Accessibility & Facilities
We strive to ensure that Noah's Ark is truly an Ark for all and that our site is as accessible as possible.
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.
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.
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.
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. For more information, please read our Assistance Dogs Policy here.
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. If you need any assistance with specific dietary requirements please email our friendly team on food.barn@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk
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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