Doncaster Fearless Factory Disabled Access Review

Iona standing in front of a large "Doncaster Fear Factory" sign, smiling and dressed in Halloween-themed clothes, with autumn leaves on the ground. On the right, bold text reads "Doncaster Fearless Factory 2025 Disabled Access Review" above a cheerful cartoon of Iona in a roller coaster and accessibility icons, all on a yellow background.
Come with me as we explore Doncaster Fearless Factory a family version of the scare event Doncaster fear factory. The event has lots to explore with family friendly scare mazes, shows, pumpkin carving and face painting. So come on lets explore the spooky season without the frights!

Table of Contents

Facilities and Services Available for Disabled Guests

Here is a quick overview of the facilities and services available for disabled guests at Doncaster Fearless Factory, so that you can decide if this attraction is able to meet your access requirements. Please note: some of the services are listed below and a full explanation is available later on in the blog post. In order to quickly navigate through the post you can use the table of contents.

  • Queue Asist: Each of the mazes had a fast track entrance that they were more then accommodating for disabled guests who struggle with queueing or navigating queue lines to use.
  • Step free access: The hub and scare zone are fully accessible. In order to quickly identify if an attraction at Doncaster Fearless Factory has step free access look for the level access symbol as seen below. I have also included a picture of the ground as it is in a woodland so you know if it is level enough for your needs.
image of woodland dert floor with leaves and small twigs on the ground.
The image shows two symbols on a light yellow background. On the left, there is an icon of a person in a wheelchair using a ramp. On the right, there is an icon of a person walking up stairs, which is crossed out with a red "X". This shows that that the area is step free.

Before your visit

Before visiting Doncaster Fearless Factory there are a few steps you must take in order to ensure you have the correct access available to you so you can enjoy your day.

Booking ticket

Tickets for Doncaster Fearless Factory can be booked online before your visit. I have contact Doncaster Fearless Factory who have confirmed that essential companion tickets are not available in any form. For the Doncaster Fearless Factory admission tickets cost just £10 each this includes entry to the event area and hub as well as a single entry to each of the toned down scare mazes. Blue Light discount is available. You can book admission tickets by clicking here Doncaster Fearless Factory book tickets.

When booking tickets you will need to select an arrival time slot we went for the 10am arrival slot. Car parking can also be pre booked when booking tickets and is free of charge.

Arrivals

In this section of the blog we detail what will happen when you arrive at Doncaster Fearless Factory so you know what to expect and can get exploring as quick as possible.

parking

There was clear event signage leading up to the turning for the event saying parking for Doncaster Fear Factory. There was a large tarmac car park with overflow parking available. However, no blue badge spots so I recommend getting there for opening to get a space near the entrance.

Yellow road sign reading “FEAR FACTORY” with an arrow, positioned beside a narrow driveway and lined with small cones, directing cars towards the event parking area.
Green sign for “Thorndon Park Fear Factory” seen from a car dashboard at the entrance
Yellow road sign reading “FEAR FACTORY” with an arrow, positioned beside a narrow driveway and lined with small cones, directing cars towards the event parking area.
Parking area bordered by trees and black “FEAR FACTORY” branded barriers, designating the event parking zone.
Event parking lot with orange traffic cones and a yellow sign showing directions for “Exit” and “Overflow” parking, surrounded by trees and shrubs.

entering the Event

Upon entering the event our tickets were scanned and we were giving a stamp on our hands. We had to wait around 10 to 15 minutes before getting let in however, their was a portaloo available whilst waiting. There was a bag search area however, our bags did not get checked.

Empty car park at the entrance to Doncaster Fear Factory, with a large event sign visible in the background.
FEAR FACTORY BAG SEARCHES IN OPERATION For your safety and security, all bags will be searched as a condition of entry. We reserve the right to search all bags and persons, and refuse entry to anyone found to be in possession of prohibited items. PROHIBITED ITEMS: - Weapons, including knives and imitation firearms - Alcohol and illegal substances - Fireworks, flares, and laser pens - Glass bottles and cans - Professional cameras and recording equipment - Any items deemed dangerous by security staff
Wooden fenced entry path to Fear Factory, with people gathered and event banners on display.
Map board showing the layout of attractions, food stalls, and facilities inside the Fear Factory event.
Queue of visitors waiting outside in a wooded area, with some fog or smoke adding to the spooky atmosphere.
nformation sign for Fear Factory bag searches
Close-up of a person's hand with a red smiley face stamp, issued for entry to the event.

Crimson Harvest Scare Zone Family edition

In order to get into the event we walked through a mini scare zone called Crimson Harvest Scare Zone. There with crow actors with full face masks on. The area was very wide and dark with different coloured light shingling down and audio effects. We enter the event into the Spookfest area that is like the hub.

people walk into a scare zone tunnel made of tattered fabric and netting, with a tall, menacing scarecrow figure standing to the right of the entrance.
A person in a checked shirt and creepy burlap mask walks through a dimly lit scare zone tunnel lined with straw and hanging decorations, with branches and foliage around the entrance.
The exterior of a scare zone tunnel covered in weathered tarps, surrounded by woodland. A misty, smoky effect
The image shows two symbols on a light yellow background. On the left, there is an icon of a person in a wheelchair using a ramp. On the right, there is an icon of a person walking up stairs, which is crossed out with a red "X". This shows that that the area is step free.

