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We are committed to being a Zoo For All, welcoming everyone to our zoo and working each day to improve the zoo experience for all our visitors.
This page contains information and resources to support your visit to Blackpool Zoo. Email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk or call 01253 830830 for more information about accessibility at Blackpool Zoo.
Blackpool Zoo’s hours of operation change seasonally and for special events. Please check here for updates on opening hours, early closures, or animal habitat closures. However in rare instances, an animal habitat closure may happen without advanced warning.
Tickets
Blackpool Zoo offers one free carer ticket per paying visitor with disabilities – when buying online, please select the relevant ticket for the paying visitor (adult/child/concession). Proof of disability is required to receive this. Please do not be offended by our staff asking – some disabilities are not visible and we try to treat all visitors the same.
Proof of disability can be:
(Documentation should be dated within the last 24 months)
Ask staff at the Gift Shop for assistance with reaching items, reading labels, or describing products.
Accessible toilets
There is an accessible toilet at every toilet block. These are located on signs and the map.
Changing Places
A Changing Places facility is available for visitors who require additional space. This includes a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling track hoist, a peninsular toilet, and a privacy screen. The facility is accessed using a radar key. If you do not already have a radar key, one is available at the main café next door to the Changing Places unit – please ensure this is returned.
Child changing tables
A changing table is available at every toilet block. These are located on signs and the map.
Single pushchairs are available to hire for £5.00 from Visitor Services. A £20 refundable cash deposit is required. Pre-booking is required. To do this, email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk giving your name and date of visit or call 01253 830830.
Children’s meals are available in the Lakeside Café and Playbarn. There is a microwave oven in the Lakeside Café should you need to warm any food. Hot water can also be provided.
Changing facilities are available in all our toilet blocks.
We welcome breastfeeding in any area of the zoo however, if you would like a more private setting, please speak to a staff member in Visitor Services within the main entrance.
There are large signs around play areas to raise public awareness of food allergies and help decrease the risk to children with a severe allergy. The signs show 3 simple steps to minimise risk.
Accessibility Map
Blackpool Zoo’s accessibility map is a high-contrast version of the zoo’s map. It identifies locations with high sensory experiences, low sensory experiences and the location of accessibility resources and amenities.
Find our accessibiity map here.
Social Story
Blackpool Zoo has a narrative of a typical zoo visit. This prepares visitors for the sights, sounds, noises, smells and other sensory experiences they may encounter when they visit Blackpool Zoo. This resource can help visitors focus on key details of a typical zoo visit.
Find our social story here.
Blackpool Zoo is fully accessible however, visitors may experience a variety of surfaces and uneven terrain on zoo grounds, including tarmac, concrete, brick, tile, dirt paths and aggregate. All public buildings have at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Wheelchairs
Visitors may hire wheelchairs from Visitor Services. Wheelchairs are free of charge however there is a £20 refundable cash deposit to ensure safe return. Pre-booking is recommended, as we only have a limited amount. To do this email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk giving your name and date of visit or call 01253 830830. Please note that the maximum weight for these wheelchairs is 18 stone (115 kg) and the seat width is approximately 45cm.
Mobility Devices
Although we don’t provide mobility scooters ourselves, visitors may hire one from a local company who would be happy to arrange delivery and collection from the zoo. To arrange this, or for more details, please contact Blackpool Mobility on 07928 718405.
The zoo requires power drive mobility devices to be set on the lowest setting (typically the walk setting) for the safety of visitors.
Other Information
Some areas of the zoo contain narrow pavements and doorways, hanging tree branches, and/or uneven terrain. Please use caution when operating electronic mobility devices, wheelchairs, walking sticks, or prams.
Hearing Loops
A hearing loop system is available for visitors with hearing aids. Hearing loops are situated in:
Hearing loops are available to hire from Visitor Services. A deposit is required.
Makaton Signage
There are Makaton-style symbols for animals and facilities with a short sentence about potential sensory sensitivity installed across the zoo.
Sign Language Safari
We offer a sign language safari to visitors in the summer months and primary school children, as part of a school visit. This educational experience introduces younger visitors to British Sign Language, children will learn how to sign the names and characteristics of some of our zoo animals.
Braille Signage
The zoo has DDA-compliant signage featuring raised text and braille across the park on animal habitats and facilities. The facility signs also feature a simple raised outline graphic of the facility. The signage is on all external toilet doors and changing facilities, ahead of all ramps, first aid locations and public telephones. The signs are positioned to allow wheelchair access.
Brass Rubbings Braille Trail
Interactive brass rubbing plaques are positioned on animal habitats across the zoo featuring an animal outline, name and braille.
Sighted Guides
Members of the zoo team have been trained by Guide Dogs UK to offer a sighted guide tour of the zoo on certain dates throughout the year. To arrange this, or for more information, please email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk or call 01253 830830.
Assistance Dogs
We are unable to allow assistance dogs within the zoo due to animal health restrictions. Subject to availability, trained assistance dogs may be looked after by one of our team however this would need to be arranged in advance. Please email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk or call 01253 830830 to arrange this or for more information. 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.
There is plenty of information on our website to prepare you for your visit however, if you need to know more, please get in touch.
The zoo can draw large, noisy crowds on busy days, in particular on weekend days and school holidays. If you wish for a quieter visit, Mondays and Fridays tend to be less busy.
Typically, you do not need to worry about loud noises, flashing lights, or other overwhelming sensory elements during your visit to the zoo. However, you may encounter strong smells and changes in temperature and humidity. You may hear microphones being used for visitor talks and tannoy announcements or alarms, these are used for essential communication.
We offer resources and special events for guests who are neurodivergent or sensory-sensitive. Including:
Sensory Information for Zoo Buildings
Makaton sensory awareness signage is featured on most buildings and facilities. These highlight sensory elements that offer high or low sensory stimulation.
All Blackpool Zoo programmes and events are designed to be engaging to all participants. We also have programmes designed specifically for and with people with disabilities. Please contact zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk for more information.
All Blackpool Zoo programmes and events are designed to be engaging to all participants. We also have programmes designed specifically for and with people with disabilities. Please contact zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk for more information.
Ask staff at the Gift Shop for assistance with reaching items, reading labels, or describing products.
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