Accessible summer days out in the UK
31st July 2024
The British summer is amazing while it lasts, but due to temperamental weather, it can be hard to know the best way to take advantage of it. This is also true for those with limited mobility who don’t want to waste their time visiting places that are not accessible.
Knowing your summer day out is going to be fully accessible is key to having a truly enjoyable day. To help you decide where to visit this summer, this guide highlights some of the many brilliant options available.
Accessible summer days out
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
- Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, London
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire
- Eden Project, Cornwall
- Caernarfon Castle, Wales
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
- Buckingham Palace, London
- Stonehenge, Wiltshire
- Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton
- Blackpool Tower, Blackpool
- Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
- Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Hertfordshire Zoo, Hertfordshire
- Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
- National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Gardens (RBGE) in Edinburgh originally opened in 1670 as a physic garden (a garden created for developing medicinal herbs). Since then, the RBGE has become a world-renowned centre for plant science, horticulture and education. The Royal Botanic Gardens comprise of four separate gardens (Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan), with Edinburgh being the biggest.
Spread over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, you can weave through the garden in the summer sun. Take in the plants and bright, fresh colours as you enjoy your time here. The garden is home to the largest collection of wild-origin Chinese plants outside of China, making for a display not commonly seen in the UK.
Disabled Facilities and Access at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire
- Guide dog-friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - Through a service called ‘Welcome’, The Royal Botanic Gardens offer visitors with access needs an opportunity to inform staff about their needs before a visit.
Learn more about accessibility at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, London
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens are among the most well-known gardens in the country. Just 30 minutes from Central London, Kew takes you from the city into a world of nature and botany in which you can completely immerse yourself.
Head up to the Treetop Walkway, a whole 18 metres above the woodland floor, and take in the ultimate view of the Gardens. Enter ‘The Hive’ and engage with the multi-sensory exhibit designed to give visitors an insight into the life of bees. With many more interesting exhibits, including the Marianne North Gallery and the Princess of Wales Conservatory, this short trip from the city will bring you as close to nature as you can possibly get.
We spoke to the team at Kew, who told us a bit more about the history of the gardens: “Kew is London's largest UNESCO World Heritage site offering unique landscapes, vistas and iconic architecture from every stage of the gardens' history. Our collection of living plants is the largest and most diverse in the world, growing out in the landscape and within our glasshouses and nurseries. The Victorian Palm House is one of Kew’s most recognisable buildings. Inside, the rainforest climate supports a unique collection of palms and other tropical species from some of the most threatened environments on Earth.
“It is so important that the gardens are accessible to all as we want everyone to have an enjoyable time at Kew. As such, we aim to provide the best possible access throughout the Gardens, our glasshouses and galleries.”
The team also shared some of Kew’s most notable accessibility features:
- “The gardens are largely flat, with tarmac paths in most places. All the cafés and shops have level or ramped access.
- We have wheelchairs and eight mobility scooters available for visitors to borrow at the gate.
- We offer a number of tours and walks for visitors with sensory loss or limited mobility, such as our Discovery Bus Tour (minibus tours around the gardens) and Walking Tour for visitors with limited mobility.
- There are unisex accessible toilets within easy reach of all the main attractions, cafés and gates.”
Disabled Facilities and Access at Kew Gardens, London
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire
- Guide dog-friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature- Kew’s Community and Access Programme offers a number of tours and walks for visitors with sensory loss or limited mobility, including BSL walking tours, health walks for visitors living with dementia, and discovery bus and walking tours. For full details, see their Community and Access Programmes.
Read Kew’s disability and access guide for specific details on community access programmes, mobility scooter hire and getting around the park.
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire
As the most visited garden in Wales, the National Botanic Garden of Wales offers a fantastic day out and experience for all of its visitors. The large, beautiful garden makes use of the outstanding Welsh countryside, with the recognisable domed greenhouse literally emerging from the hillside.
As well as over 8,000 different plant varieties, the gardens have a vast range of wildlife, including over 100 types of butterflies and moths. There are also frogs, toads, news, common lizards, grass snakes, slow worms and mammals including dormice and otters.
