18 February 2022

Accessible Days Out in the UK

There are plenty of world-famous attractions across the UK. That being said, not all of them are easily accessible. Whether you want to go see some animals or visit a historical museum, we’ve done some research and put together a list of some of our favourite accessible and wheelchair friendly attractions for days out in the UK, and what you can expect when you visit them.

Cornwall – The Eden Project

Source: Juliesnotebook

Close to the town of St Austell in Cornwall, the Eden Project is a breathtaking ‘global’ garden that showcases the relationship between plants and people. Its most dramatic features are the Mediterranean and rainforest biomes – the latter being the largest rainforest in captivity. There are also outdoor gardens and exhibitions.

The Eden Project is an award-winning accessible attraction. Some of the features mentioned in its accessibility guide include:

accessible walkways
accessible car parks for those in possession of a Blue Badge as well as those who have mobility issues
free entry for carers or personal assistants
assistance dogs welcome
accessible toilets
free-to-use powered wheelchairs
a single all-terrain mobility scooter available for booking
braille guidebook and text reader available

Euan’s Guide, which provides reviews by disabled people for disabled people, gives the Eden Project an aggregate score of 4.5 out of 5.

Devon – Paignton Zoo

Source: Nilfanion

Spread across 80 acres, Paignton Zoo is a natural environmental park with over 2000 animals and a number of attractions, ‘wild’ events and play areas – making it perfect for a fun family day out. The zoo is part of a worldwide network of zoos committed to caring for and breeding rare species.

The zoo’s accessibility page mentions it aims to offer the best experiences to guests, regardless of any physical or non-physical disability, with features like:

Wheelchair access to the majority of their exhibits, shops, and the restaurant. Path slopes are quite gentle, with gradients less than one in twelve.
free entry for carers or personal assistants, provided they are above the age of 12 and the person with a disability has a Blue Badge, disability living allowance letter or P.I.P. award documentation
fully trained assistance dogs welcome
disabled toilet facilities, with the zoo registered with Changing Places, the accessible toilet campaign
dedicated parking spaces for visitors with a Blue Badge or disabled parking permit
wheelchair and scooter hire

Paignton Zoo has an aggregate score of 4.5 out of 5 on Euan’s Guide.

Kent – Turner Contemporary

Source: Poliphilo

A fabulous destination for art lovers, the Turner Contemporary is located by the Margate seafront and is less than a mile away from Margate railway station. The elegant and light-filled exhibition space is the largest in the South East outside of London, hosting plenty of fascinating programmes, events and learning opportunities. Admission to the art gallery is free.

In terms of accessibility, the Turner Contemporary:

is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, ramps and a lift serving all floors
has wheelchairs available for use
has accessible toilets
has accessible parking bays available for people with permits
large print versions of all wall texts are available, along with BSL tours

Turner Contemporary has an aggregate score of 4.5 out of 5 on Euan’s Guide.

Lancashire – Sandcastle Waterpark

Source: P L Chadwick

Located on Blackpool’s famous promenade, less than a mile away from Blackpool South train station, Sandcastle Waterpark is the largest indoor waterpark in the UK. It’s open throughout the year and has water roller coasters, slides, chutes, wave pools, and more – it’s a guaranteed great day for swimming enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. What’s more, it happens to be an award-winning accessible venue with a range of features for guests with physical and non-physical disabilities.

Some of the many accessibility features they provide for guests include:

step-free, barrier-free and level access throughout the park
accessible toilets
Changing Places wet room facility with height-adjustable changing bench and ceiling-track hoist
Water Ambassadors to assist disabled visitors during their visit
floatation aids
Braille signage, plus audio commentary and subtitles for key videos
Familiarisation visits for guests with autism, plus a fast-track queue policy
Quiet Hour at the beginning of each day with minimal announcements and no background music

Sandcastle Waterpark has an aggregate score of 5 out of 5 on Euan’s Guide.

Norfolk – Blickling Estate

Source: Blicking Estate

A great choice for wheelchair accessible days out, Blickling Estate is located in Aylsham and is in the care of the National Trust. There’s a charming 4-mile, multi-use trail adapted for wheelchair users which winds its way through woodlands and farmland. Discover wildlife and historical monuments along the way. There are also plenty of other sights and things to do, including exploring the stately Jacobean mansion, visiting the formal garden that extends across 55 acres, or enjoying a bite at the cafe.

Under their facilities and access page, Blickling Estate confirms it has the following:

level access, ramps, and multi-use trail adapted for wheelchair users
accessible car parking
accessible toilets
wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for hire
lift access and ramps in Jacobean mansion

The estate currently holds an aggregated review score of 5 out of 5 on Euan’s Guide.

North East – Washington Wetland Centre

Source: Oliver Dixon

The Washington Wetland Centre is a wetland nature reserve in Washington, Tyne and Wear. It’s managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, whose goal is to protect wildlife and wetlands while connecting people with nature. There are plenty of scenic paths, woodlands and open spaces to explore, with accessible shelters built for visitors to discover an impressive array of wildlife – from Asian short-clawed otters to flocks of Chilean flamingos. It’s a great destination for those looking to get away from the city, destress and reconnect with nature.

The reserve is built on the principle of making it accessible to all. Some of their accessibility features include:

drop-off space outside of the visitor centre, with 6 designated spaces for free accessible car parking
walkers and 1 manual wheelchair available for use
4 mobility scooters available for hire
mostly level access, with step-free entry to all hides (the Hawthorn Wood hide has a window designed for use by wheelchair users)
disabled toilet and accessible compost toilet
reserved position for wheelchair users at the pond dipping area
fully trained assistance dogs welcome

All WWT wetland sites have aggregate scores that are consistently above 4 out of 5 on Euan’s Guide.

North West – National Football Museum

Source: Ank Kumar

The National Football Museum is a great option for football fans. It’s located in the striking Urbis building in the city centre of Manchester and is under a mile away from Manchester Piccadilly train station. Recognised by Arts Council England as having a Distinguished Outstanding Collection, the museum is spread across 4 floors with areas dedicated to exhibitions, activities, and displays of football artefacts and archives. Free museum tours are included in the price of admission.

In terms of venue access for wheelchair users and people with other access needs, the museum has the following:

automatic doors at the main entrance
lift to all floors, ramps to all raised areas
accessible toilets
wheelchairs available upon request
disabled parking spaces in nearby National Car Parks

It also has an induction loop and large print guides available upon request.

Scotland – Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Source: Ham

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is only a mile away from the city centre and spans 70 acres of beautiful landscape. Formed in 1670, it is the second oldest botanic garden in the UK and has a rich history and vast plant collection for visitors to explore. Garden highlights include the Rock Garden, Alpine Houses, an Arboretum, Rhododendron collection and the Scottish Native Plants collection. In addition to the collection and its various exhibitions, there are also plenty of activities including on-site health and wellbeing projects.

Some of the wheelchair-friendly features of the Royal Botanic Garden include:

Blue Badge parking spaces
step-free, level access
accessible toilets
mostly accessible routes with ramps (those paths which are wheelchair accessible are sign-posted)
6 motorised scooters and 2 wheelchairs for visitors to use
lift access to the restaurant, library, Herbarium and outdoor terrace

The site also offers BSL Seasonal Garden Tours, a hearing loop at welcome points and the option to bring fully trained assistance dogs.

Sussex – Drusillas Park

Source: DZP

A fun trip for the whole family, Drusillas Park is a zoo in Alfriston, East Sussex, that’s spread across 10 acres and is specially designed to create memorable experiences for young children. In addition to the zoo, events, play areas and rides, there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy including being a zookeeper for the day, having close encounters with some of the animals, and feeding the penguins.

Their access statement outlines:

disabled parking on level ground close to the entrance
accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility
completely wheelchair accessible with level surfaces and ramps
wheelchairs available for hire
accessible seating at the cafe
1 carer or personal assistant may enter free of charge (as long as evidence of a DLA, PIP or an Attendance Allowance is provided)
ride access to give wheelchair users or people with mobility issues priority access

For visitors with other access needs, hearing induction loops are fitted across the site and signage is available in large print and contrasting colours.

