Wheelchair-friendly days out

By Debbie North

Published: Thursday, 19 January 2023 at 12:00 am

Plan your next adventure with our guide to the best days out for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair and pushchair users.

Our guide explores a range of places and activities throughout Britain, all suitable for people with limited mobility. Try birdwatching, visit a country garden, take a boat trip or camp out beneath the stars.

Where possible, it’s always a good idea to phone ahead of your visit and check what facilities are available and the condition of trails.

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Wheelchair-friendly places to visit/Credit: Getty

 

Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in England

West Yorkshire – enjoy an audio tour at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve

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Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve in spring/Credit: Geograph

Nestled in the Calder Valley, between Brighouse and Elland is Cromwell Bottom Local Nature Reserve (LNR). The reserve is wheelchair-friendly, and the paths are mainly smooth with no steep gradients. A RADAR key is needed to fully open the gate for easier access. An audio tour is available from Natural England: Cromwell Bottom LNR.

Elland Road, Brighouse , West Yorkshire, HD6 2RW.

Merseyside – discover wildflowers and autumn leaves at Childwall Woods

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Childwall Woods and Field Local Nature Reserve/Credit: Geograph
With accessible paths and trails throughout the Childwall Woods, this 39-acre woodland in the south-east suburbs of Liverpool is a designated local nature reserve. Enjoy the bluebells, marsh orchids and buttercup-covered grasslands. Watch out for a glimpse at the local wildlife with bats, grey squirrels, voles and foxes inhabiting the area.
Childwall, Liverpool, L16 0JJ.

Norfolk – spot seabirds at RSPB Titchwell Marsh

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Titchwell Marsh/Credit: Geograph

The Norfolk coastline is known as the birdwatching capital of England, and it’s easy to see why. Titchwell Marsh is home to resident and migrant seabirds and a plethora of marine life. There are freshwater lagoons, saltmarshes, woodlands and wide sandy beaches to explore, with fabulous views across the Wash. Main Road, Titchwell, King’s Lynn, PE31 8BB.

South London – become a birder at Watermeads Nature Reserve

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Watermeads Nature Reserve/Credit: Geograph

Opened to the public in 2015, this National Trust nature reserve was hidden behind locked gates for 100 years. The wetlands AT Watermeads Nature Reserve provide a natural haven for an abundance of wildlife including kingfishers, herons and dragonflies. The paths around the reserve are mainly level and suitable for wheelchair users.

Bishopsford Road, Morden, SM4.

Northumberland – visit Cragside House and Gardens

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Gardens at Cragside/Credit: Getty
Cragside is a gorgeous house with an interesting and unique historical background. Some of the paths are a little rough, but the National Trust offers a shuttle bus from the carpark and wheelchairs are available to hire. Facilities include: car park, toilets, shop and tearooms.

Lake District – boat ride on the Lakes

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Coniston Water at dawn/Credit: Getty
The Coniston Boating Centre sits on the shores of Coniston Water in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The centre has a boat specifically adapted to accommodate up to three wheelchair users.

Peak District – go camping in the woods

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Stanage Edge – the cliffs were the inspiration behind the camping pod’s name/Credit: Getty

‘The Dreamboat’ pod, named after one of the cliffs at Stanage Edge, offers an easy access camping experience. Facilities include: a height adjustable electric profile bed, a hoist and shower chair/commode and an easy access picnic table.

North York Moors – Visit Whitby Abbey

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Whitby Abbey/Credit: Getty
This ruin is a sight to behold, especially at dawn and dusk when the shell of the building is enhanced by the colours of the low sun. Whitby Abbey itself is worth a visit, with parking available and ramp-access into the abbey. Alternatively, there is a route from the Abbey Fields to Whitby Holiday Park, where refreshments are available. Facilities include: a cafe, shop, toilets, picnic area and parking. Find out more about accessible walks in the North York Moors.

