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Twycross Zoo

Overview

Since our founding in 1963, we have grown into an 80-acre haven for over 400 animals from more than 80 species. We are committed to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The zoo is designed with wide, step-free pathways that ensure easy navigation for wheelchair users, pushchairs, and those with mobility challenges. Most enclosures and viewing areas have been adapted to provide clear sightlines at various heights, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the wildlife on display. For visitors requiring mobility assistance, we offer wheelchair hire on a first-come, first-served basis, and our team is always available to provide guidance and support where needed. Accessible parking spaces are located near the entrance, allowing for convenient access to the zoo. Our on-site facilities are designed with accessibility in mind. The Himalaya Visitor Centre, cafés, and gift shops all have step-free access, with spacious layouts to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. Accessible toilets are available throughout the zoo, including changing facilities for those with additional needs. Twycross Zoo also welcomes visitors with sensory sensitivities, providing quiet areas for those who may need a break from busy or noisy environments. Assistance dogs are permitted in most areas, ensuring that those who rely on support animals can enjoy their visit comfortably. We strive to make Twycross Zoo an inclusive destination for all, ensuring that every guest can explore, learn, and experience the wonders of wildlife in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Contact details

East Midland Zoological Society Burton Road Atherstone East Midlands CV9 3PX United Kingdom

