A Day Out at Longleat Safari Park for Disabled Visitors

Longleat Safari Park is one of the UK’s most iconic wildlife attractions, offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with an incredible variety of animals. For those who are disabled, a day out at Longleat Safari Park is not only possible but can also be truly enjoyable, thanks to the park’s commitment to accessibility. Whether you’re planning to explore the safari by car or take a leisurely stroll through the park’s many attractions, Longleat has thoughtfully designed its facilities to cater to a diverse range of needs, ensuring that everyone has a fantastic day out.

Planning Your Visit and Accessibility Information

Planning a day out at Longleat Safari Park as a disabled visitor starts with careful preparation. Accessibility information is readily available on the park’s website, making it easy to plan your visit in advance. One of the first things to note is that Longleat offers free carer entry for disabled guests, making it an excellent value for money. If you require assistance, your carer can join you for free, ensuring you have the support you need while exploring the park’s attractions. When booking your tickets, be sure to check the box for disabled entry and carer entry to take advantage of this generous offering.

Arriving at Longleat Safari Park

Arriving at Longleat Safari Park, you’ll find plenty of designated disabled parking spaces close to the main entrance. This makes accessing the park as stress-free as possible. If you have mobility issues or require additional support to navigate the park, Longleat also offers scooter hire for disabled visitors. This is a game-changer for those who may struggle with the amount of walking required to see all the attractions. Scooter hire is available for a small fee, and it’s highly recommended to book in advance as availability can be limited, especially during peak times. The scooters are sturdy and easy to operate, giving you the freedom to explore the park at your own pace.

Exploring the Safari Drive-Through

The highlight of any visit to Longleat Safari Park is, of course, the safari drive-through. For disabled visitors, this is one of the most accessible ways to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom. You can enjoy the safari from the comfort of your own vehicle, which is particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty transferring or walking long distances. The drive-through allows you to see incredible animals like lions, tigers, and giraffes up close, all while remaining in a safe and controlled environment. There are clear instructions provided at the entrance to the safari, and staff are always on hand to assist if needed.

Alternative Safari Options

For those who don’t have access to a car or prefer not to use their own vehicle, Longleat offers safari bus tours. While these buses are not fully wheelchair accessible, the park does its best to accommodate disabled visitors and can provide assistance when necessary. It’s a good idea to contact the park in advance to discuss your specific needs and ensure that arrangements can be made for your visit.

Accessible Attractions Beyond the Safari

Beyond the safari drive-through, Longleat Safari Park boasts a wide range of other attractions that are accessible to disabled visitors. The Adventure Castle is a particular favourite for families, and while the play areas may not be suitable for everyone, the surrounding spaces are designed with inclusivity in mind. There are plenty of benches and seating areas where you can relax and watch the children play, as well as accessible paths that make it easy to navigate the area with a mobility scooter or wheelchair.

Exploring the Main Square

The Main Square is another must-visit area of the park, offering a variety of animal exhibits, shops, and eateries. Many of the animal enclosures, such as the meerkat and penguin exhibits, have viewing areas that are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy watching these fascinating creatures. The park’s staff are incredibly helpful and attentive, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that disabled visitors have a positive experience.

Dining and Picnic Areas

When it comes to dining, Longleat Safari Park offers several options that cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. The cafés and restaurants are wheelchair accessible, and the staff are more than happy to assist with any specific needs, such as carrying trays or accommodating allergies. If you prefer to bring your own food, there are plenty of picnic areas around the park, many of which are accessible to those with mobility issues.

Discovering Longleat House and Gardens

One of the unique attractions at Longleat Safari Park is Longleat House, a stunning Elizabethan stately home that offers a glimpse into the history of the estate. While the house itself has some accessibility challenges due to its historic nature, the staff are very accommodating and can provide portable ramps or assistance where possible. The gardens surrounding the house are also worth exploring, with many paths designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and scooters.

Interactive Animal Experiences

For those who want to get even closer to the animals, Longleat offers a variety of interactive experiences, such as feeding lorikeets or walking through the bat cave. While some of these experiences may have limited accessibility, the park staff are always willing to help disabled visitors participate wherever possible. It’s worth mentioning your specific requirements to the staff upon arrival so they can advise on the best options for your visit.

Accessible Restroom Facilities

Another important aspect of planning a day out at Longleat Safari Park is ensuring that you have access to suitable restroom facilities. The park is equipped with accessible toilets, including larger spaces with changing facilities for those who require additional support. These facilities are clearly marked on the park map, making it easy to plan your route around the park.

Wrapping Up Your Day at Longleat Safari Park

As your day at Longleat Safari Park comes to an end, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible experiences you’ve had. From the thrill of the safari drive-through to the joy of watching penguins waddle or giraffes gracefully stride across the plains, Longleat offers something for everyone. For disabled visitors, the park’s commitment to accessibility ensures that these magical moments are within reach, no matter your level of mobility.

Final Thoughts

In summary, a day out at Longleat Safari Park is an unforgettable experience for disabled visitors. With free carer entry, scooter hire, and a range of accessible attractions, the park goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit. Whether you’re exploring the safari from your car, marvelling at the animals in the Main Square, or soaking up the history of Longleat House, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By planning ahead and taking advantage of the park’s accessibility features, you can look forward to a stress-free and enjoyable day out. Longleat Safari Park truly proves that nature, adventure, and fun are for everyone.