Drayton Manor Disabled Access Review

  • This blog post was last updated on the 9 July 2026
image shows a picture of iona smiling standing infront of a drayton manor sign. on the right side of the image there is a yellow background with text reads drayton manor disabled access review
Join us for a trip to Drayton Manor! where we explore the park and find out all about the disabled access. Spoiler Alert: we upgraded to annual passes.

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 Drayton Manor, so that you can decide if this attraction is able to meet your access requirements.

Please note: some of the services listed below have a full explanation available later on in the blog post. In order to quickly navigate through the post you can use the table of contents.

  • Wheelchair hire: wheelchairs can be hired on a first come first serve basis from the hire station by the main entrance. There is a hire charge of £10 alongside a £10 cash deposit.
  • Mobility scooter hire: Mobility scooters can be hired for £25 alongside a £10 cash deposit. During our visit there was a sign saying that you had to be 18 to hire a mobility scooter. So if you’re planning on hiring a mobility scooter I recommend bringing ID.
  • Changing Places: Drayton Manor has a Changing Places toilet in the First Aid Centre located next to the 4D Cinema. The park refers to it as a hoist room and full details can be found by clicking here Drayton Manor changing places website.
  • Essential companion ticket: Essential companion tickets formerly known as carer tickets are available to paying guests with the access card or Nimbus ID with the +1 or +2 symbol. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit’ section of this blog post.
  • Easy access pass: For guests unable to queue due to a disability Drayton Manor offers the reasonable adjustment of an easy access pass with the correct disability proof. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit’, ‘Arrivals’ and ‘how easy access pass works’ sections of this blog post.
  • Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs must be kept on a lead/harness at all times and always be accompanied by a member of your group. Assistance dogs are not allowed in ride queues and the zoo.

Before Your Visit

Before visiting Drayton Manor 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 Tickets

For Drayton Manor you can easily book tickets by clicking here Drayton Manor book now. In terms of prices, Drayton Manor uses dynamic pricing. This means that prices differ depending on when you visit. You do not pre book Essential companion tickets.

Essential Companion Ticket

Essential companion tickets can be obtained at the ticket office on the day of your visit.

Booking with an access card: If you already have an access card with the +1 or +2 symbol on then all you need to do is book the rest of your party tickets online. Please note: you cannot pre-book essential companion tickets. Full information can be found in the ‘Arrivals’ section of this blog post.

Booking without an access card: If you do not already have an Access Card then I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and only want your access needs registered for Drayton Manor then you can get a free Nimbus ID by clicking here Drayton Manor access register. Please note: on the day of your visit you will need to show proof of either your Drayton Manor Nimbus ID or your access card with the +1 or +2 symbol. Full information can be found in the ‘Arrivals’ section of this blog post.

Easy Access Pass

Have an Access Card: If you already have an access card with one of the following symbols on:

  • Standing and queueing
  • Urgent toilet needs
  • Difficulty Standing
  • Difficulty in Crowds

then there isn’t anything you need to do before your visit. Please proceed to the ‘Arrivals’ section of this blog post.

Don’t Have an Access Card: If you do not already have an Access Card then I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and only want your access needs registered for Drayton Manor then you can get a free Nimbus ID by clicking here Drayton Manor access register. Please note: In order to use the easy access pass you must be awarded the standing and queuing symbol.

Arrivals

In this section of the blog we detail what will happen when you arrive at Drayton Manor so you know what to expect and can get on the rides as quickly as possible.

Blue Badge Parking

Drayton Manor has a range of blue badge parking located at both entrances to their theme park. For a hardstanding blue badge parking space go to the main car park and over the bridge. Car park costs £9 when booked in advance and £11.90 when booked on the day. Parking is free with a Gold, Platinum or Ultimate annual pass. You can pre book parking online by clicking here Drayton Manor car parking. This is helpful as it means the barrier automatically opens for you.

On this visit we parked in the blue badge parking at the Vikings entrance. The blue badge parking was nice and close to the entrance however, quite muddy so as explained above I highly recommend driving round to the main entrance and over the bridge where there is plenty of hard standing blue badge parking. Directions video coming soon.

Image shows a muddy car park with blue badge parking signs
Vikings car park
Image of tarmac car park with yellow blue badge parking spaces you can see cars parked in the car park.

Essential companion ticket

In order to get your Essential companion ticket you need to go to one of the ticket kiosks (located at both entrances to the park) and show your access card or Nimbus ID with the +1 or +2 symbol on. You will then be given a paper ticket for the Essential companion to enter the park.

Image shows a queue line with a ticket office at the front

entering the park

In order to enter the park your tickets will be scanned so make sure you have your tickets ready on your phone. On our visit, there was a short wait to get in but the queue moved quickly. There are female, male and accessible toilets located at both entrances before you enter the park.

Image shows turnstiles at drayton manor main entrance with 4 queue lines set up
main entrance
image shows wooden entrance to drayton manor there is a big wooden sign on top of the entrance gate of the drayton manor logo you can see the ticket office kiosks with a wooden fenced of queue to the right of the entrance and a queue of people at the entrance
Vikings Entrance

collecting easy access wristband And Ride Card

To use the easy access pass you need to go and get your wristband and ride card from guest services. Guest services is located opposite the Pirate Ship and is in a visible red building as seen in the images below.

Once in guest services I showed the staff member my access card with the standing and queueing symbol on and she gave me a blue wristband that said easy access and stated the number of people in our group. As well as a ride card with 10 rides on it as seen in the images below. You can have up to 3 accompanying people with you when using the easy access pass. Depending on the number of accompanying guests depends on what colour wristband you get:

  • Light blue wristband +1 accompanying guest
  • Dark blue wristband +2 accompanying guests
  • Peach wristband +3 accompanying guests

There can be a short wait to collect your wristband but the staff were good at keeping the queue moving and getting everyone sorted quickly so we didn’t wait that long.

Sensory wise, it is quite loud outside guest services as it is opposite the Pirate Ship so you can hear people screaming on the ride and music playing so I would recommend ear defenders.

image of dark blue wristband with the Drayton manor logo and text that reads easy access +2
image of a dark blue card with the drayton manor logo text that reads easy access card on the right side of the card there is 10 boxes labled ride 1 to 10 at the bottom of the card there is a date box.
Back of easy access card that reads terms and conditions of use sumerised the terms of use are: show the card and easy access wristband at the ride to staff who will mark a ride off if you do a re ride then another box will be marked off. the easy access pass user and their wristband must present to use the card. the card wont be accepted if damaged. the system still evolves some waiting
close up image of the outside of guest services you can see a red building with a sign that says guest services
in the image you can see a pirate ship ride and then a lake in the distance you can see the guest services building

How Easy Access Works

Drayton Manor allows the easy access pass users and a maximum of 3 accompanying guests to use the easy access pass.

Drayton Manor has recently introduced an easy access pass card that limits the easy access pass user to a set number of rides per day. During our visit the limit was set to 10 rides however, the number of rides changes depending on how busy the park is. There is no way of knowing how many rides you will get before your visit. Once you have filled the easy access pass card you would need to use the main queue line for any additional rides. Please see my step by step by guide to using easy access pass at rides below:

Please note: There is still an element of queueing and the easy access is not available on the Haunting.

Step 1: Check ride restrictions

Before going through the ride easy access pass entrance for the ride of your choice it’s important to make sure you have checked the ride restriction to make sure this ride or attraction is accessible for you. The ride restriction boards are clearly located at the entrance for each ride and attraction. You can find the ride easy access guide with restrictions for disabled guests by clicking here Drayton Manor easy access guide 2024. Drayton Manor have a table of all the rides and restrictions for disabled guests that you can find by clicking here ride accessibility chart. This allows you to check the ride requirements before getting to the ride.

image shows gold rush ride restriction board and hight board

step 2: find the easy access pass entrance

Now you have found out the ride is accessible for you it’s time to locate the ride easy access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The easy access pass entrances for Drayton Manor are clearly signposted as seen in the image below. For the majority of rides you use the exit but please look for an easy access pass entrance before going up the exit as some rides have a separate easy access pass queue.

