Accessible days out for the whole family

As anyone with a wheelchair knows, planning your day out with the family takes a little extra forward planning. Luckily, there’s some amazing and inspiring places, from museums to wildlife parks, that welcome everyone, ensuring the whole family enjoys a day to remember.

Albert Dock, Liverpool

Recently redeveloped to recreate the spirit of its historical roots, the Albert Dock has some great attractions. Enjoy stunning views picnicking on the banks of the River Mersey, then browse its outstanding museums. They’ve all got lifts and plenty of accessible facilities. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum take you to the heart of the world’s trading history. Find modern and contemporary art at the Tate, and The Beatles Story brings the magic of their music alive. Finally, housed in a spectacular building, the fully accessible Museum of Liverpool tells the city’s story with compelling hands-on exhibits.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Cairngorms

For fun and adventure in the open air, look no further than the Landmark Forest Adventure Park. Set in a beautiful pine forest in the Cairngorms National Park, everyone is welcome here. Disabled bays are just a few yards from the entrance, and throughout the park you’ve plenty of spacious toilets and wheelchair-accessible trails. Highlights include the maze, an illusion gallery, and wood cabins designed to disorientate. Its peaceful treetop trail takes you through the forest, past rare red squirrels and beautiful birds, to a wildlife feeding area and butterfly house.

London Zoo

From plenty of disabled parking bays at the entrance to well-designed enclosures, expect a fun-filled day at the world’s oldest scientific zoo, right in the heart of London. More than 750 species of animals live here, and with its accessible parking, and ramps and slopes into all the listed buildings, everyone will love meeting these inspiring creatures from Asiatic lions to giant giraffes. There’s designated wheelchair spaces at the iconic Penguin Beach, and its many walk-through exhibits for lemurs, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, tropical birds, and many more, guarantees an enjoyable, immersive experience.

Warner Bros Studio Tour, Leavesden

Who doesn’t love the wizarding world of Harry Potter? Even if you haven’t read the books or seen the films, the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, is an unforgettable experience. Anyone who loves film, art, design or storytelling will love the film sets, costumes and authentic props that brought the world of Hogwarts alive. Marvel at the prosthetics and animatronics, and fly a broomstick courtesy of green-screen technology. Almost all of the spacious areas are on one level. Plus, with ample disabled parking and low-level access at the ticket offices where you can find out more, the whole attraction is simple and easy to navigate.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford

Located on a former World War II airfield, discover the history of aviation with accessible displays and interactive exhibitions. There’s plenty of disabled parking spaces, and once inside, pick up a free mobility vehicle if you need one. There's a Battle of Britain exhibition to explore, relive the Blitz of 1940–41 through evocative mementoes and personal accounts, and take the wheelchair lift to the 1940 Operations Room. All the buildings are wheelchair accessible, connected by level paths and mostly automatic doors.

Cadbury World, Birmingham

From its discovery by the ancient Mayans to the delicious bars we know today, chocolate is a worldwide favourite. This engaging and entertaining attraction from the UK's favourite brand has traditional chocolate-making demonstrations, the complete history of the cocoa bean, and enough free samples for everyone. Accessibility throughout is no problem. Its flat car park has plenty of disabled parking, and automatic doors open into a spacious reception for collecting tickets at low-level desks – there’s even priority queues for those with disabilities. The ride also has a wheelchair-accessible car, and its 4D cinema has two wheelchair spaces.

Monkey World, Dorset

You won’t help but be inspired after a visit to this fantastic, child-friendly monkey sanctuary. More than 250 primates, most of them rescued, leap around spacious enclosures. Discover more than 20 species along accessible, mainly tarmac paths, through this 65-acre park. You can even borrow a mobility scooter or wheelchair easily here. Regular keeper talks and boards describing the animals' often moving backstories keep everyone entertained. Both main playgrounds have wheelchair swings, and there are two reclining chair swings in the Great Ape Play area.

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

In the heart of the Peak District, this popular and extraordinary stately home dates to the 16th century. Today, a lift in the house means wheelchair users have unrestricted access to showpieces like the four-poster bed where George II died, the Great Dining Room, and a magnificent collection of paintings. Outside, explore beautiful gardens using the free map that highlights variable path surfaces, or catch the trailer ride which has space for wheelchairs.

The UK has a fine collection of accessible places to visit, all of which make a great day out for the family. Whether it's wizards and wands, cultural sites or simply the great outdoors you're after, you'll find it here!