Dog friendly zoo in the Cotswolds
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: October 2023
I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person and a general supporter of disabled access.
Overall Rating
Excellent
Cotswold wildlife park is amazing. It has so much to see and do and allows you to take your furry friend along too! You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic. The zoo have accessible parking although offer no discounts for people with disabilities or their carers. There are plenty of accessible toilets and even the train has a wheelchair space. Overall a really great day but there are improvements to be made.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Okay so this is tricky. The zoo is accessible. As a group of wheelchair users we could access most places. The pricing however needs looking at. The zoo currently does not offer discounted rates for disabled guests or carers. They do however offer free entry to people who have a visual impairment and/or guide dog (as they cannot experience the full zoo). Assistance dog handlers also cannot experience the full zoo as there are multiple “no dogs” areas but they have no discounted access. Therefore a person with a disability needing care needs to bring a human carer instead of their dog. And therefore pays for a second full price ticket for their carer. This means for people with disabilities visiting the zoo the price is double what a non-disabled visitor pays in order to have the same access and experiences. This didn’t feel at all fair during our visit and made it a costly day out. This financial disadvantage goes against the equality act 2010 but they don’t seem to understand “reasonable adjustments” are needed for people who have a disability that doesn’t affect their vision which is a shame.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
Parking is split between the concrete area and the grass field. All accessible parking is on the concrete. Wide spaces. Easy to access.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Loads of space in the accessible toilets. Clearly signposted. Not locked. Plenty of them available. Easy to access.
Staff
Excellent
Most staff were lovely. We didn’t see many around the park. The lady at the train station was amazing and made sure we were comfortable and safe and kept us as a group.
