Free entry for Carers to visitor attractions

Did you know many visitor attractions and leisure facilities offer free entry for unpaid Carers? If the person you care for needs you to access the venue or event (for example, to go to a visitor attraction), then they are covered by the Equality Act 2010. For example, they may need your support physically, emotionally or due to their sensory needs, like supporting someone with Autism. 

Every visitor attraction and leisure facility has its own policy, but many do not charge for accompanying the person you care for.

It doesn’t matter if the person you care for pays when they visit or if they have an annual prepaid pass or membership. You can use our Carer Friendly ID card to verify that you are a registered unpaid Carer. 

If you already have your Carers ID Card you don’t need to worry, but if you’re a Carer in Dorset and need to get your card follow this guidance. If you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, register with BCP Carers Support here or call 01202 128787. If you are caring for someone living in Dorset Council area, register with Carer Support Dorset here or call 0800 368 8349.

How to make sure your rights are protected 

Unfortunately, not all places promote this or train their staff accordingly. Consider checking over the phone or via email before you visit. 

Alternatively, could you ask for FREE Essential Carer entry on arrival and show them your Carers ID card.  

If you are not happy with the response you receive, note who you spoke to and what they said. To complain, you can write to the visitor attraction using one of the template letters from The Equality Advisory & Support Service (EASS). Search for the Direct Discrimination Complaint – Services in the EASS resources section.

How to fill out the letter template: You’ll need to fill it out with the relevant information and then send it directly to the visitor attraction or organisation. The information you add should be brief and to the point. It needs to say how the situation has discriminated against the person you care for. For example, you can say, “I believe the person I care for is being discriminated against on the grounds of disability because…”

If you need further advice, you can contact the Equality Advisory & Support Service directly on 0808 800 0082.

We hope this information helps you enjoy life as well as navigate your caring journey.