Accessibility at Birdland

Birdland Park & Gardens is committed to making visits as accessible and inclusive as possible for all guests.

We are proud to have been recognised as one of the most accessible visitor attractions in the Cotswolds, and we continue to improve our facilities and visitor experience wherever we can.

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about accessibility at Birdland. If you need any additional information before your visit, please contact us at info@birdland.co.uk and our team will be happy to help.

Accessibility at a Glance

• Step-free access throughout most of the park
• Accessible toilets and Changing Places facility
• Wheelchairs available free of charge
• Accessible parking close to the entrance
• Assistance dogs welcome
• Essential Companion tickets available
• Mostly flat pathways with some gravel and grass areas

FAQ’s

Are there disabled toilets?

Yes, we have 2 regular disabled toilets located by Penguin Shore and the The Nest: Kitchen and Café as well as a Changing Places accessible toilet onsite, also, next to The Nest: Kitchen and Café. This includes  wall-mounted vertical grab rails, dropdown support rails, and a changing bench and hoist, More details can be found here – Changing Places Toilet.

Is there disabled parking?

Yes, there is disabled parking in the Pay and Display Car Park close to the entrance of the park. The car park is approximately a 1 minute walk to the entrance of Birdland Park & Gardens. Learn more about where to find us here.

Can I bring a guide dog or assistance dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Birdland! We ask for them to be kept on leads to keep both them and our animals safe whilst you visit us. Visit our bringing your dog to Birdland page for more information on dog friendly refreshments, treats and shaded areas.

Is there wheelchair access around the park?

Yes, there is full wheelchair access around the park. Birdland is set in a flat picturesque garden which is all accessible via wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Most visitor pathways are level and tarmacked. Some areas of the gardens include compact gravel paths and grass surfaces, particularly around picnic areas and the Encounter Zone.

If you would like more detailed information about route accessibility before your visit, please contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.

We also have wheelchairs available free of charge for hire here at Birdland. These are available upon request, however we advise phoning ahead to reserve one, just give us a call on 01451 820480

Can I bring my motorised scooter if I am disabled?

Yes of course motorised scooters can be used around the park, however, please note we are not able to provide motorised scooters for hire.

Are there any sensory considerations I should be aware of before visiting?

Birdland Park & Gardens is an outdoor visitor attraction with a variety of sounds, smells, textures, and lighting conditions that may affect guests with sensory sensitivities.

Throughout the park, visitors may experience:

• Bird calls and animal noises, including louder areas around the penguins and flamingos
• Visitor noise, particularly during weekends and school holidays
• Outdoor lighting and weather conditions
• Different walking surfaces, including tarmac, gravel, and grass
• Feeding Occasional talks or announcements using microphones

Many areas of the gardens are spacious and quieter during off-peak times, and guests can also take breaks at various seating areas throughout the park. For visitors who prefer a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during weekdays outside of school holidays or earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon rather than the middle of the day.

Ear defenders, sensory aids, and comfort items are welcome to be used throughout the park.

To help children with autism and visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN) prepare for their visit, we have a range of Video Social Stories on our YouTube channel. These videos are designed to help visitors become familiar with the park, attractions, and visitor experience before arriving.

If you would like more information before your visit, please contact our team at info@birdland.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help you plan your day.

Is there a reduced price for my Essential Companion?

Birdland Park & Gardens offers Essential Companion tickets for those who are supporting someone during their visit. Essential Companion tickets are charged at £3.00 per ticket. Guests with a disability and any further members of their party will need to pay the standard admission price.

Who qualifies and what do I need to bring with me for an Essential Companion ticket?

We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all our visitors. That’s why we’re proud to support the Access Card Scheme, a nationally recognised system that simplifies access for visitors with additional needs.

We offer Essential Companion tickets for £3.00 each for visitors who hold an Access Card featuring the +1 or +2 symbol.

If you already have an Access Card or Birdland Park & Gardens Digital Access Pass (DAP), you are good to go, and you don’t need to reapply.

Simply book your tickets online as normal, here, and bring along your Access Card with the +1 on the day.

Please note: an Essential Companion ticket can only be provided to those that have been allocated a +1.

Don’t have an Access Card?

Birdland Park & Gardens works with Nimbus Disability and the Access Card scheme to make the process simple and consistent for visitors with additional needs.

If you do not already have an Access Card, you can apply FREE of charge for a Birdland Park & Gardens Digital Access Pass (DAP) so you can request an Essential Companion ticket for your visit.

Once approved, your DAP ID number will remain valid for 3 years and can be used for future visits. There is also the option to upgrade to a full Access Card for £15.00, which can be used at thousands of attractions, venues, and events across the UK and beyond.

When applying for an Access Card or a DAP, please be aware that approval by our partner, Nimbus, may take several days. If you are planning a visit at short notice, please purchase full-price tickets for all members of your party.

Should your card or DAP application be approved, we will refund the applicable amount – if requested and card subsequently presented within four weeks following your visit.

The Access Card is a universal way of conveying your access requirements that clearly communicates your requirements to thousands of organisations, venues, events, and ticketing systems across the UK and beyond. For more information about the Access Card, please visit their website