In recent years, more and more attractions have been seeking to make their sites accessible for all. This includes making alterations to their sites to make the attraction easier to access for those with limited mobility or those in a wheelchair. But there has also been far more consideration given to the cost of these attractions. Many attractions around the North West (and indeed throughout the country) have started to offer discount days out for carers and disabled people. This usually takes the form of allowing a carer to accompany a full-paying disabled guest for free. These schemes are wonderful and encourage those with disabilities to get out and see more.
Here we list some of our favourite discount days out for disabled people and carers in the North West.
National Trust
National Trust are seeking to make their locations accessible to all. Part of that mission is to try to make it easier for disabled visitors to visit their sites. A disabled visitor to any National Trust site can bring one or two carers free of charge.
If you’re already a member, simply show your membership card and it’s always handy to have your Blue Badge on the ready-to-show or some other proof of disability, such as carers allowance. If you’re not a member, then simply tell the cashier when you pay that you are disabled and show your proof and tell them you would like to bring your carer/carers with you.
As members, we have made use of this offer on several occasions.
I did enquire about the Essential Companion Card. According to the National Trust website, disabled members are entitled to request one of these to avoid the awkwardness of showing proof of disability to the cashier. I was told that these cards are suspended at the moment (I will update this post if this changes). To be fair, each cashier has been extremely pleasant and we haven’t experienced any issues without the companion card.
English Heritage
English Heritage also allows free entry for a carer with a disabled visitor. When booking online, simply select the ‘Essential Companion’ ticket. You can also ask for an essential companion ticket if paying at an English Heritage property.
If you are an English Heritage member, you are also entitled to bring along a carer for free if you are disabled. Members can call English Heritage on 0370 333 1182 and ask for a ‘Letter of Authority’. This is then shown to staff when visiting a property and automatically gives the carer free entry.
English Heritage claims no proof is needed to obtain free entry for carers. We have had some funny looks when we have asked for free entry for a carer in the past as members. So the ‘Letter of Authority’ is really handy.
Merlin Pass
Like National Trust and English Heritage membership, the Merlin Pass allows members to visit several attractions up and down the country. When purchasing a full-price Merlin Pass, disabled members can request a free complimentary pass for their carer. Proof of disability is required upon application.
Yorvik Viking Centre
OK, admittedly, this place isn’t actually in the North West, however it is accessible from the North West! I wanted to add it to the list as we’re currently planning a visit here and we have made use of their offer many times in the past. I would highly recommend a visit here – whether you have kids or not!
Yorvik Viking Centre also offer a free ticket for carers if accompanying a full-paying disabled guest. What’s more, once purchased, tickets at Yorvik Viking Centre are valid for a whole year, so you and your carer can return as many times as you like during the 12 months for one price!
Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower allows any disabled adult or child to bring along a carer free of charge. Proof of disability, such as a blue badge or a PIP letter will need to be shown upon entry. Carers tickets can be booked online when paying full price for the disabled visitor.
Knowsley Safari Park
A full-paying adult or child with disabilities is entitled to bring along a carer for free at Knowsley Safari Park. Bring along one of the following proofs: Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment Letter or Attendance Allowance. Show this to the cashier and they will allow your carer free entry.
Blackpool Zoo
Bring along a PIP letter, a blue badge or other evidence of your disability and Blackpool Zoo will grant free entry to a carer with a full-paying disabled adult or child.
In our experience, we paid for our tickets online and the staff didn’t even ask to see proof.
Chester Zoo
Likewise, Chester Zoo entitles a full-paying disabled adult or child to bring along a carer for free. They ask for proof of either a blue badge (or a photograph of one if you are using it in the carpark) or other proof of disability, e.g. a PIP letter or carers allowance etc.
Again, in our experience, we book our tickets online and are not always asked to show proof.
The Sea Life Centre
All Sea Life Centres allow a carer to accompany a full-paying disabled adult or child for free. Proof of a blue badge, PIP letter or other proof of disability will be asked for by the cashier. If booking your tickets online, then simply book for a full-paying adult/child and the carer will be admitted for free upon arrival. There are several Sea Life Centres up and down the country.
Cinemas
Odeon, Cineworld and Vue cinemas, along with other cinema chains are offering free entry for carers with a full-paying adult or child disabled visitor. To qualify for this offer, you’ll need to purchase a CEA Card. These currently cost £6 and can be applied for and purchased online. You’ll need to send proof of disability, e.g. a copy of a blue badge or a PIP letter.
Many cinema chains are now participating in this scheme, so you’re sure to find one close to you!
We hope you found this post useful! If you have any recommendations for Discount Days out for the Disabled and Carers in the North West, then please list them in the comments!
