Thorpe Park Disabled Access Review

A smiling Iona with light brown hair, orange-tinted glasses, and headphones, wearing a dark jacket and an access lanyard, stands in front of a railing at Thorpe Park with the Stealth roller coaster in the background under a cloudy sky. Beside her is a yellow graphic with bold text reading "Thorpe Park Disabled Access Review," along with cartoon icons for accessibility and a roller coaster.
Come and enjoy the thrills as we explore the coaster line up at Thorpe Park of course figuring out the access as well.

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 Thorpe Park, 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.

  • Wheelchair hire: Wheelchairs can be hired on a first come first serve bases for a £50 refundable deposit. Wheelchairs can be hired from the accessibility kiosk between 9:15am and 13:30pm or guest services from 11am. More information on the accessibility kiosk and guest services can be found in the ‘arrivals’ section of this blog post.
  • RADAR key hire: All accessible toilets at Thorpe Park require a Radar key to gain entry. Radar keys can be hired for a £10 refundable deposit can be hired from the accessibility kiosk between 9:15am and 13:30pm or guest services from 11am. More information on the accessibility kiosk and guest services can be found in the ‘arrivals’ section of this blog post.
  • Ear defender hire: Ear defenders are available to hire for a £20 refundable deposit from the accessibility kiosk between 9:15am and 13:30pm or guest services from 11am. More information on the accessibility kiosk and guest services can be found in the ‘arrivals’ section of this blog post.
  • Essential companion ticket: Essential companion tickets formally known as carer tickets are available at Thorpe Park with correct proof. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit ‘and ‘Arrivals’ section of this blog post.
  • Ride access pass: Thorpe Park  offer the reasonable adjustment of a ride access pass for guests who are unable to queue in a conventional queue line due to a disability. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit’, ‘arrivals’ and ‘How Ride Access Pass Works on Rides and Attractions’ sections of this blog post.
  • Changing places: Thorpe Park have 2 changing places located through the theme park. The changing places exact locations can be found on the Thorpe park app. Changing places can be found in the Dome and Fearless valley.  Full details of each changing place can be found by clicking here Thorpe Park changing places website.
  • Day planner: Thorpe Park offers a bespoke accessibility day planning service where a member of the accessibility experience team will plan your day at Thorpe Park specifically for your individual access needs. In order to access this service simply fill in the accessibility enquiry form that can be found by clicking here Thorpe Park accessible day planner form.
  • sensory guide: Thorpe Park have created there very own sensory guide detailing all the sensory effects and information about each ride and attraction at the resort. You can find the sensory guide by clicking here Thorpe Park sensory guide.
  • Limb Difference guide: For guests with limbs differences a full guide on what ride and attraction you are able to ride and experience is available by clicking here Limb difference guide.
  • Priority security lane: Thorpe Park has a separate priority security lane for disabled guests. Full information can be found in the ‘arrivals’ section of this blog post.
  • Assistance dogs: Thorpe Park welcomes assistance dogs however they will need to be left with a member of your party at the loading point of rides. A designated assistance dog relief area is available near Swarm Island the exact location can be found on the Thorpe Park app.
  • Sign Live: Thorpe Park partners with sign Live an online video BSL interpreting service. Sign Live will connect you with a qualified BSL interpreter to interpret what the staff are saying. Sign live uses an app. Full information on how to use sign live at Thorpe Park can be found by clicking here Merlin partnership with Sign Live.
  • Quiet Room: Thorpe park has a designated quiet room for guests with additional sensory needs that might need a break during their visit. The quiet room is located next to guest services and full information can be found in the ‘quiet room’ section of this blog post.
  • step free access: The majority of rides and attraction are wheelchair accessible. To quickly identify if a ride in this blog post has step free access please look for the step free symbol as seen bellow this text.
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 Thorpe Park 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 Thorpe Park you can book tickets by clicking here book tickets Thorpe Park. In terms of prices, tickets start from £33 for anyone over 1.2 meters and people under 1.2 meters are free. Thorpe Park use a dynamic pricing system this means that pricing increases and decrease depending on the day. You book tickets by clicking here Thorpe park book tickets.

Thorpe Park is also included in Merlin Annal Passes subject to exclusion dates. You can pre book a visit date using your Merlin Annual Pass by clicking here passholder pre book.

