Want an accessible day out? Head to the aquarium!

It doesn’t matter whether you are old or young, there is something quite magical about visiting an aquarium and the UK has loads of them all over so you’re never short of things to do. Aquariums are a great choice for a day out, regardless of what accessibility needs you have, plus many of the UK’s aquariums focus on conservation and education meaning that you can be sure that your visit is doing some good!

According to Age UK, the best aquariums to visit in the country if you have accessibility needs are: Living Coasts in Torquay, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, the Blue Planet Aquarium in Chester, Sea Life in Brighton and Deep Sea World in Fife but honestly, whatever aquarium you choose to visit will have a range of accessible features. Not only that, but in a report by the BBC, it was found that spending time in aquariums was a great way of improving physical and mental well-being.

One of the great things about an aquarium as opposed to a zoo is that they are great for those with sensory conditions. Many of the exhibits are in naturally low light and unlike an animal enclosure is relatively peaceful and quiet, so there is less overwhelming stimulus compared to other attractions. This also makes them ideal for the hearing impaired and those that are self-guided often have large print signs and information about each individual exhibit. Of course each individual company has their own policy, but there are several who offer ‘Quiet Hours’ for those with additional sensory needs and BSL-guided tours in addition to their usual facilities.

Aquariums in the UK tend to follow the national trend of offering reduced entry fee to guests who are registered disabled or senior citizens. Some of them also offer free entry to carers and as there are rarely other animals on site, guide dogs are welcome throughout.

If you’re arriving at your aquarium of choice by car, you will find disabled parking spaces in convenient locations onsite for you to use and many of these are offered with free or reduced parking fees. While not every single one of the UK’s aquariums will offer Changing Places spaces, they do all have accessible toilets and in some cases, also accept Radar keys.

Of course, we would always advise calling ahead to double check opening times and what mobility aids are catered for, some of the UK’s national aquariums offer free wheel chair hire for those with reduced mobility, while others are well equipped for wheelchairs, scooters and push chairs in all their exhibition areas. Want to find out more about accessible attractions? Click here to find out what is available in your area.

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Sources:

https://www.ageukmobility.co.uk/mobility-news/article/accessible-guide-to-uk-best-aquariums

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33716589

https://www.visitengland.com/plan-your-visit/access-all/accessible-england