Accessibility

Accessibility Update – Essential Companion Tickets

From Monday 27th July, 2026, we are introducing an Essential Companion ticket at Watermouth Castle. This will replace any previous policy on disabled guests and carers.

What are Essential Companion Tickets?

This ticket is available for guests who require significant support to access Watermouth Castle, where bringing someone to assist them would otherwise be a barrier to visiting.

👉 Apply for an Access Card or Free Digital Access Pass for Watermouth Castle here: https://app.accesscard.online/apply/the-escapade-group/watermouth-castle/

What should I do?

If you are attending as a disabled guest with a carer, we recommend applying for an Access Card or Free Digital Access Pass ahead of your next visit.

Watermouth Castle is a historic building over 200 years old. While we have introduced various features to help with access, there are limits due to the original design and structure of the Castle.

The gardens and rides are set in a steep valley, and much of the site includes slopes, steps, and uneven surfaces. Some pathways are tarmac, while others are cobbled or uneven, and certain areas may require significant assistance for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

We recommend that manual wheelchair users visit with a fit and able companion to provide support with gradients. Our team can provide advice on suitable routes and highlight areas that may be more challenging.

Accessibility Statement

Our detailed accessibility guide covers parking, arrival, toilets, mobility, sensory information, rides, quieter visiting times and much more.

Download our Accessibility Statement

Terrain & Mobility

The gardens and grounds are located on a steep hillside/valley.

Some areas may require assistance for manual wheelchair users.

Mobility scooters may not be suitable for all areas due to gradients and surfaces.

The Castle and grounds include narrow staircases, slopes, and uneven pathways.

Handrails are available in certain areas.

Pushchair & Pram Access

Most areas of Watermouth Castle are pushchair accessible, though please be prepared for steep slopes and uneven terrain around the grounds.

Prams and buggies cannot be taken through the Castle or Dungeon areas due to fire regulations and visitor safety. These must be left at the front of the Castle entrance, where our team will securely move them to the rear collection point. They can then be collected after you exit the Dungeons, before continuing into the Castle gardens. The Pram Shelter is signposted once exiting the dungeons. 

Additional notes:

The maze can only be accessed via stairs.

Hobbledown Bay is split over two sections with stairs between them. To visit both floors, guests will need to exit one level, walk up the hill, and re-enter at the second entrance. Please note that children playing independently can move between levels using slides and stairs.

Parking

Free parking is available, including a limited number of Blue Badge spaces (first-come, first-served) close to both the Castle entrance and woodland car parks.

Guests with Special Needs & Sensory Sensitivities:

Some visitors with additional or sensory needs may find the Castle and grounds busy, noisy, or overwhelming at times.

We recommend exploring our attraction in advance by watching videos on social media or YouTube to get a sense of what to expect.

This can help families and individuals decide if Watermouth Castle is the right environment for their needs.

Queuing & Priority Access

Queues at Watermouth Castle are generally short, though they can be longer during peak periods such as the summer holidays. Please note that we do not operate a fast track or priority queue system, regardless of whether a guest holds an access pass.

Wheelchair Route & Guide

On arrival, wheelchair users can request an accessibility guide that outlines the most suitable routes around the Castle and gardens. This provides practical information to help guests make the most of their visit.

Download the Accessibility Guide

Toilets and Changing Facilities

Accessible toilets are located at both the top and bottom of the site (one with grab rails).

RADAR keys are not required.

Baby changing facilities are available in the courtyard and gardens.

Food & Drink

Food outlets at Watermouth Castle offer a variety of menus.

Please speak to a member of staff if you have dietary requirements or allergies.

Menus can be found here.

For full allergen details, please see our allergen information page.

Emergency Procedures

Staff are trained in emergency evacuation and first aid procedures. In the event of an evacuation, visitors with mobility needs will be supported where possible.

First Aid Support

There are trained first aiders on site during opening hours. If you require assistance, please ask a member of staff.

Dogs

We are a dog-friendly attraction.

Assistance dogs are welcome.

Water bowls are provided at various points for visiting dogs.

Please see our Castle Canine Code for more details.

Safety Notes

Children should be supervised at all times.

Running is discouraged due to steep and uneven terrain.

We recommend sturdy footwear and use of handrails where provided.

Essential Companion Tickets

Visitors who hold an Access Card with a +1 or +2 symbol can receive free Essential Companion tickets for one or two companions, depending on the symbol. The cardholder and their companion(s) must enter together, and the Access Card photo ID will be checked at Reception.

Essential Companion tickets must be booked online through our website, which links with Nimbus Disability’s portal to ensure ID checks and that we are aware of your access requirements in advance.

Role of an Essential Companion

An Essential Companion provides the necessary support during your visit, including assistance in the unlikely event of an emergency. Watermouth Castle staff cannot provide one-to-one support beyond reasonable adjustments, so your companion should be ready and able to help you throughout your visit.

How To Book an Essential Companion Ticket

Select "Book Now" for the selection of tickets available that will include the Essential Companion ticket. The "Click to Unlock" feature will be available for you to enter your access card details. We offer Essential Companion ticket(s) free of charge to visitors who hold an Access Card with the +1 or +2 symbol. This ensures we can provide the best possible experience for everyone.

If you don’t have an Access Card, we’ve introduced a free registration process specific to The Escapade Group (a Digital Access Pass), allowing you to let us know your access requirements in advance. If this registration is deemed by Nimbus Disability (who administrate the Access Card scheme) to include the +1 or +2 requirement, this will allow you to add an Essential Companion ticket.

If you are not able to provide a valid Access Card/Digital Access Pass with the +1 or +2 requirement to a member of our Welcome Team on arrival, you will be charged the full entry price for any companions.

Don't have an Access Card?

If you don’t currently hold an Access Card, we have introduced a free registration system specific to the Escapade Group. This allows you to register your needs in advance at no cost and access the same benefits.

How to Register or Learn More:
Access Card: Learn more about the Access Card at www.accesscard.online

If you don't have an Access Card, you can apply for a FREE Digital Access Pass , administered by Nimbus Disability for the Escapade Group. This pass is valid only at our venues and not at venues outside the Escapade Group. Click here to see our other venues.