Accessibility Information

At The Meadows Wildlife Park, we want everyone to enjoy their visit and connect with nature in a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment. As a not-for-profit wildlife park, we’re committed to continually improving accessibility and ensuring that every visitor — regardless of age or ability — can explore, learn, and experience the park at their own pace.

♿ Accessible Facilities

Accessible Toilet

We offer an accessible compost toilet near our entrance. It is designed to accommodate prams, wheelchairs, and visitors with physical disabilities.

Easy Access

Ramps are located at both our reception and coffee shop to make these areas easily accessible for wheelchairs, prams, and mobility scooters.

Getting Around

Our pathways are primarily gravel and stone, so we recommend all-terrain prams or wheelchairs for a smoother experience. However, there are wooden boardwalks alongside some of our gravel paths to make moving around easier.

Disabled Parking

Dedicated disabled parking spaces are available close to the entrance for visitors with a valid Blue Badge.

🤝 Essential Companion Admission

We’re proud to partner with Nimbus Disability, operators of the recognised Access Card Scheme, to offer free Essential Companion admission to eligible visitors.

Through Nimbus, your accessibility needs are pre-validated — meaning you won’t need to bring sensitive documents on the day, and our team can easily recognise your requirements via your Access Card or The Meadows Wildlife Park Digital Access Pass.

If your card shows a ‘+1’ or ‘+2’ symbol, you’re entitled to one or two free Essential Companion admissions, respectively.

❓FAQs

Why are we using the Nimbus Disability registration process?

We’ve introduced this system to:

● Provide a consistent and fair assessment of accessibility needs.

● Offer a simplified booking experience, with the aim of integrating accessibility features online in future.

● Enable our staff to give appropriate support based on verified access needs.

● Protect accessibility provisions from potential misuse.

What is Essential Companion admission?

An Essential Companion admission allows one additional visitor to accompany a disabled visitor (paying standard admission) free of charge. This applies when significant support is required due to a disability, beyond what can reasonably be expected of family or friends.

Companions must be aged 16 or over and are responsible for providing any necessary assistance, including in the event of an emergency.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is determined through Nimbus Disability based on the level of support required. Depending on the assessment, visitors may receive a +1, +2, or +3 symbol on their Access Card or Digital Access Pass, granting up to three Essential Companion admissions.

For children under 16, the ‘+1’ is only considered if their needs are beyond typical parental responsibility.

Essential Companion admission is only available when accompanying a paying disabled visitor (not applicable for children aged 2 and under).

How do I apply?

Applications should be made via the Nimbus Disability website at least 7 working days before your visit.

● Applications are free if registering only for The Meadows Wildlife Park.

● You can upgrade to a full Access Card (valid for 3 years across thousands of UK attractions) for £15.

● Our Digital Access Pass is also valid for 3 years but only for use at The Meadows Wildlife Park.

If you already hold a valid Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, you do not need to reapply.

If you’re unable to complete an online form due to your disability, Nimbus can help you apply by phone. Call 0330 808 5108 to book an appointment.

Already have an Access Card?

If your Access Card displays a ‘+1’ symbol, you can simply present it at our reception for your free Essential Companion admission. Cards without a ‘+1’ symbol are not eligible for free companion entry.

Booking Online

Currently, our booking system does not verify Access Card or Digital Pass details online — but we’re working with Nimbus and our ticketing provider to make this possible soon. For now, please present your valid card/pass at reception to receive your free Essential Companion admission.

Applying on the Day

We’re unable to process Essential Companion applications on the day of your visit. Nimbus requires sufficient time to review supporting documents, so please apply at least 7 working days in advance.

If you arrive without a confirmed application or valid Access Card/Digital Pass, all visitors in your party will need to purchase full-price admission tickets.

Visiting as a Care Home Group

We encourage all visitors to apply through Nimbus wherever possible. If you’re visiting with a care or residential home group and cannot apply due to GDPR or access to documents, please bring:

● A dated, headed, and signed letter from your organisation’s manager confirming the number of visitors and companions.

● Valid staff ID to present at reception.

Without both a letter and ID, standard admission charges will apply to all visitors.

For questions, please contact us at admin@themeadowswildlifepark.co.uk and our team will assist.

🌿 Our Commitment

The Meadows Wildlife Park is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to inclusion, community, and connection with nature. We’re always looking for ways to improve accessibility across the park, so if you have suggestions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — your input helps us grow.