MAKE IT A SUMM

A dip into the past and thrills a’plenty!

OUR friends at VisitEngland have come up with some of the best accessible travel experiences including outdoor adventures and award-winning attractions.

Roman Baths, Bath, Somerset

The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in northern Europe and its many accolades include being named the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award Gold winner at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2018. The site is 90% accessible to wheelchair users. Visitors with hearing or visual impairments can enjoy the site using the British Sign Language or fully descriptive audio tour and tactile models. The venue also provides information for visitors with autism and potential claustrophobia.

Tel. 01225 477786 www.romanbaths.co.uk/accessibility

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Berkshire

The resort offers a Ride Access Pass, which is a virtual queuing system designed to help guests who need extra assistance or are unable to queue due to a condition or disability. There’s also a Total Sensory Space, the first dedicated sensory facility of its kind in a theme park.

Tel. 01753 626416 www.legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/ before-you-visit/accessibility

Bear Grylls Adventure, Birmingham

The attraction uses a variety of sensory effects including audio, visual, touch and smell designed to enhance the overall experience of each area. In the last year, the venue has been recognised twice for its accessibility facilities. The attraction’s event days (supported by Bear and his team) welcome guests of a variety of ability levels, many achieving things they may not have thought possible.

Tel. 0121 725 2616 www.beargryllsadventure.com/plan-yourvisit/before-you-visit/accessibility-guide

Eden Project, Cornwall

Eden has a dedicated Access Team. You can pre-book an Access Guide to help you get around. The site offers a range of complimentary mobility aids including wheelchairs, powered chairs and an all- terrain Tramper mobility scooter, as well as electric golf buggies driven by volunteer stewards. Braille guide book available on site and a text reader that can be borrowed to read and interpret signs.

Tel. 01726 811911 www.edenproject.com

Alton Towers Resort, near Stoke, Staffordshire

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award Silver winner at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last June. This year, working with

AccessAble and the Business Disability Forum, the team has overhauled and improved services in many areas including Changing Places facilities, Ride Access Passes, wheelchair hire, hearing loops/ear defender hire, mobility scooters, accessibility maps and installation of quiet spaces to support those with sensory issues. Also, there’s a new online Accessibility Guide.

Tel. 01538 704671 www.altontowers.com/plan-yourvisit/before-you-visit/accessibilit