What Makes a Place Accessible?
Merriam Webster defines ‘accessible’ as being “easily used or accessed by people with disabilities” or “adapted for use by people with disabilities.”
When looking for travel destinations while disabled, it can be difficult to find places to explore that you can feel confident in the accessibility of. After all, what is accessible for one disabled person does not make it accessible for another. If you’re planning a getaway, then look no further than our round up of the best accessible travel destinations and cities both at home and abroad.
Since accessible is not a ‘one size fits all term’, we’ll be focusing on destinations that are adapted for use by people with physical disabilities, especially those who use mobility aids such as walking sticks and other walking aids, powerchairs and wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and more. As leading specialists in the mobility industry, this is where our expertise lies.
For the purposes of this guide, we are defining an accessible destination as somewhere that includes most or all of the following features:
- Walkable
- Good transport links
- Accessible bathrooms
- Accessible access points – ramps, handrails, flat and even walking routes
- Places to store, park, or even hire mobility aids
- Disabled assistance
- Amenities – places to rest, charge mobility devices, or eat/drink
For the best accessible travel destinations in the UK, jump here.
For the best accessible travel destinations abroad, jump here.
Manchester, England
The city includes an endless list of sights to see, as well as destinations for shopping, food, drink, and leisure.
With four separate railway stations and an airport, getting into Manchester doesn’t have to be difficult. Once in the city, the network of trams is a great way to get around, with a level boarding platform for mobility device users and a good level of frequency (every 12 – 15 minutes). Greater Manchester as a whole has one of the most extensive bus networks outside of London, so you’re never short of ways to get around when exploring.
Changing Places toilets are in operation all over the city, including Trafford Shopping Centre, Manchester Arndale Centre, Manchester Museum, Manchester Central Library, HOME, as well as plenty of other shops, community centres, event venues, and public spaces.
Although some of the more historic parts of the city feature cobbled and uneven streets, it is largely pedestrianised and densely packed with things to do, meaning you don’t have to walk far to fill your day with plenty to see, eat, and do.
Although there doesn’t appear to be anywhere in the city centre dedicated to storing, parking, or recharging your mobility device, the city council website has an exhaustive list of all areas with blue badge parking bays, and there are private outlets around the city from where you can hire a mobility device for your trip.
Glasgow, Scotland
While it’s known that Glasgow isn’t short on charm, history, or character, you may be surprised to hear it has a lot going for it in the way of accessibility.
All taxis operated by Glasgow Taxis are wheelchair accessible, with guaranteed assistance from their drivers, yellow grab rails for visually impaired passengers, and a number of their cabs featuring cardiac arrest defibrillators as part of a life-saving initiative.
Not only does Glasgow include an airport, it also features the UK’s densest heavy-rail network outside of London. With all of this and regular buses, plenty of blue badge parking spots at tourist attractions, and an underground metro system, you have a plethora of options to choose from when getting to Glasgow, and getting from one part of the city to another whilst there.
Use the Accessible Travel Hub to plan your transport while in Glasgow.
Every major museum in Glasgow is accessible by mobility device, and an exhaustive list of the best places in the city to visit for disabled people, created by AccessAble (formerly ‘DisabledGo’), can be found here.
A statement from Visit Glasgow regarding accessibility reads, “Glasgow recognises the importance of accessibility and is working hard to be an accessible destination for all residents and visitors.” Their directory of accessibility information is available online.
Changing Places toilets are in operation in venues all over the city, including St Enoch Centre, Glasgow Central Station, Riverside Museum, and many more places.
London, England
The country’s capital is a hive of activity, which may sound overwhelming to disabled visitors. Don’t let London’s fast-paced reputation deter you from making the trip to the UK’s largest city.
Benjamin Disraeli said that “London is a roost for every bird”, and we couldn’t agree more. There is so much to experience in London, and there is absolutely something for everyone, regardless of disability!
A survey of 3,500 disabled people conducted by Valuable 500 named London among the 10 Most Accessible Cities in the World. 57% of respondents voted London as the most accessible because of its good accessible transport links, while 48% found the museums and attractions accessible, and said that accessibility information about the city is easy to find.
With well-maintained, flat pavements and large pedestrianised tourist areas, traversing London in a wheelchair, powerchair, or mobility scooter is not difficult. For wheelchair users especially, there is the city’s network of accessible buses feature ramps, wheelchair spaces, and designated seating areas.