Essential companion ticket

Essential companion tickets can be pre booked with the rest of the group tickets online. However, to obtain an essential companion ticket you need to go to the accessibility hub or ticket office and show your disability proof on the day of your visit. Thorpe Park accepts the access card with the +1 or +2 symbol on for a essential companion ticket as well as other documents such as a blue badge. you can find a full list of documentation accepted for an essential companion ticket by clicking here documents accepted for essential companion ticket.

queue assist scheme: Ride Access Pass

For guests unable to queue in a conventional queue line due to a disability Thorpe Park offers the reasonable adjustment of a ride access pass.

Please note: you need to apply for a ride access pass before your visit and then pre book the day you would like to use your ride access pass. There are a few steps you will need to take in order to obtain a ride access pass. To make it as simple as possible I have created a step by step guide you can find by clicking here everything you need to know about ride access pass.

Arrivals

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

Blue badge parking

Thorpe Park have a large number of blue badge parking spaces located near the entrance and to the right of the entrance. We have visited a few times and the blue badge spots do get full quickly so that something to consider I would recommend getting there early. The car parking is chargeable even with a blue badge and prices start from £12.

Priority security lane

Thorpe Park has a priority security lane for disabled people. The security queue at opening times can get very busy at Thorpe Park so this is a nice touch. It is worth noting that the priority security lane is not always open even sometimes closed during peak times.

Priority security lane entrance at Thorpe Park, showing an accessible gate with a sign for disabled visitors and security checks under a canopy, with metal barriers guiding the queue.

Collecting ride access pass and essential companion tickets

Thorpe Park have an accessibility kiosk after security where you can collect your essential companion ticket and ride access pass time card as well as collect any of the hire options in the ‘facilities and services for disabled guest’ section of this blog post. The accessibility Kiosk is a good place to get any of your access questions answered before entering the park. The accessibility kiosk is open between 9:15am and 13:30pm and guest services is open from 11am till an hour after park close.

Image of accessibility kiosk at Thorpe Park in the image you can see a queue line with 3 serving points at the ride access pass kiosk.
accessibility kiosk
In the image you can see entrance to guest services with a sign outside saying help and information, accessibility information, parent swap cards and hight check.
guest services

collecting essential companion ticket

Essential companion tickets can be collected from the accessibility kiosk just before you go through the turnstiles. If you arrive after 13:30pm or if the accessibility kiosk is ever close then you can collect your essential companion ticket from the ticket office located in the car park to the righthand side of the car park.

Outdoor theme park area with blue buildings and signs in front. Metal barriers create designated walkways. Several large purple signs are visible, one reading "RIDE ACCESS PASSES FULLY BOOKED TODAY" and another saying "ACCESSIBILITY KIOSK IS NOW CLOSED," with arrows for directions and advice to visit Guest Services for information.
Wooden ticket sales building with a ramp for accessibility, several windows labeled "Tickets" and a large blue "Ticket Sales" sign above the entrance.

collecting ride access pass

Thorpe Park use a paper time card where they wright the time you can use the ride access pass for your next ride or attraction. In order to get a time card you will need to show both your ride access pass pre book for the day of your visit as well as your ride access pass ID card. You can collect your ride access pass time card and ID from either the accessibility kiosk if you arrive between 9:15am and 13:30pm or guest services after 11am. Full information on how to use the ride access pass time card can be found in the ‘How Ride Access Pass Works on Rides and Attractions’ section of this blog post.

Image of the front of ride access pass time card that says show relax ride and explain each step. it also says that you will need to use the specified entrance either ride access pass or step free. there is also a QR code that you can scan to get help on the park.
Image shows restriction table for each ride and the restrictions for disabled guests. The table has a Colum down the left hand side with each ride and attraction in. There is 5 Colum across the top of the table with the following heading step-free access, non-ambulant suitable, loud noises and sensory effects, dark confined spaces and live scare actors. In the table each ride is marked with a tick with its corresponding ride restrictions.
Image of back of the ride access pass time card. It says date, name, group size (options of 12, 3 and 4), queue entry ride access pass or step free and colour red or yellow. There is then a table for for staff to fill in when you use ride access at a ride. The headings on the table are staff initials, attraction name, net time.
Image of accessibility kiosk at Thorpe Park in the image you can see a queue line with 3 serving points at the ride access pass kiosk.
In the image you can see entrance to guest services with a sign outside saying help and information, accessibility information, parent swap cards and hight check.

Entering The Park

You enter Thorpe Park into the Dome where there is a changing place, male and female toilets as well as a restaurant and shop. Once you exit the dome there is a ramp down to the rest of the theme park with the quiet room and guest services is located at the bottom level of the dome.

