Best Wheelchair Accessible Day Trips in Hampshire
As we’re based in Farnham, just over the border in Surrey, we have a lot of customers based in Hampshire. Today, we’ve collated a range of wheelchair accessible day trips out in Hampshire.
Some of these may be more suited to a multi-terrain chair like our smart chair range whereas others are suited to all types, including manual wheelchairs.
Seven Wheelchair Accessible Days Out in Hampshire
1. Birdworld, Farnham
Birdworld is located just outside of Farnham, barely over the Hampshire border. Inside you’ll find all kinds of birds from exotic ones like parrots and flamingos to farmyard birds such as chickens!
Perfect for all the family, not just children, it’s a chance to wander around, see birds in large, open habitats and get up close to them.
Birdworld is entirely accessible with mostly flat and wide paved ground. You can go from exhibit to exhibit incredibly easily, there’s plenty of space to sit and watch the world go by and there are accessible toilets throughout the park.
2. Beaulieu, New Forest
Beaulieu, set in the gorgeous New Forest, is a historic house, abbey, car museum and home of the Top Gear exhibit. There’s plenty to see and do at Beaulieu, regardless of whether you’re a history buff or a car fanatic.
One of the fantastic things about Beaulieu is how much they strive to be as accessible as possible to wheelchair users. With listed buildings to contend with, preventing the fitting of lifts etc, Beaulieu do all they can to enable those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility the chance to view their magnificent grounds!
Around 90% of Beaulieu is wheelchair accessible. The upstairs of Beaulieu House and the Monorail are the only two areas that are completely off-limits to those in wheelchairs. However, to get around this Beaulieu offer DVDs to show what these areas of the grounds are like, so you can discuss with friends and family.
You can read their full access statement here.
3. Portsmouth, including the Spinnaker Tower and Historic Dockyards
Portsmouth has a variety of wheelchair accessible things to do, including the Spinnaker Tower and parts of their historic dockyard.
The Spinnaker Tower allows you to rise to 105ft using their accessible lift, with views out to the Isle of Wight and back across Hampshire visible on a clear day.
The dockyards are UK’s premier destination for naval history and contain a variety of exhibits including ships that are safely moored, some still on water! Due to the nature of older ships, only the lower decks are wheelchair accessible, although there is a DVD tour available of all the ships. There are other attractions such as the Mary Rose Museum on offer, which are wheelchair accessible.
4. Mottisfont, Romsey
Set in the stunning countryside outside Southampton, Mottisfont is a stately home now in a 1930’s neoclassical style. Originally a 1201 priory, the house as we see it today is an 18th century building.
There’s designated parking available, although it is worth noting the car park can get boggy in wet weather as Mottisfont is a riverside property. The home and welcome centre are accessible on the ground floors, and there are accessible toilets throughout.
5. Highclere Castle, Highclere
If you’re a Downtown Abbey fan, then Highclere Castle should be at the top of your list of places to visit.
Disabled access is available throughout most of the estate. However, electric wheelchairs are not permitted inside the castle, so you will need to switch to a manual one, which can be booked with the Castle Office.
There’s plenty of walking to do around the lawns, which have wide paths perfect for chair users. Learn more here.
6. Winchester Cathedral, Winchester
Set in historic Winchester, the cathedral is a central point of the city. Being over 1,000 years old, it’s a truly magnificent sight to see and is one that should be a definite place to go if you’re looking to visit Winchester.
There are ramps to access the cathedral, but the inside is level, aside from the Dean Garnier Garden and the crypt. There is also lift access to other parts of the cathedral including one by the north transept and the Kings and Scribes exhibition.
It is worth noting that there is no on-site parking, and an approximate three-minute walk is required to get to the Cathedral from the nearest disabled parking bays.
7. Godshill Model Village, Isle of Wight
If you’ve ever been to the Isle of Wight, then you’ll know how much fun it can be to explore this fascinating area, from the Needles at one end to the glorious sandy Ryde beach.
One place to definitely visit is Godshill model village, set in beautiful Godshill. Set back from the roads, the entire site is wheelchair accessible. It’s all level pathways, and where there are steps, a ramped alternative is provided.
You will need to be able to bend over to look at the small details or take some binoculars with you. It’s a lovely, nostalgic day out for many.
Get Outdoors with a LITH-TECH Wheelchair
LITH-TECH has a range of folding electric wheelchairs that can help you get out and about in Hampshire. Contact us for more information.
Share this article
Follow us
Latest articles
October 12, 2024
October 12, 2024
October 12, 2024
October 12, 2024
October 12, 2024