6 Best Wheelchair Accessible Holidays in the UK

Planning a holiday as a wheelchair user can prove to be challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be.

At Millercare, we have compiled a list of the top wheelchair-accessible destinations in the UK to brighten up your summer.

From vibrant city life to beach getaways and places brimming with culture, these destinations promise a trip to remember. Better yet, you can embark on a hassle-free journey that promises comfort and inclusivity.

Tips for Planning an Accessible Holiday

When you have chosen your dream destination, make a list of the tourist attractions, restaurants, or shops you wish to visit and contact the company to confirm their accessibility features.

For your accommodation, ensure the building has the necessary facilities, such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms. Choose a hotel closer to the centre or near the attractions you want to see to minimise the need for public transport.

Ensure that you pack all of your necessary medication alongside medical aids and support, including walking sticks, travel mobility scooters, or rollators. If you’re flying, notify the airport of your mobility needs and inquire about their special assistance services.

Top Wheelchair Accessible Destinations in the UK

1. London

The vibrant capital of the UK is the perfect holiday getaway for wheelchair users.

Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, London has highly accessible transport with designated spaces for wheelchairs, and a wide array of parks, including Hyde Park and Regent Park, to soak up the sun.

Some accessible and famous landmarks include:

The London Eye: It provides step-free access and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
The British Museum: This world-renowned museum offers step-free access, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs for hire.
The Tower of London: While some areas of the tower are more challenging to access, many areas are accessible, including the Crown Jewels exhibition and the Medieval Palace.
Covent Garden: This famous shopping and entertainment area has many shops and restaurants with step-free entrances, and the piazza itself is level and wheelchair-friendly.

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, is a popular tourist destination, offering unmatched history, beautiful streets, and rolling landscapes.

With plenty of wheelchair-accessible public transport, you can hop on the bus or tram with a wheelchair to go sightseeing. Edinburgh often hosts world-famous events and festivals, offering accessible venues and captioned performances.

Some famous landmarks that are wheelchair-accessible include:

Edinburgh Castle: While the historic grounds provide some challenges, many areas are accessible, including the Crown Jewels exhibit and the National War Museum.
Holyrood Palace: This is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Holyrood palace has lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets throughout the grounds.
The Royal Mile: Many attractions on this iconic street offer wheelchair access.
Grassmarket: This historic market area now includes step-free access to shops and eateries and smoother pathways for wheelchairs and scooters.

3. Lake District

The lake district is the perfect nature getaway, offering beautiful lakes, stunning towns, and rugged mountains.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has made great efforts to ensure its natural attractions are accessible to all.

Some of its accessible tourist attractions include:

Winlatter Forest Trails: This offers several accessible trails for wheelchair users with smooth surfaces, such as the WildPlay trail and the Altura trail.
Windermere Lake Cruises: Windermere Lake Cruises offers accessible boat rides featuring wheelchair spaces, inclusive toilets, and ramps.
Lake District Country Hotels: Various hotels and inns in the Lake District offer accessible dining and step-free venues, such as the Inn on the Lake and the Lodore Falls Hotel.
The World of Beatrix Potter: This popular attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans. This is a fully accessible venue, with ramps and lifts for wheelchairs.

4. Bath

Bath is renowned for its stunning history, old Georgian architecture, and Roman baths.

Located in sunny Somerset, this is the perfect getaway for wheelchair users, with accessible public transport and beautiful open parks, such as the Royal Victoria Park.

It also offers accessible tours, including sightseeing buses and walking guides that accommodate wheelchair users.

Some wheelchair-accessible tourist attractions include:

Roman Baths: One of the city's most famous attractions, the Roman Baths have step-free access, visual story guides, and wheelchairs to hire.
The Royal Cresent: While this provides some wheelchair challenges, The Royal Crescent Museum provides step-free access to the ground floor, an accessible toilet, and visual and audio guides.
Victoria Art Gallery: This art gallery is fully accessible with step-free access, lifts, and accessible toilets. Plus, there's plenty of great artwork to see.
Milsom Street: Popular for its boutiques and high-end shops, Milsom Street has wide pavements and many accessible entrances.

5. York

Another city rich in historic charm, York offers medieval charm, rich heritage, and a vibrant cultural scene.

York’s public transport system features low-floor buses with designated wheelchair spots and ramps. It also offers a blend of modern and ancient attractions, perfect for history lovers.

It also has some beautiful parks, including the museum gardens and Rowntree Park, where you can sit by the canal, surrounded by animals, nature, and ancient ruins.

Some wheelchair-accessible tourist attractions include:

York Minster: This famous Gothic cathedral offers step-free access, ramps, and lifts to the Nave and the Undercroft Museum.
Jorvik Viking Centre: Experience this popular immersive museum, journeying through Viking history with step-free access, accessible toilets, and sensory exhibits.
York Art Gallery: York Art Gallery features an array of art, step-free access, and seating for wheelchair users or visitors with a disability.
Shambles Market: The Shambles Market is a famous medieval street that resembles the streets in Harry Potter. This street has a market connecting to it which offers wheelchair access and plenty of clothing, food, and antique stalls.

6. Cornwall

Escape by the sea with a relaxing holiday in beautiful Cornwall.

Located in the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall offers picturesque villages, historic sites, and stunning coastlines. It has a great range of accessible public transport, featuring low-floor buses and ramps to get onto vehicles.

Some accessible tourist attractions include:

Perranporth Beach: Beloved for its popular golden sands, Perranporth Beach offers sand wheelchairs for hire, accessible toilets, and dedicated parking.
Eden Project: The Eden Project is one of Cornwall's most popular attractions. This features massive biomes housing a wide variety of plants and is fully accessible, with step-free paths, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs to hire.
Tintagel Castle: This castle offers amazing sights, with a step-free bridge to the island and a Land Rover service for disabled visitors.
Tate St. Ives: This renowned art gallery offers amazing art to browse, with step-free access, lifts, and accessible toilets.

Invest in Travel Mobility Aids with Millercare

At Millercare, our aim is to ensure every customer can travel with ease and security, no matter their mobility needs.

That is why we provide a collection of travel aids for every customer, ranging from travel pillows to swivel cushions and portable car caddies.

We also offer a wide selection of portable wheelchairs and mobility scooters for travel purposes.