Days Out and Leisure Activities
Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy days out, leisure activities, and entertainment experiences — regardless of ability. Many attractions, theatres, and venues across the UK now offer excellent accessibility and support for individuals with additional needs, making it easier for families to plan inclusive and enjoyable outings.
Below you’ll find useful information about accessible days out, theatre schemes, and cards or passes that can help make your experiences smoother and more affordable.
Theatre Accessibility
Having a disability should never stop anyone from enjoying a trip to the theatre. Most theatres now have excellent accessibility policies in place, offering free or discounted companion tickets, accessible seating depending on individual needs, and increasingly popular relaxed performances. These relaxed shows have reduced noise and lighting effects, and visitors can feel comfortable moving around or leaving their seats if needed — creating a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
To benefit from these schemes, most theatres ask you to register for their access programme and provide some form of evidence of disability. Once registered, tickets can usually be booked online, over the phone, or by emailing the venue’s accessibility team. Some theatres accept the Access Card as proof of eligibility, while others may not require any evidence at all.
LW Theatres
LW Theatres offer a range of accessible performances, including relaxed, audio-described, captioned, and signed shows. Their website provides full details on how to register and book accessible tickets.
Cost: Companion tickets are available at the same price as the Access ticket.
🔗 LW Theatres Accessibility Information
ATG Theatres (Ambassador Theatre Group)
ATG operates an Access Scheme designed to make booking accessible tickets simple and stress-free. Once registered, you can book your tickets and companion tickets online, over the phone, or in person. Every ATG venue also has an Access Champion who can help with accessibility queries or individual requirements.
Cost: Access members receive a reduced-price ticket for themselves and a free companion ticket.
🔗 ATG Access Support and Contact Information
Please note: For productions such as Wicked and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bookings must be made directly with the theatre, and access policies may differ.
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres (including the Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, and Victoria Palace) are committed to providing accessible performances and facilities. Each theatre has accessible seating, companion tickets, and assistive listening systems. Their Access Scheme allows customers to register their requirements and book tickets with confidence.
Cost: Complimentary companion tickets are available for most productions.
🔗 Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Access Information
Nimax Theatres
Nimax Theatres (including the Apollo, Garrick, and Palace Theatres) have accessibility teams available to assist with bookings and arrangements. They offer step-free access in designated areas, accessible toilets, and companion tickets for those who need support. Some venues also provide captioned, signed, or relaxed performances.
Cost: Free companion ticket available with proof of eligibility.
🔗 Nimax Theatres Accessibility Information
The Really Useful Group Theatres
The Really Useful Group operates major West End venues such as the London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Both theatres are fully accessible and run a dedicated Access Scheme that allows you to book suitable seats and companion tickets online or via their access team. They regularly host relaxed and signed performances for popular productions.
Cost: Free companion ticket available for registered Access Scheme members.
🔗 Really Useful Group Theatres Accessibility
The National Theatre (South Bank, London)
The National Theatre has an outstanding accessibility programme, with wheelchair spaces in all auditoriums, captioned and audio-described performances, and regular relaxed showings. Their Access List makes it easy to book tickets that meet your access needs.
Cost: Free companion ticket and discounts available on select performances.
🔗 National Theatre Accessibility Information
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
The Globe offers accessible performances throughout the year, including captioned, relaxed, and audio-described shows. Step-free access is available in certain seating areas, and personal assistants can attend for free.
Cost: Complimentary companion ticket for guests with disabilities.
🔗 Shakespeare’s Globe Accessibility
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
The RSC provides comprehensive accessibility support across its venues in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. They offer companion tickets, captioned performances, accessible seating, and a dedicated Access Membership to simplify booking.
Cost: Free companion ticket with valid registration.
🔗 RSC Accessibility Information
Theme Park Accessibility
A day out at a theme park should be fun and accessible for everyone, and many UK parks now offer excellent facilities and support for visitors with additional needs or disabilities. Most parks provide dedicated accessibility schemes, queue assistance passes, discounted tickets, and companion entry to help ensure everyone can enjoy the attractions safely and comfortably.
Before visiting, it’s a good idea to register with each park’s access scheme or customer services team. Most require some form of proof of disability — such as a Disabled ID Card, Access Card, or Blue Badge — while others accept alternative documentation or medical evidence. Once registered, visitors can usually collect a Ride Access Pass or similar, which helps reduce waiting times and provides easier access to attractions.
Alton Towers Resort
Accepted proof: Access Card (with “Queueing” symbol), Blue Badge, DLA/PIP letter, or medical evidence.
Discounts: Free carer ticket available when booking online.
🔗 Alton Towers Accessibility Information
Thorpe Park
Accepted proof: Access Card, Blue Badge, or other official documentation.
Discounts: Free companion ticket with valid proof of eligibility.
🔗 Thorpe Park Accessibility Guide
Chessington World of Adventures
Accepted proof: Access Card, DLA/PIP letter, or medical documentation.
Discounts: Free carer ticket when booking accessible tickets online.
