The majority of our facilities are designed to be fully accessible to our disabled guests, however the York Dungeon is situated in a grade 2 listed building and this does cause some restrictions for guests with mobility issues.
GETTING AROUND
Navigating around the Dungeon is mainly via level pathways. However due to the nature of the attraction some floor surfaces are uneven. Access is also gained via low gradient slopes and specialised stair lifts (restrictions apply) to the various levels of the attraction. The York Dungeon tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, the majority of which visitors will be required to stand unless using a wheelchair.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs due to constraints from the building's historic structure and layout. However to compensate for this, we have a manual wheelchair that is available for any guests with mobility requirements to borrow throughout their visit.
For safety reasons we can only accommodate one guest using a wheelchair at a time to ensure an evacuation chair is available to exit the building. We have two flights of stairs both with stair lifts (Max weight 120kg/ 18.8 stone) and guests have to be able to transfer from wheelchair to the chair of the stair lift unaided by Dungeon staff.
We would advise wheelchair users to book in advance as without an advanced booking guests may need to wait a considerable time to start the tour.
Once you pre-book your tickets, please email yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz to advise us of your date and time slot, and we will make our Admissions team aware. Alternatively, please send a message to our Facebook Messenger account
The York Dungeon contains flashing lights at the start of the tour which may affect visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. We recommend speaking to a member of the team before you enter and begin your tour so we can fully brief you on the locations strobe lighting is used. An alternative route will be provided for guests who would like to bypass these areas. The Curse of The Witch show uses strobe lighting effects which may not be suitable for persons with Photo Sensitive Epilepsy.
DROP FLOOR AND FLASHING LIGHTS - VENGEANCE OF THE VIKINGS, YORK PLAGUE HOUSE, YORK CASTLE PRISON
In Vengeance of the Vikings, there is a sudden drop floor effect. The ground beneath your feet will slightly - but suddenly - drop down and return to its original position twice.
The Plague Doctor's Surgery also has a short, yet surprising, movement under the seats at one point during the show, which may cause discomfort to those with one or more of the above conditions.
In York Castle Prison, there is strobe lighting throughout the show. When prompted, please inform the actor if you have photosensitive epilepsy and alternate arrangements can me made.
Please make a member of staff aware if you suffer from epilepsy during your visit and necessary arrangements can be made.
Wheelchair users need to be able to transfer unaided in and out of the ride seats.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Unfortunately the Dungeon does not have any designated parking for blue badge holders.
The nearest car parks to the York Dungeon are the Castle Car Park (Post code:YO1 9SA) and Piccadilly Car Park (Post code: YO1 9NX) which both have parking bays for blue badge holders. Please note that these car parks are not operated by the York Dungeon and that use of these parking bays are subject to the terms and conditions of the car park operator.
TOILETS
The main accessible toilets are located next to the main building entrance (to the left when facing the front doors) and are accessed via a separate entrance. Please try to arrive 10 minutes before your tour start time to use these as they are not nearby once your tour starts. If you are unsure please ask a member of the team and they can assist you.
The York Dungeon also has an accessible toilet located at the very end of the tour, just before the gift shop. If you are unsure, please inform one of the actors that you require the use of the facilities and they will show you the route.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
A support assistant is welcome to accompany any disabled visitor without charge. Only one assistant can receive free entry per guest. Please pre-book online or through our contact centre so you can avoid the general admission queue and also book your time slot on the tour. We may ask for proof of your disability in document form, i.e.: blue parking badge, Access Card, DLA or PIP confirmation, or a letter from a doctor or specialist physician.
For further information about access to the York Dungeon please email yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz
GUESTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS, BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED VISITORS
As the Dungeon is very dark and the floor is often uneven, guests with visual impairments, blind and partially sighted visitors may have difficulty navigating around the facility. Please email yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz for more specific information.
PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY
Our first show contains flashing lights which may affect visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. We recommend speaking to a member of the team before you enter and begin your tour so we can fully brief you on the locations strobe lighting is used. An alternative route will be provided for guests who would like to bypass these areas.Children aged 4 and under not admitted to The York Dungeon. Children 5 to 8 admitted with parent/guardian permission. The Curse of The Witch show uses strobe lighting effects which may not be suitable for persons with Photo Sensitive Epilepsy.
DEAF VISITORS, USERS OF BSL AND GUESTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS
Deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and users of BSL can bring an assistant free of charge. The York Dungeon experience is largely delivered by actors and voiceover audio often in low lighting, so some deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and BSL users may not fully experience some elements of the attraction. We also provide a 'Impaired Hearing Guide'; we advise contacting us prior to your visit to arrange the use of a guide. Please contact: yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz to arrange.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Assistance dogs are welcome in the York Dungeon. There are loud noises, mist effects and smells (good and nasty) that may be confusing to assistance animals. For more detailed information please email: yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz
SHOP
The York Dungeon Shop has a fantastic range of goodies to remember your visit! Like the Dungeon it is a unique experience and is accessible via Cumberland Street for gifts all year round!
BALPAA STATEMENT ON PUBLIC SAFETY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Members of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPAA) welcomes visits by all visitors with disabilities and will do all that is possible to ensure a safe and pleasurable stay. However certain rides/attractions within our attraction can be physically demanding and vigorous. We therefore reserve the right to refuse admission to certain rides/attractions should we feel there is a danger to a particular individual or individuals for whatever reason. We have been advised by the health and safety executive that refusal on the grounds of health and safety does not constitute discrimination. We hope that you understand and accept the decisions made in the interest of your safety.
