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London Zoo - The Terrace

London Zoo, Regent's Park , London, NW1 4RY

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Access Guide

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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 Left Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left 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.

Outside Access (The Terrace Restaurant - Front Right Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • 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.

Outside Access (The Terrace Restaurant - Manual Doors)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Terrace building.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 146cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are four sets of manual doors at the front of the Terrace.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (to Service and Payment Area)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located immediately through the front right and front left entrances.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the Service and Payment Area.
    • 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 width of the ramp/slope is 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • The ramp does not have resting areas.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located to the side of the ramp, towards the centre of the restaurant.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the Service and Payment Area.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not 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 not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps are 28cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • 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.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Eating and Drinking (Restaurant)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the restaurant.
    • The restaurant is located on the ground floor of The Terrace.
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the restaurant.
    • For access there are double automatic doors .
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include: large print menus and written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 86cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The height of the counter is 91cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 94cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • In this area there are high tables and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles and block paving.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • Access to the additional seating area is via the lift or stairs.

Eating and Drinking (Coffee Bar)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the food and drink kiosk.
    • The food and drink kiosk is located at the front centre of the Terrace Restaurant.
    • There is step-free access to the food and drink kiosk.
  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Menu types include: written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is cold snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 85cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • At busy times, this counter can also be accessed from outside the Terrace Restaurant.
      The height of the external counter is 85cm.

Stairs (Mezzanine Floor Seating)

  • Stairs View
    • The stairs are located at either side of the restaurant's Service and Payment Area.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are the Ground and Mezzanine Floors.
    • There are 18 steps between floors.
    • The height of the steps are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the steps are 17cm.
    • The steps do have open risers.
    • The depth of the steps are 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.

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.