Disabled Information
Bristol Zoo Gardens seeks to provide equal opportunity for all to enjoy the animal exhibits and visitor facilities
Parking
There are three parking bays for visitors with disabilities near the Zoo entrance. In addition to a further 14 dedicated on street parking spaces along College Road, the first these being less than 40 metres from the main entrance.
Access
The Zoo is more than 170 years old and contains a number of older buildings and structures three of which have been given a Grade II Listing by English Herritage. However, most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties..
The paths are generally tarmac and there is level or ramped access to most buildings. It is worth noting however that there are moderately steep ramps on exiting the Reptile House and on both entrance and exit of the Aquarium and Bug World.
Twilight World, being a nocturnal exhibit, has very low levels of illumination and some noticable 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 [at] bristolzoo [dot] org [dot] 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 praire dog enclosure
• between the seasonal shop at Guthrie Gate and the the Conservation Education Centre
NB. An adult sized changing table is now available within the toilet between the rose garden and the praire dog enclosure
Wheelchairs
There are 20 manual wheelchairs and 3 electric buggies available at the Zoo entrance. There is no hire charge for the manual wheelchairs and a £5.00 charge (£2.00 for membersh) with a deposit of £10. 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 2 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 volunteer guide for your visit. Please call 0117 974 7365