Yorkshire Dales – Test out the Malham Tarn tramper routes

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Malham Tarn sunrise/Credit: Getty

the National Trust has trampers available for hire to explore rougher terrain around the Yorkshire Dales. Their planned routes provide an exciting exploration of the natural landscape.

Norfolk Broads – Boat Trip at Barton Broad

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The River Bure, near Wroxham/Credit: Getty

The Nancy Oldfield Trust offers an array of water sports, such as sailing, canoeing and fishing for those with limited mobility. It is a great opportunity to get out on the water and immerse yourself in the natural environment of Norfolk.

South Downs – visit Bramber

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St Mary’s House and Gardens in Bramber village/Credit: Getty

The historical town of Bramber is a beautifully quaint countryside spot. Part of the National Park’s ‘Miles without Stiles’ routes, this day trip takes you past characterful cottages and a medieval castle.

New Forest – zip Wire at Avon Tyrrell

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Zip Wire at Avon Terrell/Credit: Getty

The Avon Tyrrell adventure centre offers a wide range of sporting acitivies for people with limited mobility. These include: zip wire, adventure course, abseiling, fishing, and more. The centre is especially popular with kids.

Dartmoor – take a leisurely bus trip

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Enjoy the national park on the Easy Going Dartmoor bus tour/Credit: Getty

For a more relaxing trip, take a bus journey through beautiful Dartmoor. If there’s a group of you, why not start a wildlife-spotting competition? The Easy Going Dartmoor bus tour is suitable for wheelchair users or elderly passengers.

Exmoor – explore Dunster Castle’s grounds

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Road leading to Dunster Castle/Credit: Getty
The dramatic castle grounds at Dunster are a great place to visit, especially as a family day trip. There is a transfer bus available from the car park and the wheelchair-friendly routes have been mapped out. There are also mobility scooters available to hire for free, which are specialised for more difficult terrain. Access to the ground floor of the castle is available via a lift. Facilities include: toilets, café and shop.

Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in Scotland

Dumfries and Galloway – drink in loch views at Clatteringshaws

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Enjoy a picnic at Clatteringshaws/Credit: Geograph

A truly accessible experience awaits visitors to Clatteringshaws. Enjoy panoramic loch-side views over the Galloway hills from the visitor centre. Across the water is Merrick (southern Scotland’s highest hill) and the Rhinns of Kells range. From here you can wander alongside the loch to Bruce’s Stone, which is dedicated to Robert the Bruce.

New Galloway, Castle Douglas, DG7 3SB.

Cairngorms – Craigellachie National Nature Reserve

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Craigellachie National Nature Reserve/Credit: Getty

Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is one of nine national nature reserves in and around the Cairngorms. With an accessible route through the silver birch woodland and open glades, this place is the perfect getaway for those seeking peace and tranquillity. The high crags provide a home for peregrine falcons.

Aviemore, Highland, PH22 1PR.

Cairngorms – birdwatching at Loch Garten

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Scots pine trees at Loch Garten/Credit: Getty

Loch Garten at Abernethy is a RSPB-run wildlife centre, well-known for its popular osprey centre. The visitor centre is step-free and level. Facilities include: parking, toilets, café, and shop.

Loch Lomand and the Trossachs – Benmore Botanic Gardens

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Palm House, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh/Credit: Getty

The vibrant gardens at Benmore are a must-see from spring to autumn. The grounds of the gardens are easy access, with wheelchairs available for hire. Facilities include: toilet, café, shop.

Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in Wales

Brecon Beacons – Birdwatching at Talybont Reserve

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Talybont Reservoir/Credit: Getty

The bird hide at Talybont Reservoir is the perfect place to have a restful afternoon doing some birdwatching. The Talybont Reservoir bird hide is close to a wide path, suitable for wheelchairs. Nearest refreshment facilities are in Talybont-on-Usk and toilets in Llansantffraed.

