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

As a leading family attraction in Devon, we’re dedicated to ensuring every guest enjoys an unforgettable day out, regardless of their needs. Find everything you need to know about our accessibility and facilities below

General accessibility

We are considered reasonably wheelchair and pushchair friendly despite being in a natural, environmental park, with most routes accessible for everyone. However, please note some sections do have a slightly steep incline or rough path surface, therefore may be difficult to navigate independently in a manual wheelchair or some smaller electric scooters. Across the site, our paths are either tarmac or crushed and rolled stone, and there are plenty of benches throughout the zoo for a well-earned rest.

Up-close shot of a female Eastern mountain bongo at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Free carer entry for guests with a disability

We are pleased to offer complimentary admission tickets for any carers or helpers accompanying a ticket holder with a disability. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, carers must be at least 12 years old and capable of providing the guest necessary assistance throughout the day.

How to get your ticket:

Carer tickets aren’t available online – instead, simply visit our Front of House team upon arrival and present one of the following forms of ID to unlock your free carer ticket:

  • Disability living allowance letter 

  • Blue badge

  • P.I.P award documentation

  • Access Card

A troop of Hamadryas baboons all standing in a line waiting for food at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Assistance dogs

Paignton Zoo welcomes certified assistance dogs on site. To ensure the safety of yourself, your dog, our animals and other visitors during your visit, please read the following information before your arrive at the zoo - you can download the information here.

Before entering the zoo, please ensure you have the relevant supporting documents outlined in the policy above ready verification at the entrance. We will also ask you to complete and sign a declaration form, which you can download here.

While we appreciate the comfort that emotional support animals provide, we only permit registered assistance dogs on site. We do however welcome all dogs at our nature reserve, Primley Park, which is only a short distance from the zoo and is open to the public 24/7.

You can view which areas of the zoo assistance dogs can have access to on our map here.

Black macaque peering curiously from behind a wooden post, surrounded by wildflowers in a grassy field.

Disabled toilet facilities

Our disabled toilet facilities are located in the main entrance, Island Restaurant, next to Jungle Fun indoor play and the Hangout play area.

We are also proud to be fully registered with Changing Places, the accessible toilet campaign. Our Changing Places toilet is located next to the Island Restaurant and includes Zoo entrance and includes:

  • A hoist system with a 200kg weight limit

  • An adult-sized changing bench

  • An adjustable sink and privacy screen

  • Ample room for one guest and up to two carers

A sling is not provided in our Changing Places facility, so please remember to bring your own. This bathroom can be accessed with personal RADAR key, while there is also a key available behind the counter in the Island Restaurant.

Parking

We have 29 parking spaces within our free car park dedicated to visitors with a disabled parking permit or blue badge.

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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