Accessible Britain

078 Adventure Island, Essex
Address: Sunken Gardens, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE Web: www.adventureisland.
co.uk Tel: 01702 443400 Hours: 11am–5pm; later closing during summer hols & weekends during high
season; check website for exact hours Dates: closed Nov to mid-Feb; closed Mon–Fri during low season
and school term time Entry: free; single ticket ride £1.60; day-long access to rides varies according to
height and season: under 1m tall £15, 1m–1.2m £20, over 1.2m £25; discounts online and off-season
THE EAST MIDLANDS AND EAST ANGLIA
Just a stone’s throw away from Southend-on-Sea’s beach and pier, the vast majority of
rides at this theme park are stamped with a logo deeming them “disability-friendly”.
Admission to the park itself is free, but the rides are charged – this allows for a great deal
of flexibility, as you can either pop in and buy tickets for single experiences, or purchase
a wristband for a day of unlimited fun. This means that if you’re a hesitant parent with
highly adventurous children who want to try everything, you can pay for their thrills, while
watching from the sidelines for free. Toddlers, teenagers and adults will all find something
that appeals though. The Viking Boats, Flying Jumbos and the Choo Train are suitable
for all ages. The Barnstormer and Green Scream rollercoasters will keep Junior and Big
Adventure wristband holders entertained, while the 21-metre-high white-knuckle Sky
Drop ride and the thrilling Time Machine are aimed at adults.
A large car park is close by, equipped with a lift and sloped access. Blue Badge holders
can park in bays within yards of all four entrances. Unlike many theme parks, there
aren’t any turnstiles at the park gate, but there are some at ride entrances – disabled
visitors can enter the rides via the exits to avoid these. The “disability-friendly ride”
logo means that rides are “suitable for most disabled people with the help of a carer”
– obviously whether this applies to you will depend on your individual circumstances.
Ride signs also indicate possible safety considerations (which may include pregnancy
and particular disabilities) intended to help visitors assess suitability. Guests “with
severe limb amputations” should check in advance. Visitors can discuss details of the
rides, limitations and the possibility for reasonable adjustment with staff – a disability
policy is available online or from customer services.
FOOD & DRINK aa The Jungle Jive restaurant is family-friendly, with an accessible toilet
and baby changing facilities. Its reasonably priced menu includes burgers, chicken and
vegetarian options. Alternatively, there’s Feelgoods pizza and pasta restaurant.
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