Drusillas Park also gives priority access to their SPARK sensory play area, to SEND visitors and their families. The first play session of each day is reserved for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

West Midlands – Cadbury World

Source: Rept0n1x

Cadbury World is another great option for the family. It’s located in Birmingham, under a mile away from Bournville train station, and offers a self-guided exhibition tour that tells the history of chocolate and the Cadbury business. Entertainment events are included in the cost of entry, and you have access to a variety of activities including the chocolatier experience and a chance to get hands-on by piping and tempering chocolate. It also has the world’s largest Cadbury shop.

Some of their accessibility provisions include:

accessible car parking spaces
level access, with a permanent ramp to the main entrance
automatic doors
lift to all floors
Changing Places toilet
members of staff have disability awareness training
display information set low for wheelchair users
hearing loops, some staff trained in BSL
display information available in both audio description and BSL formats
free entry for one carer or personal assistant

Cadbury World has an aggregate review score of 4.9 out of 5 on Euan’s Guide.

Yorkshire – Royal Armouries Museum

Source: Geni

Under a mile away from Leeds train station, the Royal Armouries Museum contains the UK’s national collection of arms and armour. There are 5 galleries with more than 4500 objects on display – offering an immersive experience through which you can learn how arms and armour have influenced the country’s culture down the ages.

There are live combat demonstrations that take place every day to showcase how historic arms and armour were used. Some of the highlights from the collection include a full-size all-metal elephant armour, the ‘Hornet Helmet’ presented to Henry VIII in 1514, and the Tula Garniture – weapons which belonged to the Empress of Russia, Elizabeth Petrovna, from 1752.

The museum’s accessibility features include:

accessible parking spaces
level access, step-free paths
wheelchairs available to borrow
all galleries are accessible via lifts, with operation buttons at a height suitable for wheelchair users
accessible toilets (that being said, the toilets do not fully meet current disabled access standards and are 200mm shorter than recommended)
assistance dogs welcome

On Euan’s Guide, the Royal Armouries Museum has an aggregate review score of 4.7 out of 5.

These are just a few of the great options available throughout the UK for wheelchair-friendly and accessible days out, and accessible attractions suited to visually impaired and hearing-impaired visitors, among other needs. If you know of other destinations that deserve a mention, let us know!
For more travel information and inspiration, take a look at our tips for transporting mobility scooters by train, and our guide to great wheelchair accessible pubs across England.

14 February 2022

The Best Wheelchair Accessible Pubs in London

Whether you’re looking to catch the game or share a few cocktails with friends, there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly pubs in London. Here are a few of our favourites!

Whether you want a quiet pint or a good Sunday roast we’ve rounded up information on London’s best wheelchair-accessible pubs to make it easier than ever to find a great place to go. We know that for people with accessibility needs, finding places to go can feel quite daunting, however, there are plenty of venues that are disability-friendly, offering easy access for wheelchair users alongside a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

We’ve handpicked our favourite watering holes across the capital, ranging from traditional British pubs to more upmarket cocktail bars. Cheers!

North London

Smokehouse, Highbury & Islington

63–69 Canonbury Rd, Islington, London, N1 2DG

As the name suggests, Smokehouse specialises in smoked food, using a charcoal grill to produce innovative barbecued dishes. It works with ethical farmers and growers across the country to source the best ingredients. The beer list is extensive – consisting of more than 80 options – and it only serves wine from independent, family-run vineyards. It’s the ideal spot for a celebratory meal!

Although there’s a step up to the building, the venue has a portable ramp to enable access for wheelchair users. It also has accessible toilets and is able to arrange tables to accommodate wheelchairs. Smokehouse is located 300 yards away from Highbury & Islington Station (which has step-free access) down Canonbury Road.

