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ZSL Whipsnade Zoo - Discovery Centre

B4540, Whipsnade, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Opening times for the zoo vary day to day. Please check the website or contact for details.
    • 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.

COVID-19 Information

Location

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

Parking

  • The 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 350cm x 440cm (11ft 6in 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open both ways.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in) wide.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this 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 is / are 1 step(s) 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.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Lighting levels are low.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this 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

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the side of the building.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 7in x 8ft 6in).
    • 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.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • 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 the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • 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 (2in).
    • 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 (3ft 3in).
    • 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 cannot 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.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is on the outside of the side of the building.

Standard Toilet(s)

Level Change (Standard Male Toilet)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this 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 is / are 2 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Additional Info

  • 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.
  • 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.