Accessibility - A Zoo for all

We consider ourselves a "Zoo for All" and allow access to every visitor, making space for the characteristics that each visitor brings and ensuring that diverse individuals can fully participate in all Blackpool Zoo activities. We hope this information will help you prepare for your day.

Blackpool Zoo offers one free carer ticket per paying visitor with disabilities. Proof of disability is required, so please do not be offended when we ask to see this. Proof of disability can be:

• 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. 

• There are dedicated disabled parking bays close to the entrance. In line with our parking policy, there is a £4.00 pay and display charge for the day.
• 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.
• Please note that cars in the car park are parked at the owners' risk.

Blackpool Zoo is fully accessible, so all visitors can view our animals and exhibits. 

• The site is flat. The sensory map details areas with uneven ground. Some of our animal houses do have upper-level viewing areas, but these are all accessible by ramps.
• Wheelchairs are available for hire from Visitor Services. Wheelchairs are free of charge however, there is a £20 refundable deposit to ensure safe return. Pre-booking is recommended at this time, please email info@blackpoolzoo.org.uk giving your name, date of visit, and approximate arrival time, or call 01253 830830. Please note, that the maximum weight for these wheelchairs is 115kg (18 stone), and the seat width is approximately 45cm.
• Blackpool Zoo does not have mobility scooters to rent however, if you require a mobility scooter, we recommend you telephone the hire company on 07928 718 405. The company will arrange delivery and collection for you.
• There is an accessible toilet at every toilet block. These are located on signs and the map. 

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.

• There is plenty of information on the website to prepare you for your visit however, if you need to know more, then please get in touch, as there is always someone to help you.
• Weekend days and school holidays can be busy however, Mondays and Fridays tend to be quieter days.
• If you do visit on a busier day and wish to avoid crowds in the main entrance, please let a member of staff know, and you will be escorted through a quieter entrance.
• The zoo has many sensory signs that indicate busy areas and animal houses with strong smells or noise. These are also highlighted on our sensory map, which you can download here. A paper copy is also available at Visitor Services.
• A social story to prepare children for a visit to the zoo is also available to download here.
• Quiet opening times will be planned throughout the year and will be detailed on our website.

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.

• If you require a pushchair, you will be able to hire one from Visitor Services for a charge of £5.00 plus a £20 refundable deposit.
• Children's meals are available in the Lakeside Café. There is a microwave available in the main café should you need to warm any food. Our staff can provide jugs of boiling water if required.
• Changing facilities are available in all of 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 member of staff. 

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.