Accessibility

We are proud to partner with Nimbus Disability, the operators of the Access Card scheme, to streamline the process for obtaining 'Essential Companion' Tickets (previously known as 'Carer' tickets).

We take pride in offering complimentary essential companion tickets to guests requiring additional assistance during their visit to Twycross Zoo. With this new approach, you no longer need to bring sensitive documents on the day. Instead, please apply online through Nimbus Disability at least 7 working days before your first visit. If you've already applied, there's no need to reapply, as all approved applications are valid for 3 years.

Don't have a Nimbus Registration or Access Card yet?

Click HERE to start your FREE APPLICATION. There is also the option to upgrade to a physical Access Card, widely accepted across thousands of venues in the UK.

Have your Nimbus Registration or Access Card ready?

Click HERE to book your free Essential Companion Ticket to Twycross Zoo and continue on to check out!

Please scroll down for further frequently asked questions about Nimbus below!

From 9th April 2025 Twycross Zoo is changing its admission policy regarding free access for carers.  

We are pleased to be working with Nimbus Disability, using their Access Card Scheme to process the eligibility of all ‘Essential Companion’ (previously ‘Carer’) tickets.  

Through their application process, Nimbus Disability will assess your needs with the help of your supporting documentation and statements. This will determine if you qualify for a free Essential Companion Ticket. 

This new process means that you will no longer need to bring your confidential documentation with you on the day once your application has been approved.   

Please note that having a disability does not mean that you will automatically receive this service.    

What do I need to do? 

You will be able to submit a free application for a Digital Access Pass (DAP), via Nimbus to enable you to add an Essential Companion Ticket online.  

As part of this, you will need to provide relevant evidence in order for Nimbus to allocate the symbols that represent the barriers you face. This lasts for 3 years, so once you have applied and it's been approved, that's it!  

Visit Twycross Zoo - application form to begin your application 

Already got an Access Card? You're sorted! Have a look at our FAQs for what to do next   

What is the difference between an Access Card and a Twycross Zoo Digital Access Pass? 

An Access Card is a universal way of conveying your access requirements with thousands of organisations, venues, events and ticketing systems in the UK and beyond.  

You can purchase an Access Card for £15 for 3 years.  

A Twycross Zoo Digital Access Pass is a free way of conveying your access requirements, just with Twycross Zoo. You still go through the same process, but receive a digital number and no card.  

How can I apply for a Twycross Zoo Digital Access Pass? 

To apply for your Twycross Zoo Digital Access Pass, please click here and go through the simple application form and upload any validating evidence along with some narrative about your access requirements.  

Already have an Access Card or what do I do once I have a Twycross Zoo Digital Access Pass? 

Once you have your Twycross Zoo Digital Access Pass Number (found on your confirmation email from Nimbus) or to use your Access Card you will need to select the Essential Companion option on the Twycross Zoo ticket booking page. You will need to enter your Access Card number and the name of the cardholder. This will allow you to book the appropriate number of Essential Companions, as detailed on your Access Card.  

I have various access requirements, what should I do? 

Whilst we are trying to enable all of our access customers to book online, occasionally this isn't possible. For those guests requiring multiple essential companions or if you have specific access requirements, please contact our access team on information@twycrosszoo.org and we will do all we can to make your visit a great experience 

Why is the process changing and how does this benefit me? 

We recognise that our staff are not experts in the Equality Act and this is a way to ensure we can meet our guests requirements in a constant way. This is why working with Nimbus we can use their recognised and award-winning scheme to enable us to provide a great and accessible experience.  

Our commitment to accessibility remains unchanged. Our friendly team and staff are still here to support you if you have any questions or need assistance. For further support, please email information@twycrosszoo.org  

 

 

Cafés, toilets and most animal houses are accessible by wheelchair. Assistance dogs are permitted at the zoo, although there is no access to the apes and rhinos. There is no disabled access to the inside of the lemur house.

We’re proud to offer a Changing Places facility on site, please ask a member of our team during your visit to use this facility.

Changing Places toilets are larger, more accessible toilets that are designed for people with disabilities and their carers. Our changing place at Twycross Zoo is well equipped with;

  • Bench - height adjustable and suitable for Adults.
  • Hoist - ceiling mounted with a loop (Please note: this is currently out of order and being replaced by Saturday 12th April).
  • Peninsular toilet
  • Washbasin - height adjustable
  • Non slip floor
  • Emergency Alarm
  • Privacy screen
  • Paper roll

Twycross Zoo: Changing Places Toilet Installation is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

 

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

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Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire and can be booked in advance. We always recommend booking mobility hire items in advance.

BOOK MOBILITY HIRE TODAY

There are several toilet blocks within the zoo including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
And in the Himalaya bathrooms you can see our mesmerising leaf-cutter ant colony.

Twycross Zoo is an outdoor attraction so we recommend visitors dress appropriately. In cold or wet weather a hat, scarf, waterproof jacket and wellies will ensure you can enjoy a fun filled day out at the Zoo.

There is a section of the car park near the zoo which is reserved for visitors with blue badges. Parking is charged at £3 for all visitors and is normally within the zoo, so your vehicle is accessible at all times.

If you would like to speak to us further about our Facilities and Accessibility, please contact us on information@twycrosszoo.org

Twycross Zoo is committed to providing full access to all its visitors and reasonable adjustments have been implemented to ensure that the Zoo and its facilities are suitable for all.

Visitors with registered assistance dogs (pet dogs are not permitted anywhere on site, including any of our car parks – they must also not be left unattended in vehicles of any kind, this includes cars, motorhomes, people carries etc) are welcomed to Twycross Zoo.

We ask that assistance dogs wear the relevant approved harness/jacket and are kept on a short lead and under control at all times. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that assistance dogs do not foul pathways, with any faeces being cleaned up immediately and disposed of appropriately in the bins provided around the zoo.

Some of our animals may be sensitive to the sight of dogs and may become distressed, due to this, access is limited to some of our indoor walkthrough exhibits.

All visits which include an assistance dog must be arranged with our Guest Services team prior to any visit. On the day of your visit, please check in at Guest Services so that the team are able to issue advise and make the rest of the zoo team aware that an assistance dog is on site.

If at any time any of the animals around Twycross Zoo are reacting adversely or an assistance dog starts growling or barking we ask that you move away from that area to allow them to calm down and to ensure that our visitors and animals are safe and content.

This policy was updated on 12.10.22 and was written with reference to the latest BIAZA advice ‘BIAZA Advice Regarding Admittance of Assistance Dogs to Zoos and Aquariums’

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