children
- Kids' activities
- Nature activities
- Family dining
- Family rooms
- Best for
- Animal-loving 5–13s
- Ages
- 4–7, 8–12
- Family rooms
- Lodges for 2 adults + 2 children (5–13) on a sofa bed
- Outdoors
- Sunset, night and morning keeper-led zoo tours
We only list facilities we could confirm on their website — something not listed may still be there.
Days out nearby
~0 miles · ~15 mins
Zoo · same resort / on site
Britain's largest zoo spreads over the Chiltern hills, so elephants, rhinos and bears live in big open paddocks you can drive between or walk. The space makes it feel more like a safari, and it is an easy hop from the Chilterns or north London.
~15 miles · ~15 mins
Safari park · nearby attraction
Drive-through reserves with rhinos, elephants and lions, followed by a foot safari with sea lion shows and squirrel monkey walkthroughs. Good value with the indoor play area as a backup, and close to the Woburn estate.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter ↗
~16 miles · ~30 mins
Indoor play / activity · rainy day option
Walk through the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express platform where the films were made, and try broomstick flying. A big hit with older children and teens, and easy from London or the Chilterns.
Bekonscot Model Village and Railway ↗
~22 miles · ~30 mins
Castle / historic · ideal day trip
The world's oldest model village: miniature towns, a working model railway and a ride-on train children adore. Small and charming, with a playground and picnic area.
~25 miles · ~30 mins
Farm park · excellent toddler activity
A classic hands-on farm where little ones bottle-feed lambs, collect eggs and ride on tractor trailers, with indoor and outdoor play to fill the gaps. A gentle, easy day near Beaconsfield and the Chilterns.
~35 miles · ~45 mins
Theme park · ideal day trip
Rides are pitched squarely at younger children, so even preschoolers can do most of the park. Miniland's tiny brick cities, driving school and splash areas keep a whole day busy, and it is an easy add-on to a Windsor or Thames Valley stay.
~35 miles · ~45 mins
Zoo · ideal day trip
The world's oldest scientific zoo, right in Regent's Park: walk-through lemur and bird enclosures, a big gorilla kingdom and tigers seen through floor-to-ceiling glass. Easy to fit into a London weekend, and the children's zoo lets younger ones meet animals properly.
~38 miles · ~45 mins
Children's museum · rainy day option
Dinosaur skeletons, a moving T. rex and a blue whale hanging overhead make this a must for most children, and it is free. Pair it with the Science Museum next door for a full South Kensington day.
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Researched by Tumble in October 2026 from each place's own website. Tumble doesn't take these bookings — prices, availability and children's club details change, so check with them before you book. Distances and travel times are approximate.