At the British Bird of Prey Centre, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the magic of birds of prey. We've designed our new home with accessibility and inclusivity at its heart, and we're always looking for ways to make visiting easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you're visiting with family, friends, a group or an Essential Companion, you'll find a warm welcome and a team that's happy to help.

Here's what you can expect:

Easy access throughout

Our site is completely flat, making it easy to explore. Some of our paths are currently stone, which can be more challenging for wheelchairs with smaller wheels. Our team is always happy to help if you need assistance getting around.

Planned improvements:

We're currently awaiting additional funding and hope to tarmac the paths around the Centre before Christmas 2026, making the site even more accessible for everyone.

Accessible facilities

We have accessible and dementia-friendly toilets, as well as baby changing facilities.

Experiences for everyone

Our bird flying experiences can be adapted for different ages and abilities. You don't need to be standing to take part, and our birds are just as happy flying to someone seated or using a wheelchair.

All-weather flying shows

With our large indoor Wingspan Arena, you can enjoy our spectacular flying displays whatever the weather, with accessible viewing areas for wheelchair users and visitors who need additional space.

Quiet spaces

We know that sometimes you just need a little time out. There are quieter areas around the Centre, and if you'd prefer to visit when we're less busy, just get in touch and we'll happily advise you.

Free Essential Companion admission

Visitors who need additional support because of a disability can bring an Essential Companion free of charge, subject to eligibility. From 1st December 2026, we'll be using the Nimbus Disability Access Card scheme to make this process simpler, fairer and more consistent. You'll find all the details on how to apply below.

A friendly, flexible team

Our staff are always happy to help, whether that's finding somewhere quieter to sit, adapting an experience or helping you make the most of your visit.

Need a little extra support?

We know that everyone's needs are different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to accessibility.

If you or someone in your group has specific requirements, please don't hesitate to get in touch before your visit. We'll do everything we reasonably can to make sure you feel comfortable, included and able to enjoy your day with us.

Email us at info@britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk or simply speak to a member of our team when you arrive.

Essential Companion Admission and Nimbus Disability

At the British Bird of Prey Centre, we want to make accessing free Essential Companion admission as straightforward and fair as possible.

That's why we've partnered with Nimbus Disability, operators of the widely recognised Access Card scheme.

From 1st December 2026, visitors requiring free Essential Companion admission will need to register through Nimbus Disability.

The scheme allows visitors to register their access requirements in advance, without needing to bring sensitive documents or explain their personal circumstances when they arrive.

You can apply for a **FREE British Bird of Prey Centre Digital Access Pass**, valid for three years, or choose to upgrade to a full Access Card for £15, which can be used at thousands of participating venues across the UK.

We recommend applying at least 7 working days before your visit to allow enough time for your application to be processed.

If you haven't received approval before your visit, you're still very welcome to come along. You'll need to pay for your Essential Companion's admission on the day, but if your Nimbus application is subsequently approved, you can contact us within 28 days of your visit with your approval details and proof of purchase, and we'll refund the eligible Essential Companion admission.

Find out more about how the scheme works, who is eligible and how to apply in our FAQs below.

Essential Companion Admission and Nimbus Disability

To help us provide a fair, consistent and straightforward approach to Essential Companion admission, we've partnered with Nimbus Disability, operators of the widely recognised Access Card scheme.

Through this scheme, visitors who are assessed as needing an Essential Companion are awarded a '+1' symbol, which allows them to bring a companion into the Centre free of charge.

The process means you won't need to bring sensitive documents with you or explain your personal circumstances to our admissions team. Instead, Nimbus will assess your requirements in advance, helping us recognise and support your needs while respecting your privacy.

You can apply for a FREE British Bird of Prey Centre Digital Access Pass, valid for three years, or choose to upgrade to a full Access Card for £15, which can be used at thousands of participating venues across the UK.

Please make sure you apply for the Essential Companion '+1' symbol if you require free companion admission.

The new system – From 1st December 2026

From 1st December 2026, all visitors requiring free Essential Companion admission will need to be registered through Nimbus Disability.

We recommend applying at least 7 working days before your visit to allow enough time for Nimbus to assess your application.

Once approved, your registration is valid for three years, so you won't need to apply again each time you visit.

