Travel: Explore England

From lush green hills and quaint villages, to vibrant cities and rugged coastlines, England packs a lot in to its 50,000 square miles. This diverse country is full to the brim of accessible places to explore, and offers something for people of all ages.

The Lake District

If, like me, you enjoy rugged landscapes and immersing yourself in nature, then this national park is perfect for you. Being the most mountainous region in the country, there are endless possibilities for dramatic views, while its famous lakes, reservoirs and tarns offer a tranquil escape from everyday life.

Despite its craggy nature, there are many accessible ways to explore the Lake District. National Trust Tarn Hows is home to just one of over 50 ‘Miles Without Stiles’ walking routes in the area, and consists of a 1.5 mile wheelchair-friendly path, circling a picturesque tarn (small mountain lake), and surrounded by woodland.

A boat ride is another fantastic way to enjoy these famous waters. Windermere Lake Cruises offer a variety of routes across the largest natural lake in England, and have a number of accessible vessels on their fleet. If, however, you prefer to keep on solid ground, a scenic train ride is a must. The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has a wheelchair accessible carriage on its narrow-gauge steam engines, and takes you on a charming seven mile journey, ending at the foot of the tallest mountain range in England, Scafell Pike.

Where to stay: Windermere Marina Village sits on the waters edge, with luxury apartments offering self-catering accommodation for all. Three of them have been specially designed with wheelchair users in mind, featuring things like level access and wet rooms with grab handles.

Yorkshire

Another great place to soak up nature is the largest county in England, Yorkshire. Loaded with history and culture, on the coast you’ll find vast, hard-packed sandy beaches and pretty seaside towns in northern areas, while inland is dominated by deep valleys and sweeping moors.

One fantastic place to enjoy the moorland is the North York Moors National Park. Starting at the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre, a short, wheelchair friendly trail leads you to an impressive viewpoint that aptly is known as the ‘Finest View in England‘. At 300m above sea level, you’ll enjoy miles and miles of rolling greenery, dotted by farms and settlements that look straight out of a model village.

For a spot of culture, head to the 7th-century Whitby Abbey. These gothic ruins have links to Dracula, and alongside the museum, provide a fascinating historical insight. Aside from having to roll across a section of grass, I was pleasantly surprised by the accessibility. Ramps across the site allowed me to get up close and personal with the ruins, with the ocean backdrop adding to the atmosphere.

Where to stay: Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is a campsite that sits five miles south of Scarborough and boasts two accessible glamping pods. Both have been thoughtfully designed, with level access, 1.5m turning circles, a lowered kitchen and a wet room with grab handles.

Norfolk

England’s easternmost county is full of interesting things to see and do. Its flat landscape makes it naturally accessible. Begin your visit in the city of Norwich, which is known for its rich history, where, standing tall in the centre, you‘ll find both the castle and cathedral. After exploring these, it‘s worth taking a stroll along Riverside Walk, where you can seek shade beneath a weeping willow, watch the waterfowl and, if you‘re lucky, spot an otter or two.

From the riverside, to the broads, to the coast, Norfolk is a haven for wildlife. Another way to enjoy it is by boat. The Wheelyboat Trust has a small, wheelchair accessible powerboat which takes you around Blakeney Harbour, where seals can be spotted basking in the sunshine. It’s certainly a unique experience.

Of course, while you‘re in the area, soak up the fresh sea air on one of the many beaches. The sand on most of them is firm enough to take a standard powerchair, but if you’d prefer, there are specialised beach wheelchairs available at Cromer, Sheringham, Wells and others during the spring and summer months.

Where to stay: The Able Stables are nestled in rural Norfolk and they are a not-for-profit social enterprise catering to people with disabilities and those who may not otherwise be able to afford a holiday, with 60 per cent of guests receiving subsidised stays. It‘s comprised of two self-catering cottages, complete with wheelchair access to all areas.

Cornwall

Cornwall is one of my favourite places for postcard-perfect villages, delicious seafood and miles of golden sand. Watching the sun dip into the turquoise ocean from any of its west-facing beaches, it‘s easy to think you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean.

As well as sunbathing and sandcastles, its coastline is a big draw for surfers, and this is something you can experience no matter what abilities you have. Run by The Wave Project, you‘ll find adaptive surfing at Watergate Bay, where one-to-one sessions and modified boards and wetsuits invite people with autism, learning difficulties and physical disabilities to enjoy being on the waves.

For something a bit different, you must visit the haunted Bodmin Jail. This immersive attraction showcases some of Cornwall’s dark history, and gives an insight into ancient forms of crime and punishment in a way that’s suitable for the whole family. With ramps and platform lifts throughout, wheelchair access is good, but it’s not recommended for those with photosensitive epilepsy, due to some special effects.

Where to stay: Trevassack Holidays are award-winning lakeside lodges and cabins located on the beautiful Lizard peninsula. They have been designed for people of all abilities. Each one is spacious throughout, and has its own private hot tub. From hoists to beach wheelchairs, they have an extensive list of equipment available to borrow.

London

As much as I love escaping into nature, sometimes a city break is just what you need! Steeped in history, oozing with culture and bursting with life, the capital has something for everyone.

Begin your visit looking down over the city from the iconic London Eye. At 135m high, you’ll have 360-degree views, spotting landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Wembley Stadium. Carers ride for free, and Braille guides are available for the visually impaired.

Next on your itinerary should be one of the many fascinating museums. My favourite is the Science Museum. With interactive exhibits immersing you in all things physics, space, technology and even medicine, there‘s always something new to learn. 

The best way to end your time in London is seeing a world-famous West End show. From Les Misérables and Hamilton to Mamma Mia and Matilda, there is something for everyone. I highly recommend The Lion King for its impressive vocals and creative costumes.

Where to stay: Pan Pacific is a luxury hotel in London offering tranquillity in the hustle and bustle of the city centre. 10 per cent of its beautifully designed rooms are accessible for wheelchair users, including two which have ceiling track hoists. There‘s also hoist access into the pool and space for wheelchairs in the steam rooms.