The UK is home to some fantastic family-friendly attractions to fill your day with. Here, alongside Lookers, which has a range of Motability deals available, we take a look at three of the most accessible attractions for you to enjoy, no matter your level of mobility:
For nature lovers: Chester Zoo
A visit to Chester Zoo certainly won’t have you stuck for activities to see and do — the zoo is home to more than 21,000 of the world’s most endangered and exotic animals!
Where will you take in first? In the Dragons in Danger habitat you’ll find one of nature’s fiercest hunters, the Komodo dragon, while a breeding herd of Asian elephants are among the animals who go about their daily lives at the Asian Forest habitat.
Stepping away from the 15 animal habitats, you’ll still have so much exploring to do. Those with a passion for plants will love Chester Zoo’s botanical gardens — all 125 acres of it spread across various themes — while the attraction’s nature reserve is ideal for getting close to local wildlife within a tranquil outdoor space.
Accessible features at Chester Zoo
Speaking to Monarch Mobility, Chester Zoo’s Sue Foster has reassured visitors with a disability by saying: “We’re a fully accessible visitor attraction, so visitors with wheelchairs and limited mobility can relax and enjoy their day.
“All our staff are clearly identifiable — with uniform and name badges — and they are here to help with anything on the day, so the tip is just to ask if you have a query. The zoo is fully accessible and all our enclosures have been designed to have a variety of viewing points in order that anyone in a wheelchair/pram can enjoy the experience.”
If you plan on visiting the zoo with assistance dogs, the good news is that Registered Assistance Dogs are welcome throughout the site. There’s even a map available which details an assistance dog-friendly route.
How to find Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo, Moston Rd, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU
For chocolate lovers: Cadbury World
Are you a fan of the sweet stuff? Then take the kids on a tour of a real-life chocolate factory! You can find Cadbury World just a few short miles south of Birmingham city centre and then enjoy being taken on a self-guided exhibition tour which encompasses various interesting and exciting zones. Prepare to go on a thrilling adventure within the 4D chocolate adventure experience, learn how your favourite treats are made in the interactive manufacturing zone, step back in time to witness how the Cadbury brand came about at the Bull Street zone and much more.
Be sure to treat yourself when the tour comes to an end by popping into the Cadbury World Café and grab a present at the World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop.
Accessible features at Cadbury World
Disabled visitors to the attraction are offered a large print guide and concessions throughout the tour. There’s also touch and feel key props throughout the exhibition for family members who are visually impaired, while wheelchairs are available at the attraction too.
If you’re a wheelchair user and have a RADAR key, you can also access a state-of-the-art Changing Places facility. This incorporates a height-adjustable sink unit, a height-adjustable changing bed, rails and support arms, an automatic toilet, a modesty screen and a ceiling screen.
How to find Cadbury World
Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JR
Official website
For history lovers: Caernarfon Castle
You won’t be mistaken when looking for this World Heritage site thanks to its intimidating appearance. Created by King Edward I on the banks of the River Seiont in the north-west of Wales, this castle still looks incredibly threatening centuries later. As well as imagining how history played out many years ago though, youngsters are also sure to want to check out Caernarfon Castle’s recently opened 3D attraction — a feature which grants them the opportunity to take control of menacing, fire-breathing, holographic dragons.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is another must-visit part of the Castle. Situated within two towers of the World Heritage Site, history fans will be able to take in how the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment won 14 Victoria Crosses during their courageous battles. A number of famous writers also served within the Royal Welch Fusiliers in World War One — including Robert Graves, David Jones, Frank Richards, Siegfried Sassoon and “Hedd Wyn” — and some of their most memorable words can be heard echoed throughout the museum.
Accessible features at Caernarfon Castle
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a fortress from the Medieval times wouldn’t be easily accessible for those with a disability. However, this couldn’t be far from the truth when it comes to Caernarfon Castle. After getting input from a local access group, access to all of the castle’s inner wards are now granted via a purpose-built access ramp alongside two sets of steps. Wheelchair access is then accessible throughout the entire lower level of the World Heritage Site.
Better yet, entry to the Castle is free for all disabled visitors and their carers.
How to find Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, LL55 2AY