How Ride Access Pass Works on Rides and Attractions

Once you have collected your time card you can go on your first ride without a timeout you will be timed out after all other rides for the length of the main queue. Please see the example bellow of how ride access works at the rides.

Step 1: Check ride restrictions and sensory Level

Image shows all Stealth ride restriction including a section on accessibility.

Before going through the ride access pass entrance for the ride of your choice it’s important to make sure you have checked both the ride restriction and sensory guide making sure this ride or attraction accessible for you. The ride restriction boards are clearly located at the entrance for each ride and attraction. Your ride access pass time card also has a handy restrictions table so you check the ride requirements before getting to the ride. Thorpe Park have created a sensory guide with sensory information for each ride and attraction. You can see Thorpe park sensory guide by clicking here sensory guide Thorpe Park.

Step 2: Find ride access pass or step free entrance

Image of entrance for stelth ride access pass there is a staircase leading up to a ride station with a racing car themed area
Image of Stealth lift at the top of the station with the door closed

Now you have found out the ride is accessible to you it’s time to locate the ride access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The ride access pass entrance can be found by the sign saying ride access pass or on the Thorpe Park app. The entrance for ride access pass users is normally located not to far away from the main queue. For some rides and attractions the ride access pass queue line isn’t wheelchair friendly. The vast majority of rides at Thorpe Park have a step free option available for guests that require level access, as you can see for Stealth there is a lift.

Step 3: Show your ride access pass ID and time card

Image of Stealth ride station in the image you can see the air gates and people waiting for the ride.

Once reaching the front of the ride access pass queue line for your chosen ride a ride host will come and ask for your ride access pass ID card and time card. They will check your ride access pass ID card is you and write a time on your timecard in line with the length of the main queue line. For example, if I went on Stealth at 14:00 and the main queue line was 40 minutes the time written on my card would be 14:40. This means that I would be unable to use the ride access pass on any rides and attraction till 14:40 when the time on my card is up. This is commonly referred to as a timeout.

Step 4: Enjoy the ride

On ride photo of Iona and Dad on Stealth

It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! whether your going on thrilling rollercoaster or a a gentle ride on Dobble Tea Party I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the ride access pass system.

Step 5: Relax until your timeout is finished

Image of a symbol of a person a clock and sand timer with text reading take a break.

Once you have experienced the ride of your choice it’s time to take a break and re-regulate until your time out is over so in my example till 14:40. Once your time out is up you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.

Top tip: Use the Thorpe Park app to see what rides have a long main queue so that you can do a ride with a long main queue before your lunch or dinner. This allows you to be virtually queueing whilst having your lunch or dinner maximising your day at Thorpe Park.

Our day at Thorpe Park

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

Hyperia

Hyperia is the fastest and tallest rollercoaster in the UK! In my opinion Hyperia is on another level to any other ride in the UK and a ride that is well and truly aimed at thrill seekers! I’ve never felt that much airtime on a coaster before witch as a sensory seeker for movement was perfect for me. Hyperia also has a few unique elements that I found really fun to experience the full coaster just blowed me away. you can find my full ride review for Hyperia by clicking here Hyperia at Thorpe park disabled access ride review.

In terms of access, Hyperia had level access via a lift up to the station. In order to use the lift just let the staff member know you need to use the lift when you get to the front of the ride access pass queue line and show your ride access pass ID and time card. If you require step free access then you will sit on row 9. Sensory wise there is a sequence of music, smock and lights that plays every time a train leaves the station. In my experience even with knowing what to expect I found it quiet overwhelming. During the ride it’s self it is very fest and intense this means that the ground will look a little burley. During the ride there is a water fountain that may splash you. In my experience I was allowed to keep my ear defenders on for the ride.

Image of Hyperia queue line in the image you can see two big gold wings as the entrance portal for the queue line the queue line from left to right are ride access pass and step free access, FastTrack and single rider, main queue line
Image of hyperia accessibility board and test seat.
Image shows Hyperia lift with the door closed.
Image of Hyperia train in the station
Image shows view of Hypria going around the track from the queueline. In the image you can see Hyperia upside down
Image shows Iona and Dad on ride photo for Hyperia. Iona has her hands in the air and is smiling
In the image you can see a picture of some ear defenders and a green tick
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.
Update 28.9.25 in order to ride guests must be able to walk down the lift hill.

