Accessible things to do this half term

If you’re anything like us, you’ll be very excited about half term, not only is it the first break of the year, but it’s the time of year that many of the UK’s top attractions open their doors after the winter break, so by visiting during half term, you’ll have the chance to try everything out before the summer starts!

Here are a few ideas for accessible things to do this half term.

Go shopping

Half term is a great time to stock up on all the things you need for school or college for the rest of term. One great place to get a spot of shopping done is Clarke’s Village in Street, Somerset. This shopping centre is full of designer outlet stores, as well as eateries and of course, the Clarke’s Shoe Museum, where you can find out more about this iconic British brand. The whole site is accessible for those using mobility aids as well as those with sensory issues. The shoe shop runs an autism friendly shoe fitting service too, making the whole thing a lot easier for those on the autism spectrum.

Make friends with some animals

The UK is full of animal attractions, from small holdings to zoos and wildlife parks. During half term, many of them have additional activities and events going on to keep you entertained as well as all the usual. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm near Bristol has won several accessibility awards recently and has launched the Ark for All project, which was opened by Paralympian, Andy Lewis, which has seen a number of wheelchair accessible facilities installed, this is in addition to the work they’ve done with Bristol Mobility Centre to offer wheelchairs and scooters for hire to visitors. The site also works closely with the National Autistic Society to create their signage. Make sure to head to the zoo if you’re in the area for a host of incredible up close experiences with an amazing variety of animals.
Not far from Bristol is Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire. As well as hosting a variety of special themed events throughout the year, with additional ones added for Half Term, the site has everything from a stately home, an adventure zone and of course, the Safari area. The safari is over six miles long and gives you the chance to meet giraffes, lemurs, monkeys and big cats. Longleat is also home to the UK’s only collection of koalas, so don’t miss out on a chance to say hello!
Another option is the Isle of Wight Zoo, which can be found right on the beach in Sandown Bay. The zoo delivers an inspirational experience and a friendly atmosphere for getting to know the animals which includes everything from big cats to meerkats. The zoo is step free and is accessible for those using mobility aids.
If you’re not on the Isle of Wight or you don’t think you’ve quite got the stomach for the ferry, don’t worry, another option for you is the West Midland’s Safari Park. Based in Worcestershire the park is an award winning visitor attraction and is home to a wide variety of all-weather attractions offering the ultimate in family days out. Much of the site is wheelchair friendly, with all the enclosures being accessible and wheelchairs can be hired from the park. You’ll also find a Changing Places facility as well as special prices and discounts for those visiting with accessibility needs or carers.

Go to a show

If animals aren’t your thing, you could always go and see a show at one of the accessible theatres the UK has to offer. In the south west, the Chichester Festival Theatre is committed to making sure everyone has the best possible experience, they’ve won numerous inclusivity awards and tailor their bookings for guests with disabilities. In addition to the accessible performances, the theatre is dementia friendly and autism friendly with a range of events and schemes taking place all year around.
If that’s the wrong end of the country for you, Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre can be found in Derbyshire and offers a variety of performance and cinema for everyone, with the ground floor stalls being wheelchair accessible. The theatre offers a number of accessible performances all year around with adapted sound and lighting as well as a sensory tent if anyone needs some time out. Signed performances are also available with BSL interpreters and additional technology for those with hearing aids so that they too can get involved with the performances.

We create a monthly round up of all the accessible performances that are available, check them out here.

Have an adventure

If you’re more of the adventurous type, why not head to one of the many theme or adventure parks that the UK has to offer?

Sandcastle’s Water Park in Blackpool is the UK’s largest indoor water park and has over eighteen fantastic slides and attractions to choose from. Plus, there is an adults only spa area, you know, in case you need a break from the kids! The site hosts a year round programme of Accessible Family Evenings to allow guests with disability and additional needs and their families to enjoy the park without the hustle and bustle of a normal day. The team at the park strive to be the world’s most accessible water park and so there are a range of activities and facilities to accommodate a wide range of people.
Crealy Adventure Theme Park and Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out. Based on the outskirts of Exeter, the park is conveniently located and is near a number of main roads and public transport, including two mainline train stations. The park has an action packed calendar of events all year around, with extra activities on offer during half term.
The park’s full accessibility statement is available on their website, but Crealy is welcoming of all guests and operates a ride access and queue skipping system.
In Southampton, Paulton’s Park has over seventy exciting rides and attractions, including the UK’s exclusive Peppa Pig World, which has nine fun Peppa themed rides. The vast majority of the rides and attractions are designed to be fully accessible with all the paths throughout the site flat.

Learn something at a heritage attraction

Based near Taunton in Somerset, Hestercombe House and Gardens has fifty acres steeped in history and brimming with wildlife and lots to do. Dating back to 1280, there is an art gallery, restaurant and more to enjoy at the house. The house has wheelchair access throughout the ground floor and there are videos to show off the areas of the house that are not yet fully accessible. Much has been done to make the site as accessible as possible, but do speak to the team if you have any questions.

Do you have any ideas of other accessible attractions to visit during half term? Let us know, you can get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.