Day out at the zoo
5
5
Date of visit: April 2023
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
We had a most enjoyable day out at Chester zoo. There are plenty of blue badge parking spaces only a short walk from the entrance. The car park is tarmac making it easy for wheelchair and scooter users etc. It is possible to pre book a scooter, or wheelchair for your visit to the zoo. It’s just a £25 deposit which you get back at the end of the day . We had booked a scooter for me to use . I must say the staff were good when we picked up the scooter making sure I fully understood the controls and allowing us To leave my wheelchair in the office this had a tag attached with our name and phone number for pick up at the end of the day . Getting around the zoo was great apart from the fact that the bridge walkways have rumble stripes which certainly bounce and jarring the body. There were plenty of volunteers around the various enclosures to tell you about the animals. It was easy to see into the enclosures from the scooter , there were only two areas that are accessible for wheelchair or scooter users. We had lunch in one of the cafes on site ,which was good the sandwiches in this cafe were made to order we sat at tables outside as it was a nice day. We were impressed by the different food outlets around the zoo catering for everyone. As we are members of Edinburgh zoo we didn’t have to pay for our visit and my husband who is my carer was admitted free. They do a reduced rate ticket for disabled guests and if you have a carer they go free. The zoo have lots of animals we hadn’t seen before such as tree kangaroo, fossa, and many others. We will certainly be making a return visit in the future.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Again this is excellent getting round the zoo was great plenty of places to stop and see the animals lots of benches too if you wanted to sit down. Lots of signs pointing you in the right direction to see the animals and lots of staff and volunteers around the zoo to assist with any questions or help.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Lots of blue badge parking near the entrance it’s a tarmac car park with lower kerbs to get onto the walkways . Staff are on hand to guide you to the blue badge parking area.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Saw quite a few accessible toilets at various places around the zoo. These also doubled up as Babanco changing rooms . Plenty of space inside for a wheelchair user , raised toilet grab rails, lower sink easy to use taps.
Staff
Excellent
Staff were very helpful and knowledgeable especially the volunteers we came across.
