Accessibility at the Shambles

Please find information below regarding accessibility at our shops. We encourage everyone to read all the information as there will be a change in the booking policy soon which may require you to take action.

We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all customers. We appreciate however, that our often-lengthy queue may prove prohibitive for some. If you require assistance or have specific access requirements, we are able to offer appointments at our shop on the Shambles. We are taking bookings through an online diary which can be found at the bottom of this page.

This system will allow you to book, reschedule and cancel appointments yourself without needing to wait for a response from our team. You can also give us any information that may be helpful in making your visit more comfortable.

We ask that people do not use this booking system as a way of simply avoiding the queue; in doing so you may be taking an appointment from someone with genuine accessibility needs. Accessibility bookings can be made for maximum of 2 adults and any accompanying children aged under 16. Bookings can be made up to 45 days in advance, and we ask that you do not book more than one visit in any 7-day period.

Our shop can be accessed by wheelchair users and although it is very small, we will always do our very best to help with specific needs. The Shambles itself is a rather narrow cobbled medieval street and although it poses slight challenges, is also navigable by wheelchair. If you have problems with standing in the queue outside, we do have stools available for use. If you have any concerns or specific questions, please do contact us in advance of a visit by emailing:

appointments@yorkghostmerchants.com

The Dispensary is a much smaller shop but has a wider entrance and more space around the queue with flatter, paved walkways, sloping access and no steps. The queues are often much smaller and wait times far shorter at the Dispensary. At this time however we are unable to take any advance accessibility bookings at the Dispensary.

Access Card, National Disability Card
and The York Ghost Merchants

We know how important it is we offer shop appointments for our customers with access requirements. We are very proud of our shop Merchants and work they do to ensure everyone is made to feel welcome.

Over recent months we have noticed demand for access appointments steadily increase. On some days, particularly during busy periods such as school holidays, appointment availability can be scarce. In order to ensure the appointments are protected for those with genuine access needs we have taken the decision to change the way we handle bookings.

The new booking procedure will come into effect on Monday 11th August 2025.

For any bookings made up to and including Sunday 10th August 2025 the booking procedure will remain unchanged.

What Is Changing?

The current online form will remain relatively unchanged, however from Monday 11th August 2025, anyone making an access booking to visit the Shambles will be required to provide evidence of the following at the time of booking:

  • National Disability Card,

  • Nimbus Access Card

  • or a FREE Nimbus Digital Access Pass (DAP).

We will also require proof of a National Disability Card, Access Card or Digital Access Pass (DAP) at any standalone events hosted by the York Ghost Merchants (such as the Tannery Ghost releases) from Monday 11th August 2025 onwards.

We are making the announcement now to enable everyone to acquire a National Disability Card, Access Card or Digital Access Pass (DAP) in good time.

What is an Access Card?

The Access Card programme is a well-established and respected scheme operated by Nimbus Disability and is designed to streamline the process of communicating your access needs. The Access Card translates your disability or impairment into easy-to-understand symbols and serves as a recognised proof of your requirements, eliminating the need for repeated explanations at different venues. This recognition is crucial in building a more inclusive environment, as it encourages venues and service providers like us to be proactive in their accessibility efforts. The card not only supports your individual needs but also contributes to a broader movement towards better accessibility for all.

You can apply for an Access Card here: https://www.accesscard.online/apply-or-renew/

 

What is a Digital Access Pass (DAP)?

A Digital Access Pass (DAP) is essentially a free, digital only version of the Access Card but is valid for one specific venue only (e.g. The York Ghost Merchants). All applications are processed by Nimbus Disability and once issued, your Digital Access Pass (DAP) is valid for 3 years. Should you wish to visit another venue or attraction you would need to submit a separate Digital Access Pass (DAP) application.

You can apply for Digital Access Pass (DAP) here: https://app.accesscard.online/apply/the-york-ghost-merchants

What is a National Disability Card?

Established in 2019, The National Disability Card is a social enterprise for good based in Suffolk, UK. The card has well over 100,000 users and as with the Access Card, is recognised in hundreds of different venues. The easy to carry card is proof of disability and proof of eligibility at many venues and enables the holder to make an accessibility booking at our shop on the Shambles.

You can apply for a National Disability Care here: https://www.disabilityid.co.uk/

Frequently Asked Questions

  • On Monday 11th August our booking form will require you to enter a National Disability Card, Access Card or DAP number so we can validate your details. Bookings made before this date will not require this additional information.

  • The Access Card and National Disability Card are a universal way of conveying your access requirements to us and other venues

    You can purchase an Access Card for £15 and it remains valid for 3 years.

    The National Disability Card costs £20 and is valid for 2 years. If your application is rejected, you automatically receive a full refund.

    A York Ghost Merchants Digital Access Pass (DAP) is a free way of conveying your access requirements, just with the York Ghost Merchants. You still go through the same application process but receive a digital number and no card.

  • To apply for your York Ghost Merchants Digital Access Pass (DAP), please visit https://app.accesscard.online/apply/the-york-ghost-merchants and go through the simple application form and upload any validating evidence along with some narrative about your access requirements.

    The DAP applications are handled by Nimbus Disability. Please do not send us any information / documents relating to your application.

  • Visit our online booking calendar at the bottom of this page and complete the form as you may have done in the past. From 11th August 2025 there will now be an additional field into which you can enter your Access Card or Digital Access Pass (DAP) number. If you’re using the National Disability Card you will need to upload an image of the card.

  • Any bookings made on or after Monday 11th August 2025 will be checked soon after they are made, and Cards / Digital Access Pass (DAP) numbers will be validated. Any bookings where cards / numbers cannot be validated or do not match the name on the booking will be deleted.

  • Any bookings made on or after 11th August 2025 without this information will automatically be deleted. You will receive an email notification that your appointment has been cancelled. You will then need to create a new booking and ensure you include the Access Card or Digital Access Pass (DAP) number or upload an image of your National Disability Card.

    Please be aware that this will mean your cancelled appointment will be made available to book by someone else and may be taken before you have chance to complete the booking form with the correct information.

    To avoid this possible scenario please ensure you provide all the correct information first time round.

  • Accessibility bookings for York Ghost Merchant events (such as any future Tannery Ghost events) will also require proof of an National Disability Card / Access Card / DAP.

  • This is not likely to be an issue.

    The Access Card and National Disability cards both translate your disability or impairment into easy-to-understand symbols so our Merchants will have a good understanding of any requirements in good time.

    There is also a field on the booking form into which you can add any notes you feel might help us in making your visit more comfortable.

  • We really want to ensure our shop is as accessible as possible and understand what our disabled customers' requirements are. We recognise that our staff are not experts in the Equality Act and this is a way to ensure we can meet all our guests’ requirements in a consistent way. This is why working with Nimbus and The National Disability Card we can use their recognised schemes to enable us to provide a great and accessible experience.

  • As we check all cards / DAP at the time of booking there is no need to bring this information along to your appointment unless you wish to.

  • On some days not all appointments are taken so we may be able to accomodate anyone just visiting at short notice. Please introduce yourself to one of our Merchants on the Shambles and they will be able to advise if any appointments are available.