Accessible Days Out for Families in the UK

With the school holidays upon us, where in the UK can families enjoy accessible days out?

Whether it is visiting a museum, local park or a zoo, having accessible facilities in place can be a deciding factor as to whether a family visits a venue or not.

Luckily, we have supported venues across the country to help them become more inclusive.

This blog has pulled together a list of venues where we have installed Changing Places toilets, helping families to enjoy accessible days out.

 

1) RHS Harlow Carr

 

If you are looking for an outside space where you can make the most of the summer sun, RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate is a fantastic option.

With wide open spaces and beautiful gardens, there is a great variety of walks, exhibitions and events for you to enjoy.

 

 

 

Furthermore, there is a café on site – Betty’s Tea House, with plenty of space for families to relax and take in the gorgeous surroundings.

Over the last few years, RHS Harlow Carr have put in a number of initiatives to ensure their gardens are accessible and inclusive. From wheelchair and mobility scooter hire available on site, to free entry for two carers accompanying a visitor with complex needs, a lot of thought has been put in to cater for different care requirements.

Their website provides a detailed accessibility guide, highlighting the best routes to take for wheelchair users and recommended times to visit.

In 2022, Innova delivered a modular Changing Places to the site, helping the site become a key accessible day out in North Yorkshire.

Situated in the main car park, it is also blends in with the aesthetic of the surroundings. The Changing Places features branded wall art with graphics of the gardens, to create a more engaging environment.

Have a look at our video below featuring our case study on RHS Harlow Carr.

 

 

 

2) National Portrait Gallery

 

For those looking at a city break in London, the National Portrait Gallery is a definitely one of the attractions to look at for accessible days out.

Home to the world’s largest collection of portraits, the gallery has undergone a huge refurbishment to ensure their spaces, collection and facilities are accessible to everyone who chooses to spend time with them.

After three years of building works, the Grade I listed building reopened in June 2023, where they increased their toilet provision by 6%, with both separate male and female toilet facilities on floor 4, universal toilets on floors -2 and -3, and a Changing Places toilet installed by Innova on floor -2.

 

 

In addition, all their entrances, café, restaurant and shops have step-free access and all levels of the Gallery are connected by lifts.

There are also large print guides and resources, audio-described tours and magnifying glasses to enable people with vision and hearing loss to have a full, immersive experience.

Since reopening in June 2023, the National Portrait Gallery has seen a significant uplift in visitors with a disability, increasing by over 350%.

 

3) Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Museum

 

The Lake District is always a favourite destination for families to holiday in the UK.

However, the terrain and steep hills often pose problems for accessible days out.

One of the major attractions that is looking to change that is Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Museum. Popular with tourists and locals, families can enjoy trips on a steam train, taking in the wonderful sights of the Lake District, as well as a museum and café.

 

 

A recent inclusion to the station is a Changing Places toilet, a state-of-the-art facility with the right equipment to help individuals wash, change and use the toilet safely and with ease.

Accessible by RADAR key between 9-5pm, the toilet can be used by anyone, not just visitors to the railway, the Turntable Café and Ravenglass Railway Museum.

Read our news article about the opening of this Changing Places toilet.

 

4) Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens

 

Summer holidays for families often include a trip to their nearest wildlife park.

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is one of the most popular destinations, boasting an impressive array of animals and facilities.

Those searching for accessible days out will not be disappointed.

Access to the park from the car park is wheelchair friendly, while the paths and walkways around the park are predominantly suitable for wheelchair.

 

 

To help families enjoy a full immersive experience, they have a network of accessible wooden walk ways, allowing you to walk amongst the trees to see the monkeys and climb the Tiger Machan to the viewing platform, where you can be within inches of their tigers.

Furthermore, the cafe and shop have access ramps and the site includes a number of disabled toilet facilities.

With the help of Innova, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens have recently welcomed a new modular Changing Places to their site.

Featuring branded wall art and specialist equipment such as an overhead hoist system, the new Changing Places toilet ensures families with complex care needs can enjoy everything that the Thrigby Hall has to offer.

 

5) Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

 

One of the biggest events in Scotland that falls in the summer holidays is the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic castle, the Tattoo brings together audiences from across the globe, celebrating the skills and talents of military bands and cultural performers from around the globe.

To ensure families can enjoy accessible days out, the event has a number of protocols in place.

 

 

 

From accessible vehicle passes to wheelchair spaces and seating available in different parts of the arena, there are various levels of support on offer to cater for different mobility needs.

Low-level seating is made easy to access from the Esplanade via ramps, while seating is designed so that wheelchairs are interspersed with essential companion seating alongside.

A problem that many large outdoor events face is the lack of accessible toileting facilities. With the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, that isn’t an issue.

Innova supported the Tattoo with a modular Changing Places toilet in 2022, which is situated near the main entrance. It features an array of specialist equipment including a height adjustable wash basin and changing bench.

Check out the video below to see Innova’s modular Changing Places toilet at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

 

 

Summary

 

To help families in the UK find accessible days out, we’ve listed five places that have committed to making their venues more inclusive.

Not only do all these venues have Changing Places toilets, they also have provisions in place regarding wheelchair access.

If your venue needs support with accessible toilets, use the contact form below to book a consultation with one of our advisors.