Accessibility & Inclusion

We want all our guests to feel welcome and included at Stockeld Park. Everyone should have the freedom to play and have fun.

Forest Path Landscape 1920X864

Disabilities take many different forms, both visible and invisible, and we are working hard to make Stockeld Park as inclusive as possible for all our disabled guests.

To us, accessibility and inclusion comprises several elements:

  • The physical accessibility of the Park including paths, open spaces, play areas and installations.
  • What is available in each play area for disabled guests to enjoy, but as importantly to make it possible for disabled and able-bodied siblings or friends to be able to play alongside one another at the same time.
  • How our team are trained to communicate intelligently and empathetically with disabled guests and do what we can to help maximise their enjoyment and inclusion at Stockeld.
  • How we communicate our policies and what is available to our disabled guests on the Park, both before arrival and when you are here on the ground.
3 kids playing on a bucket swing

Recently, we have done much to increase accessibility and inclusion at Stockeld, both in terms of what we offer and how that is communicated.

Earlier this year tarmacked the nearly one-mile trail through the Enchanted Forest along with the two miles of trails through our Magical Maze.

We recognise that accessibility doesn’t just mean being physically able to get from A to B, but also having something to do when you get there!

Nimbus Access Card

Free entry for Essential Companions

We’re pleased to announce that we are now working with Nimbus Disability and their Access Card Scheme to offer free entry for Essential Companions.

Free entry for essential companions is valid for visits from Saturday 28th March 2026, tickets can be booked from today.

Essential Companion tickets can be booked online, you will need either a Digital Access Pass for Stockeld Park, or a full Access Card to book tickets.

 

Find out more about the Nimbus Access Scheme

 

Playhive central tower families having fun

Recent changes

We have made several changes to a number of our play areas to make them more physically accessible and to increase the number of installations and activities that disabled guests can enjoy.

However, we are still on a journey and this evolution will take time. Not all our play areas are fully accessible at present, nor do we have activities for disabled guests to enjoy in every area.

Below is more detail on accessibility and inclusion at Stockeld for guests with disabilities.

For more information, see our FAQs below, or contact us!

SEN Playhive Map

Our Playhive has points where children and adults with additional needs may need support navigating due to light and sound effects. The map below shows where louder noises (headphone symbol) and lighting effects (lightening symbol) are in use.

It also shows spaces which are calmer and quieter (calm emoji). Click on the name of the item to find out more. 

FAQs

If you have a question which isn't listed below please contact us, we're always happy to help, we'll also endeavour to add to this FAQ as queries arise.

Our main walkways around the park are tarmacked, including the majority of the Enchanted Forest walkway. There is a small section between the maze and the forest entrance which is hard surface and suitable for wheelchairs.

The Magical Maze is fully tarmacked, there are bridges and steps in the maze but all have alternative routes around the feature for wheelchair access.

All cafés, the shop, and the theatre are wheelchair accessible, as is the Grotto.

The Playhive is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are permitted on the Ice Rink during winter months. The Playhive was built to be wheelchair accessible in all the adventure zones and throughout the Pizzeria.

At present we allow one carer aged 18 or over for every paying registered disabled guest upon provision of a Max card, or proof of DLA or PIP. Carers are entitled to a half-price ticket, which can be booked online as part of your booking.  If you are employed to care for a registered disabled person who you wish to bring, we require a letter from your employer and a payslip in your name.

For park tickets from the 28th March:

We will be working with Nimbus Disability to offer free tickets to Essential Companions.

Essential Companion tickets can be booked online, you will need either a Digital Access Pass for Stockeld Park, or a full Access Card to book tickets.

You can find out more information on our Nimbus Access Card Scheme Page.

 

  1. Register for your Access Card or Digital Access Pass
  2. Click on Book Now and select your visit date
  3. Click on 'Click to Unlock' and enter your Digital Access Pass or Access Card details and click submit
  4. Add your Essential Companion ticket(s) to your basket
  5. Bring your card with you on the day of your visit


Please note that you cannot book Essential Carer tickets without a Nimbus Accessibility Card or Digital Access Pass number.

 

You can find out more about how you can use your Nimbus Access Card at Stockeld Park on our Nimbus Access Card Scheme page or for more information about the scheme you can visit the Nimbus Access Card website.

 

Our disabled parking bays are located close to the main entrance to Stockeld Park. As you turn into the park follow the signs for the guest car park, turn left as you enter the car park and our disabled bays are on the right hand side close to the ticket office.

Groups are welcome to contact Stockeld staff on arrival if they need help entering Stockeld Park from the car park.

Please ask at the ticket office should you require any assistance after arrival.

Note that there can be a queue on arrival at the ticket office particularly during busy times like Bank holidays and in the lead up to Christmas.

Trained, registered, and fully harnessed, assistance dogs are welcome on site.

Our definition of "Assistance Dogs" complies with the Equalities Act.

