Tropical Wings Zoo

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Tropical Wings Zoo

4.5

Wickford Road, Chelmsford, CM3 5QZ, United Kingdom | 01245 425394 | Website

Accessible_Toilets

Great afternoon out

4.5

Visit date: July 2017

This review is especially helpful for those who have or use the following: Powerchair

Overview

A very accessible zoo with good views from my wheelchair. An afternoon was just right but could easily have spent all day. Staff were friendly and helpful, cafe hot food was very good and outside of term time, in a weekday, was nice and quiet.

Transport & Parking

We went by car for the afternoon. The venue is only 'brown' signposted from the entrance. Accessible parking by the entrance is marked but signs are hidden when all the spaces are taken so we didn't see where this (then full) area was on arrival. This area is flat and a hard surface.

Access

The zoo is flat and accessible via hard surface paths. Some alternative routes are on grass or more uneven hard surfaces. There is level entry to indoor areas and wide doors. I was able to see everything from a low level, including signs and information boards. Most exhibits had floor to head clear panels for excellent viewing. Some routes have overgrow/wild areas of bushes that overflow onto some paths. Not a problem for me but might be for VI / blind people.

Toilets

4.5

There are three accessible toilets on site. The cafe, outside the Butterfly house and centrally to the main zoo area. These have wider than standard transfer space/turning space. The central toilet has a toilet seat with a front gap and narrow aperture (may not be suitable if you have pelvic instability). The one by the Butterfly house has a bright wall light that is on a movement timer so prepare to pee in the dark. They will be installing a Changing Places toilet for 2018 season, I was told, which would be fantastic.

Staff

Staff were very friendly, holding doors open etc.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

We had a lovely meal in the cafe, brought to our table. Tables are country wooden style with limited height clearance. I couldn't get under or between the legs. The cafe area has many tables and with only a few families, was very noisy/echo/amplified. Picnic and eating tables available but I didn't notice any with space gaps for wheelchair users. Carers went in free and disabled people had a discount.