UK’s Most Wheelchair-Friendly Tourist Attractions

The UK’s Most Wheelchair-Friendly Tourist Attractions

Your disability should never stop you travelling, but sometimes, it’s just impossible to access a tourist attraction due to stairways and a general lack of disabled facilities. Yet, in the UK, there are 10 million people with a disability, which is why it’s frustrating there still appears to be an issue for wheelchair users accessing tourist attractions.

[ source: wikipedia.org ]

However, thankfully, a number of destinations have made improvements so their attractions are accessible for wheelchair users and people with other disabilities. Below, you’ll find our top pick of these must-visit places:

Science Museum, London

The Science Museum is definitely worth a visit if you’re heading to London. Not only do they provide great wheelchair access all year round but they also offer specialist accessible events throughout the year. What’s more, disabled guests also get discounts for the ODEON cinema, which is on-site, with carers entering free of charge.

Chill Factore, Manchester

At this location in the West Midlands, you can turn your hand to skiing thanks to adaptive equipment that’s been specially produced by a team to protect and support you on the slope. Furthermore, most of this establishment is on the ground floor, but the café and restaurant on the first floor can be easily accessed by a lift. There are accessible toilets, too.

Caernarfon Castle, Wales

If you fancy dipping your toe in history, there’s no better place than Caernarfon Castle. Despite it being hundreds of years old a lot of modern touches have been added to make sure this landmark is accessible for disabled visitors. Complete with a purpose-built wheelchair ramp, there’s access to all the wards. Wheelchair users (and their carers) get free access to the castle – perfect if you want to explore Wales’ history without the hefty price tags.

London Zoo

Finally, for a bit of nature, why not head to London Zoo with its 36-acre site that’s extremely accessible to wheelchair users? Even though no guide dogs are allowed, dogs are permitted to walk around the gardens and volunteers are also on hand to help you around the park. To organise one of these escorts you just need to visit the London Zoo website to book in advance.

Before you travel to any of these places, it’s important to make sure you have the right equipment. Companies like Allied Mobility specialize in wheelchairs that can be easily transported, or motor-driven wheelchairs that give you more independence.

And don’t forget to check out the website of the destination you’re travelling to, just to make sure they can cater for your wheelchair. You might also want to get in touch with them to let them know you’re coming so they can organize additional help if required.