Accessible attractions you should visit this summer in the UK

The summer holidays are a great time of the year to visit places and attractions as a family. When choosing somewhere to visit, the last thing anyone wants is to feel unable to fully participate in the activities on offer.

Fortunately, attractions are improving their accessibility so that people with limited mobility who need stairlifts or mobility scooters can enjoy these days out just as much as anyone else.

This guide looks at the best accessible attractions that people can visit this summer.

Wheelchair-accessible attractions in the UK

• Caernarfon Castle
• Eden Project
• Life Science Centre
• London Eye
• Cadbury World
• London Zoo
• Riverside Museum
• Roman Baths
• Tate Modern
• Tower Bridge
• V & A Museum
• Brunel's SS Great Britain
• Science Museum

Caernarfon Castle, Wales

This brute of a fortress is physically intimidating and by throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I built what is one of the most impressive castles in Wales. This world heritage site boasts rare polygonal towers, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive example.

While some people may assume that visiting a castle that dates back to the 11th century would not be very accessible, Caernarfon Castle is one of the most accessible attractions in the UK.

Accessibility features for Caernarfon Castle

• The main entrance to the castle can be accessed by a pedestrian ramp which leads to the ticket office.
• There is level access into the castle's inner courtyard and level surfaces, ramps and a lift, meaning those with limited mobility can reach the top of the King's Gate.
• Accessible toilets
• Portable induction loopsFree admission for disabled visitors and one companion.

Find out more about the accessibility of Caernarfon Castle here.

Eden Project

The Eden Project is a global garden, educational charity and social enterprise all in one. There are outdoor gardens, the Mediterranean Biome with its beautiful flower displays and seasonal crops, and the spectacular Rainforest Biome.

The Eden Project is a fun and family-friendly day out, and with so many events planned throughout the year, it is worth checking out the diary.

Accessibility features for the Eden Project

• Accessible parking
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire
• You can hire an all-terrain tramper mobility scooter
• Free carer tickets
• Accessible toilets and Changing Places toilets
• Guide dogs are welcome
• Accessible routes are available

Find out more about the accessibility of the Eden Project here.

Life Science Centre, Newcastle

The Life Science Centre is an award-winning museum and its ever-changing exhibitions and programme of events throughout the year make it a great place to visit this summer.

Visitors can get lost in the stars of the planetarium, enjoy a motion ride and watch incredible live science shows that explore anything and everything from fire to space. The Brain Zone gives visitors the opportunity to explore different aspects of the brain, and the Experiment Zone allows visitors to conduct their own investigations.

The Life Science Centre welcomes people of all ages, and it is renowned for its first-class accessibility.

Accessibility features for Life Science Centre

• Wheelchair access throughout and all levels of the centre are reachable via lifts.
• On-site parking for blue badge holders.Signs are available in large print format for visitors who struggle with their eye-sight.
• Accessible toilets are available on all floors.
• Changing Places facility on the ground floor.
• Free admission for a dedicated assistant.

Find out more about the accessibility of the Life Science Centre here.

London Eye

The  London Eye is one of the top attractions in the capital as it boasts panoramic views over the city and a bird’s-eye view of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the River Thames.

It has since won multiple national and international awards and has become the UK’s most popular paid-for visitor attraction.

The 135m cantilevered observation wheel is very accessible, and people with mobility issues or wheelchair users can thoroughly enjoy the London Eye experience.

It is advised to book a Wheelchair Time slot or book in advance as this will save time on the day.

Accessibility features for the London Eye

• Free tickets for carers.
• Accessible Fastrack entrances for visitors with limited mobility
• The attraction is fully wheelchair accessible (each pod can accommodate for up to two wheelchairs), and mobility scooters can be taken onto the attractionWheelchairs are available to hire, although a deposit of £350 will need to be paid
• Hearing induction loops are available
• Accessible toilets

Find out more about the accessibility of the London Eye here.

Cadbury World

You can enjoy a fascinating, fun-packed day out at Cadbury World and you'll learn how your favourite confectionery is made, have a go yourself at tempering chocolate and add your favourite treat to a delicious pot of warm melted Cadbury Dairy Milk. 

You can also discover the origins of the cocoa bean before jumping onboard the magical Cadabra ride and meeting the infamous Cadbury drumming gorilla.

Accessibility features for Cadbury World

• Free carer tickets
• Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities
• Wheelchair hire is available
• Low-level service desks
• Accessible parking
• A play area designed for wheelchair users
• The shop, café and the majority of the attraction is accessible

Find out more about the accessibility of Cadbury World here.

London Zoo

With more than 750 incredible species and cutting-edge exhibits, the London Zoo is a great day out in the capital for all ages.

It may be the world’s oldest zoo with many old buildings, 12 of which are listed, but it has considerable access for people who struggle to walk around.

Accessibility features for the London Zoo

• Accessible parking is available to Blue Badge holders at the entrance and in the main car park.
• Exhibits like the Land of the Lions has ramps and lift access to its upper walkway, Penguin Beach has ramps, the Tiger Territory is wheelchair-friendly and has a lift to the viewing platform, while the aquarium also has disabled access.
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired from the zoo.
• Changing Places toilets and accessible toilets are available.
• British Sign Language, Audio Described and Relaxed Opening tours are on offer to visitors.

Find out more about the accessibility of the London Zoo here.

Riverside Museum, Glasgow

Located on the banks of the River Clyde, the Riverside Museum is Scotland’s museum of transport and travel and itself is a marvel of design and engineering.

Inside visitors will be struck by the stunning displays. The museum is packed with fascinating exhibits, hands-on interactive displays, and inspiring stories. Outside is where the Tall Ship Glenlee is moored in front of the museum’s south façade.

