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Chester Zoo

Caughall Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU

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About this venue

The UK's number one charity zoo, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. With 1.9 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone.

Access Guide

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Opening Times

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Chester.
  • 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 Chester.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 300cm x 600cm (9ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 24m (26yd 9in) from the the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 70m (76yd 1ft) from the the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • 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.

Parking (Electric Vehicle Charge Points)

  • There are 26 electric vehicle charging points located in car park A to the right of the blue badge spaces facing the main entrance.
  • The spaces measure 360cm wide x 470cm deep.
  • The charge points are at the front of the parking space.
  • The charge control and slot measure between 90cm - 130cm high.
  • The pod point app is required to use the charge point.
  • The spaces are on a first come basis.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).

Reception (Ticket Office)

  • The desk/counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Comments View
    • There are easy to moderate slopes throughout the venue.
    • The paths are made of tarmac.

Outside Access (Guest Services Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Guest Services.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).

Reception (Guest Services)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and children's buggies are available to hire.

Eating and Drinking (Bembe Kitchen)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the right on entering the venue.
  • 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.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • 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 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.

Eating and Drinking (June's Food Court)

  • The café is located opposite the monorail station.
  • 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.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 66cm (2ft 2in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The standard height for tables is 66cm.
  • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are various snack kiosks and coffee shops throughout the zoo.

Parks and Gardens

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have tarmac and concrete surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Outside Access (Dragons in Danger Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Dragons in Danger.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

Outside Access (Realm of the Red Apes Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Realm of the Red Apes.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).

Level Change (Realm of the Red Apes Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Lift (Realm of the Red Apes)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located inside Realm of the Red Apes.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are the ground floor and the first floor.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Realm of the Red Apes entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 94cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Outside Access (Spirit of the Jaguar entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Spirit of the Jaguar.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).

Outside Access (Butterfly Journey Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Butterfly Journey.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 175cm (5ft 9in).

Outside Access (Monkey House Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Monkey House.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).

Outside Access (Fruit Bat Forest)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Fruit Bat Forest.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).

Outside Access (Aquarium Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located leading into Aquarium.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).

Changing Places (June's Food Court)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located in the toilet block opposite the monorail station.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 300cm x 440cm (9ft 10in x 14ft 5in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 200cm (6ft 7in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers the changing bench and the toilet.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).

Accessible Toilet (June's Food Court)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 200m (218yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block opposite the monorail station.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 280cm (6ft 7in x 9ft 2in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not 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 (3ft 3in).
    • 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 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There are more accessible toilets throughout the grounds of the Zoo, they are clearly marked on the free zoo map.

Accessible Toilet (Entrance)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 223cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 4in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 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 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 fair.
    • 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 poor.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located next to the accessible changing room.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 96cm (3ft 2in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Entrance)

  • 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 to the right of the main entrance.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • 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
    • Please call in advance to discuss BSL requirements and to ensure that a member of staff is made available.