Whipsnade Zoo - Footplate Experience

• Our Footplate Experience allows you to ride on the footplate of one of our beautiful steam engines, Excelsior or Superior.

Ever wanted to find out what it really takes to be one of our steam engine drivers? With our unique Footplate experience you can get an up close insight into what goes on, on the footplate while steaming past exotic animals such as Asian elephants, bactrian camels and greater one-horned rhinos.

• Admission to the Zoo is not included and must be purchased separately or ZSL membership held. 
• Participants must be 18 years or older.
• You must arrive 20 minutes before the time of your experience.
• Participants must wear closed toed shoes (walking boots or similar) and full-length trousers and long sleeves to take part in the experience. 
• Participants must have a good level of mobility due to the access requirements of each steam engine. 
• Participants with additional needs must be accompanied by a carer during the initial H&S briefing. Due to the size restrictions of the footplate, this carer cannot ride on the footplate but will sit in the front carriage behind the participant.
• Wheelchair access is not available for this experience but is available for family members and friends who wish to travel on the train as a passenger.