Beaches aren’t just for kids!

As we get older, we might think that certain places in the UK are reserved for the younger generation, but that’s just not true! The older we get, the more important it is to stay active and enjoy the world around us and one way we can do this is by visiting the beach!

You might not think that beaches are all that accessible, especially if you’re using mobility aids, like wheelchairs or walking sticks but actually, there are lots of reasons why beaches are great for older adults and with a host of beaches across the UK being awarded for their accessibility, there has never been a better time to go! Plus, visiting the beach in the winter months means they are less busy, so fewer children to trip over (!) and you’re helping the local economy by spreading out the number of visitors throughout the year!

Convinced? Well, if not, here are some of the reasons why a day out at the beach is so beneficial for pensioners and the older generation and some of the UK’s most accessible beaches to visit.

Why come to the beach?

One of the biggest benefits of visiting the beach is the fact that you are getting outside! Getting out of the house is good not only for the body but also the soul, you can enjoy some fresh air, break up the day and get some exercise. All of which are great at lowering stress, lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system! Walking across a beach will also help with a low impact workout and gives you a change of scenery, which can be life saving to those of us that have few places to visit since retiring or getting older.

Beaches are also a great place for people watching, bird watching and engaging in those forgotten activities we loved so much in our youth, like crabbing and rockpooling. The more popular beaches also have a host of restaurants, cafes and pubs close by, giving you even more chances to people watch and enjoy a hearty meal all at the same time.

Accessible beaches

Now you know of some of the health benefits of spending a day at the beach, here are some of the most accessible beaches in the UK. The majority of which have beach wheelchairs available for hire, plenty of car parking, with designated blue badge parking, excellent public transport links and plenty of facilities. Some even have Changing Places facilities nearby, which enables you and a carer to both comfortably fit should you need any additional assistance.

Great Yarmouth Beach, Norfolk, England

Great Yarmouth has plenty going for it, including one of the best beaches in the UK! It spans the entire length of the town, so there is plenty of room for everyone and it has easy access for wheelchair/mobility scooter users. There are accessible toilets at North Beach, those these aren’t always open in the off season and there is plenty of disabled parking available.

Benone Strand, Derry, Northern Ireland

If you’re spending a few days in County Derry, this beach is a must visit, there are several accessible facilities, including beach wheelchairs and even adapted surfboards! You’ll also find hoists, changing benches, walkers and floating chairs available, so its somewhere that is suitable for a wide range of visitors. It is recommended as one of the most wheelchair accessible beaches in the UK.

Bournemouth Beach, Dorset, England

Bournemouth is another of the UK’s most wheelchair accessible beaches. There is disabled parking available on the promenade and the beach can be accessed via concrete slopes and ramps, making it easy to reach the seafront. The beach has accessible toilets, which are part of the RADAR scheme and are available all year around and there are even accessible beach huts to rent.

Swansea Bay Beach, Swansea, Wales

The beach at Swansea Bay is just a few minutes from the city centre and is fairly easy to get to. The carpark is right next to the beach and has designated Blue Badge parking and there are accessible toilets and wheelchair access down towards the sand.

North Berwick Beach, Berwick, Scotland

This is a popular one in the summer, so can get busy, but this is a great beach for those with limited mobility. There are adapted beach wheelchairs available to hire, as well as access for other mobility aids. Accessible parking is available in the harbour and there are accessible toilets too.

These are just a few of the accessible beaches available in the UK – generally speaking, any beach that has Blue Flag status, will have had to prove that it has accessible facilities, so these are also a good option for anyone wanting to enjoy the beach.