Disabled Facilities and Access at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire
- Guide dog-friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - There is a regular shuttle buggy service that runs throughout the park. This service transports visitors to most parts of the garden, and returns to the gatehouse. The buggy drivers are happy to answer any questions you may have about your visit as well.
Take a look at the National Botanic Garden of Wales’ accessibility page for more information, including contact details.
Eden Project, Cornwall
The Eden Project is one of the UK’s most identifiable buildings and the pride of Cornwall. The perfect place for a summer getaway and a great place to experience flora and fauna from all over the world in a unique environment.
The iconic domes are built in a vast quarry which makes for a beautiful location. As you weave through the different zones you experience different climates from around the world, and the plant varieties native to those climates.
Disabled Facilities and Access at The Eden Project, Cornwall
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - The Eden Project offers a scheme for those with mobility or sensory impairments. They have a trained team of volunteers who are happy to assist visitors around the project for no extra cost. If you have your own personal assistant, they can also get in for free.
For full details, see their accessibility guide, which includes the contact information to request an access volunteer.
READ ALSO: Britain’s Most Accessible Gardens
Historic
Caernarfon Castle, Wales
Caernarfon Castle in North Wales is a unique medieval castle and popular spot for history lovers. Surrounded by the beautiful North Wales countryside, the castle overlooks the water and is a stunning feature of Caernarfon.
Interestingly, Caernarfon is not like other towers. Most castles have circular towers, but Caernarfon has polygonal towers, making it unique. This, along with the varying brickwork and stunningly preserved interior, makes it a great place to explore the warrens of a traditional Edward I castle.
Disabled Facilities and Access at Caernarfon Castle, North Wales
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Caernarfon Castle might be a historic castle, but it still has plenty to offer for disabled visitors. The castle can be enjoyed at ground level, and a lift allows those with limited mobility to reach the top of the King's Gate. Moving around the castle is a little trickier, however, due to the castle’s spiral staircases and narrow pathways.
Learn more about accessibility at Caernarfon Castle.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle looks over the city from the hilltop and is a popular destination for anyone visiting Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle is the perfect place to visit for a taste of Scottish history.
You will even be able to experience the Scottish crown jewels, first used together for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543. After the treaty of union between England and Scotland, they were locked away in 1707, only to be discovered again in 1818, along with a mysterious silver wand.
We spoke to the team at Edinburgh Castle, who told us a bit more about its history: “Edinburgh Castle’s history goes back 1,000 years. For centuries, Castle Rock - the extinct volcano it sits atop - had been used as a military base and royal residence. It wasn’t until the 12th century that the edifice we now know as Edinburgh Castle began to take shape with the addition of St Margaret’s Chapel - Edinburgh’s oldest building - around 1130.
“The castle has witnessed many of the defining events in Scotland’s history: sieges were fought here (it has been besieged more than any other castle in the UK); royalty lived and died within its walls; and pirates, witches and prisoners of war have all been held captive in the castle’s prison.”
They spoke to us about why it is important to them that the attraction is accessible: “Historic Environment Scotland is committed to developing and promoting inclusive access to our properties while being sensitive to our special historic environments.
“As one of the top visitor attractions in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle promotes access for all visitors. We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities or limited mobility are able to enjoy and engage with the services and stories the castle has to offer.”
Finally, the team shared details on the areas of the castle that have been made accessible: “Despite being a historic fort at the top of a steep and cobbled slope, Edinburgh Castle offers good access either by ramp or short flights of steps with handrails to many of its major sights, including:
- Crown Square - the highest point in the castle which allows ramp access to the Scottish National War Memorial; a short flight of steps to the Great Hall; lift access to view the Crown Jewels and a braille section prior to entering the Jewel Room for the visually impaired.
- St Margaret's Chapel and viewpoint, with the historic ‘Mons Meg’ cannon within reach.
- Museums on premises, including The National War Museum of Scotland, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum, and Museum of The Royal Scots and The Royal Regiment of Scotland.”
