If you have a wheelchair accessible vehicle the world is still your oyster.  You don’t have to be restricted to staying at home!  If you have limited mobility you can still get out there and explore and adventure.  Many attractions cater for wheelchair users and go to great lengths to make sure they can accommodate them.

So although disabilities can impact your life in so many different ways, you can still get out there and enjoy life. Just bare in mind a disability might increase your cost of living or prevent you from working like you once did. Having read the Individual Disability Insurance: 2020 Ultimate Guide – Breeze has made me realize just how life changing disabilities can be. It is worthwhile having an insurance plan in place to cover every possibility. So if something does happen you still have enough money to continue to do the things you love whether its exploring castles or heading to a theme park!

Before I list a few attractions that I think make the most accessible days out, make sure you have answers to the following before choosing where to go.

Carers Admission

Some attractions offer free entrance for essential carers when you show ID such as your blue badge or disability living allowance letter.  Then you don’t have to worry about the cost of bringing someone along to help you.

Car Parking

Check that there is adequate designated car parking for those with accessibility needs that is close to the attraction entrance.

Facilities

Portable ramps make attractions more accessible when they are in listed buildings, check that the attraction has access to these.  Newer attractions should already have ramps built in.  Many attractions have a limited supply of manual wheelchairs available to their guests.  Also make sure the toilet facilities cater for your needs, if you need a changing bed or a ceiling lift bear in mind that not all attractions will have everything available.

Busy Times

Even spacious places can get crowded at peak times.  Check with the attraction when is best to visit.  Marwell Zoo list the times sections of their park get busy so you can work your visit around that.  For example avoid the gift shop in the hour before the attraction closes.

The Telegraph listed Britain’s 20 most accessible tourist attractions, so that might be a good starting point when planning where you would like to visit.  We have enjoyed visiting some of those attractions so its good to see them through the eyes of someone with accessibility needs because unless you are a wheelchair user you don’t realise quite how difficult it can be.

Cadbury World

Cadabra ride has a specially adapted mobile car, so those with accessibility needs don’t have to miss out!  There are also two wheelchair spaces at the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema.  But do let them know in advance if you plan on visiting, they only allow two wheelchair users entry into the tour every 20 minutes.  So, if you haven’t booked in advance you could experience considerable delays.

The Chill Factore

Chill Factore was another favourite day out of ours so I am delighted to hear they work with the Disability Snowsports UK (DSUK) so you can get involved in adapted snowsports.

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle let wheelchair users in free of charge alongside their carers which is more than most attractions offer.  I love exploring this castle as we are Cadw members, so I am glad to hear they do more to welcome those with accessibility needs.  They have made a purpose-built ramp so you can explore the walls just not top of the castle.

Hopefully you feel ready to set off on an adventure now!  Don’t let anything hold you back.