Summer is approaching which means it’s time to start planning your days out.
Karma Mobility knows that for wheelchair users, finding attractions with access to ramps, lifts, accessible toilets and other accessibility requirements is a top priority for your summertime plans.
Luckily, more attractions than ever are improving their facilities to accommodate wheelchair users, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the best in the UK.
National Railway Museum
Explore the immersive history of locomotive engineering at the National Railway Museum in York. This accessible attraction combines a static museum with events, activities and exhibitions to create a fantastic day out for anyone with limited mobility.
Access:
- Accessible parking
- Step free access across the full site
- ‘Borrow a wheelchair’ service
- Accessible toilets and changing facilities
- Guide and assistance animals welcome
- Braille maps and ear defenders available
Life Science Centre
Life Science Centre in Newcastle brings the wonder of science to all, including wheelchair users. With a wide range of activities suited to all ages and abilities, this attraction is the perfect family excursion.
Access:
- Accessible parking
- Free admission for carers
- Accessible toilets and Changing Places facility
- Lifts and ramps on all floors
- Wheelchair loan during your visit
- Induction loop, sensory bags and ear defenders available
- Guide and assistance dogs welcome
Kenilworth Castle
Castles can be tricky to navigate for wheelchair users but Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire has put plenty of provisions in place to ensure those with disabilities feel welcome. The beautiful castle is over 900 years old and is one of England’s largest historical sites, complete with fully accessible Elizabethan gardens.
Access:
- Accessible toilets
- Guide and assistance dogs welcome
- Limited access to upper floor
- Full access to garden, lower levels and Leicester’s Gatehouse and exhibition
Cadbury World
Birmingham is home to Cadbury World, a wacky accessible attraction that draws the attention of chocolate lovers to a self-guided exhibition tour. Witness the production process, experience a 4D chocolate adventure and stuff your face at the chocolate shop.
Access:
- Accessible parking
- Low level counters and exhibits
- Ramp and lift access
- Accessible toilets on all floors
- Select rides adapted for wheelchair users
- Free carer ticket
- BSL included on video screens across the tour
The British Museum
Located in London, the British Museum exhibits over 2 million years of local, global and cultural history. Explore all 3 floors, 7 days a week using your own or a museum allocated wheelchair.
Access:
- Accessible parking
- ‘Borrow a wheelchair’ service
- Mobility scooters welcome in the museum
- Staff available for assistance
- Accessible lifts including braille and audio announcements
- Accessible toilets
- Guide and assistance animals welcome
- Induction loops, braille booklets and sensory support backpacks available
Sandcastle Waterpark
Float around Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool from the comfort of water accessible wheelchairs. Water Ambassadors are available to provide training and support to disabled visitors so that you have the splash of your life.
Access:
- Low level access
- Changing Places facility
- Water accessible wheelchairs available
- Accessible toilets available
- Braille signage
- Hearing loops and ear defenders available
Waddesdon Manor – Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor is situated on lush grounds in Buckinghamshire that can be accessed from the carpark via a fully accessible shuttle bus service. Admire the stunning antiques and classical architecture of the manor, explore the vast gardens and take a trip to the aviary; there’s something for everyone at Waddesdon.
Access:
- Blue badge parking
- Free entry for carers
- Accessible toilets
- Fully accessible shuttle bus service
- Guide and assistance dogs welcome
- Seated areas throughout the house
SS Brunel
Climb aboard the SS Brunel in Bristol. Renowned for being Bristol’s number 1 attraction, the SS Brunel is steeped in wartime history and engineering brilliance for you to witness. Using special wheelchairs provided for easy access, you’ll be able to explore the decks of the ship, no matter what your mobility needs are.
Access:
- Lifts and step free access
- Special wheelchairs available to borrow
- Free access for carers
- Guide and assistance dogs welcome
- Calm sensory sessions available to book
- Accessible toilets in the museum
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theatre is not only a famed cultural landmark, it continues to run productions of the playwright’s most beloved works.
Access:
- Wheelchair access
- Induction loops available
- Guide dogs welcome
- Audio described performances available
- BSL interpreted performances available
- Wheelchair accessible guided tours
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
For a wild day out in Yorkshire, visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park, one of the top accessible attractions in the UK. This walkthrough park is equipped with fully accessible pathways across the full site so wheelchair users won’t miss a single animal on their journey.
Access:
- Manual wheelchairs available to pre-book
- Accessible toilet and Changing Places facility
- Fully accessible pathways across the full site
- Seating areas throughout the park
- Wheelchair wash stations
- Guide and assistance dogs welcome
- Mobility scooter hire
Eden Project – Cornwall
Dreaming of an indoor forest that has been transformed from a former clay mine into a tropical paradise? Visit the Eden Project in Cornwall. The incredible feat of biological engineering is a spectacle that is available to investigate using powered wheelchairs provided by the Eden Project team.
Access:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Free access for carers
- Manual and powered wheelchairs available to borrow
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Braille guide book available
Oxford Botanic Garden
Oxford Botanic Garden is situated just off Oxford High Street, making it easy to find and access. Glass Houses enclose tropical plant species, the Herborium Room homes rare botanical treasures and The Walled Garden has been growing since 1621. Engulf yourself in rare and herbaceous nature.
Access:
- Easy access from Oxford City Centre
- Accessible toilets and changing facilities
- Parking map available
- Assistance dogs welcome with identification
- Wheelchair available for public use
- Benches scattered around the site
To unlock more information on wheelchair accessible attractions in the UK, or for advice and guidance from the Karma community, follow Karma Mobility on social media.