The Northumberland Zoo offers free parking to all visitors, including coaches, in their car parks. The car parks are located near the zoo’s main entrance, with designated accessible parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. Visitors are advised to park their cars in the designated areas and not to leave their dogs in the cars, as it is not allowed in the zoo’s car park due to animal welfare concerns.
Navigating the Northumberland Zoo Car Park
The zoo’s terrain includes some loose stone between the car park and the entrance, which may make it difficult for some children’s buggies and wheelchairs to navigate. However, guests can park in front of the entrance while unloading and loading, but then they must move their cars to the car park. The zoo is working on making the ‘River Walk’ wheelchair friendly in the future, but currently, it has steep inclines that make it difficult for some wheelchairs to maneuver. The rest of the park pathways are made of a combination of concrete and tar planings, which can also be challenging for some wheelchairs to navigate due to loose tar planings.
Accessibility at the Northumberland Zoo Car Park
The Northumberland Zoo is committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. The car park has designated accessible parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, making it easier for those with mobility issues to access the zoo. However, the terrain between the car park and the entrance may present some challenges for those using wheelchairs or buggies.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The zoo’s ‘River Walk’ is currently not wheelchair friendly, with steep inclines that can be difficult to navigate. The rest of the park pathways are made of a combination of concrete and tar planings, which can also be challenging for some wheelchairs due to the loose tar planings. The zoo is working on improving the accessibility of the ‘River Walk’ in the future, but visitors with mobility issues should be aware of these limitations.
Buggy Accessibility
The loose stone between the car park and the entrance may make it difficult for some children’s buggies to navigate. Visitors are advised to park in front of the entrance while unloading and loading, and then move their cars to the designated car park.
Facilities and Amenities at the Northumberland Zoo Car Park
The Northumberland Zoo offers several facilities and amenities to enhance the visitor experience. These include:
Hand Washing Facilities
Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands after eating and touching any of the animals, and hand washing facilities are available near the entrance of the zoo and in the domestic farm animal area.
Baby Food Warming
The zoo has facilities to warm baby food in the Bear Falls Cafe if requested at the front desk.
Visitor Guidelines for the Northumberland Zoo Car Park
To ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and the animals, the Northumberland Zoo has established the following guidelines for the car park:
- Park in the designated areas only.
- Do not leave dogs in the car.
- Be aware of the terrain and plan accordingly if using a wheelchair or buggy.
- Wash your hands after interacting with the animals.
- Request baby food warming at the Bear Falls Cafe if needed.
By following these guidelines, visitors can enjoy a safe and comfortable experience at the Northumberland Zoo.
Conclusion
The Northumberland Zoo offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors, and the car park plays a crucial role in facilitating access to the zoo. While there are some accessibility challenges, the zoo is committed to improving the experience for all visitors. By understanding the car park’s features and guidelines, visitors can plan their visit and make the most of their time at the Northumberland Zoo.
References:
– Northumberland Zoo Visitor Information
– Tripadvisor Review of Northumberland Zoo
– Northumberland Zoo Accessibility
– Northumberland Zoo FAQs
– North East Family Fun Review of Northumberland Zoo