Almost all of the major tourist attractions have accessible facilities, including ramps, disabled toilets, handrails, or lifts, including The British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery. Iconic bucket list experiences such as the London Eye are also wheelchair accessible,
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With more canals than Venice, bridges than Paris, and bikes than people, Amsterdam is the land of plenty – both in terms of things to see and do.
Although some historic cobble streets in less tourist-focused areas may cause issues for mobility device users – especially wheelchair users – the majority of Amsterdam features well maintained and flat terrain with plenty of dropped curbs. Be sure to consider bridges and canals when you plan your route for the day.
When it comes to getting around Amsterdam, there are a lot of options for disabled visitors. All 14 ferry lines are free and accessible, and wheelchair accessible canal cruises mean you can appreciate the full Amsterdam experience. All metro stations are accessible, though certain trains may have a slight gap between the train and platform.
All newer trams are accessible, but there are rules to the size of mobility scooter you are allowed to board the trams or metro with. The maximum dimensions for a permitted mobility scooter are 120 cm long, 70 cm wide and 109 cm tall. Find out more about travelling with a disability on the GVB website. The GVB operates all trams, buses, ferries and the metro in the city.
Bikes account for 36% of all traffic in the city, and they even have the right of way over pedestrians and cars. If you want to take part in sight-seeing the local way, you can rent an adapted bike from companies such as Star Bikes.
Tourist attractions and museums around the city have worked hard to be accessible. The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum are at the top of many people’s list when visiting Amsterdam, and all have invested in accessible features such as ramps and lifts. The Rijksmuseum especially has invested heavily in accessibility, boasting a floor plan designed for visitors with mobility disabilities, special guided tours, including audio tours and touch tours for the visually-impaired, accommodations for those with sensory sensitivities, and tours for D/deaf museum-goers. Museums For All is a great resource for finding out exactly what accessible features Museum venues across the Netherlands have.
If you plan to stop for refreshments and a rest while exploring the city, be sure to know the difference between a coffee shop and a koffiehuis – Whatever kind of treat you’re looking to indulge in to relax after a day of sightseeing, make sure the establishment you’re visiting clearly states what is on the menu.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s history runs back over 2,000 years, and it has been the capital city of Spain since the 17th century. As one of the greenest cities in Europe and home to a host of architectural marvels and artistic triumphs, this stunning Spanish city has so much to offer tourists.
However you prefer to travel, Madrid has an accessible solution for getting around to suit you. Air passengers travelling through Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport can pre-book special assistance up to 48 hours before travel. On the ground, the city’s range of wheelchair friendly buses with ramps and low floors, disabled parking spaces, and accessible Metro options give you plenty of ways to get from A to B. Almost 60% of the Madrid underground network (Metro) stations are step-free and offer a Special Assistance Service, and a list of accessible metro stations is easily available online. Disabled passengers of the Asociación Eurotaxi de Madrid taxi service, which has wheelchair accessible vehicles as part of their fleet, can travel at no extra charge.
If you want to soak up the sun in one of this green city’s many stunning parks, look no further than the lush and serene Retiro Park nestled in the city centre. With its flat and wide pathways, traversing the park and admiring its range of statues is made easy for mobility device users.
The list of museums in Madrid is almost endless. As home to many of the great Spanish arts masters such as Goya and Velázquez, many tourists to Madrid have a specific interest in museums dedicated to displaying art and architecture. Two such popular museums, the Prado and Reina Sofía, include accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms as part of their dedication to accessibility.
As home to generations of Spanish Kings, the Royal Palace is a captivating architectural triumph and must-see for visitors to the city. Thanks to new and improved accessibility updates the Palace is now easier than ever to explore as a disabled person, with multiple points of accessible entry, ticket options for disabled persons or a disabled person’s companion, and mobility scooters are welcome.
Madrid is one of many similarly-accessible Spanish cities, with Valencia and Barcelona also featuring many flat surfaces, easily-traversed streets, strong accessible transport links, and disability-considerate amenities and assistance features within tourist areas.
Tokyo, Japan
Home to breathtaking cherry blossoms, contemporary feats of modern architecture, and ancient temples, Tokyo is a city of possibilities. Whether you are visiting for the culture, the nature, or the vibrant tourist opportunities, enjoy your visit to one of the world’s safest and most accessible cities.
Pritzker Prize-winning Architect Tadao Ando described Tokyo as, “one of the world’s most beautiful cities.”
