Paignton Zoo is committed to providing Access for All. We believe that by creating an environment free from barriers and obstacles, we can ensure that our facilities and services are fully accessible to all.
Access
The Zoo is based in an 80 acre natural environmental park and is considered reasonably wheelchair and pushchair friendly. However, we are situated in South Devon and therefore although gradients are less than one in twelve some appear fairly steep and so not all paths are easy to manage independently in a manual wheelchair. Wheelchair access is available to the Island Restaurant, shops and all exhibits except the small carnivore house in the old part of the Zoo. Please ask on arrival for a map of the best routes around the Zoo.
Path surfaces are either tarmac or crushed and rolled stone.
There is plenty of seating around the site.
Parking
We have 29 parking spaces within the free car park dedicated to visitors with a disabled parking permit. 21 of these are on the first level with a gentle slope to the Visitor Entrance and 8 on the second level with a one in twelve gradient zig-zag path to the entrance. Those who prefer may use the drop-off and pick-up point at the main entrance.
Wheelchairs and scooters
We are pleased to offer visitors the free use of a manual wheelchair. Please telephone the Zoo on 01803 697500 prior to your visit to ensure that they are available. A returnable deposit of £20.00 is required.
In addition we are pleased to be able to offer visitors the use of a limited number of electric wheelchairs or electric scooters. Each can be hired for use during your visit to the Zoo. The cost of hire is £5.00 plus a returnable deposit of £20.00. Again please telephone the Zoo on 01803 697500 prior to your visit to ensure that they are available.
On your arrival at the Zoo, a member of the Zoo’s front of house team will spend a few minutes briefing you on the handling and controls of the electric wheelchair or scooter. You will then be asked to sign a disclaimer.
Assistance dogs
Registered Disability Support Dogs, registered Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, registered Guide Dogs for the Blind, registered Disability Assistance Dogs, registered Medical Assistance Dogs and registered Seizure Alert Dogs are welcome when accompanied by and under the control of their owners.
To ensure the safety and welfare of the public, staff and animals on the premises, assistance dogs must wear their respective identifying jackets and their Environmental Health and Identification Cards must be carried and shown if required.
The wearing of identifying jackets and the carrying of the Environmental Health and Identification Cards form part of the regulations for all Registered and Trained Support Dogs in the United Kingdom. If you have any queries regarding this policy please contact Assistance Dogs (UK).
Front of House staff
Our reception staff will be very happy to help you in any way they can, so please ask them on arrival for any required assistance.
Induction Loop
An Induction Loop is provided at Till 4 in the Visitor Entrance for the benefit of hearing aid users. To use please switch your hearing aid to ‘T’.
Literature
At present our literature is only available as standard printed leaflets. If you would like an A3 photocopied version ask any member of staff or telephone 01803 697500.
Reduced admission
We offer reduced admission rates for visitors with disabilities. Please click here.
Toilet facilities
Toilet facilities are provided in the Visitor Entrance, Island Restaurant, Jungle Fun play centre, Avian Breeding Centre and at the top of the Primley section of the Zoo. These are clearly marked on the map given out on entry. With the exception of the Avian Breeding Centre, where they are shared, they all have independent disabled toilet facilities
Island Restaurant
The Island Restaurant offers an extensive and varied choice of food. However, if you have specific special dietary needs we would be delighted to try and meet them. Please telephone the Zoo on 01803 697500 prior to your visit to discuss your requirements.
Blind and visually impaired visitors
Special tours, by prior arrangement, are available for blind and visually impaired visitors. Please pre-book on 01803 697500.
Special needs education
We can provide an unforgettable experience for special needs groups.
The Education Centre, which is conveniently situated in the centre of the Zoo, has three well-equipped classrooms and a Discovery Centre. Experienced teaching staff can liaise with group leaders to arrange suitable input for your visit. Please telephone 01803 697510 for further details.
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