Mobility scooter friendly outdoor routes

For those of us who have to use a mobility scooter, it can seem as though the world is much smaller than it was before. While we know lots of places aren’t necessarily mobility scooter accessible, there are plenty of places that are! It’s important to get out and about, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy the natural beauty of the great outdoors – because you deserve to. So, here are a few of our favourite mobility scooter and wheelchair accessible trails, parks and days out in the UK.

Friar’s Crag, Lake District

This scooter friendly and relatively level route begins and ends in the quaint market town of Keswick. Popular due to its breath-taking viewpoints, stunning mountain scenery and picture-perfect vantage points of the lakes, this route is completely accessible for mobility scooters and offers disabled parking spaces in the nearby car park.


Kew Gardens, London

Discover thousands of species of plants, rare greenery, tropical glasshouses, and meadows of wildflowers at this world-renowned horticulture centre. Mostly flat and wheelchair accessible, Kew Gardens is a fantastic day out to connect with nature, learn all about their wide variety of plants, and see the beauty of the natural world – all a stone’s throw away from the centre of London.

Sourton Tor Ice Works, Devon

For those that like a side of history with their outdoor adventures, try the Sourton Tor Ice Works in Devon. Fully accessible, this is a round route that begins at the Meldon Reservoir and finishes at the remains of the Ice Works on Sourton Tor. The remaining mounds that can be seen on Sourton Tor today are all that’s left of the old ice factory that opened in Devon in the 1870s. Ponds regularly freeze over here in the winter months, forming ice that was then broken down and kept in a storage building, before being shipped off to fish trade businesses in Plymouth.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, London

Covering over 750 acres, much of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – the two Royal Parks who share the Serpentine and contain sights to see such as Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and Speakers Corner. It’s mostly flat, but for those who need a little extra assistance, the park offers free Liberty Drives. With pickup from 7 locations across the parks, their volunteers in electric buggies (seating a maximum of five people plus wheelchair facilities) drive around the parks for a half-hour ride. It’s even possible to be dropped off at a specific location in the gardens and be picked up later.

Whitby Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire

Another one that’s great for all the family with an electric mobility scooter, Whitby Nature Reserve makes for a fantastic day out for all involved. With many accessible paths around the lakes, you’ll be able to explore the area with no trouble at all. With fully accessible bird hides you can bird-watch in peace without disturbing the local animals, and get to experience the UK’s wildlife popualtion in its natural habitat.

There’s a cafe and a shop, both of which are wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible, and has plenty of disabled parking spaces. Entry is completely free, and the park is open most days.

Benmore, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

With easy access to the grounds and tours around the park and to the upper levels on the Benmore Explorer vehicle usually available on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2pm (but not at the moment due to the Coronavirus), Benmore’s vibrant gardens are a must-see over Spring and Summer. Mostly flat, with accessible toilets located at the entrance and a wheelchair accessible cafe, this beautiful old garden is a perfect day out for all.

Bramber, South Downs

One of the ‘Miles without Stiles’ routes created by the South Downs National Park, this glorious route takes you through the picturesque village of Bramber. Starting at its medieval castle, you’ll spot storybook cottages and historic buildings along this fully accessible trail. running alongside the River Adur, you’ll find this wide, newly laid path easy to navigate. There are some steeper gradients at points, so be sure to enquire about this before visiting. Keep an eye out for herons and kingfishers on the river!

Tenby, Pembrokeshire Coast

With four easy-access beaches, Tenby is a fairly popular coastal destination. The most accessible are Chapel Beach, North Beach, and Castle Beach, as all offer a slowly declining ramp to the seafront. After chilling at the beach and devouring a healthy portion of fish and chips, you might want to stroll around the seafront and taking in all the pastel homes and do a spot of shopping. The colourful buildings and unique storefronts make Tenby a vintage paradise.

All that is left to do is ensure your mobility scooter batteries are charged and your mobility scooter insurance is up to date, and you are ready to explore the great outdoors!