Pembrokeshire Coast – a day in Tenby

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Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire/Credit: Getty

Tenby is a particularly popular coastal destination and has four easy-access beaches. The most accessible are North beach, Chapel beach, and Castle beach, each offering gently sloping ramps. A walk through the pastel-coloured town itself is always a treat, with plenty of eateries available.

Snowdonia – a day at Abersoch beach

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Abersoch beach is popular for water sports/Credit: Getty

There are plenty of beaches on the Welsh coast that are easily accessible. Abersoch is a great example as it is a lovely strip of land, with a gentle ramp offering easy access the beach. Facilities include: parking and café.

Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in Northern Ireland

Carnmoney Hill, County Antrim

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Primroses and bluebells/Credit: Getty

Enjoy an easy access walk around Carnmoney Hill‘s  pond at the foot of the ancient woodland and where 60,00 native trees have been planted. In the spring, primrose, bluebells, and dog violets form a beautiful carpet of colour whilst in the summer there is a glorious display of cornflower and red campion.

Newtownabbey, North Ireland, BT36 6AQ.

Wheelchair-friendly walks

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Discover an easy access walk near you/Credit: Getty

The British countryside comprises many joyous landscapes, from wild Welsh wetlands and great Northern Irish estates to ancient English woodlands and vast Scottish lochs. Within these landscapes, nature presents itself in an intoxicating blend of sights, sounds and smells, just waiting to be savoured.

For wheelchair, mobility aid and pushchair-users, accessing these blissful corners of the countryside isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favourite accessible trails, each specifically chosen for their well-maintained, stile-free paths and gentle terrain.

Where possible, it’s always a good idea to phone ahead of your visit and check what facilities are available and the condition of trails.

Wheelchair-friendly walks

Take to the trail with one of our easy access routes, each planned specifically for those with limited mobility.

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Wheelchair-friendly places to stay

Woodlarks Camp Site, Surrey

Enjoy affordable camping in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Woodlarks – boasting 12 acres of woodland and field, along with accessible support buildings with modern showers and toilets –caters for any level of disability. Take on the zip wire, the wheelchair swing and the trampoline, or sit back in the bird hide and spot your favourite avian species.

Address: Woodlarks Camp Site, Tilford Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 3RN

Hertford Ready Camp Glamping, Hertfordshire

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RSPB Rye Meads/Credit: Paul Farmer, Geograph

If you’re not one for roughing it but still like the idea of sleeping outdoors, why not upgrade to a glamorous safari tent in the Hertfordshire countryside? Ready Camp Glamping offers just that – all the perks of a night in the wild, but with a few home comforts to match. While you’re there, head over to RSPB Rye Meads (pictured), a wetland reserve with disabled toilets, parking and accessible tracks.

Address: Mangrove Rd, Hertford SG13 8AJ

Crowden Glamping, Derbyshire

Set in the midst of the Derbyshire countryside, this glamping site offers a comfortable retreat for people with limited mobility. After a day of exploring the spectacular surround landscape, head back to Crowden and your Ready Camp tent, fit with a furnished lounge, dining area, bedrooms and mini kitchen.

Address: Crowden Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Woodhead Road, Crowden, Glossop, SK13 1HZ

Annie’s Cabin, Shropshire

Stay in a hand-built Finnish-style log cabin set among meadows on the outskirts of Ludlow. Annie’s Cabin has disabled facilities incorporated into the design, with level access throughout, a wet room and wide doors. This rustic retreat is the perfect base for exploring the Shropshire Hills – Why not try the Long Mynd all-ability trail?

Littlesea Holiday Park, Dorset

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Chesil Beach/Credit: Getty

Littlesea’s caravans are customer designed for wheelchair users, with extra space, two bedrooms, shower chair and wheel-in shower. The park is located right on the south coast opposite the vast pebble bank of Chesil Beach, a spectacular sight regardless of the season.

Address: Lynch Ln, Weymouth DT4 9DT

* For all of our walks and days out, its worth calling ahead to check path conditions and opening times.