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Disabled Access Guide for ZSL London Zoo
Outer Circle
Regents Park
London
NW1 4RY
Tel: 020 7722 2333
Fax: 020 7586 5743
Web: http://www.zsl.org/london-zoo
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Opening Times
| Day | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
ZSL London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Last admission is one hour before advertised closing time.
Some animal houses may close 30 minutes before this time.
Location
The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
This venue is situated in London.
The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.
The nearest mainline Railway Station is London Euston.
The nearest underground station is Camden Town.
Parking
This venue does have its own car park.
Parking is not free for all users.
Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
The car park is at the front of the venue.
The car park type is open air/surface.
Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
There are 5 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 2.5m x 5m (8ft 2in x 16ft 4in).
The nearest designated bay is 21m (23yd) from the main entrance.
The furthest designated bay is 27m (29yd) from the main entrance.
The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
The car park surface is tarmac.
There is not a dropped kerb/non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
The patron does have to cross a road.
The road is generally busy.
The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
The dimensions of the on street marked Blue Badge parking bays are 2.5m x 6m (8ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
On street Blue Badge parking is located outside the main entrance.
Clearly signed and/or standard on street marked bays are available.
Standard marked parking bays are located on Outer Circle.
There is not a designated drop off point.
The main zoo car park is located 300 metres along Outer Circle, towards Camden.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located on Outer Circle.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open (no doors).
Level Change (Main Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is easy.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
Reception (Ticket Desks)
The reception desk is 50m (55yd) from the main entrance.
There is not level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is low.
Lighting levels are medium.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
The distance to the Ticket Office can vary, depending on the length of the queue.
Level Change (Ticket Desks)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located leading from the entrance to the Ticket Desks.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
Reception (Information Kiosk)
The reception desk is 40m (44yd) from the main entrance.
There is not level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is medium height.
The desk does not have a lowered section.
There is not a hearing assistance system.
The Information Desk is located to the right of the main entrance as you enter.
Inside Access
There is not level access to the service.
The lighting levels are varied.
Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
6 manual and 2 electric wheelchairs are available at the main entrance to borrow.
A deposit is required, which will be refunded on return of the wheelchair.
It is recommended that wheelchairs are booked in advance, by calling 020 7449 6576.
Level Change (Inside Access)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
There are many ramps and slopes of varying degrees of gradient throughout the zoo.
Wheelchair users may require added assistance with some slopes, including the slopes leading to the underpass under Outer Circle, shown in photograph 1.
Outside Access (Aquarium Accessible Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located on the side of the aquarium.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are single width.
The door opening is 92cm (3ft ) wide.
The main entrance to the aquarium, located at the front of the building, is accessed by 5 medium steps with no handrail (shown in photograph 2).
Level Change (Aquarium Accessible Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located to the left of the entrance as you face it.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
The ramp has a handrail on the left hand side going up.
Outside Access (Reptile House Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located opposite the Gorilla Kingdom.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open away from you (push).
The doors are double width.
The doors are permanently held open.
The door opening is 149cm (4ft 10in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
The 2nd set of doors are push pad operated.
Level Change (Reptile House Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
Level Change (Reptile House)
There are steps to access this area/service.
The steps are located at the rear of the Reptile House.
There are 6 steps to the area/service.
The lighting levels at the steps are low.
The steps are clearly marked.
The steps are medium.
The steps do have handrails.
The handrails are on both sides.
The steps lead up to the aquatic reptile cases.
Outside Access (Zoo World Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open away from you (push).
The doors are double width.
The doors are permanently held open.
The door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
The automatic doors open towards you.
Level Change (Zoo World Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is steep.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
There are steps to access this area/service.
The steps are located in front of the entrance.
There are 5 steps to the area/service.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are medium.
The steps do have handrails.
The handrails are on the left going up.
The ramp overcomes the steps mentioned, but there is a further steep ramp leading up to the entrance.
Outside Access (Blackburn Pavilion Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 195cm (6ft 4in) wide.
The Tropical Bird walkthrough is located in this building.
Level Change (Blackburn Pavilion Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
The building also contains some moderate ramps (shown in photograph 2).
Outside Access (B.U.G.S Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 145cm (4ft 9in) wide.
Level Change (B.U.G.S Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
There are also moderate ramps, some with handrails, throughout the building (shown in photograph 2).
Outside Access (Meet the Monkeys Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located next to Blackburn Pavilion.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open away from you (push).
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 172cm (5ft 7in) wide.
There is also an identical entrance located next the B.U.G.S. building.
Level Change (Meet the Monkeys Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There are moderate slopes, with uneven surfaces, throughout the Monkey walkthrough (shown in photograph 2).
Theatre / Opera House (Amphitheatre)
There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Designated seating is located at the front of the theatre.
Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
A companion may sit with you.
Companions sit behind you.
There is not a hearing assistance system.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
Outside Access (Rainforest Life Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 237cm (7ft 9in) wide.
Level Change (Rainforest Life Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
Other Floors (Rainforest Life)
The floors which are accessible by stairs are L G-G.
There are 15+ steps between floors.
The lighting level is low.
The steps are clearly marked.
The steps are medium height.
The steps do have handrails.
