Thorpe Park
Chertsey, Surrey
Step-free visitor information, a Changing Places facility, accessible toilets, wheelchair and ear-defender hire, a free carer ticket and the Merlin Ride Access Pass support advance planning.
Jarvis Access status
Red — serious concerns
Independent assessmentSevere reported Ride Access Pass capacity barriers create serious concerns about whether eligible visitors can obtain dependable access to the park’s rides.
Merlin’s published terms require advance approval and a separate reservation for every visit, advise applying at least three months ahead, and state that approval does not guarantee a reservation. A proposed February 2026 reduced-criteria trial was paused, and current guidance continues to accept Difficulty with Crowds. Chris Jarvis reports that capacity is so constrained that obtaining a usable booking can be near-impossible without devoting substantial time and repeated attention to availability. Thorpe Park also has limited wheelchair supply, no mobility-scooter hire and ride-specific transfer restrictions. These Ride Access Pass issues form part of the live case Jarvis v Merlin Attractions Operations Limited at Leeds County Court. The dispute has not yet been determined by the court.
How to read the traffic-light status
- GreenNo significant accessibility concerns identified in the information reviewed.
- AmberSome concerns or limitations need to be considered when planning.
- RedSerious concerns or substantial barriers have been identified.
The status is an independent planning aid based on the evidence available when assessed. It is not a guarantee that every visitor will have the same experience or a legal finding about the venue.
Verified Ride Access Pass update
Current rules and trial status
Reduced-criteria trial paused; Difficulty with Crowds remains eligible
Merlin proposed a February 2026 half-term trial that would have narrowed Ride Access Pass eligibility. Following feedback, Merlin paused the proposal and confirmed that it would not proceed at that time. Thorpe Park’s current guidance accepts Difficulty with Crowds, Difficulty Standing, Level Access and Urgent Access to Toilets.
Before the visit
Thorpe Park has used the Merlin Ride Access Pass app since March 2026. An approved Nimbus Access Card or free Merlin Digital Access Pass does not guarantee a visit reservation: a separate, zero-cost RAP reservation is required before every visit. Up to three future RAP visit reservations may be held for Thorpe Park. The published allocation calendar governs releases, with an additional allocation released 48 hours before a visit date; cancelled places return to the live system.
At the resort
The app operates a digital virtual queue rather than instant ride access. Location, camera and notification permissions are required, together with a smartphone and an internet connection. The passholder may ride with up to three companions, subject to their red or yellow support category and ride-specific safety requirements. A manual timecard may be offered if a significant network or app failure affects multiple users.
Current access planning information
Lift availability
No unavailable lifts currently listed by Merlin
No unavailable lift is currently shown for this resort in Merlin’s published table.
- First observed by Jarvis Access
- 1 Sep 2026
- Last checked
- 15 Sep 2026
Thorpe Park does not appear in Merlin's current published closure table. This is not a guarantee that every lift will operate, so check the live source shortly before travelling.
View Merlin’s live lift-availability pagePlan your visit
Access arrangements at a glance
Choose a category to see every attraction with that access feature.
The proposed February 2026 reduced-criteria Ride Access Pass trial was paused and Difficulty with Crowds remains eligible. The pass must be approved and separately reserved before the visit and, from March 2026, is managed through the Merlin app as a digital virtual queue. Wheelchairs are limited and mobility scooters are not hired on site; ride-specific transfer and evacuation restrictions still apply.
Shared experience
Visitor reviews
Reviews can help with planning, but they reflect individual visits and do not replace the attraction’s current official guidance.