in the image you can see the entrance to the easy access and fast pass queueline

Step 3: show your easy access wristband

Once reaching the front of the ride easy access pass queue line for your chosen ride, a ride host will come and ask to see your easy access wristband and ride card. They will mark off one of the boxes on your easy access pass card.

image shows the front of the easy access queue line for gold rush. in the image you can see two queue line side by side with gates leading to thr station as well as a TV playing a pre show video
image of dark blue wristband with the Drayton manor logo and text that reads easy access +2
image of a dark blue card with the drayton manor logo text that reads easy access card on the right side of the card there is 10 boxes labled ride 1 to 10 at the bottom of the card there is a date box.

Step 4: Enjoy the ride

It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! whether you’re riding the waves on the wave coaster or taking a more gentle ride on Thomas, Rosie and Percy engine tours. I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride easy access pass system.

image of Iona and dad gold rush on ride photo both smiling at the camera

Our Day At Drayton Manor

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 at Drayton Manor including all the accessibility information of course. So come and enjoy the day with us!

Accelerator

Accelerator is a fun family boomerang coaster this means you go backwards and forwards around the track. With just a minimum height restriction of 1 meter when accompanied by an adult it makes for a great family coaster.

In terms of access, there is step free or as the park refers to it wheelchair access available via the ride exit located through the photo booth as seen in the images below. The easy access entrance is located to the left of the photobooth near the main queue as shown in the images below. It is just a lap bar on this ride and in my experience I do find the ride vehicle very low down so something to bear in mind when getting on and off Accelerator.
During the ride itself when you reach the top of the track there is some sound effects through a speaker that are quite loud. Ear defenders can stay on for the ride however, glasses have to be removed unless you have a glasses strap.

in the image you can see Accselorater at the top of the track.
in the image you can see a door leading through to a queueline with a sign that reads disabled entrance. Underneath it says wheelchair access with an arow pointing to the exit.
In the image you can see a ramp leading up to in the image you can see a door leading through to a queueline with a sign to the ride station with a sign saying wheelchair access
in the image you can see a door leading through to a queue line with a sign that reads disabled entrance.

Jolly Buccaneer

For some reason this style of ride is one of my favourites. Although nothing very thrilling and with a minimum height restriction of 1 meter the Jolly Buccaneer ride simply spins around in a circle on a little pirate ship.

In terms of access, the easy access entrance is located at the ride exit for the Jolly Buccaneer as seen in the images below. There is a step to get into the ride vehicle itself however the easy access entrance is level. To help you know exactly what to expect, I have created an access video for Jolly Buccaneer that can be found below.

image shows ride restriction board for Jolly Buccaneer ride
in the image you can see a blue gate with a large saying exit. to the side their is a sign saying easy access wait here
Image of the Jolly Buccaneer ride you can see mini pirate ships going around in a cercal

Maelstrom

Maelstrom is a fun and intense flat ride with a minimum height restriction of 1.2 meters. One of my favourite things about this ride is that you are facing outwards as seen in the images below, this makes for a fabulous view of the park.

In terms of access, Maelstrom is a thrilling ride. This means it might push your head back a little bit and you will feel the wind in your face. The easy access entrance for Maelstrom is located at the exit ramp which is to your right as you enter Adventure Cove as seen in the images below. It’s worth bearing in mind that the seats on Maelstrom are very high to get into. I did need some support from my PA to get in my seat.

in the image you can see a ramp leading up to Maelstrom ride with a sign that says exit.
in the image you can see the blue ride seats and restraints for Maelstrom.
in the image you can see Maelstrom ride
in the image you can see Maelstrom as high up as the surrounding trees.

