Everyone’s welcome
Although we’re a working farm, we’ve done everything we can to make sure it’s inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible. This means our animals, activities and facilities are easily used by disabled people, wheelchairs and prams, for example.
Paths
The majority of outside paths around the farm are suitable for wheelchair access, mobility aids and parents with buggies. This includes seeing our animal enclosures, the woodland walk, and play areas.
The surface and gradients of the paths varies across the site, but every effort has been made to make them as easy to navigate as possible.
Steps and slopes have been kept to a minimum with alternative access routes available.
For safety reasons, some of our play areas have soft padding or chip bark around the play equipment which can be difficult for wheels or mobility aids to navigate.
Maps
There are several maps of the site around the farm, including paper copies and a large billboard at the entrance.
Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities
All toilet facilities are clearly signposted throughout the farm.
There are three unisex wheelchair accessible toilets – two in the café building and one in the new toilet block which is located adjacent to the café and indoor soft play area.
Next to the Play Town is an additional block of toilets with male and female facilities as well as an ambulant disabled toilet.
Baby change facilities are also available in both locations.
Changing Places toilet
There is a Changing Places toilet in the new toilet block which is accessed by a Radar key (available at the Welcome Centre).
The Changing Places Toilet has the following equipment installed:
- Peninsular Clos-o-mat toilet with drop down grab bars either side
- Height adjustable changing bench
- Triton Care shower with fold down seat
- Guldmann ceiling track hoist (sling attachments only)
- Pressalit height adjustable basin
More information about Changing Places toilets is available on the Middlesbrough Council website.
Cafe facilities
The cafe has flexible furniture, accessible signage, and price lists. Our staff are happy to help if you require assistance.
Additional seating is available on the first floor this is accessed by a platform lift and stairs.
The outdoor seating area has picnic benches with end spaces which can be accessed by wheelchair users.
More information, like directions and menu are on our cafe page here.
Disabled car parking
There is free on-site car parking with 9 designated bays for Blue Badge Holders. The accessible parking is located at the main entrance.
The surface of the car park is tarmac however the overflow car park is a rolled stone temporary surface and uneven in places.
The main circulation route leading to the Visitor Centre is level but uneven in places.
The site is a working farm and whilst every effort is made to keep the movement of farm machinery to a minimum we ask that visitors are aware of moving vehicles in and around the site.
You can find directions and our address here.
Guide dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome on the farm but must be clearly identified and kept on a lead at all times.
Viewing the animals
We’ve made sure there are clear sightlines to all our animals, and you can enjoy the external animal enclosures, Discovery Barn, and woodland walk. In some places double fencing has been installed which may restrict some views.
If you experience any difficulties please speak to a member of staff.