The steps have a handrail on both sides.
There is a landing.
These stairs are located just inside the Rainforest Life building, and lead down to the Night Life area.
Lift (Rainforest Life)
The lift is located opposite the stairs down to the Night Life area.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G.
The lift is 14m (15yd) from the Rainforest Life entrance.
The dimensions of the lift are 1.33m x 1.63m (4ft 4in x 5ft 4in).
The clear door width is 110cm.
There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
The lighting level in the lift is medium.
The lift does not have Braille markings.
Outside Access (Snowdon Aviary Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located on the far side of Regents Canal.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open away from you (push).
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in) wide.
Level Change (Snowdon Aviary Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
A moderate ramp runs throughout the Aviary, shown in photograph 2.
Accessible Toilet
There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to accessible toilets
The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
There is Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
There is tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
The accessible toilet is 85m (93yd) from the main entrance.
The accessible toilet is located in the main toilet area to the left as you enter.
There is not level access to the accessible toilet.
Features and dimensions of accessible toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
The door opens outwards.
The door is locked by a twist lock.
The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 10in).
The door is light.
The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 227cm x 160cm (7ft 5in x 5ft 2in).
Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
The lateral transfer space is 197cm (6ft 5in).
There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
There is a flush on the transfer side.
The tap type is lever.
There is a mixer tap.
There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4in) from floor).
Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
There is not a coat hook.
Position of fixtures in accessible toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 6in).
There is a hand dryer.
The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm.
The toilet roll holder is 101cm (3ft 3in) high.
There is a sink.
The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The sink is not placed higher than 74cm.
Colour contrast and lighting in accessible toilets
The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are medium.
There is also a male only adapted toilet located in the standard male toilets by the Aquarium, which has the transfer space on the right (shown in photograph 2).
Unisex adapted toilets are also available next to the cafe and shop by the Animal Adventure area, and also next to B.U.G.S.
Standard Toilet
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female and Male Toilets
The female and male toilets are located in the toilet area left of the main entrance.
The female and male toilets are 87m (95yd) from the main entrance.
Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilet.
Lighting levels are medium.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
The baby change facilities are located in the standard toilets.
The height of the baby change table once extended is 74cm (2ft 5in).
Standard toilets are also located next to B.U.G.S., and next to the cafe and shop by the Animal Adventure area, which have baby change facilities and cubicles with grab rails fitted and doors which open outwards.
There are also standard male and female toilets, with baby changing facilities, in the Africa Zone, accessed by a shallow step.
Outside Access (Oasis Cafe Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located either side of the Cafe.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 146cm (4ft 9in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 146cm (4ft 9in) wide.
Level Change (Oasis Cafe Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located to the side of the entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
There are steps to access this area/service.
The steps are located in front of the entrance.
There are 2 steps to the area/service.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are medium.
The steps do have handrails.
The handrails are on the right going up.
The details here are for the entrance to the left of the cafe you face it.
There is a similar entrance to the right, except the steps have handrails on both sides.
Restaurant / Bar (Oasis Cafe)
The following information is for the cafe.
Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
No tables are permanently fixed.
No chairs are permanently fixed.
Some chairs have armrests.
The nearest table is 7m (22ft 11in) from the Oasis Cafe entrance.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 53cm (1ft 8in).
The distance between the floor and the highest dining table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
Menus are wall only.
Menus are not available in Braille.
Menus are not available in large print.
Picture menus are not available.
Menus are clearly written.
Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
The type of food served here is mains meals, sandwiches and snacks.
There is also a small cafe located by the Animal Adventure area, on the far side of the Zoo.
Accessible Toilet (Oasis Cafe)
There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to accessible toilets
There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
The accessible toilet is 7m (22ft 11in) from the Oasis Cafe entrance.
The accessible toilet is located in the toilet area on the far left of the Cafe as you enter.
There is level access to the accessible toilet.
Features and dimensions of accessible toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
The door opens inwards.
The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
The width of the accessible toilet door is 91cm (2ft 11in).
The door is heavy.
The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 155cm (5ft 2in x 5ft 1in).
Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
The lateral transfer space is 122cm (4ft ).
There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
There is a flush on the transfer side.
The tap type is lever.
There is a mixer tap.
There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
It is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4in) from floor).
Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
There is not a coat hook.
Position of fixtures in accessible toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the left.
There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
There is a hand dryer.
The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a sink.
The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The sink is not placed higher than 74cm.
Colour contrast and lighting in accessible toilets
The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet (Oasis Cafe)
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female and Male Toilets
The female and male toilets are located in the far left of Cafe as you enter.
The female and male toilets are 10m (11yd) from the Oasis Cafe entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.
Lighting levels are medium.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
The baby change facilities are located in all cafe toilets.
The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
The baby change table in the adapted toilet is 102 cm high.
Additional Information
Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
Documents are available in large print.
Staff are Text Relay aware.
Plastic cups are available.
Plastic cutlery is available.
Drinking straws are available on request.
Information and maps are available in large print from the Information Kiosk.
Assistance dogs are not allowed within the zoo.
Kennels are available for dogs whilst a personal escort is available to escort visitors around the zoo.
