If you’re looking for an accessible day out in the North of England, you won’t find many better regions to visit than County Durham. The area is a treasure trove of activities that are both fun and educational, with plenty to do and see.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve listed our five favourite accessible attractions in the county, with something to suit everyone. Read on to find out more.
Hall Hill Farm
Who’ll love it: Younger visitors and animal lovers.
Hall Hill Farm is a fantastic day out for the whole family, with plenty of animals to pet and feed, as well as a host of activities to take part in.
Most of the main farm is tarmac, with gravel paths leading away to various paddocks. The farm is generally flat, but there are some slight inclines around some of the enclosures.
There is disabled parking available, as well as large print leaflets with daily event listings.
One carer is admitted free of charge with a disabled visitor, and there are also staff on hand who can help with any issues you may have.
More information here.
Beamish Museum
Who’ll love it: History buffs, children, and those interested in taking a stroll through time.
Beamish is a large, open-air museum with real historic buildings set out to create the feel of a small town during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s a unique experience: you can visit the old school house, take in a farm, and buy from genuine old-timey shops, among many other activities.
It’s fairly easy to get around Beamish, with a regular accessible bus running throughout the site. The only areas that aren’t accessible are the Drift Mine and the old train carriage. There is also dedicated disabled parking and carers can accompany a disabled person free of charge.
More information here.
Durham County Cricket Club
Who’ll love it: Sports lovers, particularly those with an interest in cricket.
For cricket fans, there isn’t a better day out in the region than taking in a match at Durham County Cricket Club. The Riverside ground has excellent accessibility, with wide doors, lifts, and ramps where required, as well as dedicated bays with ample room for a wheelchair and carer (who also get in free) to sit and watch the game. Disabled parking and toilet facilities are also available.
More information here.
National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
Who’ll love it: Those who want to experience a genuine slice of maritime history in a unique setting.
NMRN at Hartlepool is situated around a historic quay, where visitors can travel back in time to a period when the likes of Nelson and Napoleon ruled the waves. The attraction has something to offer everyone, with fun activities and games to thrill children and interesting exhibits and gift shops to interest adults.
The quayside is wheelchair accessible, and there is disabled parking and toilet facilities available. One of the highlights, the moored HMS Trincomalee, also has access ramps for the upper decks.
More information here.
Durham University Botanic Garden
Who’ll love it: Lovers of nature who want to discover new things and those looking for a chilled day out.
The Durham University Botanic Garden is a beautiful, relaxing place to visit, home to many interesting and varied species of plant from around the world. You can tour the garden yourself or arrange a guided tour if you wish, while there are also activity trails for children to take part in.
The visitors centre and nearby glass houses are easily accessible by wheelchairs, and most of the other paths are fine apart from one or two that have a steep incline but can be easily avoided. A parking space can be reserved if required, and there are accessible toilet facilities available on-site. Carers enter free.
More information here.
So, if you are thinking of visiting the region, keep these five attractions in mind when you’re planning ahead. Not only are they very accessible, but they’re guaranteed to give you a fantastic day out too.