Much like London, Tokyo was listed as one of the most accessible cities by Valuable 500. In Japan, public transport facilities and hotels are legally mandated to assist disabled users and eliminate barriers, which has clearly worked well for Tokyo. 74% of respondents to Valuable 500’s survey praised Tokyo for its accessible transport.
Almost all train and subway stations in the city are wheelchair accessible, as are the majority of buses, with the exception of the airport shuttle bus and highway buses. Alternatively, lift-equipped taxis are available, but require advanced booking. JPN Taxi cabs are the best bet for accessible taxiing, as they can fit one wheelchair user and one additional passenger.
When adventuring around the city, choose your sightseeing spots in advance. While almost all top scenic gardens, temples, and popular destinations are accessible, some pre-planning can ensure you avoid less accessible attractions. Accessible Japan lists Ameya Yokocho, Avatar Robot Cafe DAWN, Tokyo Tower, The Ghibli Museum, Sensoji (Sensō-ji) temple, and the Kameido Tenjin Jinja shrine as some of the top accessible locations, with full accessibility debriefs for a range of destinations on the Accessible Japan website.
Be aware that Gov UK advises travellers to Japan that, “it is illegal to carry some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines under Japan’s strictly enforced law on anti-stimulant drugs.” These medications include vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine, some over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine. Other stimulant drugs, such as those commonly prescribed for ADHD, may not be allowed into the country, so be sure to check before you travel.
Planning Your Trip
Planning any trip takes time and plenty of consideration, even more so for disabled travellers. Always be sure to do plenty of research beforehand on the places you plan to visit. Most websites for accommodations and attractions have accessibility pages listing the specific amenities and adaptations in place, such as wheelchair access and lifts, or even subsidised/free carer tickets, but don’t be afraid of calling or emailing places you want to go to find out more about the specifics of what they offer for disabled visitors.
The best starting points when planning your trip include deciding where you will visit, if you will travel with someone, and if that person is able to assist you if needed, and what mobility aids or devices you will bring, which can depend on the type of activities you’re interested in doing and the places you want to go.
Our in-depth Disabled Holidaymaker Guide can help, as well as some sections of our guide covering Everything You’re Entitled To As A Disabled Person.
Organisations such as AccessAble can also help determine what specific accommodations venues have. All entries on AccessAble have been verified in-person by their team of experts, and can be used online or as an application downloaded straight to your smart device.
What To Consider
Beyond being accessible to those with mobility devices, there are other things you may want to consider when researching places to go and things to do. Disability is a wide spectrum that encompasses a lot of needs and experiences, but some other common access needs include:
- Braille signage and menus or tactile exhibits for blind people
- A dedicated quiet room, quiet hour, or sensory space for neurodivergent people
- A bathroom with a hoist, such as a Changing Places toilet
- Mobility aid charging facilities
- Public defibrillator
Find your nearest Changing Places toilet on the campaign’s website.
See a map of your nearest defibrillator using The Circuit Defibrillator Network.
What To Take
Things we would recommend any disabled traveller take with them while holidaying in the UK, regardless of their specific needs or destination, include:
- Hydration, such as refillable water bottle
- Medication, including spares
- Disabled person’s travel pass, such as bus pass or railcard
- Radar key for accessing disabled toilets
- Medical alert bracelet, if you feel it’s needed
If you’re going abroad, also consider taking:
- Medical documents, such as health insurance and list of medications
- Identification, such as passport and photocopies
- Doctor’s note to accompany medication carried in your hand luggage
A full list of our travel recommendations for disabled people travelling abroad can be found here.
What To Look For: Accommodation & Hotels
When it comes to looking at accommodation, we would generally recommend using hotels over alternatives such as Air BnBs, as they are more likely to have accessible room options. When looking for a suitable accessible room, keep in mind whether or not the rooms and venues feature:
- Wider door frames to fit your mobility device through
- Groundfloor access
- Wet room bathroom options
- Fridge for medication storage if needed
- Non-gravel car park and entrance outside of venue
- Ramps at entrances and exits
- Staffed reception, so a staff member can help you with your luggage
- A contact email, so you can send any emergency medical protocol/evacuation requirements before your stay.
Expert Mobility Equipment, Close To Home
You don’t have to travel far and wide to access the specialist mobility equipment and expert advice you deserve. Our friendly, knowledgeable advisors can help you find the mobility scooter, stairlift, living aid, or mobility device to help improve your daily life.
Whether you’re planning a far-flung trip or just want to explore your mobility options in general, let us guide you through the journey online, over the phone, or at our Blackburn, Clitheroe, Chorley, or Leicester locations.
