Following my camping trip, which you can read about here I thought I would write about my experiences at the zoo next door, Banham zoo.
Banham zoo was founded in 1968 and became a charity in 2013. It isn't the largest zoo in the UK but I found the friendly atmosphere and their dedication to conservation made it one of my favourites.
Its in the tiny village of Banham in Norfolk, UK.
When you arrive your given a welcome pack which includes a map and a list of the feeding and talk times. The entrance gates are wide enough for a power chair and the reception is all on one level.
As you enter the zoo there is a map and signposts to the different animals. We noticed several first aid posts and help points. You can hire a mobility scooter for the day for £10 and they will safely store your wheelchair if you are swapping it for the scooter. I can't stress how helpful the staff are.
Most of the zoo is on level ground however the giraffe enclosure is up a inclining platform so you can get up to their height. For wheelies who self propel, I recommend going into the building at the Base of the giraffe enclosure and using the small platform lift to get to the top. From the top of the building you can then get to the platform and see the giraffes.
Some of the ground in the zoo is uneven so those using walking aids or with balance issues will need to be careful.
Most of the enclosures have some way of viewing the animals from a lower position, ideal for children, those who are shorter in height and people using wheelchairs. I got some great views of the tigers and snow leopards from these areas.
It may be unsuitable for those with severe visual impairment as there are only a few enclosures or attractions where touch or sound is used, there is no braille and some of the animals like to hide quite well! For hearing impaired all the talks are done with the use of a microphone system and a single person speaking allowing for lip reading or use of hearing aids.
There are several toilet blocks which include a disabled toilet. The disabled toilet at the Parrot Pavilion, the main restaurant, was a little on the small side but I was able to get my power chair in and transfer to the toilet. Disabled toilets had the standard radar key, lowered sink, grab rails and lowering rail on the right hand side of the toilet.
It's free to listen to the talks, see the amazing animals show and watch them feeding the animals. Also interactive events like meet a reptile and the amazing animals show are also included.
They only things not included in the ticket price are the Skytrek high wire course and zorbing. The food is good but quite pricey so I recommend bringing your own food and drink. There are plenty of picnic areas.
It is possible to see the zoo in one day but for those low on spoons who can camp, glamp or caravan, I recommend staying at the Applewood countryside campsite next door and seeing the zoo over two or more days. If your staying at the campsite you can pay an extra £3 on the price of your ticket and revisit the zoo all week.
Ticket prices
(can include optional donation to their conservation charity. )
Disabled adult/child/carer
£11.45 (with donation) £10.40 (without)
Adult
£22.95 with donation £20.85 without
Children 3-15yrs
£16.95 with donation £15.40 without
Children under 3
Free
We really enjoyed it, even my grumpy husband loved getting close to the tigers and seeing them been fed. It is somewhere which taught me a lot about different animals, their endangerment and why conservation is so important, I would definitely revisit.
As always thanks for reading, any questions or suggestions leave a comment below.
Laura :)
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