The Great Whipsnade Railway, also known as The Jumbo Express, is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge heritage railway that operates within ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, England. Constructed in 1970, the railway initially started as a short line running from near the children’s zoo and has since been extended to form a loop through several paddocks, now over a mile in length.
The Route of the Great Whipsnade Railway
The route of the Great Whipsnade Railway is a circular one, with the train typically traveling clockwise around the loop. The journey takes visitors through various areas of the zoo, offering unique opportunities to see the animals up close.
As the train leaves the station, it travels east under a footbridge, passing the children’s play area and children’s farm on the left. The track then crosses a road, and as it begins to curve to the right and descend slightly, it passes the emu paddock on the right and the train yard, including the engine shed, on the left.
The route continues with a sharper curve to the right before straightening up and passing the first elephant paddock on the left. The journey then continues past the elephant and Asian rhino paddocks on the right, before crossing over a road and entering the area of the zoo known as “Passage through Asia.” In this section, there are no barriers between the train and the animals, which include Bactrian Camels, Yak, and Pere David Deer.
The Steam Engines of the Great Whipsnade Railway
The Great Whipsnade Railway boasts two impressive steam engines, Excelsior and Superior, which transport visitors on a safari-like adventure through the zoo’s diverse animal habitats. These steam engines provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the majestic elephants, rhinos, camels, and deer up close as they travel through the zoo’s landscapes.
Operating Hours and Ticket Prices
The Great Whipsnade Railway is open every day from March 29th to September 29th, 2024, and then on weekends only from October 5th to November 3rd, 2024. The railway will then be closed until February 2025. In the event that the steam trains are unavailable, the service will run with a diesel locomotive.
The ticket prices for the Great Whipsnade Railway are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £4.50 |
| Child (3-15 years) | £2.00 |
| Child (under 3) | Free |
| Essential Carers/Teachers | Free |
| Adult School Group | £4.50 |
| Child School Group | £0.50 |
| Adult Gold Member/Fellow | £4.00 |
| Child Gold Member | £1.50 |
The Footplate Experience
For those seeking a unique and immersive experience, the Great Whipsnade Railway offers the Footplate Experience. This experience provides an insider’s look at what it takes to be a steam engine driver, including a briefing with the driver or fireman, a round trip on the footplate of one of the steam engines, and a certificate to commemorate the experience.
The Footplate Experience costs £30 per person and is available to participants aged 18 and older. Admission to Whipsnade Zoo is not included in the Footplate Experience price.
Conclusion
The Great Whipsnade Railway is a must-visit attraction for zoo touring enthusiasts, offering a unique and exciting way to explore the diverse animal habitats of Whipsnade Zoo. With its impressive steam engines, circular route, and affordable prices, the railway provides a memorable and immersive experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
References:
– YouTube Video
– Whipsnade Zoo Website
– Steam Heritage Website
– Whipsnade Zoo Footplate Experience
– Wikipedia