Saw The Ride

Saw the ride theming does scare me as I don’t like horror films. However, I do enjoy the coaster itself and find once I’m out of the first dark indoor section I don’t really notice the theming. I really enjoy saw and find its layout very disorientating due to how many elements there are I do like the vertical lift hill as well some good air time moments. Saw the ride has a hight restriction of 1.4 meters but I would be causeurs with taken young children that have hit the hight restriction due to the dark theming of the ride.

In terms of access, Saw the ride has a ride access pass queue located next to the main entrance as seen in the images bellow. There is a separate ride access pass queue is you need step free access this is via a lift located next to the photo booth. When in the lift mobility aids are to be kept by the lift you then put your bag in the bag hold and wait at the gate for a member of staff to sign your time card. Saw the ride has many sensory elements that can be overwhelming the station has low level lighting making it quite dark as well as the first part of the ride being indoor in the dark with loud audio. There is also a water effect during the ride that may mean you get sprayed with water. Saw the ride also uses smell pods this means that the ride smells different.

ride entrance area with wooden and metal structures. There are three distinct entrances under a wooden frame: "Main Entrance" on the left, "Single Riders" in the center, and "Fasttrack Entry / Ride Access Pass" on the right. Behind the entrances, metal railing creates queue lines.
Step-free accessible entrance. The image shows a small lift or elevator with a glass door, designated for step-free access as indicated by a sign above the door that reads "Step-Free Access" along with the international symbol of accessibility (wheelchair symbol). There is another accessibility sign on the elevator door. The area surrounding the lift is paved with concrete. To the left of the lift, there's a fenced area containing a police car.
a prominent vertical track element, where the coaster track goes straight upward and then curves sharply at the top, forming a dramatic, twisting drop. There is a small building at the bottom right with a reflective window
on ride photo of Iona and Dad on saw the ride. The photo is framed with a horror theme, featuring an image of the Jigsaw puppet from the "SAW" movies at the top, and the text "WHAT WAS I THINKING?!" written across the top in a distressed, white font. The bottom left corner displays the date "27-03-2023"
In the image you can see a picture of some ear defenders and a green tick
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.

Swarm

Swarm is one of my favourite rides at Thorpe Park and always try and get a couple of rides before the end of my visit. I love that Swarm is a wing coaster it just makes you feel so free. I also enjoy the near miss of the sign above that looks like your going to hit it. Swarm has a 1.4 meters hight restriction and I do think this is a good first ride choice when you hit 1.4 meters due to the smooth layout.

In terms of access, Swarm has both a ride access pass queue and step free entrance. The ride access pass queue is located next to the main entrance as seen in the images bellow. It is worth noting that the ride access pass queue merges with the main queue line in the loading area. Despite the Swarm ride access pass queue not having any stairs it is very tight for mobility aid users. Therefore, Swarm has a step free entrance located by the ride exit next to the photo boof as seen in the images bellow. Swarm has 2 stations one is level however, the other requires you to go up and down a flight of stairs. Swarm ride station and coaster layout are fully outside there is some audio in the station but no additional sensory effects during the ride.

Entrance gate area for a theme park ride called "The Swarm." There are two entrance lanes: one labeled “Fastrack & Ride Access Pass” to the left, and one labeled “Main Entrance” to the right.
The image shows the ride exit and step-free entrance for The Swarm roller coaster at Thorpe Park. There are blue signs indicating ride access and step-free access on a cracked, themed wall. A wooden exit ramp is marked with an "EXIT ONLY" sign, and people are seen entering and exiting the area. A humorous sign on the wall says "Locked Up For What?".
step free access waiting area Weathered white walls and arches, one side looking ruined or charred, with coaster track visible in the background through fencing and mesh. A line of people is waiting to the left, behind dark wooden railings. Prominently, a blue sign reads "THE SWARM," listing height requirements: a minimum height of 1.4m and a maximum of 1.96m. A vertical height measuring stick with red, green, and white stripes is attached to the wall below the sign. There's a small wooden gate
step free access waiting point for swarm. There is a weathered blue sign with a wheelchair symbol and the words "STEP-FR ACCESS" and "MEET," though part of the sign is cut off. A wooden gate is in the foreground, leading into a queue area where several people are waiting.
Partially visible roller coaster loading platform with riders, focusing on two people seated in the front row of a ride vehicle with their legs dangling.
Image of swarm prominent sign that warns "DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD," which is a playful reference to the near-miss elements often found on this type of ride where the track. The large vertical loop or element visible behind the main structure
Iona and her dad Steve are enjoying The Swarm roller coaster, both smiling; Iona has her hands up in excitement and wears sunglasses.
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.
In the image you can see a picture of some ear defenders and a green tick

