Accessible Days Out and Short Breaks Made Easy with Open Road Access

There are lots of great wheelchair accessible days out for you to enjoy across the UK. From beautiful countryside to historic cities, we’re sharing a handful of our favourites. Many of our picks are completely accessible, whether you use a wheelchair or another type of mobility aid.

If you’re a wheelchair user, you can your family and friends can enjoy on-demand access to wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) nationwide. You can rent a WAV with us from one day to one year, giving you the freedom to enjoy these great days out.

Accessible places to visit in Scotland

Scotland is rich in Gaelic, Celtic and Viking culture, as well as plenty of lovely countryside areas like the Pentland Hills and even Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The beautiful and historic cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling are well worth visiting in your wheelchair accessible vehicle, too.

Glasgow has bags of character and plenty of accessible attractions for you to get out and enjoy. You’ll find an excellent array of , while the city’s many museums and art galleries boast good disabled access.

Edinburgh is quite a small city, making it relatively easy to explore.. If you do decide to take in the sights, there are lots of great places to visit that offer good disabled access, such as the Royal Yacht Britannica moored at Leith and Edinburgh Castle.

Stirling offers a fascinating insight into Scotland’s Scottish history and heritage. Towering above the city is the ancient fortress of Stirling Castle. Despite its elevated position, the castle provides step-free access throughout and a memorable journey through Renaissance Scotland.

If you’re looking for an accessible accommodation, it’s worth checking out Accessible Holiday Escapes. They provide accessibility guides for hotels nationwide, making it easy for you to double-check whether a hotel suits your needs before you book.

Accessible places to visit in and around Central England and the Midlands

From bustling Birmingham to the regency architecture of Royal Leaming Spa and the local produce of Leicestershire’s market towns, the Midlands brim with art, history and gastronomy.

Birmingham

With its luxury brands and independent boutiques, Birmingham is great for shopping. At the world-famous Jewellery Quarter, you can discover the ancient crafting skills that made Birmingham the centre of the British jewellery industry.

With over 200 shops, including Selfridges, Debenhams, and John Lewis, the Bullring and Grand Central has become one of the UK’s most popular shopping centres. With ramps and flat surfaces throughout, it’s an easily accessible place to shop.

There are plenty of other attractions in and around Birmingham, too. Cadbury World gives you the opportunity to tour a real-life chocolate factory, while Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum offers a fun day out immersed in the science of the past and the future. Both Cadbury World and Thinktank offer plenty of disabled parking spaces, and smooth, non-slip floor surfaces that make it easy for wheelchair users to get around the attraction

Shrewsbury

To the north-west, the market town of Shrewsbury is a lovely little town that feels almost like an island, as it is encircled by the River Severn. There are guided walking tours where you can explore the town’s medieval architecture, including the sixteenth-century Market Hall, and the medieval timber-framed black-and-white buildings for which the town is famous. Or head over to Quarry Park, a tranquil riverside park, with lots of accessible footpaths.

Coventry

Coventry has a wealth of attractions for people of all access needs. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is a must-see for art lovers, while the Coventry Transport Museum is home to the largest public collection of British vehicles in the world. Both offer good accessibility for wheelchair-users throughout.

And finally, to north-east of Coventry, in Leicester, you can explore the wonders of outer space at the National Space Centre.

Accessible places to visit in the North West and North Wales

From the UK’s most popular holiday destination of Blackpool to the beautiful coastline of Colwyn Bay through to the North West’s many historic and sporting cities, there’s something for everyone in this corner of the country.

Blackpool Tower, Lancashire

Blackpool has to be one of Britain’s most famous seaside attractions. No matter what the weather, it’s well worth getting in the lift, which takes you some 400 feet up, and enjoying the truly breath-taking views. Then, if you have time, go and enjoy high tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom and admire the dancers taking to the floor amidst the Victorian splendour.

Southport Pier, Merseyside

Another classic seaside town, Southport boasts 22 miles of stunning coastline, and the second-longest pier in Britain. It extends well over half a mile out to sea, and is easily accessible in a wheelchair. Wheel all the way out and you’ll reach the new pavilion where you can play on the penny slot arcades and tuck into fish and chips and candy floss.

RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, Conwy

Not far from Colwyn Bay, RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve is the perfect place to spot black-tailed godwits, shelducks and, occasionally, water rails. The nature reserve is surprisingly accessible, boasting a nice level boardwalk which takes you through the reeds, so you can get up close to the wide varieties of seabirds. Bring your binoculars, and you can easily use the hides and screens that are specially adapted for wheelchair users.

Accessible places to visit in and around London and the South East

Wrapping around London, the South East is ideal to combine with a visit to the capital. Whether exploring the stunning coastline of Kent or visiting London’s iconic landmarks, the region is full of diversity.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Central London

Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, with its iconic dome, is still one of the Capital’s most impressive sights. If you’re a wheelchair user, you can access the cathedral via a lift at the south entrance. Pretty much the entire ground floor has level access and rewards you with a magnificent abundance of carvings, sculptures and mosaics.

Tate Modern, Central London

Just across the Millennium Bridge is a former power station, now one of, if not the world’s largest modern art gallery. Here you’ll find works by famous artists, including Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali. Yet probably the most impressive space is the enormous Turbine Hall, which is typically taken over by one awe-inspiring installation. The building is open, spacious and well-designed for those with access needs.

The Shard, Central London

For just about the best view in London, it’s worth making the trip to London’s highest viewing platform atop The Shard. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views across the city and beyond. The whole building is accessible to wheelchair users, though a couple of small staircases must be navigated by lift.

Kent Downs, Kent

The Kent Downs is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The spectacular natural landscape stretches from Dover’s white cliffs to the Surrey and London border. Follow the hard-surfaced paths and easy access routes and you’ll get to enjoy spectacular views of ancient bluebell woods, rugged coastline and rare grasslands.

Whitstable Harbour, Kent

Built in 1832, Whistable Harbour is a working harbour with a small fishing fleet. It’s a popular haunt for anyone who enjoys eating out, especially fish and seafood lovers. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Whitstable’s native oysters, available at the many stalls that line the harbourside. The concrete surface is reasonably flat, and there is plenty of communal seating where you can soak up the friendly atmosphere.

High Weald

High Weald is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South-East England. Covering over 1400² kilometres, it’s a beautiful rural landscape of wooded, rolling hills, scattered farmsteads and ancient pathways. The network of footpaths, bridleways and byways covers over 2,570km in total. Best of all, you can explore the area at your own pace, thanks to the self-guided walks – free top download – which provide easy-access routes for wheelchair users.

Margate, Kent

The original seaside town, Margate combines old-world charm with modern culture and welcomes all accessibility needs. The wide sandy beach has a café, fresh seafood stalls, and amusement arcades abuzz with happy children in the summer. Thrill-seekers will love the Dreamland pleasure park, while the Turner Contemporary Gallery is not too far away either. Both are accessible for wheelchair users.

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.