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Sun, Sea and Accessibility:
The UK's Best Wheelchair-Accessible Beaches

You don’t need to go abroad to have an idyllic seaside experience. With more and more beaches in the UK becoming accessible to everyone, you can find the perfect seaside destination that suits you and your mobility needs along the stunning British coastline. Here are a few of our favourite wheelchair-accessible beaches to visit in England, Scotland and Wales.

Sandbanks Beach

Bournemouth, Boscombe and Sandbanks in Dorset

With seven miles of award-winning sandy beaches, you have plenty of choice when visiting England’s famous coastal resort town. At Bournemouth, Boscombe and Sandbanks, you can hire wheelchairs fitted with balloon tyres from May to September. Mobi-mats are also available at Boscombe Beach, as well as specially designed and fully disabled accessible beach huts with showers, ceiling hoists, change beds and charging points. The wooden boardwalk at Sandbanks Beach also makes it easier to move from the promenade onto the sand. What’s more, all three beaches offer fun-filled activities, from water sports to amusements arcades.

Brighton Beach, Sussex​

This iconic seaside city has plenty for everyone to enjoy. Soak up the lively, vibrant atmosphere, tuck into a cone of chips on the famous Palace Pier or spend hours of fun at the amusements. Better yet, there’s a range of accessible facilities and services at Brighton Beach. There are all-terrain wheelchairs available to hire, plenty of Changing Places toilets and Blue Badge carpark spaces along the seafront. Plus, the beach has a designated wheelchair-accessible area. The flat-surface decking has seating, picnic tables, and sunshades for you to really enjoy your day.

People enjoying a visit to the seaside, sitting on the beach
Summerleaze Beach

Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall​

A hotspot for tourists in summer, Cornwall has stunning beaches by the bucketload. Summerleaze Beach in Bude is a wonderful spot that’s becoming increasingly popular for wheelchair users. You can hire sand chairs in advance from the surf shop, so you can easily access the beach. There’s also disabled toilets, as well as disabled access from the car park, and Blue Badge holders can park for free. You can also rent out beach huts at Summerleaze Beach, many of which are large enough to meet different mobility needs.

Balmedie Beach, Aberdeen, Scotland​

Renowned for its stunning golden sands and clear waters, Balmedie Beach near Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s quietest, most beautiful beaches. But what makes it a real coastal gem is its outstanding commitment to accessibility. A dedicated team of volunteers provide all-terrain wheelchairs to those who need them – for free. There are also adult-changing facilities and Changing Places toilets available. Beyond the wheelchair service, Balmedie Beach has a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy a great summer’s day out.

Balmedie Beach
Broad Haven Beach

Broad Haven Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales

The Welsh coastline boats many beautiful beaches and Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire is a beach that gives a warm welcome to everyone. With its gentle slope and spacious layout, this expansive sandy bay is the perfect spot to peacefully while away the hours. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to hire at the YHA Broad Have at the north end of the beach. They’re comfortable to sit on and have extra-wide wheels that can handle the sand and shallow water. Why not stay a little longer and explore the nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds owned by the National Trust?

Do you have a favourite accessible beach? Share your experiences in the comments on our socials!

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Book a wheelchair accessible vehicle through us and enjoy a short break of your own

If you’d like to enjoy a day out or a short break in the UK, ask us to organise a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) for you and your friends or family.  Our team will arrange the perfect vehicle for your needs. You can hire one of our WAVs for anywhere from one day to one year. Simply click the button below to browse our range of vehicles, or give us a call on 0300 045 4505 to speak to us.

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Shape the Future of Accessible Air Travel webinar

Thursday 7th November 2024

12:00 PM (1hr event)

Join Open Road Access and the Rights on Flights campaign for a crucial discussion which will shape the future of air travel. We need to hear from members of the community to create a plan for change and make accessibility not just a promise, but a necessity.

Register Here