The accessibility of every UK theme park

Theme parks are incredibly popular; we love them so much that there are 42 of them in the UK. However, theme parks, like other attractions, aren’t always as accessible for those with limited mobility who need to use aids such as wheelchairs, a stairlift or a mobility scooter. It’s so important that everyone, regardless of their level of mobility, has access to fun things to see and do. But how accessible are the UK’s theme parks? Are there any wheelchair-accessible theme parks?

The good news is that there are some disabled-friendly theme parks in the UK. In this guide, we have looked at the accessibility of every single theme park in the UK, collecting what accessibility information is available and letting you know how accessible the rides are. We even reached out to the parks themselves for more information – a number of which provided helpful details. So, if there is a theme park you want to visit soon, find it on our A-Z list or use the contents below to see how accessible it is.

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READ ALSO: Summer activities to enjoy with grandkids

A-Z of UK theme parks

Adventure Island

Location: Southend-on-Sea

Accessibility at Adventure Island

• No on-site parking
• Carers get in at half-price
• Accessible toilets
• Queue assist scheme
• 9/33 rides have ramped access
• One ride allows riders to stay in their wheelchair

How accessible are the rides? When it comes to the accessibility of rides at Adventure Island, the park told us that 10/33 of rides are wheelchair accessible (ramped at the entrance and exit). This includes one ride, The City Wheel, where visitors can ride in their wheelchairs. 

More accessibility information can be found here.

Adventure Wonderland

Location: Dorset

Accessibility at Adventure Wonderland

• Free carer admission
• Accessible toilets
• Guide dogs permitted
• No dedicated accessibility page on their website

How accessible are the rides? Adventure Wonderland provides very little information about the accessibility of its rides and the park in general. The park offers free carer admission for disabled visitors, accessible toilets, and welcomes guide dogs.

Ride information can be found here.

Alton Towers

Location: Stoke-on-Trent

Accessibility at Alton Towers

• Ride Access System for those unable to stand in a queue
• Blue Badge parking
• One free carer ticket available
• Accessible toilets
• Four rides have areas which are not wheelchair accessible

How accessible are the rides? Certain rides at Alton Towers are physically demanding, meaning admission can be refused. There are 40 rides in total, and four of these have areas which are not wheelchair accessible. The vast majority of rides allow guests to transfer from their wheelchair into the ride whilst being supported but not carried.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Blackgang Chine

Location: Isle of Wight

Accessibility at Blackgang Chine

• Free companion ticket
• Undulating and steep paths in the park
• Accessible toilets
• Disabled parking
• Waterslide is not wheelchair accessible
• All rides have a single step to board

How accessible are the rides? When it comes to the accessibility of rides at Blackgang Chine, the park told us there is wheelchair access to 4/5 rides (not the waterslide): “To access all these rides, you would need to go to the exit, and our ride operatives will be able to allow you to board the ride without queuing. All the rides have a single step up to the board, so any guests would need to board the ride from that step, either alone or aided.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Location: Blackpool

Accessibility at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

• Accessible toilets
• Adult changing facilities
• Disabled parking
• EasyPass ride access for those unable to queue
• 33/42 rides offer a wheelchair access route
• 20/42 ride entrances and exits involve steps

How accessible are the rides? Blackpool Pleasure Beach provides level access to 22/42 rides and has designated wheelchair entrances and exits for 33/42 rides. It is also possible to transfer directly from a wheelchair to 13 rides.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Brighton Palace Pier

Location: Brighton

Accessibility at Brighton Palace Pier

• All 21 rides are accessible*
• No onsite parking
• Accessible toilets
• Ramped/level access
• Guide dogs welcome
• No dedicated accessibility page on their website

How accessible are the rides? *The team at Brighton Palace Pier told us that all the rides on the pier are accessible to people in wheelchairs “if they are able to evacuate on their own behalf”. If visitors cannot evacuate alone, unfortunately, they won’t be able to ride. The park adds, “We, at the pier, are not able to aid people on to the rides.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Location: Surrey

Accessibility at Chessington World of Adventures Resort

• Pathways suitable for wheelchairs
• All shops/restaurants are wheelchair accessible
• Assistance dogs welcome
• Accessible toilets
• Ride Access Pass
• Eight rides have steps to the ride platform
• 14 rides require wheelchair users to transfer unaided

How accessible are the rides? While all rides at Chessington World of Adventure have a wheelchair-user entrance (either at the main entrance, exit or a disabled entrance), eight of these rides have steps to reach the ride platform, and 14 rides require wheelchair users to transfer to the ride unaided. Additionally, eight rides require wheelchair users to transfer to the ride with the help of a carer.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Location: Exeter

Accessibility at Crealy Theme Park & Resort

• Accessible toilets
• Blue Badge parking spaces
• Ride Access Pass for those unable to queue
• Free admission for registered carers
• All rides and indoor areas are wheelchair accessible
• The majority of paths are flat

How accessible are the rides? Crealy Theme Park & Resort states that all 38 rides are wheelchair accessible. Their queue assist program also makes it easier for disabled visitors to get onto the rides quickly.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Diggerland

Locations: Kent, Devon, Durham, Yorkshire

Accessibility at Diggerland

• In all four parks, paths are wheelchair friendly
• Free carer entry
• Disabled parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair access to rides is weather dependant
• All rides require users to climb up into the machines

How accessible are the rides? The rides at Diggerland involve using diggers, all set in their own ride area that visitors must walk across before climbing into. As a result, disabled guests may require assistance to reach the rides. The park told us that wheelchair access to the rides will depend on the weather because if the surface is wet, it will be quite muddy, making access with a wheelchair difficult.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Drayton Manor Resort

Location: Staffordshire

Accessibility at Drayton Manor

• Wheelchair hire available
• Companion tickets
• Ride information boards available
• Accessible toilets
• Access bands for those who find it hard to queue conventionally

How accessible are the rides? Drayton Manor has a wide range of rides, some of which are physically demanding, meaning admission can be refused. 28/39 rides require users to navigate at least one step to reach the ride.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Dreamland Margate

Location: Margate

Accessibility at Dreamland Margate

• Accessible toilets
• Accessible parking
• The majority of its venues are wheelchair accessible
• Most of the park is paved with flat surfaces
• Assistance dogs are permitted

How accessible are the rides? Dreamland Margate told us that they could not “generalise when referring to the suitability of a ride for a guest” and, therefore, cannot provide any information about the accessibility of their rides. Though they have stated their goal is to “make Dreamland as inclusive as possible whilst following the strict guidelines provided by ride manufacturers and adhering to our own stringent safety policies.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Drusillas Park

Location: East Sussex

Accessibility at Drusillas Park

• All seven rides have level access
• Two rides allow visitors to stay in their wheelchair
• Free carer entry
• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Ride access pass for those who have difficulty queueing
• Drusillas is completely wheelchair accessible, with flat surfaces and ramps.

How accessible are the rides? Drusillas Park has two rides where visitors can stay in their wheelchairs for the duration. The other five rides at the park all have level access to them, and the park told us wheelchair users could ride these if they have the ability to transfer themselves to the ride and can support themselves with upper body control.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Fantasy Island

Location: Skegness

Accessibility at Fantasy Island

• 14/33 rides are step free
• No rides can accommodate a wheelchair
• 50% carer discount
• Accessible toilets
• Blue Badge parking (requires valid parking ticket)

How accessible are the rides? 14/33 rides at Fantasy Island are step-free, though the ride platforms are not 100% level with the ground. The park told us that due to the nature of the park (age, size, and layout), some of the rides do have steps to enter and exit and changing this has proved difficult. They explained that while no rides can facilitate a wheelchair, their rides are accessible to all as long as the ride restraints and seatbelts can be fitted securely, and other height and weight restrictions are met.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Fishers Farm Park

Location: West Sussex

Accessibility at Fishers Farm Park

• Park is flat, with mostly tarmac paths
• Disabled parking
• Low counter at reception
• All outside areas are suitable for wheelchairs
• Low-level animal viewing for wheelchair users
• Accessible toilets

How accessible are the rides? All rides at Fishers Farm Park are accessible with assistance, depending on the level of additional support required. For example, the park told us their tractor ride does have three small steps “but has been manageable for people historically depending on the nature of the disability”.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Flambards Theme Park

Location: Cornwall

Accessibility at Flambards Theme Park

• Wheelchair access around the park
• Accessible toilets
• Disabled parking
• Guide dogs welcome
• Ride access pass
• Reduced disabled and carer tickets

How accessible are the rides? Flambards provides no information about the accessibility of their rides. It is fair to expect some restrictions depending on your disability or level of mobility.

More accessibility information can be found here.

READ ALSO: How accessible are Cornwall’s most popular attractions?

Flamingo Land Resort

Location: Yorkshire

Accessibility at Flamingo Land Resort

• 27/29 rides have ramped access
• Disabled parking
• Free carer entry
• Ride access pass for those unable to queue
• Accessible toilets
• Disabled changing facilities

How accessible are the rides? There are only two rides at Flamingo Land with no ramp access (Zoo Monorail and Dino Roller). The park told us that they are confident about Flamingo Land’s level of accessibility for wheelchair users. They also shared that evacuating some rides would be difficult for wheelchair users, but trained staff can help evacuate a guest via a man lift to avoid stairs.

More accessibility information can be found here.

READ ALSO: Most accessible attractions in Yorkshire

Funland Amusement Parks

Location: Hampshire

Accessibility at Funland Amusement Parks

• No concession for carers
• Accessible toilets
• Some rides are accessible

How accessible are the rides? Beyond height and weight restrictions, Funland’s website does not provide any specific accessibility information about their rides. The park claims: “Whilst a large number of the rides are accessible to wheelchair users, there are some where this is not feasible.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Location: Norfolk

Accessibility at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

• The park has level access throughout
• Discounted wristband for disabled visitors and carers
• Accessible toilets
• Blue Badge parking available opposite the park
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• 12 rides have wheelchair access to the loading area
• 15 rides have steps to reach the platform or carriage

How accessible are the rides? 12/24 rides at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach offer wheelchair access to the ride’s loading area. However, 15 rides feature steps leading up to the platform or carriage. Exit gates may be used for easier access to certain rides.

More accessibility information can be found here.

GreenWood Family Park

Location: North Wales

Accessibility at GreenWood Family Park

• The park has partial disabled access
• Free entry for wheelchair users
• Reduced entry for disabled visitors and carers
• Accessible toilets
• Boardwalks and slate paths are wheelchair accessible
• Certain areas/rides are not accessible
• Ride assist service for those unable to queue

How accessible are the rides? There are several rides at GreenWood Family Park that will be difficult or impossible for disabled visitors to access. The park provides very little information about the wheelchair accessibility of its rides and entrances.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Gulliver's Kingdom

Location: Derbyshire

Accessibility at Gulliver’s Kingdom

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Park is on a hillside (staff may be able to provide alternative routes)
• Ride access pass for those unable to queue
• Short queue times
• Four rides are step-free

How accessible are the rides? Gulliver’s Kingdom provides helpful information about the wheelchair accessibility of their rides. 4/20 of their rides are step-free, but many more rides have wheelchair access and then just one or two steps into the ride.

More accessibility information can be found here.

READ ALSO: Accessible guide to the Peak District

Gulliver's Land Theme Park Resort

Location: Milton Keynes

Accessibility at Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Ride access pass for those unable to queue
• Short queue times
• 10 rides are step-free

How accessible are the rides? Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort provides helpful information about the wheelchair accessibility of their rides. 10/24 of their rides are step free, but many more have wheelchair access and then just one or two steps into the ride.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Gulliver's Valley Theme Park

Location: South Yorkshire

Accessibility at Gulliver's Valley Theme Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs are available to hire
• Accessible changing areas

How accessible are the rides? Gulliver's Valley Theme Park has multiple accessible rides (11 out of 27 rides at the park allow visitors with limited mobility to ride on them). However, some require riders to have upper body control. Many of the restaurants and retail outlets in the park are accessible.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Gulliver's World Theme Park

Location: Warrington, Cheshire

Accessibility at Gulliver’s World Theme Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs are available to hire
• Accessible changing areas

How accessible are the rides? 12 out of 28 rides at Gulliver’s World Theme Park are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Although staff are not trained to lift people into the rides, but they have all received disability awareness training.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Harbour Park Amusements

Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex

Accessibility at Harbour Park Amusements

• The park is on one level (except for the crazy golf area)
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible changing areas
• Free carer band for carers

How accessible are the rides? Whilst there is no specific information about the accessibility of the rides at Harbour Park Amusements, the park says: “Many of our attractions are suitable for persons with a range of different disabilities, some though will require a carer to accompany any person with special needs.” It is recommended that you discuss any specific questions or needs with the Operations team in relation to riding on the attractions.

More accessibility information can be found here

Joyland Children's Fun Park

Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Accessibility at Joyland Children's Fun Park

• Accessible toilets

How accessible are the rides? Joyland Children's Fun Park provides no information about the accessibility of their rides. It is fair to expect some restrictions depending on your disability or level of mobility.

Joyland Children's Fun Park does not provide accessibility information on its website.

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Location: Windsor, Berkshire

Accessibility at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

• Accessible parking
• Accessible entrances
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible changing places
• No step paths for wheelchair users
• Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available

How accessible are the rides? Legoland® Windsor Resort is an incredibly accessible theme park with all of its rides boasting accessible entrances and exits, and some even allowing guests to remain in their wheelchairs for the duration of the ride. Some rides are not accessible to wheelchair users unless they can transfer themselves and hold themselves upright. The Ride Access Pass allows any visitors with limited mobility to skip queues to stop people standing for extended periods of time.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

Location: Ripon, North Yorkshire

Accessibility at Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible changing places
• Ride Access Pass for those unable to queue

How accessible are the rides? Lightwater Valley has more than 40 rides and attractions, and although there is no specific information about the access of its rides for wheelchair users, many of the rides allow guests to transfer from their own wheelchair into the ride.

More accessibility information can be found here.

M&D's Scotland's Theme Park

Location: Motherwell, Scotland

Accessibility at M&D's Scotland's Theme Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Free Carers Pass
• Wheelchair hire is available

How accessible are the rides? M&D's Scotland's Theme Park says: “The majority of our attractions are suitable for all customers, whether able-bodied or disabled; however, some attractions within the theme park can be physically or mentally demanding, as well as vigorous. All attractions are built to industry-specific strict safety standards.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Oakwood Theme Park

Location: Narberth, Pembrokeshire

Accessibility at Oakwood Theme Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Free carer tickets
• Ride Access Pass for those unable to queue

How accessible are the rides? There are five rides and attractions at Oakwood Theme Park which require you to board them unaided and are not accessible to wheelchair users, but there are 18 rides which can be boarded with assistance for visitors with limited mobility.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Paultons Park

Location: The New Forest, Hampshire

Accessibility at Paultons Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible changing places
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Accessible routes for wheelchair users

How accessible are the rides? In their accessibility guide, Paultons Park says: “Wheelchair users can stay in their chairs at the following rides and attractions: Peppa Pig’s House, Victorian Carousel, Bastle Burrow, Gardens & Aviaries, Penguin Pool, Wild Lands, Rio Grande Train, Parking Lot Tots, Discovery Trail. All other rides are accessible for wheelchair users via the exit gates. The exceptions are the Cyclonator, Buffalo Falls, Raging River Ride, Viking Boats, Edge and Dragon Roundabout, which all have steps and therefore require a certain level of mobility to gain access which does vary dependent on the ride.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Pettitts Animal Adventure Park

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

Accessibility at Pettitts Animal Adventure Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets

How accessible are the rides? Pettitts Animal Adventure Park provides no information about the accessibility of their rides. It is fair to expect some restrictions depending on your disability or level of mobility.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park

Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk

Accessibility at Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Priority boarding onto rides for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility
• All rides and attractions are ground level or have ramp access apart from three

How accessible are the rides? Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park has lots of useful information about the wheelchair accessibility of its rides. In fact, 24/27 of its rides (not including attractions) are step free and are accessible to wheelchair users.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

Location: Farnsfield, Notts

Accessibility at Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park

• Free carer tickets

How accessible are the rides? Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park provides no information about the accessibility of their rides. It is fair to expect some restrictions depending on your disability or level of mobility.

Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park does not provide accessibility information on its website.