Highlights for visitors include walking down a re-created 1900s street, the chance to drive a locomotive and an opportunity to experience tackling a tenement fire. With more than 3,000 objects on display, from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams, velocipedes to voiturettes, there is something for visitors of all ages.

Accessibility features for the Riverside Museum

• There is wheelchair access throughout the venue, as there are lifts to all floors.
• Disabled parking bays are available
• Wheelchairs can be hired free of charge
• Accessible toilets and Changing Places toilets are located within the museum.
• Hearing loops are available for visitors whose hearing is impaired

Find out more about the accessibility of the Riverside Museum here.

Roman Baths, Bath

This is not only a fantastic attraction where visitors can learn all about Roman engineering, it is really accessible.

The Roman Baths now have lifts available to visitors and 90 per cent of the site is accessible to wheelchair users.

This is impressive, considering you are exploring a site of extensive ruins and will be walking on ancient pavements like the Romans did 2,000 years ago. Visitors can enjoy an interactive museum and discover plunge pools, ancient changing rooms and what life was like for the Aquae Sulis people.

Accessibility features for the Roman Baths

• Two lifts have been installed and more handrails added that allow visitors to access virtually the whole attraction.
• There is level access from the Abbey Church Yard entrance to virtually all the ground floor areas, including the 18^th-century Pump Room, the Sun Lounge, which overlooks the hot spring and the outside Terrace that overlooks the Great Bath.
• Visitors can hire wheelchairs and a mobility scooter.
• Accessible toilets and Changing Places are located within the venue.
• Audio description is offered to visitors.
• There are BSL trained members of staff.
• Handheld devices with sign language can be used by visitors.

Find out more about the accessibility of the Roman Baths here.

Tate Modern, London

Image Source: Tate Modern © Iwan Baan

The Tate Modern holds the national collection of British art from the 1500s to the present day as well as international modern and contemporary pieces of work.

In total, there are over 70,000 artworks for visitors to see, and these include paintings from world-renowned artists such as Claude Cahun, Juan Usle and Augustus John OM.

Entry into Tate Modern is free, and the gallery is open from 10am-6pm from Monday to Sunday.

Accessibility features for the Tate Modern

• There are handrails alongside stairs and escalators and lifts to all levels of the Tate Modern.
• Accessible parking is available to disabled visitors.
• Wheelchair and mobility scooters can be hired by visitors.
• Accessible toilets are located throughout the venue.
• There are two quiet rooms that neurodiverse visitors can use.
• Assistance dogs are welcome in the gallery.

Find out more about the accessibility of the Tate Modern here.

Tower Bridge, London

The Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic images of London and its history dates back over 120 years.

It is one of the world’s most famous bridges, and since 1982, the Tower Bridge exhibition has told the story of the bridge and why it was built.

On a great summer’s day visitors can see the spectacular panoramic views of the capital and can walk along the Tower Bridge glass floor, which is high above pedestrians and cars on the street. Visitors can also handle objects and smell materials used to build the bridge, watch descriptive films and get involved in interactive games.

Accessibility features for Tower Bridge

• There are five blue badge parking bays available at the nearby Minories car park.
• There is step-free access from Tower Hill station.
• Wheelchairs can be hired.
• Lifts can be used by visitors with limited mobility.
• Accessible toilets are available.
• A companion ticket is free of charge for people assisting disabled visitors.

British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf-led guided tours are available.Find out more about the accessibility of Tower London here.

V & A Museum, London

The V & A Museum is the world’s leading museum of art and design, and its extensive collection comes from all over the world.

Displays include textiles, fashion, Korea, Art Deco, photographs, theatre and performance, paintings, renaissance and South Asia to name a few.

The museum is a great family day out and is a place where everyone is invited to enjoy the power of creativity.

Accessibility features for V & A Museum

• There is wheelchair/step-free access to all areas.
• There are wheelchair-accessible doors and a lift service in the museum.
• Accessible toilets are available.
• Visitors can hire wheelchairs.
• The Museum is set within its own grounds, which are fully accessible.

Find out more about the accessibility of the V & A Museum here.

Brunel's SS Great Britain, Bristol

One of the most accessible historic ships in the world, visitors of all abilities can enjoy Brunel’s SS Great Britain.

The vessel has been restored and has received the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain award for ‘Best Heritage Venue.’ It has also been recognised by the Access Association for its commitment to giving the best experience possible to its visitors.

Accessibility features for the Brunel SS Great Britain

• The Dry Dock, Dockyard Museum, Brunel Institute and ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users.
•  Free entry for an assistant or carer
• Wheelchairs can be hired free-of-charge
• A lift allows access to all deck levels
• Accessible toilets are available
• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome

Find out more about the accessibility of the Brunel SS Great Britain here.

Science Museum, London

The Science Museum is striving to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science and it boasts a world-class collection.

The museum has displays dedication to a variety of sectors including telecommunications, radio communication, electronic components, mathematics, orthopaedics, medicine and computing to name a few.

Accessibility features for the Science Museum

• The museum is fully wheelchair accessible
• There are lifts to all floors
• Wheelchairs can be borrowed in the museum
• Disabled parking is available
• Free carer tickets
• Audio descriptions
• Large print gallery books
• Accessible toilets and Changing Places toilets
• Hearing loops

Find out more about the accessibility of the Science Museum here.

Access guides to attractions to visit this summer in the UK

This guide gives you an idea of some great family days out that can be had across the UK this summer, including museums, zoos, art galleries, and more.

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stairlifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.

Image Credit: Life Science Centre, McAteer (Riverside Museum), Roman Baths, Tate Modern © Iwan Baan, V & A Museum, Hugh Llewelyn.