30 July 2021
Visiting friends and family, or organising a picnic can be fun, but if you want to do something a bit different, there are lots of places that are now open where you can enjoy a few days out this summer.
If you’re wondering about the sort of activities which might suit family members of all ages then we’ve got some ideas for you to consider, and the good news is that even if you don’t want to travel too far away from home then there’s sure to be something nearby.
Although most attractions are now open, there may be limited capacity as many venues are still operating under Covid guidelines to keep everyone safe, so you may need to book before you go. If you are a bit worried about how busy a town or area will be before you visit, you could take a look at the news or look online to try to get an idea of how crowded it will be and make sure you feel comfortable about going. Remember to take a face mask, to stay prepared if you need to take public transport or visit a shop, and keep some hand sanitiser in your bag.
It’s always worth packing a light raincoat or umbrella, too, so you can enjoy your days out no matter what the temperamental British weather throws at you!
Visiting a beautiful garden can be an enjoyable experience for all the family with nature walks, woodland areas and historic gardens to explore. The UK has hundreds of gardens celebrated for their wildlife, landscaping and sculptures, offering a unique way for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and often producing fun ways to educate young people about the natural world. You can check accessibility and access before you go by looking at the venue’s website or on a website, such as the National Trust or English Heritage.
Zoos and wildlife parks also offer entertaining days out for all ages and each venue can offer an exclusive look at some of the incredible animal species and other wildlife from around the world. Many zoos work to support endangered wildlife in the UK and can help to educate us about conservation and learn more about nature.
Great Britain is famous for its wealth of historic castles, stately homes, museums and other unique attractions. If you’re a lover of the outdoors and would prefer a day in the fresh air, you may enjoy places such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where you can explore the open-air collection of artworks and sculptures around the beautiful park. Alternatively, there are many small galleries across the country as well as more famous venues, such as the Tate galleries, which have venues in Cornwall, Liverpool and London that you can explore.
If you’re travelling by car and are finding it a bit difficult to lift and lower yourself into the seat, don’t be afraid to look at some simple but effective car aids, such as the handy bar, to make your journey more comfortable.
Visiting the seaside is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, relax on the beach or explore the local coastal towns. It’s a day out for all the family and can be suitable for a range of mobility levels. If you are using a mobility aid, have a look online to check how accessible it is before you go, so you can see if you may need to contend with uneven surfaces, like cobbled paths or steep hills.
If you need access to a disabled toilet, you can take a radar key which gives you admittance to over 9,000 public disabled toilets in the UK to ensure you have the right facilities when you need them. This small but invaluable key can give you peace of mind and the confidence to explore more areas away from home.
If you find it difficult to walk for longer distances or need some support with your balance, you may consider the benefits of a mobility aid. While walking sticks offer sufficient support for many people, a rollator may be safer and more beneficial if you need some more stability. They allow you to steer the aid over smooth terrains, and often feature a seat so you can take a break when you need to, as well as a bag to store small items. If you are looking for a temporary wheelchair to use on short trips, days out or when visiting loved ones you may consider a folding wheelchair that can fit comfortably into a car. For further support, a mobility scooter can help you to enjoy longer walks and local trips out if you are unable to walk for longer distances due to difficulty with your balance and strength in your legs.
There are a whole range of accessible activities available in National Parks across the UK. Check their websites to find out what's available or read our handy guide to find out our top 15 accessible activities to do when you're visiting one of the parks.
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