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Looking for something fun to do during half term? There are a host of family friendly things to do across the UK. Whether you want something suitable for wheelchair users, something autism friendly or something the whole family can enjoy, we’ve pulled together some suggestions for you to help you plan the perfect half term.
Theme, adventure and water parks
You might not think that Britain’s theme parks or waterparks are accessible – but you’d be wrong! With rides suitable for wheelchairs, exclusive SEN sessions and trained staff on hand, there are plenty of places you can enjoy some thrill seeking.
In Blackpool, there is Sandcastle Waterpark, the UK’s largest indoor waterpark with over 18 slides and attractions. The park is committed to being accessible to all, and so they welcome guests of all ages and abilities. All through the year there are designated accessible evenings dedicated to making the park as accessible and that’s not all, they have a partnership with Access Card, which allows card holders free entry for a carer and have a Changing Places facility on site.
Elsewhere in Oxfordshire, Fairytale Farm is an adventure play centre with the chance to play, explore and meet some amazing animals too. The park is designed to provide a positive sensory experience and is recognised for its autism friendly provision. The site is designed sympathetically, thanks to the owners’ personal experience with finding accessible, family friendly attractions. It’s a great option for anyone with younger kids or planning a trip out with the whole family.
Further south near Exeter is Crealy Theme Park and Resort. The park is home to the most rides in Devon and features a calendar of exciting seasonal events, especially during the school holidays – so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! Here you’ll find over 60 indoor and outdoor attractions, with wheelchair accessible rides and facilities for guests with additional needs. Perfect for a day out, whether you’re 8 months, 8 years or 80!
Another option for anyone travelling around the South West this half term is Paultons Park. Located near Southampton, Paultons Park has five themed areas, including the famous Peppe Pig World. There are certain rides that are suitable for wheelchair users and the majority of their play areas are also fully accessible for those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Those with an Access Card, can also receive Essential Companion Tickets for their day out!
Animal attractions
The February half term is a great time to get up close and personal with animals at one of the UK’s zoos or farm parks – it’s the time when the animals are all getting ready for bringing new life into the world – laying the perfect foundation for a follow up trip for Easter!
Near Bristol is Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, the largest zoo in Somerset and a regular winner of inclusivity awards. As well as being home to over 100 animals, there are also 10 play areas across 100 acres. The whole site is accessible, with Changing Places facilities, additional accessible toilets, facilities and play equipment all over the park. There are special events taking place throughout the year, particularly during school holidays, so keep an eye on their website and book a day of fun.
Nearby in Wiltshire is Longleat Safari Park where you can enjoy everything from the architecture of the famous house to a safari experience. During February half term, they are hosting their Winter Wildlife Week, which features a host of activities and excitements to keep the whole family entertained. Find out more about their accessibility on their website when booking.
For those of you travelling to the Isle of Wight over half term, make a stop at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, which is located right on the beach at Sandown Bay. As the original zoo, it’s a much loved place for old and young alike and there are loads of events taking place over half term, including their Holiday Club! The whole site is level, so easily navigated with mobility aids and there are disabled facilities available throughout the site.
Activity Centres
Want to learn something while having fun? There are a host of interactive activity centres across the UK which offer amazing day trips for those with additional needs. One suggestions is the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium which has two floors of fun, hands on displays, experiments and demos to explore. Starting in January is their Beyond the Moon live planetarium show – perfect for keeping them curious while they are off school!
Outdoor attractions
Hopefully half term will bring some sunshine and we’ll have a chance to get out and about in the fresh air. If you’re the kind of family that like being out in nature, there are a whole host of outdoor attractions that are disabled friendly – with everything from all terrain wheelchairs available to rent to graded walks compiled from organisations like Miles without Stiles.
In Kent you’ll find Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, an award winning pinetum with over 12,000 trees and beautiful scenery to explore. The site is perfect for a day out – there is a tramper available to hire and a host of accessible activities throughout the forest to get involved one and there is a Changing Places facility on site, giving you peace of mind during your visit.
Alternatively, if you’re further north, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is in Ormskirk, Lancashire. During half term, they are hosting Mudfest which features puddle jumping, crafts and a mud obstacle course among other activities.
Staff at the centre are trained in sign language and have had training in providing assistance to visitors with additional needs. There are a host of sensory aids available for use during your visit, as well as mobility aids to rent, whether you are taking part in the activities or not.
Historical attractions
The UK is full of fascinating history and heritage attractions to explore this half term. Why not enjoy a taste of nostalgia with a steam train ride with North Yorkshire Moor Railway? Available from several stations in North Yorkshire and with accessible carriages, it makes for an exciting day out for the whole family. If you’re in the capital, discover more about one of the city’s most iconic bridges with a trip to Tower Bridge, where you can discover the story behind the bridge and visit the Victorian Engine Rooms. Both parts of the attraction are step free and you can take advantage of their relaxed sessions, which are dedicated to visitors with additional needs. Visit their website to find out more and book your session.
Want some more options? Find a host of accessible things to do here.
Planning a get away? You can find accommodation to suit every taste and budget all over the UK here.
Image: Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Related
Open all year around, Bedgebury is the perfect place to enjoy healthy, outdoor activities.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out, home to the most rides in Devon and an exciting calendar of seasonal events throughout the year during the Devon School Holidays.
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. With our exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet our amazing animals, there is so much to see and do. It is a sensory and learning wonderland for all the family.
Longleat Safari Park, nestled within 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds, is home to the UK’s original Safari Park, one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture, and an abundance of exciting attractions including Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure where you can get up-close and personal with truly amazing animals.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the home of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhino, Giraffes, Lions and Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see within the biggest zoo in the South West.
Visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and be transported back to the past aboard the world's most popular heritage railway.
Visit Paultons Park to make memories to last a lifetime. Home to 5 incredible themed lands including Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World and with more than 70 exciting rides and attractions on over 140 acres of beautiful grounds, guests of all ages are guaranteed a fun-filled family day out!
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest Indoor Waterpark with more than 18 fantastic slides and attractions including Master Blaster, the longest Indoor Roller Coaster waterslide in the world. There’s something for all the family including Thunderfalls family waterslides, Ushi Gushi Action River, Aztec Falls waterslide and Typhoon Lagoon wave pool. The Caribbean Storm Treehouse, Fort Riptide, Treetops Water Chute and HMS Shipwreck provide fun for our very young visitors. With an adults only Spa area, a private Cabana for those who want to enjoy a VIP experience and much more, Sandcastle Waterpark is a great day out for all the family.
Tower Bridge has two parts to the visit - the Bridge itself and the Victorian Engine Rooms - both are step-free.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary occupies a very special location, right on a beautiful sandy beach in Sandown Bay, on the east coast of the island.
Are you ready for an action-packed family adventure? Set off on an exhilarating journey through the world of science, technology, engineering and maths.
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is run by WWT, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, which was founded by Sir Peter Scott.