South London

The Old Brewery, Greenwich

The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9LW

This quirky, spacious gastropub is located within The Old Naval College, in the heart of Greenwich’s UNESCO-designated maritime district. It boasts an extensive drinks menu of craft spirits and cask ales and serves British dishes using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The roasts in particular get rave reviews!

The Old Brewery also scores highly in terms of accessibility, with ramp access and ample room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre. There are accessible toilets both in the dining room and on the picturesque outside terrace. The pub is located a five-minute walk from Cutty Sark DLR Station, which offers step-free access. You can also arrive via public riverboat service, docking at nearby Greenwich Pier.

The Founders Arms, South Bank

52 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9JH

The Founders Arms is the perfect pit stop after you’ve been to visit the Tate Modern or explored the South Bank, with views across the River Thames. It dishes up traditional pub grub and is renowned for its brunches and Sunday roasts.

There are several entrances into the pub, one of which has ramp access. While there’s a step down to the restaurant, the bar area is accessible by wheelchair – there’s also an accessible toilet. To reach The Founder’s Arms travel to step-free Blackfriars Station and cross over Blackfriars Bridge.

East London

The Alchemist Bevis Marks, Aldgate

6 Bevis Marks, Aldgate, London, EC3A 7BA

If you like to enjoy extravagant cocktails in opulent surroundings, then you’ll love The Alchemist Bevis Marks! Sip on drinks that smoke and even change colour (there’s an excellent wine list for those less inclined towards the theatrical). There’s also a very reasonably priced world cuisine menu, which includes everything from hot skillet boards to bao buns.

There is step-free access both at the entrance and to reach the bar. There is also a lift to reach the second floor, with a large accessible toilet located next to it. While the pub is spacious, making an advance booking will ensure that your table is fully wheelchair accessible.

The pub is located about five minutes from Liverpool Street tube and rail stations, both of which have step-free access.

Central London

The Moon Under Water, Leicester Square

28 Leicester Square, West End, London, WC2H 7LE

George Orwell once described his ideal pub in writing, naming it The Moon Under Water. And this Wetherspoons comes pretty close, with its central location and affordable menu. It has a varied drinks list too, with everything from British craft gin to German wheat beers.

At the main entrance, you’ll find a permanent ramp with a slight gradient. There’s a portable ramp at the Leicester Square entrance, and you’ll find a member of staff to assist you. There’s step-free access to the accessible toilet, which you’ll find at the rear of the venue. The pub also has tables that are suitable for wheelchair users – book in advance to be sure of getting one.

It’ll take you around fifteen minutes to get from the nearest accessible station, Green Park, but the route itself is wheelchair friendly – it’s straight down Piccadilly.

The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road

234-236 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7QN

The Jack Horner is a traditional London boozer with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Being a Fuller’s pub, you’ll be assured of decent cask ale, but it also has an extensive wine list. It serves up good old fashioned pub grub – the handmade pies are particularly popular.

The pub has a step-free entrance and an accessible toilet. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Tottenham Court Road, one of the few step-free stations in Central London.

West London

Greenwood, Victoria

170 Victoria St, London SW1E 5LB

The Greenwood is the ultimate pub for watching a sports game, with giant HD screens and plenty of space for groups. It has an affordable (for London) menu of pizza, burgers and other comfort food, and drinks include everything from craft beer to themed sports cocktails.

The pub is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and welcomes people with accessibility needs. The main entrance has level access and automatic doors, making it very easy to get inside, while the accessible toilet also has step-free access. You’ll find it directly opposite Victoria Station – it’s the perfect spot to grab a pint before you catch a train.

Railway Tavern, Richmond

28, 29 The Quadrant, Richmond TW9 1DN

The Railway Tavern prides itself on its selection of regional ales, craft gins and whiskies. You can indulge in British classics such as pies, burgers and fish and chips – make sure you leave room for dessert! The tavern shows rugby, cricket and football features, and is a great place to watch that important game.

Wheelchair users will enjoy level access to the venue, and there’s ample room to navigate inside. There is also level access to the accessible toilet, which is located near the main entrance.

