{"id":23048,"date":"2023-01-19T10:17:56","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T09:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=17487"},"modified":"2023-01-19T13:37:19","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T12:37:19","slug":"wheelchair-friendly-days-out","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/wheelchair-friendly-days-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Wheelchair-friendly days out"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Debbie North\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 19 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Plan your next adventure with our guide to the best days out for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair and pushchair users.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Where possible, it\u2019s always a good idea to phone ahead of your visit and check what facilities are available and the condition of trails.<\/p>\n

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Wheelchair-friendly places to visit\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in England<\/h2>\n

West Yorkshire \u2013 enjoy an audio tour at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve<\/h3>\n
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Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve in spring\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Nestled in the Calder Valley, between Brighouse and Elland is Cromwell Bottom Local Nature Reserve<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

Elland Road, Brighouse , West Yorkshire, HD6 2RW.<\/p>\n

Merseyside \u2013 discover wildflowers and autumn leaves at Childwall Woods<\/h3>\n
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Childwall Woods and Field Local Nature Reserve\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n\n
With accessible paths and trails throughout the Childwall Woods<\/a>, this 39-acre woodland in the south-east suburbs of Liverpool is a designated local nature reserve. Enjoy the bluebells<\/a>, marsh orchids<\/a> and buttercup-covered grasslands. Watch out for a glimpse at the local wildlife with bats<\/a>, grey squirrels, voles and foxes<\/a> inhabiting the area.<\/div>\n\n
Childwall, Liverpool, L16 0JJ.<\/div>\n

Norfolk \u2013 spot seabirds at\u00a0RSPB Titchwell Marsh<\/h3>\n
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Titchwell Marsh\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The Norfolk coastline is known as the birdwatching capital of England, and it\u2019s easy to see why. Titchwell Marsh<\/a> is home to resident and migrant seabirds<\/a> 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\u2019s Lynn, PE31 8BB.<\/p>\n

South London \u2013 become a birder at\u00a0Watermeads Nature Reserve<\/h3>\n
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Watermeads Nature Reserve\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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<\/a> provide a natural haven for an abundance of wildlife including kingfishers<\/a>, herons<\/a> and dragonflies<\/a>. The paths around the reserve are mainly level and suitable for wheelchair users.<\/p>\n

Bishopsford Road, Morden, SM4.<\/p>\n

Northumberland \u2013 visit Cragside House and Gardens<\/h3>\n
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Gardens at Cragside\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n\n
Cragside<\/a> 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.<\/div>\n

Lake District \u2013 boat ride on the Lakes<\/h3>\n
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Coniston Water at dawn\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n\n
The Coniston Boating Centre<\/a> sits on the shores of Coniston Water in the heart of the Lake District National Park. The centre has a boat\u00a0specifically adapted to accommodate up to three\u00a0wheelchair users.<\/div>\n

Peak District \u2013 go camping in the woods<\/h3>\n
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Stanage Edge \u2013 the cliffs were the inspiration behind the camping pod\u2019s name\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

\u2018The Dreamboat\u2019 pod<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

North York Moors \u2013\u00a0Visit Whitby Abbey<\/h3>\n
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Whitby Abbey\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n\n
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<\/a> 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.\u00a0Find out more about accessible walks in the North York Moors<\/a>.<\/div>\n

Yorkshire Dales \u2013 Test out the Malham Tarn tramper routes<\/h3>\n
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Malham Tarn sunrise\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

the National Trust has trampers<\/a> available for hire to explore rougher terrain around the Yorkshire Dales. Their planned routes provide an exciting exploration of the natural landscape.<\/p>\n

Norfolk Broads \u2013 Boat Trip at Barton Broad<\/h3>\n
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The River Bure, near Wroxham\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The Nancy Oldfield Trust<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

South Downs \u2013 visit Bramber<\/h3>\n
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St Mary\u2019s House and Gardens in Bramber village\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The historical town of Bramber<\/a> is a beautifully quaint countryside spot. Part of the National Park\u2019s \u2018Miles without Stiles\u2019 routes, this day trip takes you past characterful cottages and a medieval castle.<\/p>\n

New Forest \u2013 zip Wire at Avon Tyrrell<\/h3>\n
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Zip Wire at Avon\u00a0Terrell\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The Avon Tyrrell<\/a> adventure centre offers a wide range of sporting acitivies for people with limited mobility. These include:\u00a0zip wire, adventure course, abseiling, fishing, and more.\u00a0The\u00a0centre is especially popular with\u00a0kids.<\/p>\n

