Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

London Zoo - Huxley Lecture Theatre and Bartlett Suite

Nuffield Building, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

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

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For general information on accessibility and assistance at London Zoo please click here (new tab).
  • Please click here for information on opening times.
  • The following are available: zoo maps, downloadable zoo maps and mobile app.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include mobile hoists, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the Reptile Kiosk in the Blue Zone to the right as you enter the zoo.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • There is a safe space on site, ask a member of staff and you will be directed to or they will contact first aid.
  • For visitors who are blind or partially sighted, talks are given around the zoo throughout the day. Staff are available to provide assistance and to give more information throughout the site.
    There are also regular audio described tours on selected dates throughout the year at 10.45am. The tour will include tactile models of animals, immersive exhibits, and audio-descriptions of the animals' activities.
    For more information on Audio Described Tours, please click here.
  • For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles are shown on all videos shown in exhibits.
    There are regular Deaf-led tours throughout the year, you will need to contact in advance for the dates.
    For more information on Deaf-led BSL tours, click here.
  • For visitors with autistic spectrum or other neurodiversity conditions, there are online resources to support with a visit, including Sensory Story and Visual Story.
    There is a Penguin Pass to help those with additional needs to bypass queues. This may be downloaded from the website or mobile app. Show the pass to zoo team staff. It is also helpful to wear a sunflower lanyard.
    There are also regular relaxed opening tours. They allow neurodivergent people and other people who would benefit in a calm and safe environment to enjoy the Zoo and take place either before or after normal opening or closing times, depending on the time of year. They are led by the Engagement and Community Engagement teams along a set route, agreed in advance with the animal and operation teams to ensure the best possible experience.
    For more information on Relaxed Opening Tours, click here.
  • Assistance Dogs - Dogs are not permitted on site at the Zoo with the exception of assistance dogs under specific conditions: If you do not have evidence of your dog's training e.g. ADUK ID booklet, please email [email protected] ahead of your visit to talk through the best options for you and your dog.
    If you are bringing an assistance dog to the Zoo, you will be asked to meet with the Animal Duty Manager on arrival for an on-site briefing to confirm acceptance of our full terms and conditions and any special considerations on the given date of your visit. Your assistance dog may be asked to undergo a brief health check to protect the wellbeing of our animals on-site. Dogs are not permitted at animal demonstrations and talks, in any walkthroughs, or near big cat enclosures.
    Zoo animals and dogs can react to each other, so if you notice any behavioural changes of concern, please move to another exhibit.
    Your dog must remain calm and quiet, at least 2 metres away from any animal enclosure boundaries.
    Your dog must be fit and healthy when visiting the Zoo, and not shown any signs of ill health – including diarrhoea and vomiting – in the last 24 hours.
    They must have been resident in the UK for the last 6 months and have received all annual vaccinations and anthelmintic treatments.
    Poop bags are available at the main gate on arrival - you must clean up after your dog and never leave dogs unattended or off the lead.
    Water bowls are available for assistance dogs from the Terrace Restaurant upon request.

Parking (Visitor Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located to the east of the Zoo, off Outer Circle.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
    • There is an additional car park for staff.
    • There is an additional staff car park opposite the Zoo main entrance.
      There is also ample Pay and Display parking on Outer Circle (see signage for details); as well as one Blue Badge bay directly in front of the Zoo main entrance (free for Blue Badge holders).
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 253cm x 480cm (8ft 4in x 15ft 9in).
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the car park.
    • The car park is free for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located Payment is made through a payment window at the car park barrier. This is 120cm high. A mobile card reader is available.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 450m (492yd 5in) from the zoo main entrance.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is a/are clearly marked drop-off point(s).
    • The drop-off point(s) is/are located directly in front of the zoo main entrance.
    • The route from the drop-off point(s) to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • A portable ramp is available at the drop-off point.
      This has a slight gradient and is 79cm wide.
  • Comments View
    • There are 150 parking spaces with six Blue Badge bays.
    • The car park opens at 10am and closes one hour before the Zoo's closing time.
    • In winter this is 4pm, 5pm in the spring and autumn and 6pm during the summer.

Getting To (Huxley Lecture Theatre and Bartlett Suite from Car Park)

  • Access View
    • The information below describes the access along the route between the car park and the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access along the route.
    • There is a steep slope, with no handrails, approximately 102m along the route.
    • This level change is shown in photograph 2.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring along this section of the route is concrete.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided corridors/walkways along this section of the route.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • There is background music/noise along this section of the route.
    • Background noise includes the general ambience of the city (vehicles, aircraft, etc.), as well as birdsong, the noise of the animals, and people talking.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off Outer Circle.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Zoological Society of London: Meeting Rooms - Huxley Conference Theatre, Bartlett Room'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 width.
    • The width of the opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are bollards at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 134cm.
    • The height of the bollard(s) is 65cm.
    • The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Lobby

  • The type of flooring in the lobby is carpet and stone.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Seating in the lobby includes; seats with armrests and sofas.
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Wayfinding signage is clearly presented/easy to read.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • This lobby does not play background music in public areas.

Auditorium (Huxley Lecture Theatre)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The auditorium is clearly signed.
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you enter the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 136cm.
    • The entrance door(s) is/are permanently held open before and after events.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after events.
    • This entrance gives access to 10.
    • There is an additional entrance to the Huxley Lecture Theatre located off the lower level of the lobby, with similar specifications to this one.
  • Auditorium Information View
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 49cm.
    • The lighting levels before and after events are low to moderate.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located outside the auditorium on the right as you face the stage.
    • There is step free access to a row of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are 10.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall).
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the majority of seating.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • There are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 105cm.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located at either end of Row 10 and behind Row 10.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • There is/are 10 designated space(s) for wheelchair users in this screen.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the screen from this seating area is good.
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron and in front of the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.

Conference Room(s) (Bartlett Suite)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was the Bartlett Room.
    • The Bartlett Room is located immediately to the left as you enter the building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Colleagues can provide assistance getting to the room.
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step free access into the room.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 137cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the table is 70cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable desk is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room.
    • There are potential trip hazards within the room.
    • Potential trip hazards include cables trailing across the floor.
    • The type of flooring in the room is carpet.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Step(s) (Lobby)

  • There is a/are step(s) located straight ahead as you enter the lobby.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the accessible toilet, cloakroom and lower entrance to the Huxley Lecture Theatre.
  • There is/are 4 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going down the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are adjustable.
  • These steps can be bypassed by going down the ramp inside the Huxley Lecture Theatre.

Other Floors (Access to Standard Toilets)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located diagonally to the right as you enter the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The steps do have open risers.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is not a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are adjustable.
  • Other Information View
    • The area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are standard male and female toilets.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the cloakroom.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 204cm x 166cm (6ft 8in x 5ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is additional towel dispenser at a height of 102cm; however this was not in use at the time of survey.
    • This accessible toilet is accessed through the cloakroom; the door to the cloakroom opens away from you (push), is hard to open (heavy), and is single, but over 75cm wide.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to the left at the top of the stairs.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the Stairs.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located to the right at the top of the stairs.
    • There is stepped access to the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the Stairs.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.