The pub is located right next to Richmond, a tube and train station with step-free access options.

These are our favourite wheelchair-friendly pubs in London, but we’re sure there must be plenty more we haven’t yet visited! If you have any favourites, we’d love to hear about them! And if you’re travelling further afield, do check out our guide to the best wheelchair accessible pubs in England.

03 February 2022

Tips for Transporting a Mobility Scooter by Train

Train travel is one of the best ways to see the country, and by legal requirement, it’s accessible to all passengers. However, each train operator has a slightly different policy for transporting mobility scooters. We’re here to help you stay well informed about mobility scooters on trains, and feel empowered to travel.

In this guide, we’ll be taking you through the mobility scooter policies of different train operators in the UK. We’ll be covering everything from weight restrictions to pre-departure permits, as well as providing you with some handy travel tips.

Source: @modernafflatus

Are mobility scooters allowed on trains?

Mobility scooters come in all shapes and sizes, and each train operator has a different policy concerning the weight, measurements and class of scooters that can be accommodated.

Weight and measurement restrictions for mobility scooters

Most train companies will allow a scooter that measures within 1200mm x 700mm, which matches government requirements for wheelchair users. Scooters that are larger than this can sometimes be folded and stored as luggage.

The maximum permitted weight for transporting a mobility scooter (when carrying the occupant) is often 300kg, a figure based on the maximum operating load of the ramp. However, there are some operators which have a lower maximum weight limit.

Island Trains – a line operating on the Isle of Wight – allows a maximum weight of 230kg for both scooter and occupant. For up-to-date information on mobility scooter weight restrictions for your chosen train line, visit the National Rail page on Wheelchairs and Powered Scooters.

Further restrictions for mobility scooters

Some operators have further restrictions for the type of scooters that can travel on trains. For example, Transport for Wales requires mobility scooters to have freewheel/brake release, an anti-tipping device and a turning radius not exceeding 900mm.

Many operators – including Great Western Railways, TransPenine Express and Northern Railways – only allow class 2 mobility scooters onboard their trains.

We recommend checking with your train provider in advance of travel to make sure that your scooter fits the requirements. The National Rail list of mobility scooter requirements for each operator includes relevant contact details.

Source: Ann H

Permits and pre-booking for mobility scooters

It’s important to check in advance whether you need a permit to travel with a mobility scooter. Some train operators require that you apply for a permit in advance of travel, so they can assess whether your scooter meets their travel requirements.

Northern Railways, Southwestern Railways and EMR are three operators who all require a permit for scooter travel. TransPenine Express suggests applying for a scooter card – you can travel without one, but then you’ll need to fold and store your scooter as luggage.

Although all these rules and regulations may seem daunting, each train operator offers clear guidelines as part of their accessible travel policy. As long as you check these in advance of your journey, you can be assured of a stress-free journey.

Tips for Travelling with a Mobility Scooter

Ensure a comfortable and relaxed journey by following these easy tips:

Check with your train provider regarding their policies for travelling with a mobility scooter. If your journey is provided by two different carriers, make sure you’ve researched both legs of the journey.

If possible, try booking your trip outside peak hours. You’ll find it easier and more relaxing to board a train when it’s less crowded.

Consider requesting assistance ahead of your journey if you are able to. The Passenger Assistance app means you can let operators know your exact accessibility needs in just a few clicks. Turn-up-and-go options are always available too.

Ensure your scooter is ready for travel. Check that the tyres are pumped up, the batteries charged, and that you have any accessories you might need (such as a rain cover or charger).

Make sure you’re aware of all the different support services on offer that can help make your journey smoother. Our handy guide to assisted train travel in the UK contains a list of helpful resources.

Consider booking travel insurance or scooter breakdown service for extra peace of mind.

And finally, enjoy yourself!

With Passenger Assistance, increasing numbers of travellers with accessibility needs are enjoying train travel, as these real-life journeys show. We’d love to hear all about your experience travelling with a mobility scooter too! Please get in touch if you’d like to share.