Accessibility
We are keen to provide an equal opportunity for everyone to visit Bristol Zoo Gardens and enjoy the animal exhibits and visitor facilities.
Parking
For visitors with disabilities, we have three parking bays near the Zoo entrance. This is in addition to 14 dedicated on-street parking spaces along College Road, the first of which is less than 40-metres from the main entrance.
Access
The Zoo is over 170 years old and contains a number of old buildings and structures – three of which are Grade II listed. However, most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.
Most paths are tarmac and there is level or ramped access to most buildings. However, there are moderately steep ramps when you exit the Reptile House, and on the entrance and exit of the Aquarium and Bug World. Being a nocturnal exhibit, Twilight World has very low levels of light and some noticeable changes in the level and texture of the floor finishes.
Access for conference and banqueting clients
The Clifton Pavilion conference and banqueting rooms are now fully accessible with new toilet facility off the entrance lobby and the rooms on the first floor now being served by a platform stairlift. Please contact 0117 974 7346 or email milburns@bristolzoo.org.uk to find out more about the room you are using.
Toilets for disabled visitors
Unisex accessible toilet facilities are provided at the various locations within the Zoo grounds these being:
- within the main entrance building (adjacent to the main shop exit gates)
- to the left hand end of the Pelican Restaurant building
- between the rose garden and the prairie dog enclosure
- between Guthrie Gate and the the Conservation Education Centre
- An adult sized changing table is available within the toilet between the rose garden and the prairie dog enclosure
- Please note we do not have a hoist, visitors will need to bring their own if needed
Wheelchairs
There are 20 manual wheelchairs and three electric buggies available at the Zoo entrance. There is no hire charge for the manual wheelchairs and a £5.00 charge (£2.50 for members) with a deposit of £10 for the electric buggies. It is strongly recommended that you book a wheelchair in advance of your visit to ensure that you get one. Please call 0117 974 7357 to reserve one.
Assistance dogs
Unfortunately we do not allow dogs into the Zoo but we do have two kennels located in the College road car park which provide temporary accommodation for assistance dogs while their owners visit the Zoo. Assistance dogs will be kept in comfortable accommodation for the duration of the visit and will be provided with fresh drinking water. Owners are required to leave a mobile number and to check on their dog at pre-arranged intervals during their visit.
We recommend that you book a place in the kennels in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment. Please call 0117 974 7357. It is also possible to pre-arrange a volunteer guide for your visit. Please call 0117 974 7365
