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Disabled Access Guide for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Discovery Centre
B4540
Whipsnade
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 2LF
Tel: 01582 872 171
Fax: 01582 872 649
Web: http://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo
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Introduction
Services/facilities within the building include an activity room.
Related link ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Main Entrance & Car Park.
Related link ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - General Zoo Access.
The zoo has wheelchairs available for hire and visitors are advised to book them in advance by calling the Retail Shop on 01582 871 517.
A refundable deposit of £25.00 is required by leaving credit card details as security and identification.
Opening Times
| Day | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
| Wednesday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
| Thursday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
| Friday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
| Saturday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
| Sunday | 10:30 - 15:30 |
Location
The venue is situated within the centre of the area.
This venue is situated in Whipsnade.
The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.
The nearest mainline Railway Station is Luton.
There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
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 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 3.5m x 4.4m (11ft 5in x 14ft 5in).
The nearest designated bay is 75m (82yd) from the main entrance.
The furthest designated bay is 77m (84yd) 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 uneven surfaces.
The car park surface is tarmac.
The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
Clearly signed and/or standard on street marked bays are not available.
There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open both ways.
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 86cm (2ft 9in) wide.
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 moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There are steps to access this area/service.
The steps are located in front of the entrance.
There are 1 steps to the area/service.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are shallow.
The steps do not have handrails.
Inside Access
There is not level access to the service.
There is not a hearing assistance system.
The lighting levels are low.
Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
Level Change (Inside Access)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located within the main corridor.
The ramp or slope is easy.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
The width of the ramp or slope is 105cm (3ft 5in).
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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
The accessible toilet is 15m (16yd) from the main entrance.
The accessible toilet is located at the side of the building.
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 outwards.
The door is locked by a twist lock.
The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
The door is heavy.
The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 230cm x 260cm (7ft 6in x 8ft 6in).
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 left.
The lateral transfer space is 188cm (6ft 2in).
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 a functional emergency alarm available.
It is not a push button style of alarm.
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 the right.
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 4cm (1in).
There is not a hand dryer.
There is a towel dispenser.
The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
The towel dispenser 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 cannot 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 good.
The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are medium.
The adapted toilet is on the outside of the side of the building.
Standard Toilet
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female Toilets
The female toilets are located in the block in front of the venue.
The female toilets are 14m (15yd) from the main entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
Lighting levels are medium.
Access to Standard Male Toilets
The male toilets are located in the block in front of the venue.
The male toilets are 24m (26yd) from the main entrance.
Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet.
Lighting levels are medium.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are not located within the venue.
Level Change (Standard Male Toilet)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located leading down to the toilet.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
There are steps to access this area/service.
The steps are located leading down to the toilet.
There are 2 steps to the area/service.
The steps are clearly marked.
The steps are medium.
The steps do not have handrails.
The ramp overcomes the steps.
Additional Information
Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
Documents are not available in Braille.
Documents can be requested in large print.
A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
Staff are not Text Relay aware.
Assistance Dogs are not allowed into the zoo.
The zoo provides two kennels next to the main entrance which are for assistance dogs only.
Assistance dogs will be kept in the kennels for the duration of the visit and the zoo provides them with water only.
Owners are required to leave contact details and must check on their dog at regular intervals during the visit.