There are two options:

• FREE British Bird of Prey Centre Digital Access Pass: Valid for three years and can be used for Essential Companion admission at our Centre.
• Full Access Card (£15): Valid for three years and recognised by thousands of participating attractions and venues across the UK.

Both options are assessed in the same way, and you don't need to purchase a full Access Card to receive Essential Companion admission at the British Bird of Prey Centre.

Why are we introducing the Nimbus Disability registration process?

We know that everyone's accessibility needs are different, and we want to make sure we provide the right support while keeping the process as simple and fair as possible.

By working with Nimbus Disability, we can:

• Provide a consistent and independent way of assessing Essential Companion requirements.
• Make sure visitors receive appropriate support based on their individual needs.
• Protect the availability of free Essential Companion admission for those who genuinely need it.
• Remove the need for visitors to share sensitive personal or medical information with our team.

Our admissions team are not disability assessors, and we don't believe visitors should have to explain or justify their circumstances at the entrance to the Centre.

Nimbus provides an independent assessment process, meaning your information is handled securely and our team only needs to see your approved Access Card or Digital Access Pass.

Our commitment to accessibility isn't changing. We're simply introducing a clearer and more consistent way of managing Essential Companion admission.

Our friendly team will still be here to help with any questions or additional support you may need during your visit.

For assistance, please contact us at info@britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk.

Why have we chosen Nimbus Disability and the Access Card scheme?

We looked at how other visitor attractions across the UK manage Essential Companion admission, including several attractions here in Wales.

The Nimbus Disability Access Card scheme is already widely recognised and used by many attractions, making it a familiar and straightforward process for visitors.

An important factor in our decision was that visitors could apply for a free Digital Access Pass specifically for the British Bird of Prey Centre, without having to pay for a full Access Card.

Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise run by and for disabled people and is recognised for its work in accessible ticketing.

They manage the assessment process independently and handle all supporting information securely, meaning we don't need to see the personal details behind your application.

What is Essential Companion admission?

Essential Companion admission allows a disabled visitor who has purchased a standard admission ticket to bring an additional person into the Centre free of charge, where that person is needed to provide essential support during their visit.

This applies where the support required is significant and substantial, and goes beyond what would reasonably be expected from family or friends already accompanying the visitor. The additional support must relate directly to the visitor's disability.

Following a successful application through Nimbus Disability, visitors awarded a '+1' symbol can bring one Essential Companion free of charge.

Visitors awarded a '+2' symbol can bring two Essential Companions free of charge.

Simply present your valid Access Card or British Bird of Prey Centre Digital Access Pass to our admissions team when you arrive.

If your card does not display an Essential Companion symbol, free Essential Companion admission will not be available.

By accepting Essential Companion admission, the companion agrees to provide the necessary support throughout the visit, including assistance in the event of an emergency.

Who is eligible for Essential Companion admission?

Essential Companion admission is intended for visitors who require significant additional support because of their disability, beyond the assistance normally provided by family members or friends.

Nimbus Disability independently assesses applications and determines eligibility based on individual circumstances.

For children under 16, Nimbus considers whether the support required goes beyond what would ordinarily be expected as part of parental responsibility. Needing additional supervision or support compared with other children of the same age does not automatically qualify for Essential Companion admission.

Depending on the assessment, visitors may be awarded more than one Essential Companion, where appropriate.

Essential Companion admission is only available when accompanying a disabled visitor who has paid for admission to the Centre. It is not available for visitors who enter free of charge, such as children under two.

Essential Companions must be at least 14 years old. Companions aged 14–16 must be accompanying a disabled visitor aged over 16.

How do I apply for Essential Companion admission?

Applications are made directly through Nimbus Disability.

We recommend applying at least 7 working days before your planned visit.

You can choose between:

FREE British Bird of Prey Centre Digital Access Pass

This is completely free, valid for three years and can be used at the British Bird of Prey Centre.

Full Access Card – £15

This is also valid for three years and can be used at thousands of participating attractions and venues across the UK and beyond.

If you already have a valid Access Card with the appropriate Essential Companion symbol, you don't need to apply again.

If you're unable to complete an online application because of the nature of your impairment, Nimbus can assist with a telephone application. You can arrange this by calling 0330 808 5108.

