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Disabled Access Guide for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Main Entrance & Car Park
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 grounds include the gift shop, Field Study Centre, Learning Den, Discovery Centre, Cloisters Conference and Banqueting Facility, Lookout Cafe and Wild Bite Cafe.
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 | 10:00 - 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 Whipsnade Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
The above times are the generic opening times.
Opening times for the zoo do vary.
For further information please contact the zoo or visit their website.
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 (Main Car Park)
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 across B4540.
The car park type is open air/surface.
Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
There are 12 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
The nearest designated bay is 145m (158yd) from the main entrance.
The furthest designated bay is 182m (199yd) 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.
The patron does not have to cross a road.
The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
There is not a designated drop off point.
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 (Main Zoo Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located at the front of the zoo.
There is level access to the service.
The main doors open towards you (pull).
The doors are double width.
The doors are permanently held open.
The door opening is 200cm (6ft 6in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open both ways.
The doors are single width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in) wide.
Outside Access (Gift Shop Entrance)
This information is for the entrance located at the front of the shop.
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 160cm (5ft 2in) wide.
Level Change (Gift Shop 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.
Reception (Ticket Booth)
The reception desk is 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is high.
The desk does not have a lowered section.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
The hearing assistance system is located on ticket booth one.
Reception (Information Hut)
The reception desk is 12m (13yd) from the main entrance.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is high.
The desk does not have a lowered section.
There is not a hearing assistance system.
Inside Access
There is level access to the service.
Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
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 42m (46yd) from the main entrance.
The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter next to the main entrance.
There is not level access to the accessible toilet.
Features and dimensions of accessible toilets
This is not a unisex toilet.
This is the female toilet.
A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
The door opens outwards.
The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
The door is light.
The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 184cm (4ft 7in x 6ft ).
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 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 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 a coat hook.
The coat hook is not within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
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 not mirrors in the accessible toilet.
The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 4in).
There is not a hand dryer.
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.
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 poor.
The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
The contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are bright.
The male adapted toilet is identical except the transfer space is on the left.
The photograph on the right shows the male adapted toilet.
There are five adapted toilets around the zoo.
The adapted toilets are located next to the main entrance, next to the Discovery Centre, in the Wild Bite Café building, in the block behind Wild Bite Cafe and next to the Lookout Café.
Level Change (Toilets)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located leading up to the toilets.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
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 to the left as you enter next to the main entrance.
The female and male toilets are 42m (46yd) from the main entrance.
Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
The baby change facilities are located within the toilet blocks.
The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
Inside the venue, there is not level access to the baby change facility.
There are standard toilet facilities located throughout the zoo.
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.