Air Race

After going on Maelstrom it was time to spin upside down on Air Race. With a minimum height restriction of 1.2 meters Air Race is definitely a more thrilling ride where you can see the park from upside down.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance is located at the ride exit. There is also a test seat available by the main entrance. Each of the planes has 2 rows, the back row being higher up. If you have mobility issues I recommend asking for front row as the step to get in is a lot lower.

in the image you can see the ride restriction boards and test seat for air racer.
in the image you can see a gate with a sign on that reads disabled access. behind the gate you can see air racer ride area
in the image you can see air racer during a ride cycle. some of the planes are upside down
in the image you can see the from row of an air racer ride vehicle it is red and made to look like an airplane. the seats have over the shoulder restraints.

Wave Swinger

Starting in the Adventure Cove area we then headed on the Wave Swinger a fun swinger chair ride with a minimum height restriction of 1 meter.

In terms of access, easy access pass guests have their own queue line located next to the exit as seen in the images below. The wave swinger seats do swing back and forth so something to note when getting into your seat. There are also double seats available.

image shows wave swinger during a cycle the chairs and high up in the air.
image shows a sign in wave swinger exit that reads easy access this way
image shows ride restrictions board, and easy access entrance for wave swinger. there is a sign that reads exit easy access only

river rapids

Continuing our adventure in Adventure Cove we had a trip down the River Rapids. The River Rapids is a fun rapids ride with a 1.1 height restriction that features some water effects that could get you wet.

In terms of access, the easy access entrance for the rapids is located via the exit as seen in the images below. In order to get into the rapids boat you have to walk on a moving turntable and there are a few steps to get into the boat itself. During the ride there is an indoor section that was quite dark with some theming effects. There is audio and music throughout the full ride.

image shows gate with a sign that reads please wait here. Above the gate you can see the ride station.
image shows ride restrictions board for river rapids
image of easy access queue line for river rapids. In the image you can see signs that see easy access this way.
in the image you can see both the main entrance and easy access entrance for the river rapids both sign posted.

Lunch

There are a number of food outlets and restaurants available however, these do not open till 12pm. We normally eat earlier than 12 as the food outlets and restaurants are normally quieter therefore, at Drayton Manor we brought a lunch from home. We found plenty of picnic spots. Some of the best were in Vikings and the Zoo.

Sign says feeling hungry with each food outlet listed and arrows pointing in the direction of where the food outlet is located.

Blasting Barrels

Blasting Barrels with a minimum height restriction of 1.1 meters is a fun and unique teacup style ride where the platform tilts up making for a very unique ride experience.

In terms of access, the easy access entrance is located via the exit as seen in the images below. The ride features a smoke effect as seen in the images as well as a tilting platform. There is also a step to get into the ride cart. To help you know exactly what to expect, I have created an access video for Blasting Barrels that can be found below.

Jormungandr

Located in the Vikings, Jormungandr is a fun buffalo style roller coaster. With a height restriction of 1.05 it’s the perfect roller coaster for younger children or people who are new to rollercoasters due to the ride being tame although Jormungandr does feature a few sharp turns.

In terms of access, the easy access queue line is located just through the main entrance to the right. Jormungandr easy access entrance is not wheelchair accessible therefore, wheelchair users/those that need step free access enter the ride via the exit as seen in the images below.

image shows a ramp leading up to Jormungandr station with a sign that says exit and wheelchair access
Image shows Jormungandr rollercoaster going around the track.
Photo used with permission from AttractionSource.com
image shows stair leading up to the easy access pass entrance for Jormungandr
image of Jormungandr ride restriction board and wheelchair access sign

Loki

Loki is a unique and thrilling ride and is the UK’s first Zamperla Nebulaz. Each carriage on the ride goes around in a cycle motion and up in the air as you can see in the images below. Loki has a minimum height restriction of 1.05 meters when accompanied by an adult and an additional height restriction of 1.2 meters to ride alone.

In terms of access, the easy access entrance is located via the ride exit as seen in the pictures below. The seats for the ride were quite high up and I did struggle to get in my seat so something to note if you have reduced mobility. It’s also worth noting that you will have to wait at the top for the other ride vehicles to be unloaded due to the loading process for Loki.

in the image you can see the hight restriction and ride restriction board for Loki
in the image you can se the easy access entrance for loki
in the image you can see Loki in a ride cycle

Thor

I was very excited to have a ride on Thor a thrilling but simple flat ride. With a minimum height restriction of 1.2 metres Thor is a great choice for older children as it features plenty of air time.

