Access Statement

Risk assessments and policies are regularly undertaken and reviewed to ensure the Park remains as accessible as possible for all guests. Drusillas understands the importance of all our visitors feeling safe and comfortable in their surroundings. We hope the information below will enable you to plan your visit.

Entry, Membership and Pricing

We offer free entry for one carer accompanying a full paying visitor who can provide evidence of one of the following: 

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Attendance Allowance
• Access Card with the  (+1) Essential Companion symbol
• National Disability Card (DID)
• Blue Badge

Please note the evidence provided must be dated within the last 2 years. Such evidence must be presented on arrival. If evidence is not present or not in date, the full charge for entry will be required. Carers must be aged 16 or over.

Visitors who do not have the above evidence but have alternative documentation (such as a diagnosis letter or other disability support cards) are not eligible for our free carer ticket scheme, but are welcome to request a free Access Pass, a free Sunflower Lanyard, and are welcome to book into our SEND session in SPARK.

• We also offer Disabled + Carer Annual Membership, which includes entry for an unnamed essential carer on each visit. The above evidence as per our carer ticket scheme is required, dated within the last 2 years. The price of this membership is the same as our standard membership. Due to the sensitive nature of the paperwork and our processing system, we do ask that these memberships are taken up in person in our Visitor Services Office.

Rides, Attractions and Queueing

• Visitors with disabilities that impact their ability to queue or to be in large crowds may request a free Access Pass on the day of their visit. These do not need to be pre-booked, they can be requested from either our Visitor Services Office or the Admissions Gate with evidence or documentation such as a blue badge, diagnosis letter, disabillity support card, or disability support payment letter for the pass to be authorised. Please note the evidence provided must be dated within the last 2 years.
• Wherever possible we try to assist visitors with disabilities in accessing our rides and attractions. Please click the link to Ride Access for full information.
• Drusillas Park is a member of the British Association of Leisure, Piers and Parks (BALPPA) and will do all that is possible to ensure a safe and pleasurable stay. However, certain rides and attractions at Drusillas Park can be physically demanding. We therefore reserve the right to refuse admission to certain rides should we feel there is a danger to a particular individual for whatever reason. BALPPA has been advised by the Health and Safety Executive that refusal on the grounds of safety does not constitute discrimination. Drusillas hopes this is understood and that guests can accept the decision made in the interest of the safety of all.

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

• We are part of the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for people with hidden disabilities - this shows our staff that someone may need to be given some extra time, help and support. They can be picked up free of charge before your visit from our Visitor Services Office, we just ask to see documentation such as a blue badge, diagnosis letter, proof of support payments, or other disability support card.

SPARK SEND-Only Sessions

The first session of each day SPARK is open is reserved for SEND visitors and their families. To make your SPARK experience as hassle-free as possible, please read the helpful information below:

• SPARK is situated towards the end of the Zoo Route by the otter and beaver enclosures. Please allow enough time to walk to SPARK in time for your booking
• If you have booked our 10.30am SEND-only session, please arrive at Drusillas in time for Park opening at 10am, to allow enough time to walk to SPARK for your session
• If there is a queue at the main Admissions Gate, SEND-only ticket holders are welcome to join whichever queue is shortest, to minimise their wait time
• Carers accompanying a paying disabled visitor are welcome free of charge (with evidence of DLA/PIP/ESA/Attendance Allowance/Essential Companion Access Card)
• Please have your SPARK ticket ready to present either digitally or on paper at the SPARK entrance
• Please be aware that your SPARK ticket does not include general admission to Drusillas
• SPARK is a highly sensory spaced filled with music, video imagery and bright lights (no flashing lights) and may be too much for visitors who are sensitive to light and sound

Parking

• Car parking is free.
• All disabled parking is on flat ground close to the main entrance.

Toilets

• We have numerous dedicated disabled toilets located around the Park and they are situated as follows; 1. At the main entrance before entering the Park, 2. Opposite Go Safari!, 3. Go Wild! and 4. Explorers Café. These are all identified in the park map given on entry.
• We have a modern Changing Places Facility located behind our Amazon Adventure soft play area. Please ask staff in the Cafe for the key. To read more about our Changing Places area please click here

Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters and Surfaces

• Drusillas is completely wheelchair accessible, with flat surfaces and ramps.
• The zoo route is approximately one mile in length and there are ample resting places along the way.
• Wheelchairs are available to hire on request, subject to availability and a £20 refundable cash deposit. Please request this at the Admissions Gate when you arrive to arrange hire.
• We do not have powered mobility scooters for hire.

Visibility and Viewing

• Large directional signs indicate the way around the Park through the zoo route.
• Our information signage is all in contrasting colours, well maintained and plentiful.
• Animal enclosures have low level viewing suitable for those in wheelchairs.
• Hearing induction loops are fitted to all our four zoo admission gates.

Eating at the Park

• We have a designated picnic area at Drusillas and several of the benches are wheelchair accessible.
• There is fixed accessible seating in Oasis Café.

Staff

• Key staff members have attended “Welcome All” training and are fully aware of the needs of visitors with disabilities.

First Aiders

• We pride ourselves in having a large number of qualified first aiders.

Dogs

• No dogs or pets are admitted into the Park, except fully trained assistance dogs. Please note that Drusillas requires proof of qualification that one of the following is received; Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Attendance Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, or an Assistance Dog Access Card for a fully trained assistance dog to enter the Park. 
• Assistance Dogs are not permitted into our walk-through exhibits due to the stress this could cause our animals. The walk-through exhibits include; The Bats & Sloth Cave, Lory Landing and Lemurland. All other pets, including therapy dogs, are prohibited. Sorry, no kennel facilities exist. Please do not leave your dog in your vehicle whilst you visit – if we see this in our car park we will take action.