Accessible historic places to visit in the UK

At Lifeways, we support almost 5,000 people who live at our supported living and residential care services to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

By working alongside individuals and their families, we ensure that not only are a person's needs supported, but their wants and interests are too.

It’s encouraging then to see that more and more attractions and activities across the UK are making appropriate adjustments for accessibility - ensuring that everyone can enjoy a day out.

In this blog, we’ve shared some of our top picks from across the country, all of which are recognised for their excellent accessibility features.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton

Located in Bedfordshire, this historic attraction offers a captivating look into the history of the local area and further afield, spanning from prehistoric eras to now. With Europe’s largest carriage collection, interactive exhibitions and captivating gardens, Stockwood Discovery Centre is an enjoyable day out for all.

And from an accessibility point of view, all buildings including the cafe and shop have level access. Free site maps are available from reception, and there are wheelchair, pushchair and mobility scooter accessible routes via the main pathways. Assistance dogs are also welcome. The gardens have been created with sensory needs in mind, and have been designed to incorporate the opportunity for sounds, touch and smell.

Find support from Lifeways in Bedfordshire.

Rockingham Castle, Corby

Anyone fascinated with history will enjoy a visit to Rockingham Castle on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. 

Occupied for nearly 1,000 years and built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, you can tour the castle’s grounds, halls, lobbies and galleries and take a step back in time. 

Carers have access to free tickets, and ramps and handrails have been installed around the castle’s grounds to help those with limited mobility. Accessible parking spaces and printed guides are available, and the castle also welcomes assistance dogs.

The castle can be busy, with a lot of noise from events and machinery. However, the Wild Garden offers a very peaceful location in the castle grounds with ponds and a natural water spring, you can often hear bird song and wildlife noises. 

Find support from Lifeways in Leicestershire or Northamptonshire.

Shugborough Estate, Great Haywood

Home to the Anson family since 1624, Shugborough Estate is a true representation of a beautiful British manor and gardens. A National Trust property and therefore free for those with a membership, you can explore the sweeping parkland and all of its delights, enter the world of glamour in the estate’s apartments, or unearth unusual treasures in the Georgian mansion. Visitors can also head to Park Farm to meet chickens, cows and sheep which roam around in the fields.

Shugborough has a fantastic amount of information about its accessibility on its website, with a strong commitment to making the estate accessible for all. Wheelchairs and tramper mobility scooters are available to hire, and a buggy service is on hand to help those in wheelchairs to travel between certain destinations on the estate with ease.

Find support from Lifeways in Staffordshire.

John Rylands Library, Manchester

Book fans and Harry Potter fans both need to visit the John Rylands Library to be taken in by its pure magic. The Hogwarts-esque architecture of this seemingly unassuming building on Manchester’s Deansgate is enough to enchant visitors, and its world class collection of literature, including the oldest known piece of the New Testament, is mesmerising.

Accessibility wise, the library and research centre is owned by The University of Manchester, and therefore the information is easily accessible on their website. There are lifts to all floors apart from the Historic entrance, though there are steps with a handrail for those who are able. Corridors are wide, and there are large print (black on white) versions of all text in the exhibitions. 

Find support from Lifeways in Greater Manchester.

Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton

Located inside Devon’s stunning Dartmoor National Park, National Trust’s Castle Drogo is an impressive castle, built just 100 years ago. It was in fact the last castle ever built in England, and is a great day out for anyone interested in modern history. Explore the formal gardens, or explore the Teign Valley with its ancient gorge filled with wildlife. 

Castle Drogo has a variety of routes to suit all abilities, with level access and terrain. Visitors can take advantage of on-site tramper mobility scooter hire, as well as buggy transfers to and from the castle. Large copies of maps, children’s trails, and guides are available, and induction loops are available at the visitor reception, shop and cafe.

Find support from Lifeways in Devon.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford

Get up close and personal with gigantic aircraft at Europe’s largest air museum. IWM Duxford is home to aircraft which tell the story from the early days of flight, through to the dramatic days of the Second World War and the technological advances of the Cold War. 

Visitors can discover iconic aircraft, and those with limited mobility or additional accessibility needs will be able to take advantage of facilities which have been introduced to enhance every person’s visit. From large format visitor maps, wheelchairs available to loan free of charge, audio descriptive trails, and seating available throughout, IWM Duxford is committed to accessibility for all.

Find support from Lifeways in Cambridgeshire.

Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham

Located in Rotherham, Wentworth Woodhouse is a luxurious stately home which is well worth a visit. Take a tour through the State Rooms in the Grade I listed country house, or enjoy the 50 acres of gardens with wildflower meadows, eighteenth century follies and ancient trees.

Despite its age, the team at Wentworth have created an inclusive and accessible site for all, making improvements throughout their regeneration plan. There’s a shuttle service from the car park to the main entrance for visitors with limited mobility, and carers go free when accompanying a disabled visitor. The gardens are fully accessible via the main gravel paths for wheelchair and electric scooter users, and guide dogs are welcomed in both the house and gardens.

Find support from Lifeways in South Yorkshire.

How Lifeways can help

Lifeways offers supported living and residential care for individuals living with complex needs across the UK. 

Our dedicated support teams work to ensure that every person at Lifeways has the opportunity to take part in meaningful activities and life-enriching experiences, to enhance their quality of life and to provide a deep sense of fulfilment, joy and purpose. Start the search to find support near you.