UK attractions offering free or discounted admission for disabled visitors and their carers 

Below is a list of attractions that publicly state they offer a free carer/essential companion ticket (subject to eligibility requirements/provided evidence). Each is linked directly to the attractions’ specific accessibility pages.  

In this article

Theme parks 

Merlin Entertainments

Primarily use the Nimbus Access Card to prove eligibility (and to obtain a ‘Ride Access Pass’.) However, they also accept evidence of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)/Incapacity benefit or a Blue Badge. 

Merlin theme parks include:

Other theme parks 

Zoos & wildlife parks 

Historic attractions

Historic Royal Palaces 

English Heritage 

According to Carer’s First website, English Heritage provides free entry to all of its sites and events for any carers accompanying the person they care for. They do not ask for any evidence that you are a carer or that the person you are accompanying requires care. The person you care for will still need to pay for entry or have English Heritage membership. 

Carer’s First website goes on to say that if you give English Heritage a call on 0370 333 1182, they can provide the person you care for with what they call a ‘letter of authority’. This will automatically give the people accompanying them free entry. Alternatively, you can just show up on the day and tell the ticket office staff when you arrive that you are an essential carer. 

Each individual location has its own accessibility policy, and its worth looking up the specific location you wish to visit before you go. 

National Trust 

You can find the National Trust’s ‘Access for Everyone’ webpage here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone.  

They offer an Essential Companion Pass. This gives up to two companions free at National Trust properties throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In order to obtain your Essential Companion pass, you can call the Supporter Services Centre on 0344 800 1895 or you can email [email protected].  

They have also published information on enhanced facilities for disabled people here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/enhanced-facilities-for-disabled-visitors and top accessible walks here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/walking/accessible-walks-at-national-trust-places  

As with most places, it’s worth looking up the specific location you wish to visit, before you go. 

RHS Gardens 

RHS has published an “accessibility across the RHS” webpage here: https://www.rhs.org.uk/accessibility which allows you to select a location you wish to visit and see the accessibility specific to that garden. It states that each garden as different levels of accessibility and it is best to read the information for the specific location you wish to visit before you go. Carers are offered free tickets. 

Family attractions 

Cinemas 

With a CEA Card, a companion goes free at over 90% of UK cinemas, including: Odeon, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, Everyman, Reel, The Light and Empire (where participating). Always check in advance that your chosen location accepts the CEA card. Once you receive your CEA card, it is valid for one year. 

Heritage Railways 

This list is not exhaustive, and we are in no way affiliated with any of the attractions or sites we have mentioned. It’s always worth contacting an attraction in advance of your visit to confirm accessibility arrangements, or if you have specific questions. 

Please note: Accessibility policies, ticket prices and accepted evidence can change. We’ve checked these policies at the time of writing, but we recommend checking the attraction’s own accessibility page before travelling.