Whipsnade

Whipsnade is a village and civil parish in Bedfordshire, England, located on the southern edge of the Chiltern Hills, north of Dunstable. The parish encompasses rural farmland and scattered woodland, with a countryside character typical of the area.

The village's most prominent feature is ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, opened in 1931 by the Zoological Society of London. It is one of the largest zoos in the United Kingdom by land area, with extensive open habitats that cover many acres and house a wide range of species. The zoo is involved in conservation, education, and research, and remains a major local employer and tourism draw.

The surrounding area includes the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, a notable landscape feature formed by aligned trees, and the nearby Dunstable Downs, a chalk hill offering views and walking routes. The landscape supports walking, nature reserves, and countryside activities throughout the year.

In governance terms, Whipsnade is a civil parish within Central Bedfordshire and lies in the South West Bedfordshire parliamentary constituency.