Cinema, venues and carer concessions
A companion ticket can make a night out possible, but there is no single UK leisure pass. Cinema has a national scheme. Theatres, museums and attractions usually set their own rules.
Going to the cinema
The UK Cinema Association’s CEA Card lets a cardholder be accompanied by someone free of charge when they buy the applicable full-price ticket at a participating cinema. The scheme is aimed at disabled people who need support to visit the cinema because of barriers they face. The official site also makes clear that venues must still consider reasonable adjustments even if you do not have a card.
Theatres, museums and attractions
Many venues accept the Access Card, sometimes called the Nimbus Access Card, which records access needs and can include an essential companion symbol. Other venues ask for a benefit letter, or have their own registration process. A card does not legally guarantee a free companion ticket — you should always check the venue’s access page before you book.
Some heritage and visitor attractions offer a free essential-companion ticket. Policies change, so use the venue’s official information rather than a third-party list.
Travel to leisure trips
A Disabled Persons Railcard, a disabled person’s bus pass and a Blue Badge can also reduce the cost of getting to a venue. Those are covered in the travel guide, because they are national or local transport schemes rather than leisure tickets.
Entitlements in this guide
- CEA Card — A cinema card that lets a companion go free when you buy a full-price ticket at participating cinemas.
- Access Card (Nimbus) — A widely used access and companion card for venues, theatres and attractions, showing the adjustments you need.
- Carer and companion concessions at attractions — Many visitor attractions offer a free or reduced essential-companion ticket if you are disabled and need support to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a CEA Card get my carer in free at any cinema?
It works when you buy the applicable full-price ticket at a participating cinema, under the official UK Cinema Association scheme. Check that the cinema takes part, and take the card with you.
Is the Access Card the same as the CEA Card?
No. The CEA Card is a cinema scheme. The Access Card is a wider access and companion card used by many venues. Some cinemas may accept other evidence as well, but you should check with the venue.
Do I need PIP to get a companion ticket?
Not necessarily. Each scheme and venue sets its own evidence rules. A disability benefit can help, but it is not always required, and it is not always enough.
If I do not have a card, can I still ask for a reasonable adjustment?
Yes. The official CEA Card site says cinemas still need to provide reasonable adjustments to address barriers, whether or not you have a card. The same principle applies more widely under equality law.
Are these concessions the same in every UK nation?
The CEA Card and Access Card are UK-wide schemes, but individual venues still set their own booking rules. Transport concessions that help you get there differ by nation.