A group of pink flamingos stands by a pond, with one prominently preening its feathers. Grass and water are visible in the background.

Accessibility at Paignton Zoo

We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy their day at Paignton Zoo. This accessibility guide provides information for visitors with disabilities, limited mobility and additional access requirements, helping you plan your visit with confidence.

Paignton Zoo is a large, naturally hilly site, but most visitor routes can be accessed by wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair. Accessible facilities include designated parking, mobility equipment hire, complimentary carer admission, accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. Registered assistance dogs are also welcome, subject to our assistance dog policy.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Paignton Zoo is a large, naturally hilly site, with most visitor routes accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Paths are a mixture of tarmac and compacted stone, with benches and seating areas available throughout the zoo.

Some routes may be more challenging due to slopes and uneven surfaces, so we recommend allowing plenty of time and using the zoo map to plan your visit. Mobility scooters are also available to hire, subject to availability.

Download Our Accessibility Route Map

Mobility hire available for your visit

We offer a range of mobility hire options to help make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Available to hire:

  • Mobility scooters – £20*

  • Wheelchairs – £10*

  • Strollers – £12 (double) / £8 (single)

  • Wagons – coming soon

The maximum weight for persons using the mobility scooters are 25 stone and 35 stone.

Due to limited availability, we recommend requesting your hire in advance using the form below.

Please note: *Your booking is not confirmed until a member of our team has contacted you. A refundable cash deposit of £20 will be required on collection.

Select all that apply. You can confirm quantities and details in the section below.

Please include any additional information or accessibility needs.

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Accessible Parking

There are 29 designated accessible parking spaces in our free visitor car park. These are located close to the main zoo entrance and are available for visitors displaying a valid Blue Badge or recognised disabled parking permit.

Accessible parking spaces cannot be reserved in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Complimentary Carer Tickets

We offer free admission for a carer accompanying a paying visitor with a disability.

Carer tickets can be selected when booking admission online. Proof of eligibility must be presented with the tickets when you arrive at Paignton Zoo.

We currently accept:

  • A Disability Living Allowance letter

  • A valid Blue Badge

  • Personal Independence Payment award documentation

  • An Access Card

The accompanying carer must be at least 12 years old and capable of providing the appropriate support required throughout the visit.

One complimentary carer ticket is generally available for each eligible visitor. Please contact our team before booking should your circumstances require additional support.

Female maned wolf up-close at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Assistance dogs

Certified assistance dogs are welcome at Paignton Zoo, subject to our assistance dog policy.

As Paignton Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, additional precautions are necessary to protect your assistance dog, our animals and other visitors. Certain routes or animal areas may have specific restrictions, so please read our full guidance before travelling.

You will be asked to provide relevant assistance dog documentation when you arrive and to complete a short declaration form before entering the zoo.

Please download and read our full assistance dog policy before your visit.

Emotional support animals and other pet dogs are not permitted inside Paignton Zoo.

Visitors with dogs may instead wish to explore nearby Primley Park, our public nature reserve, which is open 24 hours a day. Dogs should be kept under appropriate control and visitors should follow any signage displayed around the reserve.

Download Our Assistance Dog PolicyDownload Our Assistance Dog Route MapDownload declaration form
Newly refurbished entrance building interior at Paignton Zoo

Accessible Toilets and Visitor Facilities

Accessible toilets are available in several locations around Paignton Zoo:

  • The main entrance

  • Whitley’s Kitchen

  • Jungle Fun indoor play area

  • The Hangout play area

We recommend checking the current zoo map when you arrive to locate the nearest facilities as you explore.

Changing Places Facility

Paignton Zoo is registered with Changing Places and has a dedicated Changing Places toilet beside Whitley’s Kitchen.

The facility includes:

  • A ceiling hoist with a maximum weight limit of 200kg

  • An adult-sized changing bench

  • An adjustable-height sink

  • A privacy screen

  • Space for one visitor and up to two carers

Visitors must provide their own compatible sling, as slings are not supplied by the zoo.

The Changing Places facility can be accessed using a RADAR key. Visitors without their own key can request one from the team at Whitley’s Kitchen.

A tiger crouches in tall grass, its intense eyes focused forward. The fur is vividly striped with a mix of orange, black, and white.

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