Overview

Thank goodness for satnav, not obvious to find. The main parking area would be very difficult for wheelchair users or those with limited walking mobility, due to being a gravely surface. We asked parking attendant if disabled parking, he pointed across the road. We parked outside the "restaurant" which had one disabled space we could see, and room for quite a few cars. Restaurant sounds grander than it is. Along the path is another shack that was the monkey cafe, at first glance it looks to only have steps in, but has a ramp to the right of that door. Its choices were really basic, and moving space very limited, but it filled a hole! The little monkeys in the small enclosure outside are entertaining whilst having lunch out, (on a nice enough day). We had a young lad keen to go see the animals, and headed for the entrance. A 4yr old, 1 adult wheelchair user, 2 adults (1 being my privately employed PA). I was really disappointed to find that they didn't offer complimentary 'assistants entry, or at very least significantly reduced. They stated there policy is only those with carers photo id, could be admitted, so with making my displeasure clear I paid the entrance fees. I have employed PA's for 20+ years, and this is not something I have heard of before. I suggested she meant my CEA card, but no, "official like in a nursing home id for the carer to show-with a photo". I totally understand they need to make money, but unfortunately I am really put off by this, as it doubles the cost for me to have a day out and join my friends. I can't go without an assistant. The terrain was ok for me, a bit bumpy at times, but manageable with my electric wheelchair. I have poor balance so I chose my paths quite carefully. I was encouraged into puddles by my young friend, as I am assured splashing is fun! The accessible loo I was in, was near the play park, it was also a baby change area. The highlight for me was seeing the rescued bears in the pond, and the monkeys, oh and the meerkats feeding. It was a good day out, not too big a place to go around, and had a play park for kids to have some fun..the £1 a go- karts were my little friends highlight. There was also an indoor play area, which we didn't use as it was a lovely day outside. I would like to go back, but would need to weigh it up against travel/entrance cost of something else.

Transport & Parking

Access

Toilets

Staff

The staff in cafe were very nice. I was not impressed by the charging policy for support staff, (carers or PA)T. I felt entrance/ticket staff were a bit off. Rather than show any empathy, or even say they would give feedback, they made me feel I was out of order for asking for a carers ticket or concession.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I enjoyed it, but was disappointed by the lack of consideration to my financial situation as a disabled person who requires 24/7 support. AsI am sure it is felt with many disabled people, costs all add up so really need to think about what can afford to do, and what is prohibitive. To make the experience better a changing places toilet would have allowed me to have spent the full day. If funding were to be made available for this, i am sure it would be very welcome to a lot of people...and put it fully on the map.