From world-famous attractions to understated beaches, the UK is home to some excellent days out. But for many, accessibility is a huge consideration when planning a day trip. Whether going out solo, with a significant other, or with friends or family - access ramps, toilets, and other concerns play a part in planning a trip out. Thankfully, many of the UK's top attractions are completely accessible and inclusive to needs and abilities, so nobody needs to miss out.
From the beach to the shopping centre, whatever you're in the mood for, there are wheelchair accessible attractions spread all over the UK.
Accessibility on Board
Every great day out starts and ends with a great journey. Thanks to CrossCountry travel assistance, you can arrive in comfort and style – whatever your accessibility needs. Passengers can request travel assistance up to two hours before the journey to ensure they travel confidently. If you need assistance at short notice, please let a staff member know or use a Help Point at our stations.
Beach day at Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth 
Whether you're soaking up some sun, playing on the arcades, or watching the waves roll in, a visit to the beach conjures up feelings of nostalgia and joy. The Jurassic Coast is renowned for its golden sand and dramatic coastlines. But the award-winning Boscombe Beach in Bournemouth has gone the extra mile to make this beach an experience to remember for everyone. Not only does the beach provide wheelchair hire, but you can also hire the UK's first purpose-designed disabled accessible beach huts. The huts have incorporated functionality and great design to accommodate four wheelchairs at once.
Trains to Boscombe Beach
Boscombe Beach is only 1.4 miles from the fully accessible Bournemouth station. Popular routes to Bournemouth include Manchester to Bournemouth, Birmingham to Bournemouth, and Reading to Bournemouth.
The National Space Centre, Leicester
Home to the UK's largest planetarium, six interactive galleries, and a whopping 42m high Rocket Tower, the National Space Centre is an out-of-this-world experience. Cheesy puns aside, the centre offers events and tours throughout the year to educate and inspire visitors of all ages. Even if you know nothing about space or galactic exploration, the National Space is ideally located near Leicester centre, is easily accessible, and is family-friendly, making it one of the best wheelchair-accessible attractions. There is lift access to all four floors and wheelchair spaces in the planetarium meaning wheelchair users won't miss anything.
Trains to The National Space Centre
The nearest railway station to the National Space Centre is Leicester Station, approximately 2 miles away. You could enjoy a scenic journey along the River Soar and through Abbey Park; or use one of the regular Leicester bus services. CrossCountry runs many different services in and out of Leicester, with Birmingham to Leicester, Cambridge to Leicester, and Peterborough to Leicester being some of the most popular.
Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh
Once the famous yacht and partial home to Queen Elizabeth II on her tours and voyages, the Royal Yacht Britannia is as stunning as it is historical. Now decommissioned from royal duties, visitors can go aboard the boat and to see the iconic ship up-close. Sailing over 1,000,000 nautical miles and spanning 968 state visits with the Royal family, this boat has seen it all. With all five decks accessible via a lift, reliving iconic moments, whether that be Queen Elizabeth in the state apartment, the captain on the bridge, or the crew in crew in the gleaming engine room.
Trains to the Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia’s nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverly, around 2.4 miles away. CrossCountry runs many different services in and out of Edinburgh Waverly, with Birmingham to Edinburgh, Sheffield to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Edinburgh being some of the most popular.
Wheelchair Friendly Shopping in Manchester
With a selection of shopping centres, boutique streets, and various markets, shopping in Manchester has something for everyone, no matter your style. If you're looking for some high street brands, it's best to head to one of the shopping centres; the Manchester Arndale or The Trafford Centre are the largest and have everything under one roof. Both centres offer wheelchair hire, accessibility to all levels, and accessible toilets, making shopping friendly for everybody. If vintage or independent stores are your things, the Northern Quarter is worthy of a visit. This trendy part of Manchester is even great if you'd like to explore street art or grab a nice drink at a local café.
Trains to Manchester’s Shopping
Depending on where you’re shopping, Manchester Piccadilly is usually the hub of all travellers visiting the city, as it has excellent transport links to all surrounding areas. Manchester Arndale is 0.7 miles from the station, the Northern Quarter is 0.4 miles away, and the Trafford Centre is a little further afield, so it’s worth using the local trams, which are accessible for wheelchair users. CrossCountry runs many different services in and out of Manchester, with Birmingham to Manchester, Bristol to Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester and Oxford to Manchester being some of the most popular.
If you're planning a trip to one of the best wheelchair friendly days out in the UK, don't forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app for zero booking fees. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best wheelchair accessible beach in the UK, the best wheelchair friendly holidays, or the best cinemas in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.