Category: Zoos & WildlifeSee venue photos

Zoos & Wildlife

Tilgate Zoo

Crawley, West Sussex· RH10 5PQ

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 19 public reviews (Jun 2025 – Apr 2026)

76/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Moderate confidence

Based on the 19 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews. Scores may shift as more reviews come in.

Breakdown

Crowds & queuesGood

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityOK

Calm spacesGood

Friendly, patient staffCan be confusing layoutCheck opening times aheadGood for sensory breaksAsk for maps at entranceQuieter off-peak visits

Parent summary

Tilgate Zoo has genuinely pleased many families, with visitors consistently praising the friendly staff and the fact it's smaller and more manageable than many zoos. It's set within a much larger park which offers flexibility and breathing space. Some visitors have noted that wayfinding could be clearer in places, and it's worth checking ahead on which attractions are open on your visit day.

Best times to visit

Quieter weekday mornings may feel less overwhelming and make staff more available

Worth avoiding

School holidays and weekends can bring larger crowds, which may affect queuing and the general atmosphere

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise Tilgate Zoo's friendly staff and surprising size—many have found it offers good value and an enjoyable experience within a large park setting. Some visitors have noted that wayfinding could be clearer and a few enclosures were empty during their visits, so checking ahead or asking staff for orientation when you arrive may be helpful.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

sensory-friendly sessionsdedicated SEN timessensory regulation spaceautism-aware environment

Sensory-Friendly Hour offered early Friday mornings for visitors with sensory needs
Dedicated SEN sessions available; 9:30-10:00 Small Animals meet during SEN times
Sensory space provided on-site to support regulation during visits
Staff acknowledge special needs visitors may require parent/guardian accompaniment
SEN-friendly venue marketed by families in community discussions and school visits

Sourced from Facebook, Instagram, zoo website, accessibility guides within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

Layout can feel confusing initially—some visitors have found it helps to arrive early or ask staff for orientation when you arrive
Some enclosures may be empty or attractions occasionally closed on certain visit days—a quick call ahead can help you plan

What works

Staff have been reported as very friendly and approachable—visitors note they're happy to help or discuss your child's needs
Smaller size makes it less exhausting to navigate than larger zoos
Set within a massive park, so there's room to step away, take breaks, or decompress if needed
Good queue management reported by visitors
Calm spaces available within and around the venue

Photos

Facilities

Tips for your visit

Last entry is 3pm (opening hours show 10am-6pm but website states last entry 3pm). Keeper talks run at 12:00 daily and other times - check board on arrival. Animal experiences available for ages 6+. Contact tilgatezoo@crawley.gov.uk or 01293 521168 for specific SEND requirements and accessibility details.

Accessibility

An accessibility statement exists on the website but content not provided. Contact venue directly for detailed wheelchair access, terrain conditions, and specific SEND facilities.

Opening Hours

Monday10:00-16:00

Tuesday10:00-16:00

Wednesday10:00-16:00

Thursday10:00-16:00

Friday10:00-16:00

Saturday10:00-16:00

Sunday10:00-16:00

Carer & disability info

Free carer entry

Sunflower Lanyard recognised

One carer accompanying a disabled visitor enters free. Valid proof required: DLA/PIP letter, diagnosis confirmation, Compass Card, or Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard.

This information is gathered from publicly available sources and may not be fully accurate or up to date. Please always check directly with the venue before visiting.

What are these cards?

Frequently asked questions about Tilgate Zoo

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Tilgate Zoo autism friendly?

Tilgate Zoo scores highly for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 76/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Tilgate Zoo has genuinely pleased many families, with visitors consistently praising the friendly staff and the fact it's smaller and more manageable than many zoos. It's set within a much larger park which offers flexibility and breathing space. Some visitors have noted that wayfinding could be clearer in places, and it's worth checking ahead on which attractions are open on your visit day.

Is Tilgate Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Tilgate Zoo is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. An accessibility statement exists on the website but content not provided. Contact venue directly for detailed wheelchair access, terrain conditions, and specific SEND facilities.

Does Tilgate Zoo offer free entry for carers?

Yes. Tilgate Zoo offers free entry for a carer or essential companion accompanying a disabled visitor. One carer accompanying a disabled visitor enters free. Valid proof required: DLA/PIP letter, diagnosis confirmation, Compass Card, or Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard.

Does Tilgate Zoo recognise the Sunflower Lanyard?

Yes. Staff at Tilgate Zoo are aware of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme and trained to offer discreet support to visitors wearing one.

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