Anglesey Sea Zoo

Anglesey Sea Zoo is an award winning aquarium displaying the best of British marine wildlife. The family friendly attraction has over 40 tanks displaying creatures from around the coasts of the UK including octopus, lobsters, seahorses, conger eels, jellyfish and sharks, and as well as being a fun day out it’s also educational as you’ll learn about British marine habitats, marine litter, and the research and conservation work the zoo is undertaking to help save them.  The Sea Zoo regularly holds events and there is also an excellent café, gift shop and an outside play area.

“We take pride in being extremely disability aware and are committed to ensuring that the zoo and our events are fully accessible.  We are members of the Disability Confident employer scheme and act as a champion within our local and business community having been awarded Level 3 – Disability Confident Leader.”

Frankie Hobro, Director, Anglesey Sea Zoo

The Challenge

Having a holiday and exploring a new destination or returning to somewhere you’ve been before is something we all enjoy, but for many people with accessibility issues it can be a daunting experience as a stress-free holiday doesn’t always come without having to overcome challenges. This is why research is very important and not only researching accommodation but also visitor attractions.

Supporting the Solution

Anglesey Sea Zoo takes pride in ensuring its facilities and events are accessible to everyone regardless of age or physical limitations, but to ensure of an unforgettable experience they recommend contact be made before the visit so any accessibility issues can be discussed and overcome.

Standard and family tickets are valid for 7 days enabling visitors to return for free as many times as they want in a week, which as one family that regularly visits says “This is particularly great for us as one of our children has ADHD, so his attention span can vary but we have the flexibility to come and go as needed.  Some visits we can only be there for about 5 minutes but at other times we can spend nearly the whole day and being familiar with the displays and knowing what to expect is so much better for him.  He particularly loves the crashing wave that dumps 1 tonne of water every 30 seconds and trying to spot the fish that are hiding as well as all the interactive elements.  There is so much to see that our first visit definitely exceeded our expectations.”

Anglesey Sea Zoo regularly run events and these are open to everyone including anyone with accessibility issues.  As an active member of the Marine Conservation Society, visitors can take part in one of the organised monthly beach cleans, or celebrate World Ocean Day, take part in a Seashore Safari or join a craft session. There are also sessions when the music has been turned off and the lights are dimmed for people with special needs.  Details on these events can be found on the website and on Facebook.

The attraction also has free wheelchair hire which can be booked in advance along with the disabled car parking places.

The Benefits

A holiday is enjoyed by everyone and the benefits of much needed rest and recuperation are crucial for improving physical and mental health, and with Anglesey Sea Zoo ensuring the attraction and its events are accessible to everyone, it is welcoming all visitors to the island and ensuring that they enjoy a memorable stay.

How is PIWS supporting Anglesey Sea Zoo

Anglesey Sea Zoo is working with PIWS on adopting the use of the international symbols of access as well as promoting the attraction to people with accessibility issues.

Free Carers

Carers accompanying anyone registered disabled gain free admittance. The carer must provide proof for example a carer’s ID card or NHS paperwork.

Sunflower Scheme

The Sunflower is a recognised sign that the wearer has a hidden disability.  It’s discreet but easy for others to identify, acknowledge and understand that the wearer faces challenges, whether that be the need for additional support, help or a little more time.  Through PIWS, Anglesey Sea Zoo has registered to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.  Their membership has seen the attraction added to the scheme’s location map on its website and they have committed to train their staff to identify the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower which ensures they have a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities and learn how to approach and support customers who are wearing a Hidden Sunflower.

Current Access Statement