Access Guide
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.
Outside Access (The Terrace Restaurant - Front Right Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the Terrace.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the opening is 152cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Lift (The Terrace)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the right side of the restaurant Service and Payment Area.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Terrace Restaurant Front Right Entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are Ground, Mezzanine, and 1.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the mezzanine floor.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 158cm x 140cm (5ft 2in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
Entrance (Via Lift)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the Terrace building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Private Event'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- 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 width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 85cm.
Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Barclay Court to Stepped Entrance)
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Ramp / Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope located around the left side of the Terrace building.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the Prince Albert Suite stepped entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- There is a/are step(s) located around the left side of the Terrace building.
- The step(s) is/are used to access the Prince Albert Suite stepped entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Outside Access (Prince Albert Suite)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located around the left side of the Terrace.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'PRINCE ALBERT SUITE'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- 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 width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 166cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Stairs
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Stairs
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- The stairs are located through the Prince Albert Suite external entrance.
- All floors are accessible by these stairs.
- There are 18 steps between floors.
- The height of the steps are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the steps.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities/services are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
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Other Information
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- The services which are not accessible include; the cloakroom and standard toilets on the Mezzanine Floor.
Entrance (Via Stairs)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the Terrace.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'PRINCE ALBERT SUITE'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 153cm.
Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Prince Albert Suite)
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Access to the Room
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- The space surveyed was Prince Albert Suite.
- Prince Albert Suite is located on the first floor of the Terrace.
- There is not wayfinding signage for the space.
- There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
- There is written signage for the room(s), in block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
- Staff can not provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
- The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- There is step-free access.
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Room Details
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- There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- There are potential trip hazards within the room.
- There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Entrance (Terrace)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located in the Prince Albert Suite room.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the opening is 100cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Standard Toilet(s) (Mezzanine Floor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located on the Mezzanine Floor, accessible only by the stairs at the Prince Albert Suite External Entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
- 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 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- The nearest toilet with adaptations is within the Terrace restaurant.