Quiet Room

Thorpe Park have a quiet room located on the lower dome next to guest services. The quiet room is not specifically specified as being for people with additional sensory needs just says its for anyone that needs a break. The quiet room is spare themed this means there is a big painting on the wall of the beach as well as to hot spar beds and furniture like an egg chair as seen in the images bellow. In order to access the quiet room you need to ask a member of staff in the first aid this is located next guest services. The quiet room is only one group at a time so it may not be available when you need to use it equality the quiet room in my opinion is most definitely not suited to someone with additional sensory needs as there isn’t really and sensory aspects and the stone beds can make it quite unsafe if anyone was dysregulated or to get upset. However, I still believe its better then no quiet room at all I just wanted to share my experiences and how the room works for my needs to give you a better idea on what to expect.

Entrance to the Quiet Space at Thorpe Park, featuring accessible signage, double doors, and a green sign above the entrance.
Interior of Thorpe Park's quiet room showing two reclined stone loungers, a coat stand, plant, and a "Nirvana" sign on the wall.
Inside view of the quiet room at Thorpe Park with cushioned loungers and recliners set beside a wall mural of a garden and pool.
Iona relaxing in a large hanging egg chair inside Thorpe Park’s quiet room, using a mobile phone.

Nemesis Inferno

Nemesis Inferno has a fun layout with lots of twist and turns. The ride is similar to Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers both the coasters have 1.4 meter hight restriction. However, in my opinion Nemesis Reborn is a better rollercoaster. I don’t fine Nemesis Inferno that intense but I do like the different ride elements.

In terms of access, Nemesis Inferno has both a ride access pass queue and a step free entrance the ride access pass queue is located to the side of the ride. The step free entrance is via a lift that can be located by following the ride around to the right past the pizza and pasts restaurant. In terms of sensory effects the station has loud audio and some different coloured lights during the queue line and ride there is also mist effects.

ride access pass Entrance to Nemesis Inferno with accessible entry signage
Close-up of a white accessible lift entrance at Nemesis Inferno, with information signs visible on the orange wall.
Person using a cane waiting in the ride station next to a sign giving instructions for wheelchair users at Nemesis Inferno.
Nemesis Inferno roller coaster train leaving the station
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.
In the image you can see a picture of some ear defenders and a green tick

Stealth

Stealth is a 1.4 meter hight restriction rollercoaster themed all like a race car which is the perfect theme for a launch coaster. I really like the hill on Stealth as it makes the ride feel longer and takes you on more of a journey. Despite being the fastest launch coaster I have ever been on it doesn’t fell that fast on the launch compared to other launch coasters like Rita at Alton Towers.

In terms of access, Stealth has a ride access pass queue and step free entrance. The ride access pass entrance is located near the ride station to the right side of the main queue as seen in the images bellow. Step free entrance is located opposite the photo boof by the ride exit. If using the step free access the you will be seated on the back row. Sensory wise Stealth has loud music and racing car sound effects in the ride station as well as flashing traffic lights when a train dispatches.

Entrance to Stealth rollercoaster showing the Ride Access Pass entrance with clear signage, as well as stairs leading up into the queue area.
Red accessible lift platform located within the Stealth rollercoaster photo boof area for guests with mobility needs.
Accessible entrance gate at Stealth featuring a wide red gate, a large round sign with ride access information, and the air gates used to board the rollercoaster.
Stealth rollercoaster train launching up the towering vertical track against a bright blue sky.
On-ride photo of three people on Stealth rollercoaster, smiling and waving, with graphics showing the coaster’s speed and track.
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.
image of a pair of ear defnders with a red cross next to them indcating their not allowed

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Thorpe Park is a great theme park for thills with the best step free access I have seen at a theme park. However, due to the nature of the park being thrilling and not very family focused it does attract a lot of teenagers and this can create a bit of a loud and overwhelming atmosphere. With my personal sensory needs I find Thorpe Park incredibly challenging however, don’t let this put you just go in with the expectation of needing to take breaks use the quiet room or maybe go back to the car for a break. I would recommend starting off with just doing a half day and see how you get on. Of course week day term time are quieter but I’m very aware due to many factors this is not feasible for all of us. I love the large verity of both thrilling flat rides and rollercoasters at Thorpe Park and that is what makes me keep wanting to try and go back. I’m sure we will take another trip to Thorpe Park in a few seasons time. Well thank you so much for joining me for a very thrilling day on the island like no other. 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.