Accessibility & Facilities
Welcome to our Accessibility page.
At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, we’re committed to making our zoo as welcoming and accessible as possible for all visitors. We believe in creating an Ark for all, a place where everyone can enjoy unforgettable experiences with nature and wildlife.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, we’re here to help.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
📧 Email: info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
📞 Phone: 01275 852606
We hope you find the information you need below, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.
How are we accessible?
Noah's Ark has 5 hearing loops installed and 3 speech transfer systems across the site.
We have a loud, clear PA system and make use of visual aids including highlighted steps, high-contrast signs and painted picnic tables.
We also have stoma friendly toilets, and changing place toilet on site.
In conjunction with our Ark for All project, we have created an accessible map with a suggested itinerary. You can download this before your visit to help plan your day out.
Gold In Accessibility
In 2023, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm won the GOLD award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism at the Visit England Tourism Awards for Excellence.
Ark for all
Noah's Ark is working on a long term 'Ark for All' plan, the first stage of which has been completed and was opened on 25th July 2018 by Paralympian Andy Lewis. The facilities include a Changing Places toilet, complete with hoist and changing bed, accessible play equipment including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and child-friendly accessible signage.
Mobility scooters
Noah's Ark is partnered with Bristol's Mobility Centre and can offer a limited number of wheelchairs to reserve free of charge. We also have mobility scooters for available for a £10 hire charge. In order to secure a mobility scooter for your visit please book in advance online or by calling our friendly team.
You asked, we listened...
Following the installations of Perspex screens during COVID restrictions lots of visitors and staff were finding it hard to hear each other.
This feedback along with those who are hard of hearing asking for us to install hearing loops prompted the zoo to make some improvements to our front of house areas.
When to visit us...
We appreciate that some visitors may prefer to visit the zoo when there are less people around. The zoo is quieter in term time during the week, on Sundays, during term time and from 3-5pm during the school holidays.
Sometimes busy areas can become overwhelming; whilst we don't have a dedicated quiet area yet, there are a number of quieter areas around the zoo which can be easily accessed.
1. Quiet lawn behind the Gibbons accessible from behind the Food Barn (please ask a member of staff who can direct you)
2. Space between the Rhea and our Bear enclosure is a peaceful area of the zoo. This area is just past the giraffe enclosure.
We're also looking at creating a new quiet area in our Project Carnivora area of the Zoo. Please check back here for updates.
For a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during our Late Entry times. By this point in the day, many of our visitors are heading home, making it a more relaxed time to explore the zoo. You can find more information about our discounted Late Entry tickets here.
You can also find us on Access Able here and find a detailed access guide.
Essential Carer Tickets...
Any visitors able to provide evidence of disability (e.g blue/pink badge, PIP/DLA letter or similar) will be entitled to bring an essential carer free of charge per individual Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Day Ticket.
To do this online, please select the age-appropriate day ticket that you would like on our Buy Tickets page and select a second free ticket for your essential carer. Alternatively, you can ask for an essential carer ticket at the ticket office when you arrive.
Additional essential carer tickets are available upon request if more than one carer is required to support an individual. For more information visit our Get In Touch page.
Dogs and Other Pets...
Unfortunately, no dogs or pets are allowed on site (including in the car park) except for trained Assistance Dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided upon request. Please note that we politely ask that Assistance Dogs are clearly identifiable with an assistance dog coat or lead.
We kindly ask you let our team know in advance if you are bringing an assistance dog by emailing info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk, or calling 01275 852606.
For more information, please read our Assistance Dogs Policy here.
Definition of Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are highly trained to support individuals with disabilities. They include, but are not limited to, guide dogs for visually impaired individuals, hearing dogs for the deaf, and assistance dogs trained to support mobility or medical conditions.
While emotional support dogs may provide comfort through their presence, they are not the same as assistance dogs and do not undergo specialist training. Emotional support animals are not recognised under the legal definition of assistance dogs and, as such, are not permitted on-site.
Dietary Requirements...
If you have an allergy or dietary requirement and would like to use our catering outlets here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm then we have a full menu and allergen menu on our website to help you plan your day.
We're pleased to say our Food Barn is a nut free kitchen and environment.
If you need any assistance with specific dietary requirements please email our friendly team on food.barn@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
Visiting with Babies and Young Children
If you have an allergy or dietary requirement and would like to use our catering outlets here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm then we have a full menu and allergen menu on our website to help you plan your day.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is proud to be a breastfeeding-friendly site. Parents are welcome to feed their babies wherever they feel comfortable across the zoo. We simply ask that due to the potential risks of zoonitic disease transfer that feeding does not take place in animal contact areas. These areas are clearly marked. For those who prefer a quieter or more private space, we have a dedicated baby room with a comfortable chair for breastfeeding or bottle feeding. This room is located near the under 5s soft play area.
We also offer the following facilities to help make your visit easier:
- Microwave available in our Food Barn for warming baby food
- Jugs of hot water available on request at the café counter (these are kept behind the counter for safety)
- Baby changing facilities in all toilets, except the men's toilets nearest the café
- Accessible toilets with baby changing units
- Pram and wheelchair-friendly paths across most of the site
- Indoor soft play area for under 5s, with a dedicated space for under 2s
If you’re visiting with a toddler, you might also enjoy our popular Parent and Toddler sessions, Safari Tots, held twice a week during term time—perfect for little explorers!
If you have any questions ahead of your visit or need support on the day, our friendly team is always happy to help.
Hygiene and Hand Washing
At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, your safety is our top priority — especially if you or someone in your group is more vulnerable to infections (including young children, older adults, those who are pregnant or those with a weakened immune system).
Animals can naturally carry germs, including some that can pass to humans (known as zoonotic diseases, such as Cryptosporidium). While the risk is very low, we have strong safety measures in place to help protect all our visitors:
- Hand washing stations are located at all animal contact areas, toilet blocks, and key visitor area. These stations are clearly signed, accessible, and well-stocked with soap and warm water.
- We have a comprehensive hygiene policy and follow expert guidance to prevent the spread of germs.
- Animal contact areas are carefully managed and regularly cleaned.
- Our friendly team is trained to remind and support visitors with hygiene practices, and will be happy to assist if you need help using the facilities.
- Warning signs at areas with new born farm animals advising expectant parents of the potential risks
We recommend that all visitors take extra care to:
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching animals or their environments.
- Ensure hands are washed thoroughly before touching faces or eating.
- Enjoy picnics and snacks in picnic areas.
- Supervise young children closely, especially around animals.
If you have any specific health concerns before your visit, feel free to contact our team — we're here to help and can advise on the best ways to enjoy your day safely.
Please contact us to book a wheelchair, to make enquiries about your visit or to give us feedback.
If you would like to share your feedback on accessibility with others then we would love you to review us on Euan's Guide
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