Skip to main content

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Main Car Park, Entrance to the Zoo and Visitor Centre

B4540, Whipsnade, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Accessibility and Inclusivity Information

  • When visiting ZSL Whipsnade Zoo by car there are two options:
  • You may park in our free external car park with designated Accessible parking bays and push around the Zoo
  • You may drive into the Zoo and park in specified areas around the Zoo (if you have a blue badge, essential car entry is free of charge).
  • An essential carer is also optional, free of charge, for you to enjoy the Zoo with the support that you need.
  • Wheelchair hire
  • The Zoo have a limited number of wheelchairs that are available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis and it is therefore advised to book them in advance of your visit by calling the Retail Shop on 01582 871517. A deposit of £25 is required which will be refunded on return of the wheelchair at the end of your visit.
  • The wheelchairs are non-motorised and are not self-propelling.
  • It is also possible to hire a mobility scooter, and again we'd recommend booking in advance of your visit. A mobility scooter will cost £20 to hire, plus a refundable deposit of £30.
  • Assistance dogs
  • Assistance dogs are not currently permitted inside ZSL Whipsnade Zoo because the Zoo have free-roaming animals such as mara, wallabies, Chinese water deer and muntjac around our Zoo. They use all of the Zoo and therefore the Zoo are not able to offer routes to for assistance dogs at present. The Zoo are working with Guide Dogs UK to resolve this and hope to be able to welcome dogs to certain areas of the Zoo in the future.
  • The Zoo do offer two kennels which are located in a quiet area at the entrance of the Zoo for assistance dogs to stay during your visit. Many dogs may not like being left all day in this new kennel with the smells and sounds of the Zoo so close so please contact our support centre in advance of your visit to make alternative arrangements on 0344 225 1826 or email [email protected].
  • For additional Accessibility and Inclusivity Information please click the link (opens in new tab).

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the area.
  • This venue is situated in Whipsnade.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Luton.

Parking (Main Car Park)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 12 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 145m (158yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 182m (199yd 1in) 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 road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are two parking options at Whipsnade Zoo.
    • Visitors can either park in the main zoo car park or take their vehicle into the zoo where there are various parking locations.
    • The main car park is across the main road (B4540) in front of the zoo and can be accessed via a subway with a ramp.
    • The ramp in the subway has a steep gradient.
    • The external car park is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • During the winter months the main external car park is closed.
    • Cars are allowed into the zoo during the winter months free of charge.

Outside Access (Ticketing Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the right as you face the front of the visitor centre.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

Outside Access (Members and Fast Track Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the visitor centre.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

Outside Access (Toilets Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you face the front of the visitor centre.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the toilets entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the information kiosk.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 210cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 11in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab 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 is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located opposite the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar male facility available.
    • There are five similar accessible toilets located around the zoo.
    • The accessible toilets are located next to the Lookout Cafe, at the Africa Outpost, at the Wild Bite Cafe and there are two located at the Butterfly House.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located ahead as you enter.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the toilets entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the female and male standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • There are standard toilet facilities located throughout the zoo.

Reception (Ticket Counter)

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the ticketing entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Information Kiosk)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the members and fast track entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Eating and Drinking (Visitor Centre Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located to the right hand side of the visitor centre.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the members and fast track entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 53cm (1ft 9in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • 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 hot and cold meals and snacks.

Outside Access (Access to the Zoo)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Visitor Centre.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

Related Access Guides (ZSL Whipsnade Zoo)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
  • Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).
  • Comments View
    • 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.