May half term is almost upon us and if you’re looking for accessible things to do for the whole family, you’ve come to the right place!

Northern England

With incredible cities like Manchester and Liverpool, as well as the beautiful county of Yorkshire and places like the Peak and Lake Districts, Northern England is full of wonderful destinations.

Animal attractions
 

WWT Martin Mere
Lancashire

Martin Mere has over 70 wetland species to meet during your visit, including flamingos and otters! Over half term, Bing and friends will be on hand to help you explore too!

Find out more about their accessibility here.

History and Heritage

North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Yorkshire
With multiple locations across North Yorkshire, you can easily hop onto a steam train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through the beautiful North York Moors National Park. Each station has their own accessibility statements, so make sure to check before you travel.

For the adventurous


Sandcastle Waterpark
Lancashire

As the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, this is the place to come if you want to make a splash! They host a variety of sessions for guests with additional needs and provide a wonderful day out for the whole family.

Find out more about their accessibility here.

Southern England

Home to the counties of Sussex, Kent and Essex to the east and Cornwall, Devon and Dorset to the west, the South of England has historic cities, rolling countryside and beautiful beaches to explore.

History and heritage


National Trust, Stourhead
Wiltshire

During May half term, NT Stourhead is hosting special half term fun. Come and enjoy the family friendly stableyard, full of adventurous outdoor play and exciting rides. This is on top of the usual fun to be found in the house and gardens.
Find out more about their accessibility here

Animal attractions


WWT Slimbridge
Gloucester

Spend a day exploring the wetlands and seeing all the different species you can find or join in with Bing and friends and become a Nature Explorer, following activity trails and more, all running through half term.
Find out more about their accessibility here

WWT Arundel
West Sussex

If you’re not in the west country, you can always visit Bing and co at WWT’s Wetland Centre in Arundel, East Sussex. Find out more about their accessibility here.

Longleat
Wiltshire

This half term, head to Longleat for an exclusive event hosted by Steve Backshall! Shows can be booked along with your usual entry fee and part of the cost will go towards protecting endangered animals in Africa!

Find out more about their accessibility here.

For the adventurous

Crealy Theme Park
Devon

During May half term, Crealy Theme Park and Resort are hosting BMX Extreme Stunt Show. That’s not all – Soak Zone is reopening and Sooty Show tickets are included in the price of entry! Find out more about their accessibility here.

Paultons Park
Hampshire

With five incredible themed lands, including the famous Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park is a great option for families looking for a day out. As well as all the usual rides, there are a host of events and activities taking place too. Find out more about their accessibility here 

London

England’s capital, London is a vibrant city with something for everyone.

Art and culture
 

National Gallery
Trafalgar Square

London is full of art and culture, but the National Gallery is a must visit location and this half term you can find a free drop in sensory session. It’s a chance to explore the connections between sensory materials in a fun, playful environment. The National Gallery itself is also free to visit, so is a great way to explore the city without breaking the bank.

Find out more about their accessibility here.

History and Heritage
 

Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge

As one of the most iconic views in London, Tower Bridge is instantly recognisable, but have you ever ventured inside to find out more about the architecture? Why not do so this half term?

Find out more about their accessibility here.

Midlands

Located in the middle of England, giving you easy access to the north, the south and the country of Wales, there are plenty of heritage attractions and more to find here.

Art and Culture

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
Coventry

If you want to learn more about Coventry’s history and indulge in some art, the Herbert Art Gallery is the best place to go! With ever changing displays and a host of family friendly activities taking place throughout the year including Sensory Stories and Rhymes sessions and more there’s always something to do here. See more about their accessibility here.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Wyre Forest
Worcestershire

As part of Forestry England, Wyre Forest is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and get some fresh air. It’s the largest woodland nature reserve in England and offers a host of activities, as well as having trampers available to hire for anyone who wants to explore deep into the woods. Find out more about their accessibility here

History and Heritage


Coventry Transport Museum
Coventry

Home to one of the finest collection of vehicles in the world, this is a great option for a day out, especially if you have little ones that love cars, planes and everything in between! Find out more about their accessibility here.

Looking for more inspiration for things to do this half term, see a host of attractions, activities and more here

Related

Coventry Transport Museum
Museum
The entry way into Coventry Transport Museum on a sunny day

Lift access is provided to both floors of the Museum, and we also have a small number of wheelchairs available free of charge for visitors to use whilst at the Museum. These chairs are allocated on a first come first served basis, although any advance requests will be considered.

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
Museums & Galleries
People listening to a talk at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is committed to being accessible for everyone. Here, you can find information about accessible facilities and resources across the site to plan your visit.

Longleat
Wildlife / Safari Parks & Zoo
Longleat House in front of a lake with the house reflected in the water at Longleat

While Longleat has differing terrains and inclines, the majority of our grounds and attractions are very accessible. Manual wheelchairs can be reserved in advance of your visit, and mobility scooters are available to hire both in advance and on the day.

Paultons Park
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Water ride featuring Peppa Pig at Paultons Park

We welcome visits from guests with disabilities and will do everything possible to ensure they have a safe and pleasurable visit and are able to participate in as many activities as possible.

The National Gallery Trafalgar Square
Museums & Galleries
Person in a wheelchair with a companion looking at van gough's sunflowers at The National Gallery Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest possible public. There are a range of facilities to help you experience the collection, visit exhibitions and come to events.

National Trust Stourhead
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Stair climber at Stourhead House. Credit National Trust Images Chris Lacey

Accessible toilets in Spread Eagle courtyard. Mountain trike wheelchairs are available to hire. A Baronmead Stairmate Major stairclimber is available, enabling wheelchair users to access the house.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Steam Railway
a couple talking to a driver at North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one on foot and one in a wheelchair

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) offers four fully accessible ‘fuss-free’ coaches - part of its long-term initiative to make the heritage railway attraction accessible to all thanks to funding secured from the Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey project (YMJ).

Sandcastle Waterpark
Theme Park / Amusement Park
A group of people on the flumes at Sandcastle Waterpark

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
History and Heritage
A red bus driving over Tower Bridge

Once a month on a Saturday, we host Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and any other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Animals & Nature
A child in a yellow coat and sat in a wheelchair with binoculars at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

This gorgeous nature reserve has accessible boat rides and a stunning reedbed boardwalk. Arundel Wetland Centre has buggy and wheelchair-friendly pathways, comfortable hides and disabled and parent & baby facilities.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Nature Trail
people on a boat at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. A £10 non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking of the mobility scooter.

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Animals & Nature
man on wheelchair with geese at WWT Slimbridge

Whether visitors are passionate birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, families with young children, or individuals with additional access needs, Slimbridge offers a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring experience throughout the year.

Wyre Forest – Forestry England
Outdoor Attraction
A family walking around a pathway at Wyre Forest, one on foot pushing a wheelchair and walking a dog and another on a tramper

We have all-terrain mobility scooters available to hire for those with limited mobility. They are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine.