Disclosure - This is a collaborative post
As a theme park and a rollercoaster loving family we visit a wide range of UK theme parks each year. Our love of thrill rides is growing each year and as the boys get older we are trying to cram as much in to our days as we can. The days can be long and tough on the legs and as we get older I have often wondered just how long we can continue to visit theme parks as they can be quite a challenge even to those fit and well. It does make me think are the theme parks we visit accessible to all especially those who have limited mobility, use a wheelchair or need to use stair lifts when at home. I have done some research and here are our top 8 accessible themes parks in the UK.
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is the park we visit the most throughout the year. If you have visited you will know that the resort is huge and can be quite challenging to walk around as well a queuing for rides at this popular attraction. However there are facilities to make your day easier should you need it.
Blue Badge Parking - parking close to the entrance is available for guests who hold a blue badge. The disabled parking entrance is clearly signposted on arrival at the resort. There is a charge for parking and it will be signposted on the day of your visit.
Free Carer Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability.
Ride Access Pass - This is available to guests who may find it difficult or cannot stand for long periods of time either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment. Pre registration is required at least 7 days before your visit.
Toilets - All toilets at Alton Towers have wheelchair friendly toilets. The resort also offers changing spaces for those who need it. You do need a radar key to use these facilities and if you do not own one you can loan a key from guest services for £20. (fully refundable).
Hire Options - Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire from Guest Services on the day of your visit. A £20 refundable deposit is required for wheelchairs and are on a first come first served basis. If you require a mobility scooter then you will need to pre register before your visit as only a limited number of scooters are available. There is a charge per day of £25 and also a £25 refundable deposit.
Getting Around - As I mentioned before Alton Towers is a large resort, luckily they do have a 'skyride' which can take you to various parts of the resort to cut down your walking times.
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Alton Tower Accessibility Guide
Chessington World Of Adventures
Being a Merlin Pass Holder we haven't visited Chessington as much as I would have liked, however on previous visits we have loved the theme park. There is something for all ages with lots of rides and attractions suitable for younger guests but some thrill rides too.
Blue Badge Parking - Blue Badge holders can access the disabled parking bays on a first come first served basis. The parking spaces can be found in our Lodge Gate Car Park. You must display a valid Blue Badge in your vehicle. Car parking costs from £7 per car
Free Carer Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability.
Ride Access Pass - This is available to guests who may find it difficult or cannot stand for long periods of time either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment. Pre registration is required at least 7 days before your visit.
Toilets - There are wheelchair friendly toilets locate in Lodge Gate, Shipwreck Coast, Adventure Point, Wild Wood and Forbidden Kingdom. There is also a changing space located in Shipwreck Coast. ou do need a radar key to use these facilities and if you do not own one you can loan a key from guest services for £10. (fully refundable).
Hire Options - Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire from Guest Services on the day of your visit. For wheelchair hire there is a charge of £10 per day plus a £50 refundable deposit is required. As numbers are limited you are advised to bring your own should you require one to make the most of your visit. If you require a mobility scooter there is a charge per day of £35 and also a £50 refundable deposit. If you would like to bring your own scooter this is allowed however you cannot bring it in to the ride queues, it must be left outside the queue line.
Getting Around - Chessington World Of Adventures is described as 'hilly' in places so please do keep this in mind should your mobility be limited.
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Chessington World Of Adventures Accessibilty Guide
Thorpe Park
As the boys have got older this is the park they want to visit the most. Jam packed with thrill rides and definitely not for the faint hearted.
Blue Badge Parking - parking close to the entrance is available for guests who hold a blue badge. The disabled parking entrance is clearly signposted on arrival at the resort. There is a charge for parking and it will be signposted on the day of your visit.
Free Carer Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability.
Ride Access Pass - This is available to guests who may find it difficult or cannot stand for long periods of time either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment. Pre registration is required at least 7 days before your visit.
Toilets - All toilets at Thorpe Park have wheelchair friendly toilets. The resort also offers a changing space located in the Dome for those who need it. You do need a radar key to use these facilities and if you do not own one you can loan a key from guest services for £10. (fully refundable).
Hire Options - Wheelchairs are available to hire from the accessibility kiosk on the day of your visit. For wheelchair hire a £50 refundable deposit is required. As numbers are limited you are advised to bring your own should you require one to make the most of your visit. Thorpe Park does not offer mobility scooter hire.
Getting Around - Thorpe Park can be steep in places so please do keep that in mind.
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Thorpe Park Accessibility Guide
Legoland Windsor
Legoland Windsor will always hold a special place in my heart as it's so much fun however I can see us visiting less now the boys are more into thrill rides.
Blue Badge Parking - parking close to the entrance is available for guests who hold a blue badge. The disabled parking entrance is clearly signposted on arrival at the resort. There is a charge for parking and it will be signposted on the day of your visit.
Free Carer Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability.
Ride Access Pass - This is available to guests who may find it difficult or cannot stand for long periods of time either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment. Pre registration is required at least 7 days before your visit.
Toilets - All toilets at Legoland Windsor have wheelchair friendly toilets. The resort also offers a changing space located in Heartlake city for those who need it. You do need a radar key to use these facilities and if you do not own one you can hire a key from guest services.
Hire Options - Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire from Guest Services or Sensory Space on the day of your visit. For wheelchair hire there is no charge however they do ask for photo i.d. If no photo i.d can be provided then they do ask for a £20 refundable deposit. As numbers are limited you are advised to bring your own should you require one to make the most of your visit. If you require a mobility scooter there is a charge per day of £25 and also a £25 refundable deposit. You must prebook your mobility scooter before your visit due to limited numbers. If you would like to bring your own scooter this is allowed however you cannot bring it in to the ride queues, it must be left outside the queue line.
Getting Around - Legoland can be steep in places however they do have a hill train which can take you from the top of the park to the bottom and vice versa. Please do note that we have visited many times and the train does not seem to run everyday so please do keep that in mind.
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Legoland Windsor Accessibilty Guide
Drayton Manor
We usually visit Drayton Manor at least once per year and it's always a fun day out.
Blue Badge Parking - There is sufficient disabled parking at the front of all car parks. There is a £6 charge for parking and it will be signposted on the day of your visit.
Free Carer Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability. You will need to apply online through Nimbus Disability, at least 7 days prior to visiting.
Easy Access Pass - Drayton Manor recognises that for some guests, accessing a ride via the conventional queue line can be challenging, either due to mobility issues or for example as a result of difficulties with everyday social interaction. If you require an Easy Access Pass you will need to apply online through Nimbus Disability, at least 7 days prior to visiting.
Toilets - There are disabled toilets attached to every toilet block. The resort also offers a changing space for those who need it.
Hire Options - Wheelchairs are available to hire from the main entrance near Thomas Land at a cost of £10 per day, and a £10 cash deposit must be left.
Getting Around - Drayton Manor is quite flat and easy on the legs!
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Drayton Manor
Gulliver's World
Gulliver's World is our closest park and one we have been visiting for about 20 years.
Blue Badge Parking - There is sufficient disabled parking at Gulliver's World however the entrance is extremely close to the car park within a 1-2 minute walk. There is no charge for parking.
Concessionary Rate - The concessionary rate will be given upon proof of a disability for the disabled guest and one carer.
Ride Access Pass - Guests with particular additional needs who are unable to queue may be eligible for a ride pass. This would allow them and up to three accompanying helpers to access the ride via the ride exit area for ease of access. Proof of disability will be required on the day.
Toilets - There are disabled toilets throughout the theme park.
Hire Options - There is no option to hire wheelchairs or mobility scooters at Gulliver's World.
Getting Around - Gulliver's World is mostly flat with very small inclines. We have been visiting for over 15 years it's a lovely park to walk around with no sudden hill or steep surprises
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Gulliver's World
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Another local park for us and again one we always have so much fun at.
Blue Badge Parking - There is sufficient disabled parking at all car parks. Parking starts at £15 per day depending on which car park you choose.
Essential Companion Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability. You will need to apply online through Nimbus Disability, at least 7 days prior to visiting.
Easypass Ride Access - Blackpool Pleasure Beach recognises that for some guests, accessing a ride via the conventional queue line can be challenging. The EasyPass service is for guests who are unable to stand in the main queue line whilst waiting to board a ride, due to medical reasons or disability. If you require an Easy Access Pass you will need to apply online through Nimbus Disability, at least 7 days prior to visiting.
Toilets - There are disabled toilets located in Balmoral Car Park, Tickets & Information Area, Bowl A Drome, Superloos opposite the Alice Ride, Superloos opposite the Big Pizza Kitchen and Nickelodeon Land. Changing facilities can be found in Nickelodeon Land behind the SpongeBob Splash Bash Ride, to the left of the Nickelodeon Land Shop. Radar key access is required, however for those guests without a Radar key, a toilet attendant can be summoned by pressing the button outside the changing room.
Hire Options - Wheelchairs are available to hire from Guest Services or Ticket Sales on the day of your visit. For wheelchair hire there is a charge of £5 per day and £20 refundable deposit. As numbers are limited you are advised to bring your own should you require one to make the most of your visit
Getting Around - Blackpool Pleasure Beach is fairly easy to get around. There are wheelchair friendly paths and the option to avoid stairs if needed,
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach Accessibility Guide
Flamingo Land
We have only visited Flamingo Land once but would love to return.
Blue Badge Parking - A limited amount of designated parking spaces reserved for disabled badge holders are available at the entrance to the theme park. Parking attendants will direct you.
Free Carer Ticket - A free carer ticket will be issued upon proof of a disability. .
Direct Access Pass - A free direct access pass for guests who due to a disability are unable to use our standard queue lines. Proof of disability is required.
Toilets - Toilets are located around the park and can all be accessed by disabled guests. Adult disabled changing facilities are available in the first aid centre. This service is accessible using the radar lock key system.
Hire Options - Wheelchairs are available on loan, free of charge from the first aid centre. A non- monetary deposit is required such as a valid passport, driving licence, disability book etc before a wheelchair can be issued. As wheelchairs are limited, it is recommended to pre-book the use of a wheelchair in advance of your visit by phoning the first aid centre on 01653 668 140.
Getting Around - It's been a while since we visited Flamingo Land however I don't remember it being challenging at any time.
For more information on accessibility and FAQs you can visit Flamingo Land Accessibility Guide
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Michelle
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