On 4th March VisitEngland launched a national marketing campaign aimed at promoting and improving accessible tourism in England.
The National Tourist Board and the Disabled Persons Railcard have worked with a number of destinations to develop exciting guides highlighting fantastic and accessible tourism experiences across the country.
The Access for All Campaign aims to position England as a leading destination for accessible tourism.
The campaign, funded by £100,000 from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) plus contributions from partners, is a cost-effective way for selected English destinations to display their accessible tourism businesses and attract more visits from disabled travellers.
Each destination has selected top class accommodation and attractions which have then been checked to by VisitEngland to ensure they’re delivering the highest standard of access for visitors.
These places to stay and visit are featured in a series of local guides that inform of the key attractions as well as promoting it as access friendly. The four destinations involved in the campaign are listed below, with a few highlights of what is on offer:
Leicestershire – Situated in the heart of the country, Leicestershire has been welcoming visitors for more than 2,000 years – everyone from Roman armies to medieval Kings and Queens. Visitors to the city and county can explore its unique heritage in a new accessible package,Stay, Play and Explore.
Visit the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, site of the dramatic conclusion to the Wars of the Roses, where Richard III lost his life and Henry Tudor was crowned king. From here, visit the Richard III exhibition at Leicester’s Guildhall to continue your discovery of this intriguing monarch, before taking afternoon tea at The Belmont Hotel.
The National Brewery Centre makes a perfect pit stop, and celebrates the history, art and fun of brewing.
Finally, see the National Memorial Arboretum and the Snibston Discovery Museum, the largest science and technology museum in the East Midlands, before taking afternoon tea at The Belmont Hotel. VisitEngland’s Access for All programme offers excellent facilities and access.
Newcastle-Gateshead – A must-see for visitors to Newcastle-Gateshead is the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, with its four accessible gallery spaces, it has an ever-changing programme of exhibitions.
Newcastle/Gatesheadis home to Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre, intu Metrocentre which offers a range of services for visitors with accessibility needs, including Shopmobility, assisted changing facilities, and free wheelchair hire.
The city is also home to one of the world’s premier music venues, Sage Gateshead. This ‘Access for All’ award-winning venue’s extensive access facilities include level access throughout, hearing loop systems, 35 accessible toilets and monitored light levels in all areas.
Brighton Beach
Brighton – Bustling seaside destination Brighton & Hove has a jam-packed cultural calendar, making it a top spot for a seaside break. Take in Brighton’s art culture with visits to the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and the Hove Museum & Art Gallery.
Heritage fans can visit Brighton’s spectacular seaside palace, the Royal Pavilion, with easy access throughout the ground floor, or visit the nearby Preston Manor, a delightful Edwardian country house with the ground floor, basement and walled garden accessible for all visitors.
VisitBrighton offers downloadable factsheets about access in the city and a map showing step free access to the main hotels and attractions, and the locations of dropped kerbs around the city.
Bath – For centuries, Bath has enchanted everyone from ancient Romans to Jane Austen and it continues to offer everything required for a perfect weekend break: from heritage sites and contemporary culture to top hotels and excellent food.
You can take in the atmosphere and impressive architecture on a full personalised tour with Bath Parade Gudies.
Renovations to The Roman Baths – one of the wonders of Roman England – have made the Baths accessible for all, and include a lift to the lower level museum, level access, and ramps across ancient Roman obstacles.
The Bath for Everyone offer for £74.50 will transport you to the city’s origins and ensure you get to know the best of Bath. Take in Bath’s culture and visit the Fashion Museum, housed in the impressive 18th century Assembly Rooms.
All floors are accessible and equipped with ramps, a lift and level access throughout. Victoria Art Gallery is home to a plethora of international artists from the 15th century to the present day.
James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland said: “England is a very accessible destination with plenty on offer for everyone.This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase these particular locations; to build on the legacy of the 2012 Paralympic Games and encourage tourism businesses to make the most of the accessible tourism market, which has enormous potential for growth.
“Whether exploring the wonders of Roman England in Bath, enjoying a vibrant seaside break in Brighton, journeying through Leicestershire’s heritage, or taking in the bustle of Newcastle-Gateshead, with these guides you can enjoy a fantastic holiday and feel confident that the places you visit are working hard to meet your access needs.”
The guides also contain information on hotels providing good access and mobility friendly facilities
Download the guides in either PDF, large print Word or audio format from VisitEngland.com/accessforall.
A limited number of printed copies are available for those who cannot access the guides online. Email qad@VisitEngland.org or call 0207 578 1454.
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