Disabled Facilities and Access at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - If the steep slopes surrounding the castle are not manageable for you, Edinburgh Castle offers a mobility vehicle to take visitors from the castle's entrance (the esplanade) to the Castle's highest point (Crown Square.). Check availability before arrival.
For more information, you can read Edinburgh Castle’s access guide, which includes a full list of the rooms that are accessible.
Buckingham Palace, London
You cannot get closer to royalty than Buckingham Palace. Home to the Royal Family, including the reigning monarch, Buckingham Palace is a British icon and a fantastic day out for anyone interested in the monarchy.
At Buckingham Palace, you can journey through the State Rooms and explore the home of royalty. You can see the throne room, which is the backdrop for royal wedding photos. There is also a chance to visit the ballroom to see where important guests are entertained.
We spoke to the team at The Royal Collection Trust, who told us a bit more about the history of the Staterooms at Buckingham Palace: “The history of the site where Buckingham Palace stands can be traced back to the reign of James I in the early 17th century. George III acquired the site in 1761 as a private residence for his wife, Queen Charlotte. When George III’s son, George IV, acceded to the throne in 1820, he wanted Buckingham House to be transformed into a palace.
“Queen Victoria was the first Sovereign to live in the Palace when she moved in 1837. Today, Buckingham Palace is the working headquarters of the Monarchy where the King carries out his official and ceremonial duties as Head of State of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth.”
They also told us why it is so important to them that the Staterooms are as accessible as possible: “Royal Collection Trust welcomes visitors with different access requirements, and our charitable aims dictate that the Royal Collection is presented and interpreted so as to enhance public appreciation and understanding. Access to the Royal Collection is broadened and increased (subject to capacity constraints) to ensure that as many people as possible are able to view the collection.”
Disabled Facilities and Access at The Staterooms, Buckingham Palace, London
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and rollator rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - As well as being able to use your own wheelchair or mobility scooter and hire a wheelchair, you can also borrow a rollator to help you get around. The wheeled walkers are free to borrow and have to be pre-booked.
For more detailed mobility access you can read their mobility access guide. They also have a deaf or hard of hearing guide, blind or partially sighted guide and visitors on the autism spectrum guide.
READ ALSO: Accessible guide to royal attractions in London
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
As one of the most historic places in Britain, many people make the pilgrimage to Stonehenge to experience the unexplained and fantastic. The unusual stone circle is a mystery to this day, as no one knows how it was built.
As one of the wonders of the world and the best known-prehistoric monument in Europe, Stonehenge is a must-see for anyone. Here you can learn about prehistoric people and the Neolithic period, as well as discover 250 ancient artefacts in the visitor centre.
READ ALSO: What is the most accessible attraction in the UK?
Disabled Facilities and Access at Stonehenge
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - The team at English Heritage has created a video for disabled visitors, showing you what you can expect and experience before visiting if you have limited mobility. A great way to put cautious minds at ease before you even arrive. Read more detailed information on their access page.
Seaside
Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton
As one of Britain’s’ most iconic beach destinations, Brighton Palace Pier is on many people’s holiday wish lists. The attractions and arcades along the pier can keep you entertained for days, or you can head further afield and explore this beautiful British seaside city.
Filled from end to end with rides, attractions, and traditional seaside food, all of your senses will be engaged. Have some fresh doughnuts, go to the Palace of Fun and play the arcade games or have a drink at one of the bars.
The team at Brighton Palace Pier told us why it is important to them that the pier is as accessible as possible: “It is really important that our attraction is accessible to everyone so that all of the public can enjoy the great benefits and fun of Brighton Palace Pier. We take responsibility for all of our customers extremely seriously.”
They also told us some of the measures they have taken to make sure it is accessible for those with limited mobility and special needs: “The decking on the walkway has been specially augmented for wheelchair access, all facilities are on one level, and all staff are trained on disability awareness. The arcades, restaurants and bars are all wheelchair accessible. We have accessible toilets on both ends of the pier that are also wheelchair accessible.”
Disabled Facilities and Access at Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
- Ramp/level access
Learn more about accessibility at Brighton Palace Pier.
