Planning a day out as a carer doesn’t have to be expensive. Across the UK, many of the best attractions offer free entry for carers when accompanying the person they support, from world-famous theme parks to stunning botanical gardens and fascinating museums. This guide rounds up 10 of the best places carers can go free in the UK, with up-to-date information on how to claim your free entry.
Sometimes we forget just all that we have on our doorstep. From invigorating outdoor spaces to fascinating museums and cultural sites, the UK is home to a wealth of attractions that cater to different tastes and interests.
By taking advantage of these complimentary offerings, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories, and share engaging moments with the person you care for.
The Top Ten Destinations
1. The Eden Project
At The Eden Project in Cornwall, you’ll find the world’s largest indoor rainforest housed in two magnificent biomes. This accessible and fascinating attraction offers a great day out for all, with ramps and lifts available to ensure everyone can explore with ease. As a carer or personal assistant, you’ll be granted free entry when accompanying the person you care for.
Important: Free carer tickets must be pre-booked online in advance. You won’t be able to simply turn up on the day. When booking, select the ‘personal assistant’ ticket option. Pre-booking is required even during school holidays, so plan ahead.
2. Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a stunning botanical garden in London that boasts an impressive collection of rare plants and beautiful landscapes. The garden is accessible for people with disabilities, offering a perfect day out for those who love nature and tranquillity. Remember to confirm carer’s free entry is available before you visit.
3. National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum in York is a fantastic destination for train enthusiasts, featuring a fantastic range of exhibits, including historic locomotives and interactive displays.
As a national museum, the National Railway Museum is free for everyone to enter, not just carers. This makes it an especially great choice for a budget-friendly day out, as there’s no ticket cost for anyone in your group. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
4. St Fagans National History Museum
Located near Cardiff, St Fagans National History Museum offers a fascinating insight into Welsh history. With over 40 historic buildings to explore and numerous exhibitions, this open-air museum provides an enjoyable and educational day out.
Like many national museums in Wales, St Fagans is free for everyone to visit — not a carer specific benefit, but a brilliant free day out nonetheless. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users. It’s worth checking their website ahead of your visit for any special exhibitions or events.
PA & Carers Insurance
Cover available for:
- Self-Employed Carers & PAs
- Individual Employers
- Carer & PA Businesses
- Direct Payments
- Domiciliary Carers
- Home Employment Cover (for those who employ carers in their home)
5. Chester Zoo
For a day out filled with excitement, Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s most popular attractions. With over 30,000 animals and extensive gardens to explore, it’s a favourite for all ages. The zoo is fully accessible and ensures an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Visitors with disabilities can bring one accompanying carer free of charge when they pay for a full price adult, student or child ticket. Collect the free carer ticket at the ticket windows on arrival, you don’t need to pre-book it separately. Bring supporting documentation such as a PIP letter, Blue Badge or disability allowance letter.
6. Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh is a perfect destination for a relaxing day out, and you can enjoy free entry to this botanical wonderland. Stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, and take in the impressive collection of plants, flowers, and trees. Don’t forget to explore the glasshouses, where you can discover a variety of exotic plants from around the world.
Please note that the glasshouses carry a separate admission charge. If the person you care for holds an RBGE membership, you can contact the membership office to arrange a free carer card for glasshouse access. For general visitors, the carer free entry benefit applies to the gardens only.
7. The Roman Baths
Step back in time when you visit the Roman Baths, situated in the picturesque city of Bath. Carers can enjoy free entry to this historic site, immersing themselves in ancient Roman culture. Marvel at the well-preserved architecture, and learn about the bathing rituals that took place over two thousand years ago.
To book your free carer ticket, select the free carer ticket option when booking online — you can now do this in advance, which is strongly recommended as the Roman Baths regularly sells out. The disabled visitor in your care pays the standard admission price and needs their own ticket for the same time slot.
8. Beamish Museum
Experience life in the past at Beamish Museum, an open-air living history museum located in County Durham. As a carer, you’ll receive free admission to this immersive venue, where you can explore the town, colliery, and countryside, featuring authentic buildings, vehicles, and artefacts from the 1820s to the 1940s. Chat with knowledgeable costumed interpreters and participate in hands-on activities to truly understand daily life from a bygone era.
Free carer entry is well established here — if a disabled visitor requires a carer to access the museum, the carer is admitted free of charge and does not need to purchase a pass. Bring supporting documentation such as a Blue Badge, PIP letter or Access Card. Tickets can be purchased on arrival or online in advance.
9. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
One of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Stonehenge is also one of the UK’s most accessible attractions. The site offers step-free access throughout, with a shuttle bus running between the visitor centre and the stones. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome, and there is a Changing Places facility on site.
Carers accompanying a paying visitor are entitled to free entry. Select the Carer ticket type when booking online. Pre-booking is strongly recommended as the site operates on timed entry, and this is the only way to guarantee your preferred time slot. Bring supporting documentation such as a Blue Badge, PIP letter or Access Card on the day.
10. Alton Towers
Alton Towers is one of the UK’s most famous theme parks, with rides and attractions for all ages alongside beautifully landscaped gardens. Carers accompanying a disabled visitor are entitled to one free Essential Companion ticket.
Important: Alton Towers now calls this an ‘Essential Companion’ ticket rather than a ‘carer ticket’, this is the same benefit but under a new name. To claim it, head to Ticket Sales and Collections at the main entrance plaza on the day of your visit with supporting documentation. Accepted documents include a PIP letter, Blue Badge, DLA letter, Attendance Allowance letter, ESA letter, or an Access Card with the companion symbol.
Things To Keep In Mind
Booking Procedures
Always check each attraction’s website before you visit, as policies and booking processes change, and some venues now require free carer tickets to be pre-booked online rather than collected on the day. The Eden Project and the Roman Baths are two examples where pre-booking is strongly recommended. Confirming the details in advance creates a smoother day out for you and the person you care for.
Accessibility Amenities
Before heading to your chosen destination, it’s essential to research the accessibility features available. Look for information on their website (we’ve added the links above to help you out) or contact them directly to ensure they provide wheelchair access, ramps, and accessible toilets, depending on the needs of the person you care for. Some venues may also offer hearing loops and sensory rooms for those with additional requirements.
Local Transport
Consider the transport options to and from each attraction. Research nearby train stations, bus stops and parking facilities, and check whether local public transport offers concessions for carers or disabled passengers to help keep costs down.
Remember to enjoy your day out as a carer – you deserve it! Taking the time to explore these fantastic destinations not only enriches the lives of those you care for but also provides the chance for you to unwind and create lasting memories together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carers and personal assistants can go free to these attractions when supporting the person you provide care for. Although many places will not ask for proof that you are a carer, you may want to bring some form of documentation such as your employment contract, or a copy of the letter that shows you receive Carer’s Allowance, if you are an unpaid carer. If you’re a self-employed carer, a copy of your insurance certificate or business documentation can help.
To ensure you receive your free carer ticket, the person you care for should bring documentation where required. Commonly accepted documents include:
– Personal Independence Payment (PIP) letter
– Disability Living Allowance (DLA) letter
– Attendance Allowance letter
– Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) letter
– A valid Blue Badge
– Access Card or Nimbus Access Card with companion symbol
– Assistance Dog ID Card
Looking for something to do on a quieter day? Our free printable activities are available to download at any time and provide hours of entertainment.
