Best Accessible Places to Visit This Spring 2023
- Discover accessible places to visit in England, Scotland and Wales
- Walk into the magical world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Explore beautiful lake and forest scenery at Glenmore Forest Park
- Find valuable treasures from the Far East in Powis Castle
Need help planning your accessible staycation in the UK? We’re here for you. Motability has published its ninth edition of the popular Rought Guide to Accessible Britain. It highlights beautiful and inspiring places across the country, perfect for a visit.
The guide helps you find new locations and offers practical tips to help you on your visit. Good planning is halfway to a successful trip, right?
We have picked three locations, in England, Scotland and Wales, for you to have a closer look at. Continue reading to find out where you should visit this spring.
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, England
Whether you have been sorted into Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, you are guaranteed to enjoy this tour. The studio features sets from the iconic Harry Potter movies, such as Dursley’s house and the Great Hall.
Whether you have enjoyed the films or books, or are simply interested in filmmaking, you are guaranteed to be fascinated. The costumes, models, and props are incredibly detailed, making you feel like you have stepped into the magical world of Harry Potter.
Just a few of the impressive sets include:
- Dumbledore’s office
- Gryffindor common room
- Diagon Alley
- Gringotts Wizarding Bank
- Platform 9 3/4
- Hogwarts Express
- Private Drive
- Knight Bus
Is it accessible?
The tour is easily accessible, with the sets located mostly on one level, with just a few slopes. Diagon Alley with its cobbled street is the only difficult area to navigate.
Also, if you have sensory difficulties, you can request to borrow ear defenders for the cinema experience part.
The studio car park offers several spots for disabled parking - just remember to show your Blue Badge.
How much is the entry?
The standard tour tickets start from £51.50. Carers can visit for free, but a call prior to visiting is required. They also must present proof of DLA, PIP, a Freedom Pass, the Blue Badge or a doctor’s note at the ticket desk.
Where to find it?
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Glenmore Forest Park, Scotland
Located in the middle of the Cairngorm Mountains, Glenmore Forest Park has one of the few last areas of ancient Caledonian pine forest. It also features a beautiful Loch Morlich, with its long golden beach.
The visitor centre provides maps and information about the area’s history and wildlife. The car park is located near the visitor centre, making it the perfect place to start the visit.
You can find two accessible trails within the park, both starting from the visitor centre. The shorter trail is 1.5 miles, while the longer one is 3.5 miles. You can explore the beautiful riverside and inspiring shores of the Loch.
Is it accessible?
The trails are easily accessible for a mobility scooter or an electric wheelchair. However, if you are a manual wheelchair user, you may need assistance with a couple of steeper sections.
The car park near the visitor centre has two wide-bay disabled parking spaces. Also, the visitor centre and its facilities have a step-free access throughout.
How much is the entry?
Entry and parking are free for Blue Badge holders.
Where to find it?
Glenmore Forest, Inverness-shire, near Aviemore, PH22 1QU
Powis Castle, Wales
The huge Powis Castle is located on a land of ruined castles in the Welsh hills. It has an impressive selection of artifacts dating back over 400 years.
The castle also hosts a beautiful formal garden, influenced by Edwardian, Dutch and French colours. The garden was designed by Welsh architect William Winde, featuring a beautiful orangery and trim topiary.
The castle has an impressive history, as the former home of the Gwenwynwyn family. It was bought in 1587 by Sir Edward Herbert who transformed it into the palace that still stands today.
By walking through the rooms, you can find valuable treasures, including a collection of items from India and the Far East, such as:
- Diaries
- Letters
- Paintings
- Tapestries
- Weapons
- Jewels
If you want to stop for a cup of tea or a full meal, the site hosts a cafe and a restaurant, both of which are accessible.
Is it accessible?
The castle offers an accessible car park for visitors, approximately 100 metres from the entrance. The ground floor of the castle and the gardens are accessible with a wheelchair.
However, some of the areas within the castle grounds are more difficult to access than others. Where this is the case, alternative options are available. For instance, there is a virtual tour available of the upper rooms of the castle.
You can also find two accessible toilets within the castle and can borrow a wheelchair from the Old Stables if necessary. Booking a wheelchair in advance is recommended.
How much is the entry?
All visitors with disabilities and their carers can visit the castle free of charge.
Where to find it?
Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RF