Blackpool Tower, Blackpool
For the traditional northerner’s seaside retreat, you need to look no further than Blackpool and the iconic Blackpool Tower. Full of great attractions for all of the family and one of the best views in Britain, the Blackpool Tower is a must-see for anyone seeking some seaside fun.
Go into the gruesome Blackpool Tower Dungeon, watch a show in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and experience the glass-bottomed Blackpool Tower Eye. You can spend your whole holiday just exploring the many attractions in the tower!
Disabled Facilities and Access at Blackpool Tower, Blackpool
- Wheelchair-friendly
- Wheelchair rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
For more information, you can look at the Blackpool Tower accessibility statement.
Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
When the sun is shining on the gorgeous Bournemouth coastline it can feel like you are abroad in some far-flung destination.
If it’s a day at the beach you are after, Bournemouth won’t disappoint. After a day on the sand, you can eat out at one of the seafront restaurants and enjoy the views over the beautiful beach while the sun sets. All in all, Bournemouth is a lovely place for a relaxed day trip or a dreamy getaway in the sun.
Disabled Facilities and Access at Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Sand chair rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - Sand chairs are available to rent at Bournemouth Beach. These wheelchairs have large balloon-like wheels, which make them easier to push on the soft sand.
For full details on the accessibility of Bournemouth, you can look at the Bournemouth accessibility guide.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The 15 miles of sandy beaches that stretch along the Great Yarmouth coastline are an ideal place to soak up some sunshine. On the most easterly point of the country, this beach is the perfect resort town, with ample attractions and amusements.
As well as the soft sand, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is a popular amusement park that is open all year round with rides, attractions, food and gardens,. Helping to make Great Yarmouth a lovely place to enjoy some fun by the seaside.
Disabled Facilities and Accessibility at Greater Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Sand chair rental
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - Sand chairs are available to rent at Great Yarmouth. These wheelchairs have large balloon-like wheels, which make them easier to push on the soft sand.
Nature & Wildlife
Hertfordshire Zoo, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly known as Paradise Wildlife Park) is a great place to head to for the day if you have limited mobility. The wildlife park is set in a landscaped garden with tarmacked walkways, perfect for wheelchairs.
The park is a great family day out and even has one of the world’s biggest dinosaur exhibits, with over 30 moving dinosaurs. As well as that, the park is home to many brilliant animals, and if you are a big cat lover your appetite will be sufficed with tigers, snow leopards, jaguars, white lions, and Amur tigers!
Disabled Facilities and Access at Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair and rental
- Accessible toilets available
Great accessibility feature - Many of the experiences you can buy at the park are wheelchair accessible. So, if it is your dream to feed a lemur, Hertfordshire Zoo is the perfect place for you.
Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
The Severn Valley Railway glides through the Midlands and some of the UK’s best scenery. Enjoy the rolling hills and winding rivers from the comfort of your carriage as you journey through the country.
Coast through the countryside on this steam engine-powered train and keep an eye out for wildlife on the way. Not only is this a lovely way to travel from place to place, but it is also an activity all of its own for travel and train lovers!
Disabled Facilities and Access at Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
- Accessible carriages
For more detailed information you can visit their access page, including detailed access statements for all of the stations along the route.
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
If you enjoy sea life but want to enjoy seeing it on dry land, consider visiting the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth. The National Marine Aquarium is home to everything from octopi to sharks.
The aquarium is a great place for a family day out and fully equipped for people with limited mobility. It’s also a great place to learn more about what lives in our oceans.
Disabled Facilities and Access at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly
- Wheelchair hire
- Guide dog friendly
- Accessible toilets available
To learn more you can read the National Marine Aquarium’s accessibility statement.
READ ALSO: Grandparents' guide to the National Marine Aquarium
Hopefully this guide has given you a few ideas for a wheelchair-friendly day out this summer. There is so much to see and do in the UK, including for those with limited mobility.
This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stairlifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.
Image credits: Royal Collection Trust/ © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018, RBG Kew, Hugo Michiels, © HES
This news article is from Handicare UK. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only and are up to date as of the time of publishing