The Best Wheelchair Friendly UK Road Trips: Perfect Days Out for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Users
Embarking on a road trip is an adventure that everyone should enjoy, including wheelchair users. At WavMob, we understand the importance of accessibility and comfort during travel. That's why we've curated a list of the top accessible UK road trip destinations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) users. From the dramatic views of Cornwall’s landscapes to the historic streets of Edinburgh, these destinations cater to all, making your next road trip both memorable and accessible.
Why Choose a WAV for Your Road Trip?
- WAVs offer spacious interiors and smooth rides for all passenger, with the lowered floors the wheelchair user aiding this, ensuring your journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
- Equipped with ramps and adapted controls, WAVs simplify getting in and out, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day out.
- Space: WAVs provide plenty of space for mobility aids, picnic essentials, or even your furry friends, ensuring you can bring along everything you need for a perfect day out.
Before you Set Off
Vehicle Inspection
Before setting off for your journey, make sure you WAV is ready to hit the road. Make sure to carry out a comprehensive check of all systems, including securing wheelchair tie-downs, checking vehicle fluids (oil, coolant, and brake fluid), inspecting tyre pressures and tread depth, and ensuring the battery is in good condition. By completing these checks, you will minimise the risk of breakdowns.
It is also a good idea to bring along an emergency kit. The kit should include basic tools for minor repairs, necessary chargers, a first aid kit tailored to any specific medical needs, other medications, water, non-perishable snacks, sun protection at least. Having a plan in place for emergencies provides peace of mind and makes unexpected situations less stressful.
Accessible Accommodation
Finding accommodation that meets the needs of wheelchair users is key to a comfortable stay. Look for hotels or guesthouses that advertise accessible rooms with roll-in showers, ample space for manoeuvrability, and beds at an accessible height. Websites such as Booking.com and Airbnb now offer filters for accessibility features, making it easier to find suitable accommodations. Always call ahead to confirm the specifics of their accessibility features to ensure they meet your requirements.
Top 10 Accessible Destinations
London
London is home to many iconic landmarks which wheelchair users can explore, like the fully accessible British Museum, showcasing millions of years of human history. The Tower of London, where you can discover the city's rich past, whilst the Tate Modern offers modern and contemporary art in an accessible venue.
Nearly all the city's major attractions, including the London Eye and the Southbank Centre, provide comprehensive accessibility features like lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is famous for its historic and cultural attractions. Edinburgh Castle, perched over an extinct volcano, offers ramped access and stunning views, while the Royal Mile is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and historical sites, many of which are accessible. The city's public transport is also wheelchair-friendly, making it easy to get around if you’re not driving.
Bath
This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its Roman-built baths and stunning Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths themselves are largely accessible, with lifts and ramps ensuring wheelchair users can enjoy the ancient site. The city centre’s compact nature means many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within easy reach.
Liverpool
Liverpool's waterfront is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring accessible attractions like the Museum of Liverpool and the Beatles Story. The city is also home to two magnificent cathedrals, both of which offer accessibility for visitors. The Mersey Ferry provides a unique way to see the city's skyline from the water and has accessible facilities, for a great family day out.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital features impressive attractions like the Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle, both accessible to wheelchair users. The Cardiff Bay area has been extensively redeveloped and offers flat, smooth paths along the waterfront, making it perfect for a relaxed day out.
Manchester
Manchester offers a mix of industrial heritage and vibrant culture. The Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum provides accessible entry and facilities for all visitors. The city's extensive tram network is also wheelchair-friendly, facilitating easy travel between attractions.
Birmingham
Birmingham, Britain's second-largest city, is home to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Cadbury World, offering accessible fun for chocolate lovers. The city's canal-sidewalks and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens provide accessible outdoor leisure options.
Glasgow
Glasgow's notorious for its stunning Victorian architecture and cultural scene. The Glasgow Science Centre and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are highlights, offering excellent accessibility. The city's public transport system, including the Subway, has been updated to better accommodate wheelchair users.
Belfast
Titanic Belfast tells the story of the world's most famous ship in an accessible, state-of-the-art venue. The Ulster Museum, set in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, offers ramps and lifts to ensure all exhibits are accessible. Public transport options, including buses and trains, provide accessible travel throughout the city when driving is not an option.
Cornwall
Cornwall's dramatic landscapes and coastal views are accessible from many viewpoints and attractions, including the Eden Project, which offers wide, flat paths through its biomes and gardens. Many beaches have accessible paths, and beach wheelchairs are often available to ensure everyone can enjoy the sand and sea.
Tips for a Successful WAV Road Trip
Plan your route! Utilise WAV-friendly navigation apps to ensure accessibility and convenience throughout your journey. When planning your route also remember to look for accessible parking options near your destination.
Familiarise yourself with the Blue Badge scheme, which provides parking concessions for WAV users, allowing easier access to attractions.
Research your destinations ahead of time to confirm their accessibility features – Take a look at AccessAble and Euan’s Guide located at the end of this blog to see what others think, you can even leave your own review after your trip!
There may be discounts available to you for attractions, activities, and travel. This could include money off the price of tickets, free or discounted companion tickets for your PA or family member, and free or discounted travel on public transport.
Conclusion
The UK is filled with destinations that are both beautiful and accessible, bringing these places within reach for WAV users. At WavMob, we're dedicated to ensuring your travels are comfortable, independent, and full of exploration. Let us help make your travels memorable and hassle-free, opening up a world of possibilities for adventure and new experiences.
Contact WavMob today on 02392 245570 to talk about a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle that fits your needs, so you can keep enjoying those all-important road trips.
View our WAVs for sale!
Helpful Resources
Their aim is to become the complete guide to everything and anything accessible - for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.
AccessAble, the new name for DisabledGo, is here to take the chance out of going out. Find thousands of Access Guides – all visited and assessed in person.
Tourism For All Travel Planner
Tourism for All is the place to find accessible destinations and places to stay – whether you want a relaxing hotel break, an exciting day trip or just a change of scenery, find everything you can think of right here!
Euan’s Guide features disabled access reviews written by disabled people and their families, friends, and carers. Search for places with great disabled access and submit your own reviews of places that you have visited.
Use the changing Places toilet map to find toilets with extra features and more space.