Top Five Accessible Days Out This Spring
As the winter chill begins to fade, we’ve rounded up five accessible days out for you to enjoy this spring season.
- For a breath of fresh air, explore the beautiful woodlands of Wyre Forest in Worcestershire.
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park makes a great trip for the whole family, home to some fascinating animals.
- For history and art lovers, there’s The Vyne mansion in Hampshire, and the National Gallery in London.
- The British Motor Museum is sure to entertain motorheads, with over 400 vintage cars on display.
It may have felt like a long one, though winter is finally coming to an end. That means lighter, brighter mornings and some much-missed sunshine.
Spring is a great season to get moving again and enjoy the crisp fresh air and the colourful displays of nature. That’s why we’ve rounded up five accessible days out for you this season. Read on for some inspiration for your next trip!
Wyre Forest – Worcestershire
If you’re keen to get out and explore the beauty of nature this spring, Wyre Forest will make a perfect day out.
It’s known as the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country, located to the west of Birmingham. With a variety of walking, running, and cycling trails and even a Go-Ape course for the kids, there is something for everyone.
Wheelchair users can hire a tramper, suitable for the Easy Access, Giants, and Arboretum trails, as well as the forest rounds. These can be hired at a fee of £2.50 for one hour, £5 for up to three hours, or £10 for up to six hours. Pre-booking is highly recommended up to 72 hours ahead of your visit.
For refreshments, there is an on-site cafe – The Forest Cafe – open daily with a range of hot and cold drinks, hot meals, and snacks available. These include gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options catering to all dietary requirements.
For furry friends, there is a designed dog-friendly area of the cafe with towels and fresh water available. You can also purchase dog chews, ice cream, and sausages if you want to give your pooch a tasty treat.
The best part? It’s also free to enter, with only car parking charges.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park – South Yorkshire
If you’re an animal lover, why not plan a day out with the family at Yorkshire Wildlife Park? The park is home to over 250 fascinating creatures to explore, including the largest collection of polar bears.
At Lion Country, you’ll find majestic lions rescued from Romania, while in the Land of the Tiger you’ll be able to get a close look at spectacular Amur tigers. Nearby in Leopard Heights, you’ll also find elegant Amur leopards.
Other animals you can spot on-site include Californian sea lions, red pandas, lemurs, and many more. For dinosaur fans, there’s also the Dinosaur Park where you can enjoy an immersive experience with over 30 life-sized dinosaurs.
Around the park, there are plenty of play areas to keep the little ones active. Plus, the Yorkshire Hive is a free-admission shopping, dining, and entertainment centre located by the park’s entrance.
There’s also the Safari Cafe, Masai Coffee House, and Wilds Cafe Bistro offering a wide range of hot meals, hot and cold drinks, and snacks for all the family.
Accessible toilets can be found throughout the park. There are also limited numbers of manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire. Manual wheelchairs are free to hire for the day, while mobility scooters cost £20. You’ll need to show valid ID and pay a £50 refundable deposit upon collection.
Admission tickets are from £25.99 for adults aged 16+, £23.99 for seniors and students, and £21.99 for children aged between three and 15 years. Entry is free for children under three. When booking in advance, you can save £5 per person.
Learn more about Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The Vyne - Hampshire
For history lovers, The Vyne is a must. Owned by the National Trust, The Vyne is a red-bricked sixteenth-century Tudor mansion located in Hampshire.
It was built for Lord Sandys, who was Henry VIII’s Lord Chamberlain, and was later passed on to the Chute family who cared for it for the next 300 years.
The mansion was remodelled in the seventeenth century, with a new classical portico and summerhouse added. Exquisite features include 500-year-old Majolica tiles, Renaissance stained glass and intricate wood carvings.
You’ll also find a range of the family’s treasures on display, from furniture and tapestries to paintings, wall hangings and more. What’s more, you’ll be treading ground once walked by some famous guests in history, including Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Horace Walpole and Jane Austen.
Outside, there are 13 acres of stunning gardens to explore. From the summerhouse and stone gallery gardens to herbaceous borders. Enjoy a range of wild plants and fruit trees in the orchard or explore the calming coolness of the woodland with its ancient trees and fishpond.
The Vyne is well-designed for those with limited mobility, with parking for disabled guests and drop-off points. There is a ramp to the main entrance and only one main step, while the display and exhibit areas are all level access or can be accessed by a ramp or lift.
Wheelchairs are welcome all around the estate, with the only exception being the first-floor area. The house features clear signs throughout, with facilities for service dogs and the visually impaired.
There is a cafe on site serving a range of food, snacks, and refreshments, with options to suit all dietary needs. Prices vary depending on whether you purchase a gift aid or standard ticket, though it is free for members.
The National Gallery – London
In or around London this spring? You won’t want to forget a visit to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
Perfect for art lovers, the Gallery hosts one of the world’s best painting collections ranging from Van Eyck and Velazquez to Turner and Van Gogh. It’s completely free to enter and offers a chance to view famous Western European works up close in all their glory.
With over 2,300 paintings to explore, the National Gallery is sure to delight and inspire. The gallery also has a programme of events running in the spring and autumn months and year-round exhibitions.
The Gallery is also incredibly accessible for wheelchair users, with a flat route from the car park to the main entrance. There is only one disabled parking bay for Blue Badge users, however, so you’ll want to book this in advance.
Inside the Gallery you’ll find level access all around, with ramps and lifts available to the gift shop, toilets, and dining area.
In the cafeteria, you’ll find a wide selection of refreshments on offer, with a children’s menu and high chairs. For special dietary requirements, there are gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available.
Wheelchairs can be hired in advance by calling customer services on 020 7747 2885. These are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Getty Entrance. There is also seating available around the Gallery for visitors with limited mobility.
The Gallery is also able to provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted talks for those who are deaf or have hearing issues. There are also specially designed art sessions for blind or partially sighted visitors.
For any special access requirements, you can contact the Gallery on +44 (0)20 7747 2885.
Learn more about the National Gallery
British Motor Museum – Warwickshire
For motorheads, a trip out to the British Motor Museum is a no-brainer. Home to the largest collection of British motor cars, the museum features over 400 vintage cars on display.
It’s located in a modern ‘Art Deco’ style building in rural Warwickshire and is a cultural delight for car enthusiasts. Along with the displays, you can enjoy video presentations, interactive exhibits, and more.
You’ll find most of the main displays on one floor, with lift access to the smaller mezzanine gallery. Most of the museum is accessible, though the mezzanine gallery may be slightly tricky for wheelchair users.
There is a cafe on-site serving snacks and meals suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. There’s also a picnic area outside the museum with an outdoor play area if you want to enjoy some spring sunshine with the family.
Disabled toilets are available inside the museum with wide doors, grab rails, and more accessible features. Staff are also on hand to assist and have completed Disability Awareness & Etiquette training.
Wheelchairs are available free of charge, and there is also a hearing loop system available for those who are deaf or have hearing issues.
Find out more about the British Motor Museum
Motability at Vertu Motors
We hope you’ve found some inspiration for planning a day trip this spring season. You can find more helpful Motability news and insights in our newsroom.
Coming up to your renewal period? At Vertu Motors, we have a wide range of Motability cars in stock from top manufacturers. Head to our Motability page to start looking for your next vehicle or get in touch with us and our Motability Scheme specialists will be happy to help.