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Accessibility Guide for Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park

Contact for accessibility enquiries: Sasha Muir

email addressenquiries@blairdrummond.com phone number01786 841 456 websitewww.blairdrummond.com
Blair Drummond Safari Park

Guide last updated: 27 April 2022

  • At a glance
  • Getting here
  • Arrival
  • Getting around inside
  • Getting around outside
  • Customer care support
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Welcome

We are one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions and a great choice for a fun family day out.

Blair Drummond Safari Park is home to over 350 rare and exotic animals including lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, chimpanzees, meerkats, elephant and penguins. You can drive through our safari reserves, watch our bird of prey shows, go wild in our adventure play area, and explore one of the UK’s top dinosaur attractions, with more than twenty moving, roaring, life-size animated dinosaurs. ROARsome!

We are committed to making our attraction as accessible as possible for all our visitors. 

Please get in touch if you require any further information about access or need advice on planning your visit.

Watch the video: Eagle-eyed tour of Blair Drummond Safari Park
Aerial view of Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
  • Level access icon Level Access
  • Access with steps icon Access with steps
  • Hearing icon Hearing
  • General icon General

Level access

The main entrance has level access.

There is level access from the main entrance to:

Drive-thru ReservesPets FarmTiger viewing platformAmusement ridesPlay parkBird of Prey CentreLion viewing platformRhinoceros HouseElephant HouseGiraffe viewing platformLemur LandAnimal enclosuresMeerkat MansionsChanging Places toiletThere are several standard accessible toilets, as well as disabled toilets with raised seats and handrails, and baby changing rooms. Food Court RestaurantTaco Bar & Ice-cream parlour - outsideSafari Shack Grill & BBQ - outsideChakula Cafe - outsideHot Chocolate BarGift shopsSea Lion BuildingPicnic areasDinosaurs

There is level access from the car park to:

Barbecue area

Access with steps

There are steps from the main entrance to:

Chimp IslandTicket Office

Hearing

Some staff have disability awareness training.

General

We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.
There is a public toilet for disabled visitors. The toilet is a Changing Places toilet.
Some staff have disability awareness training.
We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

Getting here

For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Stirling
FK9 4UR

Travel by public transport

You can get to Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park by bus.
The nearest bus stop is only a short distance from the entrance, at the junction of the A84 and Lime Avenue. The bus stop is 0.3 miles / 0.5 km from Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park.

There is no pavement between the bus stop and the entrance to the Safari Park — the roadside verge is soft and unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with Rabs Taxis by calling 01786 812909. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
You can get a taxi with Braehead Taxis by calling 01786 445544. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Parking

We have a car park. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.
There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point does not have a dropped kerb.
From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. The route is 100000mm wide, or more.

The Safari Park is easily accessed by car and our large car park is located next to the animal enclosures and attractions. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and following the government guidance, we no longer offer a bus transport to visitors without vehicles. 

Arrival

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

Blair Drummond Safari Park is easily accessed by car. Visitors are required to pre-book their tickets online. The admission tickets are no longer sold at the ticket booths. Pre-booked tickets will be scanned at our ticket booths, located at the main entrance. Visitors will make their way to the drive-through reserves or directly to the car park without having to leave their vehicle.

Getting around inside

Ticket/ information desk

Ticket Office

From the main entrance to this desk, there is 1 step. There is no lift and no ramp.

There is no wheelchair access into the Ticket Office. Visitors have to pre-book tickets online. They can get information online prior to their visit, or on arrival from our ticket booths which are all accessible by car. 

Ticket Office Ticket booths

Things to See and Do

We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.

Drive-thru Reserves

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 2000mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users.

Our four drive-thru reserves can be accessed by car, minibus or coach. All visitors driving through these areas must stay in their vehicles and keep windows closed. Our Safari Bus is not running. This means that visitors who arrive without their own transport will be unable to visit the drive-thru. If you don’t have a car, not to worry. The majority of our animals can be viewed from the platforms or animal enclosures.

