With the summer holiday season fast approaching, Wheelfreedom has published a list of the most popular, accessible attractions across the UK.
“Exploring the UK can be an exciting experience,” the company said. “There are plenty of popular venues built with accessibility in mind that can foster independence, wellbeing and social connection. Whether you are planning a day out for yourself or a loved one, there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly activities across the UK.
“At Wheelfreedom, we are committed to elevating lives by opening up opportunities and experiences. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of activities and venues with accessible facilities, ranging from nature walks to inclusive attractions and family theme parks.”
They include:
- Wheelchair-Accessible Nature Trails with flat trails, paved paths, accessible toilets and rest areas.
Popular trails include:
- Sherwood Pines Forest Park in Nottinghamshire which has disabled parking and step-free, level access to its toilets and information centre. There is also a disabled toilet with an emergency alarm cord and trails of different complexities, with their easiest trail surfaced.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew London offering extensive wheelchair-accessible pathways, and a map indicating which are most accessible. There is step-free access to most glasshouses, accessible toilets, and a mobility scooter hire available on site.
On outdoor terrains, Wheelfreedom recommends using an all-terrain or off-road powerchair as it will have larger wheels and suspension to tackle rougher grounds.
- Accessible Beaches in the UK
They include:
- Bournemouth Beach in Dorset – equipped with accessible toilets and beach huts. They can also provide beach wheelchairs fitted with balloon tyres. There are also mobi-mats and wooden boardwalks available to get closer to the sea and reach the sand more easily.
- Summerleaze Beach in Cornwall – offers mobility scooters, transit wheelchairs and sand chairs for hire. It also comes with accessible beach huts, toilets and cafes.
- Museums and Galleries with Step-Free Access
The British Museum in London permits you to use a mobility scooter indoors and offers transit wheelchairs for your visit. It also has a step-free, easy-access route at its main entrance along with lifts and accessible toilets.
Science Museum, also in London, has accessible lifts, and you can book to borrow a wheelchair in advance. There are also accessible parking spaces and toilets.
National Railway Museum in York is wheelchair accessible with accessible lifts and toilets.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium is wheelchair-accessible with step-free routes, lifts, and accessible toilets.
- Theme Parks
Alton Towers in Staffordshire offers disabled parking, free carer access, accessible toilets, hire options and Ride Access Pass for those who have difficulty queueing for long periods due to a physical condition.
Chessington World of Adventures – across the road from Barwell Business Park – is equipped with disabled parking, free carer access, wheelchair hire, accessible toilets, and a Ride Access Pass for eligible guests.
- Accessible Zoos & Wildlife Parks
Chester Zoo is ranked as one of the most accessible zoos in the UK, with disabled parking, free caregiver access, accessible pathways and toilets. You can also hire scooters and wheelchairs for free, with a refundable deposit.
ZSL London Zoo has step-free routes, accessible toilet facilities and mobility aids available.
Longleat Safari Park offers accessible toilets with a hoist and accessible attractions, such as an adventure castle or jungle cruise, with dedicated space for wheelchair users. There are disabled parking areas, mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs for hire at a fee.
Wheelfreedom offers a wide range of wheelchairs including those suitable for challenging terrain such as sand, grass, mud, gravel, and pavements.