accessibility.
Northumberland Zoo is an inclusive site, we have various adaptations for visitors with a wide range of abilities. Click on a topic below to learn more about a specific area of accessibility.
Terrain
The majority of the Zoo is on a flat area with a hill dropping down to the riverside on the northernmost part of the Zoo. The two access points to the river are opposite past the Arctic Foxes and next to Lemur Woods. These slopes are very steep and care should be taken if a wheeled chair is accessing these paths. The majority of the paths around the Zoo can be accessed by wheelchair however due to the hilly areas adjacent to the river, some routes involve steps or steep slopes which we consider are unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Please see the map below for locations of the steep paths and read our Footpaths page for information about tarmacked and tarplaning footpaths.
We understand that visiting a busy place like a zoo can sometimes be overwhelming, so we have a few resources to help visitors prepare for and enjoy their visit.
Our Social Story is designed to help visitors familiarise themselves with the zoo before they arrive, so they know what to expect during their visit.
Click here to read our Social Story.
We also have a sensory bag available to borrow during your visit. It contains a range of items that may help visitors who experience sensory sensitivities, including noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards and a weighted lap pad.
If you would like to use the sensory bag during your visit, please speak to a member of our team.
Social Story & Sensory Bag
Sensory Needs
We want everyone to feel comfortable during their visit and will do our best to support visitors with sensory needs.
We have signs around the zoo to highlight areas that can be particularly loud or have strong smells, helping you to plan your route and decide which areas may be more comfortable for you. Ear defenders may also be useful in busier areas such as the Bear Falls Café, Softplay and the Stables.
If you need assistance during your visit, please speak to a member of our team. We can help you find quieter areas of the zoo and, where possible, support you if you find a busy or noisy situation difficult.
For a quieter visit, we recommend coming outside of peak times where possible. At particularly busy times, there may be a long or noisy queue to enter the zoo, so please let a member of our team know if you need assistance.
We also plan quieter days throughout the year. Keep an eye on our website and social media for details of upcoming dates.
Carers
If you require assistance around the site, we are happy to provide free admission for one accompanying adult carer when you purchase a full-price adult or child admission ticket. This is available with proof of eligibility, such as a letter from the DWP confirming PIP/DLA, a Blue Badge or an Access Card with the +1 logo. Other forms of evidence may be accepted may be accepted, please contact us to check.
Viewing Points
Many of our animals have multiple viewing points, please ask a member of staff if you would like advice on the best places to see our animals. Some of the enclosures have glass viewing windows, these are not marked and do not have obvious barriers in front of them.
Some enclosures may have natural hedging in front of them, whilst we endeavour to achieve a balance between providing plants for wildlife we are aware this can at times make viewing of animals difficult.
All of our animals have the opportunity to use natural hedging and other plant life to obscure themselves from view. This is to ensure high levels of animal welfare and comfort.
Please contact a member of staff during your visit to assist with spotting animals if required.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are found in the main entrance, male/female toilets opposite Bear Falls Cafe and again opposite the wallabies. Each of these are fitted with hand rails and an alarm. At present we do not have hoist facilities, however this is something we are working on.
Car Park
Accessible parking spaces are available near to the zoo main entrance. These spaces are designated for holders of Blue Badges. If necessary, you may unload outside the main entrance to the Zoo and then move your car into the car park.
There is level access from the accessible parking spaces to the zoo main entrance building.
Wheelchair Hire
There is a wheelchair at reception that can be hired out, please contact us ahead of your visit to reserve it. In the unlikely event that there are issues with the wheelchair please alert a staff member as soon as possible so we can assist you.
Zoo App
Our free companion Zoo app provides information about the animals in an easily accessible format. We are continuously developing the accessibility of the app so if you have any suggestions or improvements, please contact us.