Our day at Doncaster Fearless Factory

Now we’re in the park and have sorted all of our access out it’s time to enjoy the park and get on some rides. In this section you will find a write up of our day of Doncaster Fearless Factory including all the accessibility information of course. So come and enjoy the day with us!

Spookfest

The Spookfest was the main hub of the event with dance shows, food outlets, bar, roaming actors and rides. There plenty of seating available mostly picnic benches however there was a number of benches with backs. There was music playing in this area that I found quite loud so I would recommend ear defenders.

An actor in a long cloak walking through a woodland area with picnic benches, food stalls, and people sitting and eating at Spookfest.
an actor dressed as a creepy clown, with a painted face and checkered costume, holding up their arms and standing in front of a stage with Halloween decorations.
A spooky actor with long, messy dark hair and a tattered dress stands near green shipping containers marked "Fear Factory."
The clown actor poses playfully on a woodland path next to picnic benches and a white tent, with the "Fear Factory" sign in the background.
A wide view of the stage area called "Fear Factory," showing stacked containers and an empty stage set
The image shows two symbols on a light yellow background. On the left, there is an icon of a person in a wheelchair using a ramp. On the right, there is an icon of a person walking up stairs, which is crossed out with a red "X". This shows that that the area is step free.

Entertainment

There was plenty of dance show taking place very regally in the hub area on the stage. The actors were constantly roaming in the hub area and would come behind you. The actors seemed to be judging of your interaction towards them to whether they would chase you.

A group of performers in brown costumes dance on an outdoor wooden stage in front of a green building with a large "FEAR FACTORY" sign
Event guests walk and sit on picnic benches near a wooded area as a person in a long, hooded cloak stands by a drinks stand

The event area is fully set up for the adult event Doncaster Fear Factory so there is a number of mazes and area that were berried off and some outlets not open in the hub as not open during the family event. Out of the 2 rides which were a swing and a Waltzer. It is also worth noting that all the signage is for the adult event in the evening including the maze restriction boards. There is no additional information for the family event therefore, I have included the signage for the fear event encase its any help.

Rides

During the family event the Waltzer is the only ride open and with the event being very quiet it meant we got a very long and intense cycle. The Waltzer cost £3 per person and you could pay via card or cash in the Waltzer car.

faraway image of the exteria of a waltxer ride themed ti dincaster fear factory.

Food and drink

In term of food and drink offering their was a food truck sealing sweet treats like chocolate marshmallows and strawberries. A bar called Tap Room that had a licence bar selling drinks and even themed pint cups that cost £2 without a drink. There was also a very nicely themed food outlet called Conneticut Diner selling the usually fast food options like burger and chips. I got a portion of chips that was a very good serving and cost £4.50 the full menu can be seen in the images bellow.

A photo of the Connecticut Diner menu on a pink and teal background. The menu features the following items: Hamburgers: - Beef Cheeseburger £7.50 - BBQ Cheeseburger £7.50 Hot Dogs: - Classic Hotdog £6.50 - BBQ Hotdog £6.50 Wraps: - Chicken Shawarma Wrap £7.50 Sinister Sides: - Large Hashbrowns £3.00 - Loaded Hashbrowns £3.50 - Skin-on Fries £3.00 - Curly Fries £3.50 - Loaded Fries £4.50 Drinks: - Water £2.00 - Hot Drink £2.00 - Can £2.00 Sweet Treats: - Churros £4.00 - Churros with Dip £4.50
A photo of the Connecticut Diner outdoor food outlet with a weathered, blue and pink facade and a large bright pink “DINER” sign on the roof.

Quinlens & Co. Family Edition

The first maze I tried was the Quinlens & Co it themed around a bakery. In order to get to the maze entrance area we went through a mini scare zone that was clown themed and dark. Inside the maze there was a number of actors inside the maze that did interact with me however there was no big scares or jumping Infront of you despite them touching my head. I believe the actors were following us at one point and coming out the walls, I don’t have much peripheral vision so didn’t notice this. This maze was very dark like pitch black with a number of theming like vines and leaves on the celling and curtains you go through to the next part. In the Quinlens & Co maze there was to passages that you had to duck down to get through kind of like tunnels but didn’t need to crawl could fit through just ducking down. You were not allowed to take images or videos inside the mazes.

In terms of access, the maze was inside with a level floor however, the passages were very narrow and you had to crouch down to get through some of the tunnels. This maze didn’t feature any noticeable flashing or strobing lights however, it was in the dark. In terms of audio there was an audio track playing spooky music and sound effects throughout the mazes and a number of actors were talking and shouting the audio was not loud however, I would still recommend ear defenders due to all the sensory effects combined.

people walking through a dimly lit tunnel inside the maze, with dark plastic sheets creating a narrow, shadowy passage.
Signboard at the edge of a wooded area displaying safety guidelines and warnings for entering the Quinlens & Co maze.
rope-lined path in the woods towards the entrance of the Quinlens & Co maze, with a sign visible ahead.
Exterior view of the Quinlens & Co maze building, styled like an old bakery with wooden features and a sign above the entrance.

