Howletts Wild Animal Park Accessibility Guide
Our aim is to deliver an inclusive environment so that the experience can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or disability.
Throughout the development of our park, we have sought ways to break down any unnecessary physical barriers and continue to listen to the needs of our customers. An integral part of the development process of Port Lympne and Howletts addresses the need to cater for people with access requirements.
To ensure that you enjoy your visit, please read the information on this page and bear in mind the points below regarding accessibility.
Which park is right for me?
Accessibility at Howletts
The 90 acre park is generally flat with even pathways, however there are some gentle slopes and one hill on a medium gradient.
Arrival & Car Parking Facilities
The car park is very large with parking bays on grass and on hard standing. Designated disabled parking is located on the hard standing. There is ample parking space sectioned off for disabled visitors and exceeds roughly 20 car parking spaces. Access to the park is via the Gatehouse located a short distance from the hard standing. Parking is free and there is plenty of space for coach parking.
Admission for disabled guests
We offer concession tickets with reduced admission for disabled guests.
One free carer will be admitted with a disabled guest when purchasing a day ticket or the carer can purchase a concessionary annual pass which can be passed to any carer who accompanies the disabled person on any visit. One free carer will be admitted for a single day visit when a disabled guest purchases a concessionary day ticket or membership.
Concession and registered carer tickets can be purchased at our gatehouse when you arrive at Howletts.
Our admission policy for a concessionary membership will allow the necessary companion, or carer, of a disabled person to purchase a concessionary membership card which can subsequently be passed to any other companion or carer on future visits throughout the year of validity of the ticket.
Photo identification will not be requested on the ‘carer’ card; however, the carer can only gain admission to the wild animal park when accompanying the disabled person. Address or company details may be requested for the carer card. The companion or carer must show the following identification to qualify for concessionary rates and/or access to our carer card; Benefit Award Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (e.g. for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Incapacity Benefit), or Access Card.
Concessionary tickets
Concessionary tickets are available to purchase at the Gatehouse on arrival, they are not available to purchase online via our website. They are discounted from the standard full price admission. Annual Membership tickets are available to book online but are not discounted.
A concessionary day ticket will permit entrance for one day. Concessionary tickets do not apply to children under 3 as they are entitled to free entry. However, if the child under 3 years old requires a registered carer, the registered carer will be required to purchase a concessionary rate adult day ticket.
A concessionary membership will permit the user entry to the park for one year from the date of purchase. Our admission policy for a concessionary membership will allow the necessary companion, or carer, of a disabled person to purchase a concessionary membership card which can subsequently be passed to any other companion or carer on future visits throughout the year of validity of the ticket.
Photo identification will not be requested on the ‘carer’ card; however, the carer can only gain admission to the wild animal park when accompanying the disabled person. Address or company details may be requested for the carer card. The companion or carer must show the following identification to qualify for concessionary rates and/or access to our carer card; Benefit Award Letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (e.g. for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Incapacity Benefit), or Access Card.
Terrain
The park is generally flat with even pathways. There are some gentle slopes. There is one hill on a medium gradient; if you will require assistance at this point please inform a member of staff. The walking paths are generally tarmac; please note some have tree roots running underneath them.
Walking with Lemurs: This is a walk through enclosure where lemurs are not confined. The structure has an ‘air lock’ door system . There are no steps to access this enclosure and there are wide doors for access.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
A wheelchair is available to hire from the Gatehouse. Your car keys or driver's licence will be securely held as a deposit for the duration of your visit. The wheelchair is not motorised. We recommend calling in advance to pre book the wheelchair on 01227721286.
Mobility scooters are permitted. If you use a mobility scooter, please contact us in advance on 01227 721286 for advice and assistance.
Animal Experiences
Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate those with a disability or learning difficulty, due to practicality and health and safety this cannot always be achieved; please contact us for advice before booking.
Assistance/guide dogs
To protect our animals and your own, dogs and visiting pets are not permitted at Port Lympne or Howletts Wild Animal Park, except for registered assistance dogs. Please see full terms & conditions for our Assistance Dog Policy.
Toilets
Toilet facilities including disabled toilets and baby changing are located at various points around the park and marked on the park maps. Toilets are in, and just outside of the Pavilion restaurant and 200yds from the Coffee House cafe.
Catering areas
Access to the Pavilion Restaurant is via steps at the front of the building or level access via the side door, which is a suitable width for wheelchair access.
Access to Coffee House Café has a ramp and wide doors to the side and a small step to the front of the building with wide doors that open outwards.
Both outlets cater for a wide range of dietary requirements from sandwiches and salads to hot meals. The restaurants are a mix of staff and self-service.
There are several seasonal kiosks serving snacks, pizza, ice creams, donuts, burgers, hot & Cold drinks etc. These are only open during peak periods.
Vehicles
Please be aware that staff vehicles have access to walking routes around the park. The speed limit for vehicles on park is 5mph.
First aid
Several of our staff are trained first aiders; however, they are only equipped to assist with minor injuries. Please ask the nearest member of staff for first aid assistance.
Contact and assistance
If you require advice or assistance on your visit please call us on 01227721286 and we'd be delighted to help.
Detailed accessibility information for Howletts Wild Animal Park
AcccessAble Reports
The AcccessAble (formerly DisabledGo) team have surveyed Howletts Wild Animal Park and have produced a series of detailed access guides, covering the park, restaurants and retail outlets.
Car Park, Visitor Entrance and Shop
Visitors on the autistic spectrum
We know visitors on the autistic spectrum love our animals and we are pleased you are considering a trip to Howletts or Port Lympne.
Here are a few things to consider before visiting our parks if you are visiting with a person on the autistic spectrum:
SENSORY OVERLOAD - We are an attraction park with animals, therefore the presence of families with kids, as well as sounds and smells emitted by the animals, may cause sensory overload in very sensitive people.
HIGH VOLUME OF VISITS - Our parks have a high volume of visits during weekends and school/public holidays. If you prefer to visit when the volume of people is lower we suggest visiting during the week.
PLAN YOUR VISIT AHEAD - Knowing in advance where all the catering outlets, accessible toilets, play areas and facilities are might be helpful before you get here. Check our map for Howletts.
ANNUAL PASS - Our park has plenty to see and offer. If you want to take your time and enjoy the park at a slower pace why don't you upgrade your day ticket to an annual pass to have unlimited entrance? Concession annual passes are available at the Gatehouse and they give access to free entry for a carer.
OUR STAFF ARE TRAINED - Whatever your needs or worries, our staff are trained to assist our guests and they will help with anything you might need. Just ask for guidance at the Gatehouse.
We will always make sure that you have an amazing experience. If you wish to speak with one of our team please send an email to info@aspinallfoundation.org
Need special assistance?
If you need special assistance you email us at info@aspinallfoundation.org or call 01227721286.