https://twycrosszoo.org/visit-us/accessibility/

info@twycrosszoo.org

08444 741777

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Access guidance

• Twycross Zoo is committed to making visits as comfortable as possible for guests who may struggle with standing or queuing for long periods. Our wide, step-free pathways allow easy movement throughout the zoo, and there are multiple seating areas available across the site, including benches and rest points near key exhibits, cafés, and play areas. For visitors who find queueing difficult, we offer fast-track entry into the zoo for Access Card holders with a standing and queuing difficulty symbol. If you require additional assistance, our friendly staff are always available to help and provide guidance on the best routes and rest areas. In high-traffic areas, such as our cafés, we aim to keep queueing times to a minimum. We also recommend visiting during off-peak hours for a quieter experience. If you need a wheelchair or mobility aid, these are available for hire in Guest Services (located inside the zoo), subject to availability. If you have specific needs related to standing or queueing, we encourage you to contact our Guest Services Team in advance so we can assist in making your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
• Twycross Zoo is designed with level access in mind, ensuring that all visitors, including wheelchair users and those with mobility aids, can move around easily. The majority of pathways throughout the zoo are step-free, wide, and surfaced, making navigation smooth and accessible. Most key areas, including animal enclosures, viewing platforms, cafés, gift shops, and toilets, are wheelchair-friendly with ramps or level access points. The Himalaya Visitor Centre, which houses our main café and gift shop, features automatic doors and spacious layouts to accommodate mobility aids. Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance, allowing for a convenient and hassle-free arrival. For those who may need extra assistance, wheelchairs are available for hire on a first-come, first-served basis from Guest Services (located inside the zoo). If you have specific access requirements or need further assistance, our Guest Services Team is always happy to help and can provide additional information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
• Twycross Zoo covers 80 acres, and while our pathways are designed for accessibility, we understand that some visitors may find the distances between exhibits challenging. To support those with mobility difficulties, we provide seating areas and rest points throughout the zoo, allowing visitors to take breaks as needed. If you have concerns about managing distances during your visit, our Guest Services Team is happy to assist and can provide further guidance to help make your trip as comfortable as possible.
• At Twycross Zoo, we prioritize the comfort and convenience of all our visitors, including those with accessibility needs. There are accessible toilets located throughout the zoo, including near the entrance, in the Himalaya Visitor Centre, and near other key areas that can be located on the map. These toilets are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility aids and provide sufficient space for comfort. Twycross Zoo is proud to be a Changing Places facility, offering a specially equipped Changing Places toilet for visitors with more complex needs. This accessible toilet is designed to accommodate individuals who require additional space and equipment, including a changing bench and hoist. The Changing Places toilet is located near the Coach drop off area next to the Himalaya Visitor Centre, easily accessible for all those entering and exiting the zoo. If you need help finding this facility or require further assistance, our friendly staff are available to guide you to the location. If you urgently need access to an accessible toilet or require assistance finding one, please don't hesitate to ask any of our friendly staff members, who are always on hand to assist and direct you to the nearest available facility. If you have specific needs or require any additional support during your visit, our Guest Services Team is available to help ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
• Twycross Zoo warmly welcomes assistance dogs and allows them to accompany visitors throughout most areas of the zoo. We understand the important role that assistance dogs play in supporting individuals with disabilities, and we strive to ensure a comfortable experience for both you and your dog. However, for the welfare of both the animals and the assistance dogs, there may be some restrictions in certain areas, particularly near animal enclosures where the presence of dogs could cause stress to the animals including the apes and rhino indoor enclosures. All visits which include an assistance dog must be arranged with our Guest Services team prior to any visit and you need to check in at Guest Services so that we can give you some information about access around the zoo and make the rest of the zoo team aware that an assistance dog is on site. We ask that assistance dogs wear the relevant approved harness/jacket and are kept on a short lead and under control at all times. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that assistance dogs do not foul pathways, with any faeces being cleaned up immediately and disposed of appropriately in the bins provided around the zoo. If at any time any of the animals around Twycross Zoo are reacting adversely or an assistance dog starts growling or barking we ask that you move away from that area to allow them to calm down and to ensure that our visitors and animals are safe and content If you have specific requirements or concerns, please feel free to contact our Guest Services Team before or during your visit, and we'll be happy to provide further information and support.
• At Twycross Zoo, we understand the importance of ensuring that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can enjoy their visit with the support they need. If you require an essential companion to assist you during your visit, we offer a free carer ticket to ensure you can enjoy the zoo with the necessary support. Visitors who are eligible can request a free carer ticket when purchasing a standard admission ticket. This is available to those who need assistance for mobility, access, or other specific needs. If you require more details or assistance with booking, please don't hesitate to contact our Guest Services Team before your visit or upon arrival at the zoo. We are happy to ensure that you and your companion have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at Twycross Zoo.
• At Twycross Zoo, we strive to ensure that all visitors, including those with visual impairments, can access and enjoy the exhibits. To support this, we offer several features to enhance your experience: Clear and High-Contrast Signage: We provide signage with large, clear fonts and high-contrast colours to make information easier to read for those with visual impairments. This signage is placed throughout the zoo to guide visitors and provide important details about exhibits and facilities. Staff Support: Our staff is trained to assist visitors with visual impairments. If you need help navigating the zoo, understanding exhibit details, or accessing specific information, our team is happy to provide support. Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are welcome at Twycross Zoo and can accompany visitors with visual impairments throughout the zoo. If you require further assistance or have any specific needs related to visual accessibility, please reach out to our Guest Services Team in advance or upon arrival, and we'll ensure that your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
• At Twycross Zoo, we ensure that there is plenty of signage throughout the zoo to help guide you and provide information. Our signage is designed to be clear and informative, featuring high-contrast text and icons that make it easier for visitors to navigate. This ensures that visitors who may benefit from audible information have clear, easy access. Our staff are available to guide you or provide additional support. Feel free to ask our team if you need help navigating the zoo.
• At Twycross Zoo, we are committed to ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their access requirements, can enjoy a comfortable and inclusive experience. We offer a range of services to support visitors with additional needs, including: Mobility Aid Hire: If you need assistance with mobility during your visit, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire at Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis. Our staff can help guide you to the right mobility aid based on your needs. Accessible Parking: We provide designated accessible parking spaces close to the entrance, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to access the zoo. Seating and Rest Areas: There are plenty of rest areas and benches around the zoo where you can take breaks, especially in areas with long walking distances. These are located near key exhibits, cafés, and other visitor facilities. Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the zoo, and we ensure that areas are suitable for both you and your dog to enjoy your visit. Carer Tickets: If you require a carer or essential companion to assist you, we offer free carer tickets when booking a standard admission ticket. This ensures you have the support you need to enjoy your visit. Changing Places Facility: Twycross Zoo is equipped with a Changing Places toilet located in the Himalaya Visitor Centre. This facility includes a changing bench, hoist, and ample space for visitors who need additional support. If you have any specific access requirements or need further assistance, please contact our Guest Services Team ahead of your visit or upon arrival, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the zoo.