Shellton Motel Family Edition

The Shellton Motel maze was themed inside a hotel where a seral killer on the loose was last spotted. There was a pre show that you watched in the hotel reception that gave the storyline and then you went through into the maze. This maze was very heavy on the storytelling you entered into different parts of the hotel like laundry room, bedrooms an outdoor area where in the story was a police chase however, no actor in this point just police sound effects and then through to a dinner where you exited into the hub area. There was an actor in one of the bedroom and the laundry room that interacted with you. They normally grab your leg however, due to me being on sticks they did not do that. I would say this maze was the tamest so recommend doing it first and then Quinlens & Co.

In terms of access, There is strobe and flashing lighting continually throughout the maze. The maze has a number of lips and Singler steps throughout in order to get into different sections. The ground on the inside part was level however, a little uneven on the outside section of the maze. The walkways in some areas were quite tight like in the bedrooms. There was also prominent use of smell pods in the Shellton Motel for example, it smelt very bad in the diner.

Information signboard outside the Shellton Motel maze with safety icons and guidance for visitors. The board is dark with white text and symbols.
Exterior view of the Shellton Motel attraction, showing a two-story, wooden building surrounded by trees. A blue police line sign is visible in front of the building with a fast track queueline
Front view of the Shellton Motel with a large, weathered sign reading 'Shellton Motel' and additional themed signage in a wooded outdoor setting.

Pumpkin Carving and merchandise

In the Spookfest hub area there was a merch stall selling a wide verightiy of Doncaster Fear Factory merchandise including hats, cups and magnets. A full list of the merchandiseavalable and prices can be found in the images bellow. I purchased a magnet that cost £4.50 and a cup from the bar area this was £2.

The Merch stall was also where you could purchase pumpkins to carve. When purchasing a pumpkin you were also giving the basic pumpkin carving equipment. You could then just sit in the seating area and carve your pumpkins and than take them home. I did not manage to get a price for the pumpkin carving so apologies. I did not do this activity as we are going to the Pumpkin patch so seemed not worth it for me.

FEAR FACTORY MERCHANDISE PRICELIST MAGNETS £4.50 BENDY PENS £2.50 AIR FRESHENERS £3.00 ANY 4 FOR £10.00 HOODIE £35.00 T-SHIRTS £15.00 BEANIE HATS £12.00 PATCHES £2 EACH OR 3 FOR £5
A table at the merchandise stall displaying Fear Factory branded items such as hoodies, t-shirts, beanies, and accessories, with more clothing items hanging on racks in the background.
An outdoor stall under a canopy with pumpkins lined up for sale on shelves, a few people attending the stall, and wooden tables in the foreground for pumpkin carving.

Face Painting

The family event had free face painting available in the Tap Room bar area as seen in the images bellow. The face painting opened at about 11:40 and there was lots of choices in terms of designs. The lady was very talented and able to do any kind of Halloween design including full faces and little stencils on half the face like what I had. I was very impressed with the face painting especially for free as you can see in the images bellow I had some little pumpkins and swirls.

Outdoor pathway leading to the Tap Room bar building, surrounded by greenery with a small signboard on the path
nterior setup at the face painting area with blue lighting, chairs, and equipment cases
image of Iona with orange tinted glasses and pink earmuffs, showing Halloween-themed face paint featuring pumpkins and swirls.
The image shows two symbols on a light yellow background. On the left, there is an icon of a person in a wheelchair using a ramp. On the right, there is an icon of a person walking up stairs, which is crossed out with a red "X". This shows that that the area is step free.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I think the Doncaster Fearless Factory is the perfect Halloween event if like me you or someone in your party is to scared or wouldn’t cope in the normal scary mazes but still wants to join in just without all the fear.

It is the first year of this family event running and that did show in terms of low crowed levels however, the set up seemed well through out and I loved the way the actors at the start of each of the mazes had an ear pace where they could let the other actor know if you didn’t want to be touched and how much scares you wanted. I would really like to see the event grow maybe adding a couple more of the mazes in to the family friendly line up.

Equaly I do belive this event does have some work to do in terms of access as I was unable to find an accessable toilet and no esential companion tickets were avalable meaning I had to pay for the PA as well.

I really enjoyed this event it was a great morning and a good trip out during the half term the event only runs on weekends and selected dates so definitely book it in whilst you can. Well, that’s all from me today thank you for being brave and trying something new I really enjoyed the family friendly mazes. See you on my next adventure, bye for now.

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Disclaimer​

The information provided on this blog about theme park accessibility is based on my experiences and the details available from the attractions’ official websites at the time of my visit. Please note that facilities and services for disabled guests may change, and the information may not always be up-to-date. I strongly recommend checking the accessibility section on the respective attractions’ websites for the most current information. The comments and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any other organisation.