Blackpool Pleasure Beach has introduced a £25 charge for essential companions accompanying disabled visitors, replacing a previously free policy. The change, announced just days before the park's 2026 season opening on Saturday, has drawn criticism from families who say it makes visits unaffordable.
One mother told LancsLive that her autistic son received an annual pass for Christmas under the assumption a family member could accompany him regularly. She described the new fee as 'unaffordable' and noted that many disabled people had already purchased passes before the policy was revealed.
The park stated that the charge applies to guests holding a valid Access Card or Nimbus ID with a '+1' symbol. A spokesperson said the £25 rate is 'less than half the price of our full-priced ticket' and 'cheaper than any promotional or online rate'. They added that the change aligns with industry standards and was developed with Nimbus Disability, an organisation run by disabled people.
Essential companions can still be added to the EasyPass scheme free of charge, which allows queue avoidance. The park confirmed that bookings made before March 2 are unaffected by the new policy.
