This guide has been designed to assist all our guests to ensure that you have a safe and fun packed day out.

We want all our guests to make the most of their visit to the park and enjoy as many of our rides and attractions as possible.

This guide has been produced to give you a full and realistic picture of our rides and attractions, detailing access issues, ride requirements and details of ride evacuations. Hopefully this, along with general ride advice detailed on signage at the rides, will enable you to assess your own abilities and make an informed decision about which rides and attractions you are able to, or wish to use.

This guide has been produced to give you a full and realistic picture of our rides and attractions, detailing access issues, ride requirements and details of ride evacuations. Hopefully this, along with general ride advice detailed on signage at the rides, will enable you to assess your own abilities and make an informed decision about which rides and attractions you are able to, or wish to use.

Please Click Here to download the complete Disabled Visitors guide. (Adobe Acrobat PDF 1.2MB)

Parking

• The Disabled car park is situated directly adjacent to the park entrance.
• Parking is clearly marked and available to blue badge holders only. (Please contact Reception or Visitor Services if this would cause a problem.)
• There are spaces for mini – buses.

Buying tickets/entering the park

• Those who are unable to enjoy the full facilities of the park will be able to purchase discounted tickets to the park for themselves and up to two helpers.
• If you need assistance with purchasing your tickets, please speak to any member of staff at the admissions area.
• A hearing loop system is operated at the individual pay kiosks and at Visitor Services.

Visitor Services

• Located and accessed from the Fairground, we should be your first point of call during your visit.
• We will be able to offer advice on ride and attraction access and requirements, issue preferential ride access wristbands where queuing would cause unnecessary discomfort or distress, and further advice on facilities for disabled guests.
• A4 page magnifiers and easy grip pens are available.
• If you encounter any problems during your visit please inform us.

Toilets

• Accessible toilets are available throughout the park at:
• The Bungalow situated immediately in front of the Disabled car park.
• In the Market building towards the Theatre entrance.
• At the Fort area near to the Fort train station.
• At Whistle stop train station area.
• Please see the park map for locations or ask any member of staff for directions.

First Aid

• The First Aid room is situated on the outside of the Market Square building opposite the Birds of Prey Centre.
• There is refrigeration available for medicines if required. NOTE that our first aid staff are not trained or qualified to administer or dispense any medicines.
• As well as the dedicated first aid staff there are a number of park staff qualified to assist in emergencies.

Ride Access

• PLEASE NOTE: Having a disability does not automatically qualify guests to receive front of queue passes.
• Guests for whom queuing for extended periods would cause unnecessary discomfort or distress, may visit our Visitor Services Office (located in the Fairground) where they may be able to receive preferential ride access wristbands. These wristbands allow preferential access to the rides via entry points designed for ease of access.
• Our staff at visitor Services will require proof that the guest is entitled to preferential access. This can be a letter from a Consultant or GP and /or Blue Badge. (Note that DWP/DLA letters are not acceptable documentation).
• Please note that helpers/companions will not be allowed preferential access unless they are accompanying such guests.
• When arriving at the access point to the ride, please ensure a ride operator or attendant knows you are waiting.
• In certain situations (such as extreme weather conditions, mechanical problems or power interruptions), it may be necessary for guests to be evacuated from the rides, possibly from the highest point. Depending on each individuals abilities this may compromise their safety and the safety of others.
• The icons C and X are used in the table accompanying this guide to indicate what is involved in evacuations and whether particular rides are suitable for you to ride.
• Those with preferential wristbands are asked to access rides in groups of eight or less so that other queuing guests are not disadvantaged.

Ride Safety

• This guide contains extra information that may be relevant to disabled guests, and it is in addition to general ride requirements (including height, size, and loose item advice) that are applicable to all guests. These general requirements are detailed on information signs at the entrance to the rides and on the website www.lightwatervalley.co.uk. It is the responsibility of all guests to check these before deciding to ride.
• Ride Manufacturers stipulate that some rides are unsuitable for guests with heart, neck or back conditions, or expectant mothers, and we strongly recommend that guests who have had recent surgery or an injury do not ride certain attractions.
• On many of our rides, guests will need the ability to brace themselves in an upright position. These restrictions apply to most rides and are detailed on signage at the ride entrances where they are applicable, and the icons B and H in the table accompanying this guide indicate on which rides they apply. All rides require guests to keep their arms and legs inside the ride carriages, and remain seated at all times.
• Not all rides are suitable for all Guests. Each ride has strict operating requirements that all riders must meet.
• All our staff are trained in disability awareness and basic communication skills. Our operators will give full instructions but they are not trained to assist in the lifting or transfer of disabled guests.
• Helpers must also be able to communicate any safety advice and messages.
• As well as taking note of the ride requirements, we strongly recommend where possible you watch our rides and attractions in motion before making a decision on whether to ride.

Restaurant and shops

• If you require any assistance when visiting any of our shops or restaurants e.g. to access items or for table service, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance from a member of staff and we will be happy to help!

The provision of admission discounts and preferential access wristbands is entirely at the discretion of Lightwater Valley Attractions Limited.

Please note that the manufacturers height, size, and other safety requirements apply and are there for your safety. These are displayed on the park map and on signage at the rides and attractions, and should be read in conjunction with this guide.

We treat all our guests as individuals and all of our staff are trained to take this into account when considering the guidelines in regard to access and safety.

If for safety reasons access to a ride or any other service is denied and you dispute that decision please contact Visitor Services and a senior member of staff will speak to you in an attempt to resolve the situation.

Lightwater Valley strives for continual improvement and we would welcome any comment you would like to make to help us improve our service and facilities. These can be made on the day of your visit to Visitor Services or by contacting us at www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

Enjoy your visit