Month: April 2023

Accessible Days Out In Yorkshire 

I may be biased, but I think Yorkshire is one of the greatest places in the world. The way I explore these days looks a little different now that I’m a wheelchair user, but here are some ideas for accessible days out across the county… 

The Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey with the suns rays producing a star. Sea mist held back by the cliffs at Sandsend in the background
Source: Daverhead

National Railway Museum, York 

Based just moments away from York Train Station, the National Railway Museum is a great day out. You can explore the stories behind history’s iconic trains and railways, check out the latest exhibitions, and even take a ride on the Road Train up to the Minster. The Museum is easy to navigate via wheelchair and has plenty of other access measures in place too, making a great day out for all the family. 

Meadowhall, Sheffield 

If shopping is more of your scene, it’s always easy to have a good time at Meadowhall. You can easily reach the shopping centre via train or tram, and inside you’ll find a range of high street and designer shops, cafes and restaurants, and a cinema too. It’s all indoors so it’s ideal even when there’s rainy weather, it’s easy to navigate, and if you struggle with walking you can also rent mobility aids from Shopmobility for the duration of your visit. 

The Deep, Hull 

Visiting The Deep allows you to embark on a journey through great oceans, without setting foot outside of good old Hull. You can see stunning marine life up close, engage with interactive displays, and learn more about the importance of conservation in a way that’s enjoyable for all ages. If you travel from certain stations, the Hull Leisure Return can offer a great discount on your train tickets, and The Deep is committed to Access For All. 

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford 

If you enjoy theatre, you may like to know that Bradford Alhambra Theatre is one of the most beautiful venues out there with a rich history behind it. There’s always a great programme of events with matinee and evening shows – award-winning plays, musicals, comedy and more. Bradford Theatres have been a White Rose Tourism nominee for ‘Access For All’, and their Access and Carer Membership scheme may help you access reduced ticket prices for you too. 

Corn Exchange, Leeds 

For those chasing creativity or something a little different, Leeds Corn Exchange is an iconic landmark that will leave you feeling inspired. Inside the spacious building, you can find dozens of quirky shops and enterprises, and there are often events and performances taking place in the centre of it all. It’s a bright and colourful place with a lovely atmosphere where you can happily pass a couple of hours, and though there’s room for improvement, the majority of the site is level access too. 

If you’re keen to explore more of Yorkshire, don’t forget to purchase your train tickets and book your assistance through Passenger Assistance so you’re all set to go. Enjoy your adventure and do let us know what you get up to! 

About the Author

Pippa Stacey is a disabled writer and presenter based in Yorkshire. She also works in communications consultancy in the charity sector and has been named by The Disability Power 100 as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. In her free time, Pippa enjoys theatre, reading, travel, and blogging about her experiences at Life Of Pippa.

Explaining your condition or impairment when on a train 

When using public transport, I’ve found that sometimes I have to explain my disability. More commonly than not, this is when asking for a seat. I want the interaction to be easy and not have to explain my medical history to a stranger! The use of the lanyards and cards mentioned in this blog post could help in all areas of life. 

Here are a few ways you could do this to make these interactions more straightforward; 

Only share what you’re comfortable with 

You don’t owe anyone your medical information. Please only share the information you are comfortable with. If you don’t want to discuss your disability, that’s okay. If you don’t want to use these communication aids, that’s also okay. 

I’d like to think these cards or lanyards shouldn’t be needed, but I know many people find them helpful, myself included. 

Sunflower lanyard 

Hand of a person dragging a suitcase, wearing on the wrist a lanyard of sunflowers, symbol of people with invisible or hidden disabilities.
Source: Carolina Jaramillo

A sunflower lanyard shows others that you have a hidden condition or impairment. It’s dark green with a sunflower pattern. You can get them free at some supermarkets. You can also buy them for under £1 on the Hidden Disabilities website. 

Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard 

I’ve had a sunflower lanyard for a few years now and I find it really helpful. If I’m on a busy train, the lanyard allows passenger assistance to find me more quickly. It’s also a great place to put badges. Some of my badges are disability-related, and some are about my hobbies and other aspects of my life.  

Please offer me a seat 

Train seats
Source: MediaProduction

If you find it difficult to stand while using public transport, you could use a card or badge to let others know you need to sit down. This is a scheme that was started in London.  

Please offer me a seat (Transport for London) 

I have a physical disability, but this can be hidden in certain circumstances. For me, it’s hard to stand for long periods of time. Yet it can be hard to approach a stranger and ask for their seat. I feel like this card would empower me to have more subtle conversations with people.  

JAM card 

I’ve only recently come across the JAM, and it makes sense! If you need more time to do something or find it hard to communicate, the Just A Minute (JAM) card might help. 

JAM card 

It is an easy way to ask others for space or patience when using public transport. You could use this when: 

  • Buying a train ticket 
  • Asking a question at the information point 
  • Boarding the train 
  • Finding your train ticket 
  • Moving out of the way for other passengers getting off the train 

Stickman communication cards 

Stickman Communications really do have something for every disabled person. The idea is to have a card that easily explains your medical needs. There are so many different cards, including condition-specific information.  

Here are a few that I thought were related to train travel: 

Stickman communications 

I hope these things can help when explaining your needs when travelling by train. Don’t forget, you can also pre-book your assistance with Passenger Assistance. You can do this by using the Passenger Assistance app or website form.  

About the Author

Chloe Tear is an award-winning disabled writer, speaker and advocate. In her blog, Chloe Tear, she writes about her lived experiences of being registered blind and having mild cerebral palsy. Chloe also works as a content designer within the charity sector. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring new coffee shops, going to the theatre or playing Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch.