An essential companion ticket allows an additional guest to enter the park accompanying a paying guest (or annual pass holder), to assist with their visit, free of charge. They are available for guests where support is needed that is significant, substantial and in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying the guest. The support must be due to disability-related needs.
If you have an annual pass with us and have previously had free carers, you will also now need to apply for Essential Companion through Nimbus. You will be able to apply for free or you can upgrade to a full Access Card, you will need to make sure you apply with at least 7 working days notice of your next visit.
If your application is successful, you will be able to visit main Reception on your next visit and provide your Nimbus account details to our team. One they have confirmed you have been awarded the essential companion requirement, they will be able to issue you with an essential companion annual pass (this will be 1, 2 or 3 companion passes, depending on the number of companions Nimbus have awarded you with, show by the +1/+2/+3 symbol), on the same tier as the guest who requires the support.
The pass will need to have the photo and name of the guest requiring support. The pass will only be valid when using in conjunction with the named pass holder on the access card and the validity will be for the same time as the access card holders pass. You will be able to book in your visits online and will not need to collect a ticket on the day from Ticket Office.
Essential Companions must be over 12 years of age. If aged between 12-17 years, they must still be accompanying a guest over 18 years of age.
Should an essential companion pass be found violating any conditions of entry (where they are not being used in conjunction with guest requiring support) we reserve the right to cancel the pass at anytime, You would then be required to queue at the Ticket Office on each visit, with your Nimbus card/account details, to pick up a paper ticket.
Please click here to apply.
If you are private carer for a client, their guardian will need to apply through Nimbus in advance of your planned visit.
For groups visiting from care/residential homes, SEN organisation or similar, who are not able to apply through Nimbus (whether you’re bringing a large group, do not have access to the documents required when making an application or cannot due to GDPR), we will instead accept a dated, headed & signed letter from the manager of your organisation, to be presented along with your staff ID at the Ticket Office on arrival. The letter must state how many guests are visiting (their tickets can be prebooked online or purchased on the day) and how many essential companions/carers are attending with them.
You will need to head to the Ticket Office when you arrive with the letter and your staff ID and our team will be able to issue the required number of essential companion tickets.
We regret that we will not accept staff ID on its own; failure to produce a headed and dated letter alongside ID will require payment for all remaining guests, no refunds will be considered.
If you have any concerns about applying through Nimbus when accompanying residents/clients, please email support@wmsp.co.uk who will be able to assist.