Sandcastle Waterpark

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Accessibility at Sandcastle Waterpark

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible changing places
• Level access throughout the park
• Water-accessible wheelchairs available

How accessible are the rides? There are some rides at Sandcastle Waterpark which offer access to visitors with limited mobility, but there are other rides which are not suitable for people with some physical impairments.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Southport Pleasureland

Location: Southport

Accessibility at Southport Pleasureland

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible routes for wheelchair users

How accessible are the rides? Southport Pleasureland said: “The vast majority of our rides are suitable for everyone, although, on some, it is advisable that anyone with limited mobility be accompanied. All riders must be able to hold themselves in an upright position and hold on to go on any of the rides, as this is a health and safety requirement. There are clear exclusions on some rides, listed on the ride safety sign.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Sundown Adventureland

Location: Rampton, Nottinghamshire

Accessibility at Sundown Adventureland

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible routes for wheelchair users
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Priority boarding onto rides for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility
• Guide dogs permitted

How accessible are the rides? Sundown Adventureland says the following about the accessibility of their rides: “All our rides and attractions are accessible with a wheelchair to platform areas, however, on all the rides, you will need to be able to transfer from a wheelchair onto the ride with the help of your carer, who will have to sit with you on that ride to assist you with boarding and alighting the rides. Carers will also have to be able to assist you in an emergency.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

The BIG Sheep

Location: Bideford, Devon

Accessibility at The BIG Sheep

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Level access throughout the park
• Guide dogs permitted

How accessible are the rides? Seven out of eight rides at The BIG Sheep are accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. The BIG Sheep adds: “The train ride has a special wheelchair carriage which is great. The coaster has all the access ramps, and as long as people are mobile enough to get in and out and also ok if there is an evacuation, then we do get people in wheelchairs using this.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

The Milky Way Adventure Park

Location: Higher Clovelly, North Devon

Accessibility at The Milky Way Adventure Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Level access throughout the park
• Discounted entry for disabled guests
• Discounted entry for one carer
• Priority boarding onto rides for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility
• Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available
• Guide dogs permitted

How accessible are the rides? The Milky Way Adventure Park says: “To ride the Cosmic Typhoon, The Caterpillar, Gravity Rider, Ziggy’s Blast Quest and Dodgems, guests will need the ability to brace themselves in an upright position. All rides require guests to keep their arms and legs inside the ride carriages and remain seated at all times.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Thorpe Park Resort

Location: Chertsey, Surrey

Accessibility at Thorpe Park Resort

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Priority boarding onto rides for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility
• Accessible routes throughout the park
• Free carer tickets
• Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available
• Accessibility Kiosk
• Guide dogs permitted

How accessible are the rides? Thorpe Park says on their website: “Each ride has their own set of restrictions which must be adhered to at all times, some of which are due to ride restraints, forces or sometimes due to additional requirements if the ride has stopped and guests are required to exit before reaching the station.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Twinlakes Park

Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

Accessibility at Twinlakes Park

• Discounted entry for disabled guests

How accessible are the rides? Twinlakes Park provides no information about the accessibility of their rides. It is fair to expect some restrictions depending on your disability or level of mobility.

Twinlakes Park does not provide accessibility information on its website.

West Midland Safari Park

Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire

Accessibility at West Midland Safari Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible changing places
• Free carer tickets
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Guide dogs permitted

How accessible are the rides? West Midland Safari Park has accessible rides, but they say, “All guests must also be able to sit up and hold on unaided when on any ride.”

More accessibility information can be found here.

Wicksteed Park

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Accessibility at Wicksteed Park

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets
• Accessible routes throughout the park
• Discounted entry for disabled guests
• Discounted entry for one carer
• Guide dogs permitted

How accessible are the rides? Wicksteed Park provides no information about the accessibility of their rides. It is fair to expect some restrictions depending on your disability or level of mobility.

More accessibility information can be found here.

Theme park access in the UK

Hopefully, this deep dive into theme park access for disabled people has been helpful. As you can see, there are many accessible theme parks in the UK, providing vital facilities for disabled visitors.

Ultimately, theme parks are about the rides. Some parks have made efforts to provide wheelchair-accessible theme park rides, but it is an area that needs improvement. Of course, not every ride will suit wheelchair users, but providing level access and wheelchair entrances/exits is important.

If you are looking for a theme park for disabled family members or perhaps a park you and a grandchild can enjoy despite limited mobility, hopefully, you have found something suitable near you. Some parks fail to provide adequate accessibility information on their websites, so it is worth contacting them before you visit to ensure you can enjoy what they offer.

READ ALSO: UK attractions: Tips and recommendations for disabled visitors

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