Dartmoor \u2013 take a leisurely bus trip<\/h3>\n
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Enjoy the national park on the Easy Going Dartmoor bus tour\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

For a more relaxing trip, take a bus journey through beautiful Dartmoor.\u00a0If there\u2019s a group of you, why not start a wildlife-spotting competition? The Easy Going Dartmoor<\/a> bus tour is suitable for wheelchair users\u00a0or elderly passengers.<\/p>\n

Exmoor \u2013 explore Dunster Castle\u2019s grounds<\/h3>\n
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Road leading to Dunster Castle\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n\n
The dramatic castle grounds at Dunster<\/a> 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:\u00a0toilets, caf\u00e9 and\u00a0shop.<\/div>\n
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Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in Scotland<\/h2>\n

Dumfries and Galloway \u2013 drink in loch views at\u00a0Clatteringshaws<\/h3>\n
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Enjoy a picnic at Clatteringshaws\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

A truly accessible experience awaits visitors to Clatteringshaws<\/a>. Enjoy panoramic loch-side views over the Galloway hills from the visitor centre. Across the water is Merrick (southern Scotland\u2019s highest hill) and the Rhinns of Kells range. From here you can wander alongside the loch to Bruce\u2019s Stone, which is dedicated to Robert the Bruce.<\/p>\n

New Galloway, Castle Douglas, DG7 3SB.<\/p>\n

Cairngorms \u2013\u00a0Craigellachie National Nature Reserve<\/h3>\n
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Craigellachie National Nature Reserve\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Craigellachie National Nature Reserve<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Aviemore, Highland, PH22 1PR.<\/p>\n

Cairngorms \u2013 birdwatching at Loch Garten<\/h3>\n
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Scots pine trees at Loch Garten\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Loch Garten<\/a> at\u00a0Abernethy\u00a0is a RSPB-run wildlife centre, well-known for its popular osprey centre. The visitor centre is step-free and level. Facilities include:\u00a0parking, toilets, caf\u00e9, and shop.<\/p>\n

Loch Lomand and the Trossachs \u2013\u00a0Benmore Botanic Gardens<\/h3>\n
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Palm House, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The vibrant gardens at Benmore<\/a> are a must-see\u00a0from spring to autumn. The grounds of the gardens are easy access, with wheelchairs available for hire. Facilities include:\u00a0toilet, caf\u00e9, shop.<\/p>\n

Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in Wales<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Brecon Beacons \u2013 Birdwatching at Talybont Reserve<\/h3>\n
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Talybont Reservoir\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The bird hide at Talybont Reservoir is the perfect place to have a restful afternoon doing some birdwatching. The Talybont Reservoir bird hide<\/a> is close to a wide path, suitable for wheelchairs. Nearest refreshment\u00a0facilities are in Talybont-on-Usk and toilets in Llansantffraed.<\/p>\n

Pembrokeshire Coast \u2013 a\u00a0day in Tenby<\/h3>\n
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Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Tenby<\/a> 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\u00a0gently\u00a0sloping ramps. A walk through the pastel-coloured town itself is always a treat, with plenty of eateries available.<\/p>\n

Snowdonia \u2013 a\u00a0day at Abersoch beach<\/h3>\n
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Abersoch beach is popular for water sports\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

There are plenty of beaches on the Welsh coast that\u00a0are easily accessible. Abersoch<\/a> is a great example as it is a lovely strip of land, with a gentle ramp offering easy access the beach. Facilities include:\u00a0parking and caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Wheelchair-friendly places to visit in Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n

Carnmoney Hill, County Antrim<\/h3>\n
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Primroses and bluebells\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Enjoy an easy access walk around Carnmoney Hill<\/a>\u2018s \u00a0pond at the foot of the ancient woodland and where 60,00 native trees have been planted. In the spring, primrose, bluebells<\/a>, and dog violets form a beautiful carpet of colour whilst in the summer there is a glorious display of cornflower and red campion.<\/p>\n

Newtownabbey, North Ireland, BT36 6AQ.<\/p>\n

Wheelchair-friendly walks<\/h2>\n
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Discover an easy access walk near you\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For wheelchair, mobility aid and pushchair-users, accessing these blissful corners of the countryside isn\u2019t always easy. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together a list of our favourite accessible trails<\/a>, each specifically chosen for their well-maintained, stile-free paths and gentle terrain.<\/p>\n

Where possible, it\u2019s always a good idea to phone ahead of your visit and check what facilities are available and the condition of trails.<\/p>\n

Wheelchair-friendly walks<\/h4>\n

Take to the trail with one of our easy access routes, each planned specifically for those with limited mobility.<\/p>\n