Pets Farm

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 3000mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Pets Farm is an outdoor area and home to animals such as horses, alpacas, rabbits and guinea pigs, penguins, goats, sheep, meerkats, and lemurs. There is a hard-surface pathway throughout, fencing with open spaces at various heights and glass viewing panes from floor height. There are opportunities to pet some of the animals, and a handwashing station with wheelchair accessible sinks is located in the farm area. There is also a new tiger viewing area in the Pets Farm. 

Access from the top of the park to Pets Farm has a gravel path but part of it is tarmac. Some of the surface is not smooth but it is mostly wheelchair accessible.

Entry to Pets Farm Pets Farm barn Pets Farm path New path to Pets Farm

Tiger viewing platform

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1500mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users.

The viewing platform is a great way for visitors to see our tigers, and the display panels with information about the animals can be read from a seated position. The ramp leading to the platform has a slight incline and has anti slippery surface.

Our tiger viewing platform is now open for all visitors. Our tigers can be also viewed from an additional area in Pets Farm.

Entry to tiger viewing platform Display panels Tiger viewing area in Pets Farm Close up view of Hope in our new viewing area in Pets Farm

Amusement rides

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.
There is a hearing loop.

Our outdoor amusement area includes dodgems, mini Land Rovers and an astroglide slide. Most rides have some steps including the dodgems — access is by a permanent ramp and a single step — and the astroglide slide has a steep flight of steps.

All rides are supervised by staff members who will be happy to help assist visitors with disabilities. 

Mini Land Rovers Amusement area Access to dodgems Astroglide slide steps

Play park

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 2400mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

The outdoor play park has a giant play fort, a new smaller fort, large sandpit, swings and see-saw. The 'crow's nest' and infant swings are both easily accessible, and we also have an undercover play area. There are hard pathways throughout for easy wheelchair and pram access.

 

Undercover play area Giant play fort Crow's nest swing Infant accessible swing

Bird of Prey Centre

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The door is 780mm wide.
Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

The Bird of Prey Centre has an outdoor arena where our bird of prey presentations take place three times a day. There is plenty of seating and a designated area for wheelchairs and pushchairs — access is flat and open. 

There is also an enclosed area called Birds of Prey Centre that can be accessed through a doorway which is 780mm wide. There is a permanent ramp and hard flat path, the narrowest point being 2500mm. It is wheelchair and pram accessible. 

Path to Birds of Prey Birds of Prey Centre Birds of Prey display - wheelchair accessible seating area

Lion viewing platform

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 990mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Visitors can watch the lions from a raised viewing platform which is accessed by permanent ramp — the narrowest point is 990mm. You can also see them from ground level, where there are seating areas. 

Access to lion viewing platform Lion viewing platform

Rhinoceros House

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1600mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users.

The Rhinoceros House has outdoor and indoor enclosures, with glazed viewing panes from floor level. 

Rhinoceros House Access to the rhinoceros viewing platform

Elephant House

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1670mm wide, or more. The door is 1550mm wide.
Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Elephant House is accessed by a permanent ramp which has a slight incline. See our elephant from the outside viewing platform or indoors, accessed via a double door — windows are floor to ceiling. 

Elephant House and Elephant viewing platform are now open. 

Path to Elephant House Elephant viewing platform Resting bench Entrance to Elephant House

Giraffe viewing platform

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. From the main entrance to this area, there are 3 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.
Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

The giraffe viewing platform has a permanent ramp with a slight incline and viewing glass. Visitors can see the giraffes in their enclosures thanks to a new big viewing window. 

 

Giraffe viewing platform Resting benches Display panels and viewing glass Access to the giraffe platform New viewing window to giraffe enclosure Giraffe enclosure

Chimp Island

From the main entrance to this area, there is 1 step. There is no lift and no ramp.
Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.
Some displays have flashing lights.

