Cafe
Free water is available in the café with a new re-fill station being added this month. The café caters for different diets e.g. coeliac, gluten intolerance, dairy free and other special dietary requirement can be accommodated, please call in advance on 01903 881530 to see what is available. There is no door on the café servery and our helpful staff are happy to carry your order to your table.
Our picnic areas include round tables which easily accommodate wheelchairs.
Parking
We a drop off zone at the entrance boardwalk to the Visitor Centre. Nearby are 8 blue badge holder car parking spaces. Car parking is free on a first come first served basis.
Sensory aids
We have a portable hearing loop at the admissions desk, large print menus and canoe safari health and safety briefing are available on request at the centre. We also have sensory bags available to borrow from the admissions desk. There is no charge for the bags but they must be returned after use. The bag includes coloured viewing paddles, bird tick lists with a pencil, a magnifying glass, small binoculars, a texture bag of nature bits and a pop-it fidget toy.
Toilets
There is a Changing Places Toilet in the Visitor Centre containing a height adjustable changing bench, an X/Y Ceiling track hoist with spreader bar, a height adjustable sink, a peninsular toilet, a colostomy shelf, grabs rails and a retractable privacy screen.
There is an accessible toilet in the Visitor Centre, with an alarm and handrails.
In the Outlook In building near the boat jetty we have a large toilet cubicle with handrails that can accommodate wheelchairs – there is no alarm cord.
We do not have electric hand dryers in our toilets as they are startling for some visitors and children.
Wheelchairs
Free wheelchairs are available to borrow at the centre, ask at the admission desk. There are three manual wheelchairs available, on a first come first served basis. These cannot be reserved.
Personal mobility scooters may be used onsite, but we do not have these to lend or for rent.
Bits and bobs box
Just ask at our admissions desk if there is anything you need – from a sewing kit, cycle puncture kit, glasses repair kit or sanitary products. Our team are here to help.
Paths
Most pathways onsite are level, paved and accessible with benches at regular intervals as resting points. Pathways over water are non-slip wooden boardwalks with raised side edges or rails. The path that bypasses the Coastal Creek Aviary is made of hardstanding and is level and wheelchair accessible.
Our seasonal path through the Waterside Walk area is not recommended for wheelchairs as it has woodchip and dirt pathways.
Wildlife hides
Most of our hides have a lower window to allow for wheelchair users to view the water. Please see the accessibility Guide below for full details of all of the hides.
Wheelchairs
Free wheelchairs are available to borrow at the centre, ask at the admission desk. There are three manual wheelchairs available, on a first come first served basis. These cannot be reserved.
Mobility scooters may be used on site but we do not have these to lend or for rent.
Carers
When accompanying a paying visitor, essential carers visit Arundel Wetland Centre for free. Essential carers can book the Wetland Boat Safari free of charge.
Assistance dogs
We welcome trained assistance dogs on site. Please keep them on their lead and under control at all times and ensure any dog waste is removed. If any of our birds/animals behaviour are affected by the presence of your dog, we respectfully ask that you understand that we may have to ask you to move away from the area.
Wetland Discovery Boat Safari
Boat safaris run all year round. The boats seat eight, or 2 wheelchairs per trip with four visitors, on each tour.
The boats can accommodate manual wheelchairs only, with a wheelbase of 66cm or less and a maximum chair width of 80 cm. If in doubt our Admissions Team can check your chair’s dimensions.
Trips run approximately 20 mins and ticket price is £3 per person. Book at the Admission Desk.
Relaxed times to visit
We advise visiting Monday to Friday during term time when the centre is quieter. The exception is May-July. In those months the centre is quieter from 2pm-4.30 pm.
On weekends we would recommend coming in between before 11 am as the centre becomes busier from then.
Quiet Pond Dipping
We'll be running quieter pond dipping sessions for people with neuro-divergent or different needs on Sunday mornings in the summer months from 10.30-11 am. The sessions will have limited spaces to create a calmer environment. Book at the admission desk.
Craft room
Cushioned trays are available for wheelchair users or anyone who would struggle to sit at a lower table.
Sensory Bag
We offer Sensory Bags for visitors to borrow to enhance their visit. The bag includes coloured viewing paddles, bird tick lists with a pencil, a magnifying glass, small binoculars, a texture bag of nature bits and a pop-it.
Quiet Pond Dipping
We'll be running quieter pond dipping sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings in the summer months. The sessions will have limited spaces to create a calmer environment. Book at the admission desk.
Relaxed times to visit
We advise visiting Monday to Friday during term time when the centre is quieter. The exception is May-July during peak season for school visits. In those months the centre is quieter from 2pm-4.30 pm. On weekends we would recommend coming in between before 11 am as the centre becomes busier from then.