In terms of access, the easy access entrance is located through the ride exit where it then splits in to easy access and ride exit as seen in the video below. It is worth bearing in mind that Thor requires a lot of upper body strength to ride due to the style of seat as shown in the access video below.

Thomas, Rosie and Percy engine tours

Located in Thomas Land you can take a ride with Thomas, Rosie and Percy down to the zoo. Although the zoo is quite small it features a number of animals including red pandas, flamingos and owls. There is a café, Thomas themed playground and dinosaur trail also located where you get off the train. The trains come every 20 minutes. You are also able to walk if you do not want to get the train.

In terms of access, you enter via the exit at both stations for the engine tours. There is a wheelchair accessible carriage on the train allowing you to stay in your wheelchair during the ride. I was a little worried how long we would need to wait as the engine tours have a slow throughput compared to other attractions and are very popular. I had nothing to worry about as during our experience they let all easy access users on to the train as long as you arrive before the train starts boarding.

image shows ramp leading up to train station with a sign that reads disabled access
image shows a carriage with 2 rows of seats facing eachother
image shows Thomas front of train

Gold Rush

Drayton Manor opened a new rollercoaster called Gold Rush! I have already created a ride review that includes all the disabled access information. Please click here for my gold rush disabled access ride review.

image of gold rush going around the track layout 1

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I think that Drayton Manor is a great step between family theme park and thrill theme park making the perfect day out for families with children of different ages. Drayton Manor also has a great event line up this year so there is always something new to do.

Well, thank you so much for coming with me to Drayton Manor! Please feel free to contact me with any feedback. See you on my next theme park adventure bye for now!

9 Comments

  1. Glad to hear you’ve joined the annual pass gang! Sounds like you got a lot of rides done on your visit.
    Great blog, very informative and helpful for anyone with access needs 💕

  2. im planning to come to drayton manor im disabled and very unsteady on my feet so due to that i will not be going on the rides i have applied for pass but just woundering what i pay as wont go any rides im coming bringing 2 children will be coming with someone aswell

    • Drayton Manor do not offer discounted tickets to disabled guests even if unable to access any attractions. However, they do offer an essential companion ticket so the additional adult coming with you could go in free as charge as your essential companion ticket. For full information on how to apply for an essential companion ticket please see the before you visit section of this blog post. Hope you have great trip.

  3. This piece is a perfect blend of intellect and heart. The ideas you present are complex, but you navigate them with such ease that it feels like you’re inviting the reader to walk alongside you, step by step, through a maze of thought and emotion. It’s the kind of writing that challenges you and comforts you all at once.

  5. Hi, I have Fybromyalgia and arthritis, and I have a compact pavement mobility scooter. I was wondering if I could use my scooter to get up to the ride to get in it with the no standing pass. And what do they do with the wheelchairs or scooters once you’re safely sat on the ride if you know? Thanks! 🙂

    • Hi thank you for reading the following rides at Drayton Manor have stairs in the queue line or the attraction Gold rush
      Stormforce 10
      The wave
      Slepnir

      For the rest of the rides your mobility scooter can go up to the ride entrance and on most ride up to the ride vehicle depending on your mobility needs I normally leave my chair at the easy access pass entrance. I recommend taking your mobility scooter up the ride exit queue line with the easy access pass for most rides at Drayton mobility aids need leaving outside the ride area so normally by the exit gate but can brought in once the ride stopped. You now need to complete a risk assessment if you have limited mobility or use a mobility aid go to guest services when you arrive who will get a member of staff to fill in the risk assessment where they will ask you question about your mobility and write which rides are suitable for you. Depending on the size of your scooter you may struggle to git it down the queue line for Sheriff’s Showdown. Hope you have a great trip let me know if you have any more questions.

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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.