Cracking accessible escapes for Easter

As it’s Easter soon, we thought we’d look at some of the many great accessible attractions around the UK. We’ve put our heads together to choose a good mix with something to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for a fun-filled time or something a bit more relaxing and cultural. Rest assured, no matter if you’re using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, powerchair or have a carer giving you assistance, you’re sure to find a day out that’s just right for you.

Set in the stunning Forest of Dean, the Forester’s Forest is a National Lottery Heritage Fund Landscape Partnership programme that features Walking with Wheels. This exciting initiative allows you to rent all-terrain electric mobility vehicles, called Trampers, for just £2.50 an hour from The Speech House and Forest Holidays, Christchurch. Using these, you can then explore beautiful fully accessible routes within the forest.

Set sail for the Royal Yacht Britannia and take a look around what was once a floating palace. This unique attraction gives you an insight into what life was like for the Royal Family as well as the many staff who lived and worked on the yacht. There’s wheelchair access throughout the entire boat. Wheelchairs can also be hired from the visitor centre if needed as larger electric wheelchairs might struggle in some of the narrower areas.

Have a splashing time at the Sandcastle Waterpark on Blackpool’s seafront. An award-winning, accessible attraction, it’s one of the UK’s largest indoor waterparks with waterslides, pools and a wave-machine, all set in an 84-degree tropical climate. The waterpark’s facilities include accessible changing rooms and toilets, as well as four adjustable accessible woggles (a type of long float), a movable changing bench and three accessible wheelchairs. There are also water ambassadors with accessibility training who can help guests into the pools and around the facilities

This world-famous open-air living museum transports you back in time as you experience North East life in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. You can try freshly-made bread in the Edwardian Bakery, have your hair done in a 1950s style, discover what life was like on the Home Front during the Second World War and much, much more. There’s a designated car park for Blue Badge holders with excellent access, and a fully accessible bus to transport visitors around the site. In addition, all staff have disability-awareness training, and both wheelchairs and motorised scooters are available for hire.

This is the place for space. As Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility, its domed planetarium uses a state-of-the-art digital-projection system to let you experience the wonders of our universe. Then, you can explore the varied exhibitions and hands-on activities, including touching Ireland’s largest meteorite.  The planetarium has a ramped main entrance to all areas of the ground floor. A lift provides access to the first floor and there are designated viewing areas for up to 11 wheelchair users. There’s also an accessible toilet on each floor and a Changing Places facility on the upper floor.

Prepare for truly spectacular scenery along this stunning half mile of Pembrokeshire coast that is wheelchair accessible. Taking around an hour or so there and back, you start from the Parrog (old harbour) car park in Newport and follow the purpose-built trail that skirts the estuary of the River Nevern. Along the way, there’s an ever-changing view of the sea and the mountains. Remember to take a pair of binoculars to spot the varied wildlife.

This award-winning aquarium lets you get up close and personal with an underwater wonderland that includes sharks, stingrays, sawfish, sea turtles and hundreds of tropical reef fish. And let’s not forget the colony of cute Gentoo penguins. The Deep is a fully-wheelchair accessible attraction with ramp access throughout the building. They also offer complimentary use of mobility aids, which includes electric scooters, wheelchairs and walking aids.

If you’ve never been before, this is a must-visit place during any trip to London. And if you have been you won’t have seen everything across the amazing five main collections. From giant dinosaurs to tiny insects, and absolutely everything in between, every creature past and present is here. The museum itself is an accessible environment for all visitors, offering the widest possible access to its buildings, exhibitions and collections. Both entrances on Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road have step-free access. All disabled users, their family members and personal carers can skip the queues to enter. On arrival, simply ask a member of staff at an entrance for assistance.

Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss discovering the history of chocolate and the Cadbury family through fun interactive attractions that include an interactive cinema and tasting experiences. There’s plenty of free accessible parking spaces near the main entrance, which also has as a drop-off point with a dropped kerb. The reception area has desks with a low-level section and priority queues for visitors with disabilities. All floors are accessible by lift, as well as accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. A manual wheelchair-accessible car is available on the Cadabra ride, while the 4D Chocolate Adventure has two wheelchair spaces.

We hope you find our list of accessible attractions useful over the Easter break and you get a chance to visit at least one of them. We’d always recommend checking the latest accessibility information on each attraction’s website, and to see what special Easter events are planned. 

Have a great break!