🔗 Chessington Accessibility Information
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Accepted proof: Access Card, DLA/PIP award letter, or doctor’s note.
Discounts: Free carer ticket when proof of eligibility is provided.
🔗 LEGOLAND Windsor Accessibility
Paultons Park (Home of Peppa Pig World)
Accepted proof: Access Card, DLA/PIP documentation, or GP letter.
Discounts: Free carer admission when valid proof is provided.
🔗 Paultons Park Accessibility Information
Farm and Park Accessibility
Visiting farms and parks can be a wonderful experience for children and adults alike, offering the chance to enjoy nature, animals, and outdoor activities in a calm, engaging environment. Many farms, zoos, and country parks across the UK are now focused on being inclusive, offering excellent accessibility, reduced or free companion tickets, sensory-friendly areas, and facilities designed to meet a wide range of needs.
Most venues ask visitors to provide proof of disability — such as an Access Card, Disabled ID Card, Blue Badge, or DLA/PIP award letter — to access discounts or special provisions. It’s always best to check with each attraction before visiting, as policies can vary.
Whipsnade Zoo (Bedfordshire)
Accepted proof: Access Card, DLA/PIP letter, or Disabled ID Card.
Discounts: Free companion admission and concession rates for disabled visitors.
🔗 Whipsnade Zoo Accessibility
London Zoo (London)
London Zoo offers excellent accessibility with step-free routes, sensory maps, and accessible toilets. They also host Relaxed Opening Sessions for visitors who prefer a quieter experience.
Accepted proof: Access Card, DLA/PIP letter, or Disabled ID Card.
Discounts: Free carer ticket and concession entry for disabled guests.
🔗 London Zoo Accessibility
Cotswold Farm Park (Gloucestershire)
Accepted proof: Access Card or official disability evidence.
Discounts: Free carer entry when documentation is provided.
🔗 Cotswold Farm Park Accessibility
Willows Activity Farm (Hertfordshire)
Accepted proof: Access Card, Blue Badge, or other evidence of disability.
Discounts: Free carer admission when proof of eligibility is shown.
🔗 Willows Activity Farm Accessibility
Longleat Safari Park (Wiltshire)
Accepted proof: Access Card, DLA/PIP letter, or Blue Badge.
Discounts: One free carer ticket per paying disabled guest.
🔗 Longleat Accessibility Information
National Trust Parks and Gardens (Nationwide)
Accepted proof: National Trust Access Card or other disability documentation.
Discounts: Essential companion visits free of charge with proof of eligibility.
🔗 National Trust Accessibility Information
Museums & Attractions Accessibility
Museums, galleries, and family attractions across the UK have made fantastic progress in accessibility, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy engaging, educational, and inclusive experiences. Many offer step-free access, quiet or sensory-friendly sessions, free or discounted companion tickets, and accessible facilities such as Changing Places toilets and mobility hire.
Before visiting, it’s worth checking the venue’s website for accessibility details and accepted proof of disability — such as an Access Card, Disabled ID Card, Blue Badge, or DLA/PIP letter.
Science Museum (London)
Discounts: Admission is free; some special exhibitions may charge but offer companion discounts.
🔗 Science Museum Accessibility
Natural History Museum (London)
Discounts: Free general admission; some exhibitions may offer concession pricing.
🔗 Natural History Museum Accessibility
Tate Modern (London)
Discounts: Free admission to general displays; free companion entry for ticketed exhibitions.
🔗 Tate Modern Accessibility Information
National Railway Museum (York)
Discounts: Free entry for all; carers supported with priority services if needed.
🔗 National Railway Museum Accessibility
Eden Project (Cornwall)
Discounts: Free essential companion ticket available.
🔗 Eden Project Accessibility
Chester Zoo (Cheshire)
Discounts: Free carer ticket and concession pricing for guests with disabilities.
🔗 Chester Zoo Accessibility
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter (Hertfordshire)
Discounts: Free companion ticket with valid evidence.
🔗 Warner Bros. Studio Tour Accessibility
The London Eye (London)
Discounts: Free companion ticket for guests with disabilities.
🔗 The London Eye Accessibility
English Heritage Sites (Nationwide)
Discounts: Free companion entry with valid proof of eligibility.
🔗 English Heritage Accessibility
Historic Royal Palaces (London & South East)
Discounts: Free companion ticket for guests with disabilities.
🔗 Historic Royal Palaces Accessibility
Enjoying Inclusive Days Out
Exploring new places and making memories should be accessible to everyone. Whether it’s a trip to the theatre, a theme park adventure, a peaceful day at a farm, or a visit to a museum, there are now more opportunities than ever for inclusive, stress-free days out across the UK. With the right information and support — from Access Cards and Disabled ID Cards to accessibility teams and relaxed sessions — families and individuals with additional needs can enjoy activities that suit their interests and comfort levels.
Remember to check each venue’s website before visiting for the most up-to-date accessibility details, and don’t hesitate to contact their access team for advice or assistance. With good planning and the growing focus on inclusion, every day out can be enjoyable, welcoming, and accessible for all.
SEN Access 