The boat trip to Chimp Island has not restarted. Unfortunately, after two years on dry land our boats just aren’t fit for sailing. We are also unable to manage the queues effectively and are struggling to recruit boat drivers. We’re working on a solution to this but, for now, you can only view our chimps on foot. 

 

New walkway to chimp viewing area Wheelchair access to chimp viewing area Chimp viewing area Chimp island surrounded by Lilly pond

Pedal boats

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

There is a flat, hard pathway leading to the pedal boats. Note that there is a step down to pedal boats so wheelchair access is not possible. For Health & Safety reasons, flying fox is closed.  

Pedal boats

Lemur Land

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 1600mm wide, or more. The door is 1780mm wide.
Some display information is low, for wheelchair users.

Access to Lemur Land is through double electric doors and the pathway is flat and smooth throughout. It is wheelchair accessible and all the signs are visible from seated position. There is one-way system. 

Access to Lemur Land Wheelchair accessible path in Lemur Land

Animal enclosures

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

The enclosures for our penguins, giraffes, ostrich, rhinos and elephant all have low viewing glass. Our new meerkat enclosure is fully wheelchair accessible. Our brand-new sea lion pool is now finished. It is fully wheelchair and pram accessible. A new wheelchair accessible pathway to Pets Farm has been created.

Enclosure for penguins with low viewing glass Macaques house with low viewing glass

Meerkat Mansions

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1500mm wide, or more. The door is 1900mm wide.
Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Visitors can now view the meerkats in a brand new outdoor and indoor habitat too, with floor-to-ceiling glass viewing areas. This new indoor space is also fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy all the cheeky antics of our meerkat friends. 

Permanent ramp to the meerkat enclosure Path inside the meerkat enclosure Meerkat Mansions Path around the Meerkats Mansions

Public toilet

Changing Places toilet

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
The toilet is a Changing Places toilet.
You need a RADAR key to open the public toilet.
From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 820mm wide.
There is 2200mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 490mm high. The toilets have handrails.

You will need RADAR keys to access Changing Places toilet. The RADAR keys are available at the Victoria's Pizzeria or amusement ticketing booth.

Changing Places hoist system Changing Places Shower Changing Places Toilet

Public toilet

There are several standard accessible toilets, as well as disabled toilets with raised seats and handrails, and baby changing rooms.

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.
From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access.

Shop

Gift shops

From the main entrance to the shop, there is level access. The door is 1070mm wide.
The route through the shop is 800mm wide, or more.

We have two gift shops — one beside the amusement area and the other beside the pedal boats. Entranceways to the shops are flat and both have enough space inside to turn a wheelchair or pram.

 

Gift shop (top) - outside Gift shop (top) - inside Gift shop (boat) - inside Gift shop (boat) - outside

Place to eat and drink

Food Court Restaurant

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. The door is 1600mm wide.
To get to a table, there are no steps.
The dining area is self-service. If you need table service, staff can help you.
The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.
There is no background music.
The table and plates have high colour contrast.
We cater for sugar free (diabetic), vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free), nut free, low fat, vegan and halal specific diets.

The Food Court Restaurant overlooks the play park. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and has ample indoor and outdoor seating. We also have facilities to warm baby food and an allergens list is available for visitors with food allergies.

 

Entrance to the restaurant Wheelchair accessible restaurant Seating arrangements Restaurant outside

Place to eat and drink

Taco Bar & Ice-cream parlour - outside

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. To get to a table, there are no steps.
The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.
There is background music sometimes.
The table and plates have high colour contrast.

Taco Bar & Ice-cream parlour. The ultimate folded fast-food with a choice of filling and ice-cream offerings. There’s outside seating and the food ordering point is accessible for wheelchair users. New stretch tent has been added to the area providing more undercover seating. It is wheelchair and pram accessible. 

Taco Bar & Ice-cream parlour

Place to eat and drink

Safari Shack Grill & BBQ - outside

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. To get to a table, there are no steps.
The dining area is self-service. If you need table service, staff can help you.
The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.
There is background music sometimes.
The table and plates have high colour contrast.

