Accessibility

Every day we learn from our visitors and strive to make Blackpool Zoo the best it can be for all visitors. We hope the following information will help you prepare for and enjoy your day with us.

We offer one free carer ticket per paying visitor with disabilities.  We require proof of disability and accept the following forms of documentation:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Blue Badge (please note, if you are displaying your Blue Badge for disabled parking, please ensure you take a photograph of the front and back to use as proof at Admissions)
• Disabled Persons Bus Pass
• Access Card
• National Disabled Identification Card (DID)
• Signed letter from your GP confirming disability.
• Documentation should be dated within the last 24 months. 

• We have dedicated Disabled Parking Bays near the entrance to the zoo. Just like all of our parking spaces, there is a £3.00 pay and display charge for the day.  Please note that cars in the car park are parked at the owners' risk.
• If these spaces are full and there is a parking attendant available, please make it known that you require an accessible space and they will strive to find you a suitable spot to park as close to the entrance as possible.

We’re a fully accessible visitor attraction so visitors with wheelchairs and limited mobility can relax and enjoy their day.

• We’re lucky to be situated on a very flat site, meaning there are no hills to climb. A few of our animal houses do have upper-level viewing areas but these are all accessible by ramps.
• Wheelchairs are available for hire from Reception. There’s no charge for the day but we do ask for a £20 refundable deposit to ensure their safe return. Pre-booking is essential at this time, please email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk giving your name, date of visit and approximate arrival time, or by calling 01253 830830. Please note, the maximum weight for these wheelchairs is 115kg (18 stone) and the seat width is approximately 45cm. 
• We don’t hire out mobility scooters ourselves, but, if you telephone 01253 405457, you can make arrangements to have one delivered and collected to suit your needs.
• You’ll find an accessible toilet at every toilet block around the zoo. We do also have a room available behind Reception for more personal care, should this be required. A mobile hoist and changing table is available in Reception (main entrance building) for use by adults and older children. Your own sling is required.

Unfortunately, we are unable to allow assistance dogs on site due to animal health restrictions.  Assistance dogs can possibly be looked after by our team – please call us on 01253 830801 to see if your request can be accommodated.  

Unfortunately, emotional support animals do not have the same training or legal recognition within the UK as assistance dogs and therefore our staff are not permitted to look after them.

These are just a few suggestions to help you get the best out of your visit.

• Plan ahead – we appreciate that sometimes it’s reassuring to know what to expect during your visit. On our website you’ll find copies of our map, talk times, animal information and much more so please do feel free to browse.
• Visit as often as you’d like – If the prospect of a whole day at the zoo is overwhelming, we do have a membership scheme available so you can visit as often as you’d like.
• Avoid busy days – for visitors who prefer not to be here during our busier times, we would recommend that you visit outside of the school holidays and on weekdays where possible. We generally find that Mondays and Fridays are our quietest days.
• Avoid crowds – If you have particular issues with crowds or queues, please feel free to pop into Visitor Services in the main entrance. We’ll be more than happy to sort out your tickets and take you in a much quieter side entrance. You’ll also be given a copy of our talk times, which highlights when each area of the zoo may be at its busiest.
• We have a social story which illustrates a visit to the Zoo. The story shows the different situations from arrival at the Zoo to the animal and sensory experiences visitors/students may encounter during the visit. We hope this helps them to understand and be prepared for their day trip to Blackpool Zoo. Download our social story here.
• We have a sensory map available to download here, highlighting noises and smells within the enclosures and any possible busy areas.
  

We have a wide range of food available in our catering outlets – including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and more. If you have a specific dietary requirement or food allergy, please speak to a member of our catering team who will be more than happy to help.

• We have a number of pushchairs available to hire from Reception. These are at a charge of £5.00 for hire plus a £20 refundable deposit.
• We have children’s meals available in our catering outlet however if you’d prefer to bring your own that’s fine. We have a microwave available in the main café should you need to warm any food and our staff are able to provide jugs of boiling water should this be needed.
• There are baby changing facilities in all of our toilet blocks – male, female and disabled.
• We welcome babies to be breastfed in any area of the zoo. If you would like to do so in a more private setting, please speak to a member of staff as we can make our first aid room or one of our meeting rooms available to you.
• We’re lucky to be situated on a very flat site, meaning there are no hills to climb. A few of our animal houses do have upper-level viewing areas but these are all accessible by ramps.

While some of our experiences are suitable for visitors with disabilities, others are not.

• Sea Lion Meet and Greets (when available) are not suitable for some visitors as wheelchairs and pushchairs are not allowed onto the beach.
• As our Animal Experiences often involve working in non-public areas, many are not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Please enquire before booking.
   

We’ve tried to cover everything, but if there’s anything we’ve missed or you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01253 830830 or email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk.

If you would like more detailed information, please look through our full Access Statement.