Emotional support dogs, and other animals are not permitted on site. For more detail in relation to assistance dogs, and emotional support dogs, please see our terms and conditions - specifically points 19, 20, and 21.

There are several designated accessible toilets available to our guests which are located throughout the park. 

These are located in the following areas:

  • In the Atrium space/Stockeld Theatre located behind the shop and adjoining Woodland Café - go through either the café or shop (both wheelchair accessible) to locate these toilets.
  • In the entrance to the Playhive and Pizzeria building
  • In the Enchanted Forest just after Woodsands Cove playground

Currently, there is no priority queue policy or fast track at activity access points for disabled guests.

Staff are encouraged to work with each guest and in order to make a considered choice on how to accommodate each guest’s needs.

We encourage you to speak to our staff to find out when are the quieter times for the different activities available on the day.

Yes! Wheelchairs are allowed onto the ice rink if it is being pushed by a competent skater. All motorised functionality must be switched off.

During busy periods our team may ask you to wait to access the ice if we already have more than one wheelchair using the rink, this is at the skate supervisors discretion and is to ensure your safety and allow you sufficient space on the ice.

We have provision in place for different dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options at our catering outlets.

Menus are available on our Eat & Drink page, these are updated as menus change but are not automatically updated when items sell out on the day.

Freshly prepared food is available at the Playhive Pizzeria. Please refer to our menu to information or ask a member of the Pizzeria team for information on allergies or other dietary requirements.

Sandwiches and snacks are also available from our Woodland Café. Please refer to packaging or speak to a member of our café team on the day for information relating to allergies or other dietary requirements.

Whist we will always try to ensure we have sufficient stock to cater for dietary requirements we cannot guarantee that all options will always be in stock.

 

Picnic tables are available throughout the park.

We understand that you may need to bring your own food due to medical needs. Guests are welcome to eat these foods alongside their family in our cafés, but please make yourselves known at arrival as we do not ordinarily permit picnics in our indoor cafés.

We want to make sure your visit to Stockeld Park is a success. Please contact us prior to your visit if you have any questions or concerns on customersupport@stockeldpark.co.uk.

We also want to continue making improvements on accessibility and inclusion for all our guests. If you have feedback following your visit to the park, please contact us using the contact form, to tell us about your experience and any observations you made. 

At present we allow one carer aged 18 or over for every paying registered disabled guest upon provision of a Max card, or proof of DLA or PIP. Carers are entitled to a half-price ticket, which can be booked online as part of your booking.  If you are employed to care for a registered disabled person who you wish to bring, we require a letter from your employer and a payslip in your name.

For park tickets from the 28th March:

We will be working with Nimbus Disability to offer free tickets to Essential Companions.

Essential Companion tickets can be booked online, you will need either a Digital Access Pass for Stockeld Park, or a full Access Card to book tickets.

You can find out more information on our Nimbus Access Card Scheme Page.

 

  1. Register for your Access Card or Digital Access Pass
  2. Click on Book Now and select your visit date
  3. Click on 'Click to Unlock' and enter your Digital Access Pass or Access Card details and click submit
  4. Add your Essential Companion ticket(s) to your basket
  5. Bring your card with you on the day of your visit


Please note that you cannot book Essential Carer tickets without a Nimbus Accessibility Card or Digital Access Pass number.

 

The Access Card is a physical card which communicates access requirements to venues and service providers. The card translates your disability or impairment into a suite of symbols to communicate your access requirements quickly and discreetly, It also serves as a recognised proof of your requirements, without the need to provide supplementary paperwork.

For more information, visit the Access Card website.

You can find out more about how you can use your Nimbus Access Card at Stockeld Park on our Nimbus Access Card Scheme page or for more information about the scheme you can visit the Nimbus Access Card website.

 

Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise run by and for disabled people and is recognised as a leading authority on accessible ticketing in the UK. Their Access Card provides a simple, universal way to communicate your access requirements.

When you register Nimbus will handle your information safely and securely without Stockeld Park ever seeing the details about why an Essential Companion is required. Stockeld Park can see your registration number and what access requirements you have (as shown on your Access Card or Digital Access Pass).

You can choose one of two options:

Free Digital Access Pass (Stockeld Park only)

You can register for a venue-specific Digital Access Pass to book tickets for Stockeld Park. This pass enables you to book free Essential Companion tickets for Stockeld Park only.

Register for a free Digital Access Pass

Access Card - £15 (valid at all Nimbus venues for 3 years)

The full Access Card costs £15 for three years of membership. With the Access Card you get free entry for Essential Companions at Stockeld Park, plus:

  • Use at all venues who accept the Nimbus Access Card
  • Photo ID card showing accessibility symbols
  • Access to Nimbus’ online access directory and community

You can opt to upgrade to an Access Card when you register for a Digital Access Pass.

You can also register for an Access Card over the phone if you are not able to use online forms or are unable to, because of the nature of your impairment, to access online sales. Nimbus will be able to assist with telephone registration on 0330 808 5108.

For help and support applying for an Access Card, please visit the Access Card website.

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