Head to the Safari Shack for a homemade burger, chips and hot dogs. There's level access to the food ordering point and outside seating is available. Open at peak times only. It is wheelachair and pram fully accessible. 

Place to eat and drink

Chakula Cafe - outside

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. To get to a table, there are no steps.
The dining area is self-service. If you need table service, staff can help you.
The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.
There is no background music.
The table and plates have high colour contrast.

Toasted sandwiches, ciabattas and delicious hot snacks on the go, as well as a selection of teas and coffees. The Chakula Cafe is located beside the boat stop to Chimp Island and has level access to the food ordering point. It is wheelachair and pram fully accessible. 

Chakula Cafe Access to the cafe's patio

Place to eat and drink

Hot Chocolate Bar

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. There is background music sometimes.

This is an outdoor kiosk that sells delicious hot chocolates. It is a wheelchair accessible area and there are benches nearby for seating. 

Place to eat and drink

Donuts & Coffee Bar

This is an outdoor kiosk that sells doughnuts, coffees and teas. It is situated near our BBQ area. There is a slight incline but it is wheelchair accessible and the visitors are welcome to use undercover BBQ area nearby. 

Sea Lion Building

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The door is 1320mm wide.

The new sea lion habitat is open and our sea lions have returned to the Park, but they are still settling into their new surroundings and not ready to perform. We expect the sea lion display to restart in early summer and, in the meantime, you can see the sea lions in their outdoor area and meet their keepers in Q&As, which will take place throughout the day. The area around the sea lion habitat is wheelchair and pram accessible.  

Getting around outside

Picnic Area

Barbecue area

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The path is 2400mm wide, or more.
Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

Our new barbecue area is easily accessible by wheelchair users, and families with prams and buggies. It is sheltered so can be used on rainy days. Barbecues can be booked on arrival and we provide charcoal free of charge. 

Barbecue area Wheelchair accessible path BBQ - sheltered sitting areas

Picnic areas

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

Picnic areas are located throughout the park, all easily accessible by wheelchair. We also have specially designed picnic benches for wheelchair users.

Picnic area

Dinosaurs

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 3300mm wide, or more. The entrance is 4600mm wide.

The dinosaur exhibit has over 20 life size dinosaurs. There is also a dinosaur dig area and photo opportunities. The prehistoric animals are installed into a 1000m2 area of woodland at the Safari Park, which visitors enter through giant ‘Jurassic Park’ style gates. The permanent attraction has been installed to mark the Safari Park’s fiftieth anniversary.

The path has a slight incline.  

Entrance to Dinosaurs Wheelchairs accessible path in Dinosaurs

Customer care support

Accessibility equipment

We provide wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are free.

We have a limited number of wheelchairs for hire on a first come, first served basis. We charge a £20.00 deposit, fully refundable when you return the wheelchair.

For a list of more items, please go to https://www.mobilitystirling.co.uk/rentals.html.
There is no designated toilet area for guide dogs, therefore, we kindly ask our visitors to clean up after their dogs. A water bowl for guide dogs will be supplied on request from the restaurant and food outlets.
We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs.

There is no designated charging area for mobility scooters or battery-charged wheelchairs, but we do have access points where batteries can be charged if needed.

You can hire mobility equipment from Mobility Stirling by calling 01786 451163.

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

Our emergency planning and procedures take into account visitors with disabilities, and we now have a Tannoy loudspeaker system.

For information:

We have spare harnesses available for emergency use in the Changing Places toilet.

Customer care support

Some staff have disability awareness training.

All Safari Park staff in customer services roles have had disability awareness training. e have a member of staff who can use Makaton. 

Guide info
Any information, comments and views made available to users via this Accessibility Guide are provided directly from third party business operators. VisitEngland and VisitScotland do not endorse or validate this information. Any reliance on this Accessibility Guide is at your own risk. This guide is not intended to be a substitute for users making their own checks, inquiries and investigations directly with the business operators prior to making any booking or visiting the venue.
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