Nimbus aims to process applications within 7 working days, although this may take longer during busy periods.

You can include your planned visit date when applying, which Nimbus will take into consideration.

What do I do if I already have an Access Card?

If you already hold a valid Nimbus Access Card displaying a '+1' or '+2' symbol, you can use this to receive your free Essential Companion admission at the British Bird of Prey Centre.

There's no need to apply for a separate Digital Access Pass.

Just bring your Access Card with you and show it to our admissions team when you arrive.

If your Access Card doesn't display an Essential Companion symbol, free Essential Companion admission will not be available.

I have an Access Card, but it doesn't have a '+1' symbol. What does this mean?

The '+1' symbol confirms that Nimbus has assessed you as requiring an Essential Companion.

If your card doesn't display this symbol, we're unable to provide free Essential Companion admission.

If you believe your circumstances have changed or that your card doesn't accurately reflect your support requirements, please contact Nimbus Disability directly to discuss your assessment.

Our team cannot make changes to Nimbus assessments or award Essential Companion status at the Centre.

What do I do if I have a Membership?

If you're a member of the British Bird of Prey Centre and currently receive free Essential Companion admission, you'll need to register through Nimbus Disability as part of our transition to the new system.

You can apply for a FREE British Bird of Prey Centre Digital Access Pass or choose to purchase a full Access Card.

Once you've received your approved Nimbus registration, simply show it to our admissions team on your next visit.

We'll be able to record your Nimbus registration against your membership so you won't need to present your details every time you visit.

Free Essential Companion admission will only be available when accompanying the member who requires additional support.

Can I book Essential Companion admission online?

At present, our online booking system cannot automatically verify Nimbus Access Card or Digital Access Pass details.

You can still book admission tickets online for the members of your party. When you arrive, simply show your approved Nimbus Access Card or Digital Access Pass to our admissions team, who will confirm your free Essential Companion admission.

Can I apply on the day for Essential Companion admission?

We recommend applying through Nimbus Disability at least 7 working days before your planned visit to allow enough time for your application to be processed.

However, we understand that visits aren't always planned that far in advance, and we don't want this to stop anyone from enjoying a day out with us.

If you arrive without an approved Nimbus Access Card or Digital Access Pass, you're still very welcome to visit. You'll simply need to purchase admission tickets for everyone in your party, including your Essential Companion.

If your Nimbus application is subsequently approved with a '+1' or '+2' symbol, we'll happily refund the relevant Essential Companion admission tickets.

Just contact us at info@britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk within 28 days of your visit, providing your Nimbus approval details and proof of your admission purchase.

Our admissions team cannot assess disability documentation or approve Essential Companion admission on the day, as this is handled independently by Nimbus Disability.

We hope this gives everyone the flexibility to enjoy their visit, even if they haven't had time to arrange their Nimbus registration beforehand.

I'm visiting with a group from a care home. Do I need to apply?

Where possible, we ask visitors who require Essential Companions to register through Nimbus Disability in advance.

However, we recognise that this isn't always practical for care homes, residential settings and organised care groups, particularly where large groups are visiting or individual applications present difficulties with documentation or data protection.

In these circumstances, just pop us an email at info@britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk, preferably from your organisation's business email address, letting us know when you're planning to visit, how many people will be attending and how many carers will be required. That way, we'll have everything we need in advance and know to expect your group on the day.

When you arrive, your carers will simply need to show staff identification that matches the organisation you've contacted us from, and our team will arrange the appropriate Essential Companion admission.

If you're a private carer accompanying an individual visitor, the visitor or their guardian should apply through Nimbus Disability before visiting.

My Access Card has a standing or queuing symbol. Do you offer any adjustments?

We understand that standing or queuing can be difficult for some visitors, and we're always happy to help make your visit more comfortable.

Our Centre generally doesn't experience the long queues associated with larger attractions, but we appreciate that even a short wait can be challenging.

If you have difficulty standing or queuing, another member of your party is welcome to wait in your place while you sit or wait somewhere more comfortable. Our team can also help you find suitable seating or quieter areas.

If there's anything else we can do to make your visit easier, please speak to a member of our team.