Accessible things to do for a romantic day out

If you’re starting to plan your Valentine’s Day outings, here are some suggestions of accessible things to do with your partner. Even if you don’t have a partner, these are great ways to spend your time, with friends, family or even just for a solo trip!

One way to enjoy a romantic day out is to spend some time outdoors, and with spring just around the corner, now is the best time to enjoy the new wildlife and flowers. In Somerset, you’ll find Hestercombe Gardens. Open daily, these gardens feature over 50 acres of history and wildlife, as well as a range of events and activities taking place throughout the year. As Hestercombe is so old, there are areas that are inaccessible or difficult for those with reduced mobility, however there are several routes that are suitable for those using mobility aids and there are all terrain trampers available for visitors to hire. The site also has its own changing space and accessible facilities and there are maps available from staff which highlight these.

Just over the border in Gloucester, you’ll find WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, which is a lovely place for a romantic day out. Managed by the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, there are over 800 acres to explore here and plenty of wildlife to find during your visit. At various times in the year, you can take part in wheelchair accessible Wild Safaris, as well as a host of other exhibits and activities. There are a number of wheelchairs and scooters available to hire and you can find hearing loops and large print guides, along with other facilities, to ensure everyone has a great visit.

Alternatively, there is Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol. This farm puts accessibility at the forefront, with its own Changing Places toilet, autism friendly signage and wheelchair accessibility across the site. As well as a host of fascinating animals. Including elephants, rhino, giraffes and lions, there is also the chance to conquer the UK’s largest hedge maze and try out the accessible play centre, which was opened by Paralympian, Andy Lewis.

Of course, not everyone wants to go out on Valentine’s Day, so if you’re in the South West, why not spend the day at Longleat. Located in Wiltshire, Longleat features a wonderful stately home, as well as a safari park and plenty of things to keep the whole family entertained. The estate is reopening in March of this year, allowing you to beat the Valentine’s rush. The site has accessible toilets and changing facilities and there are hearing loops installed on safari buses for those that want to visit the animals and much of the estate is suitable for wheelchair users.

Perhaps you’re the kind of couple who loves a bit of retail therapy and finishing off with dinner at one of your favourite eateries. In that case, you can easily spend a day exploring the shops at Clarks’ Village. Located in Somerset, Clarks’ was the UK’s first ever outlet shopping centre and is still a firm favourite to this day. Staff at Clarks’ have had disability training, which makes it a great place to spend your days. The outlet centre also has quiet spaces, sensory aids, mobility assistance and is fully accessible throughout, plus it is affiliated with shopmobility, allowing you to borrow electric scooters and wheelchairs during your visit.

For the more adventurous among you, why not treat your date to a trip to a theme park? Crealy Theme Park and Resort in Devon prides itself on being the south west’s number one value day out and has the most rides in Devon. Many of the rides are wheelchair accessible, and staff are on hand to advise which rides are most suitable for those with epilepsy or sensory conditions. Recently, two new accessible attractions have been opened at the park, so make sure to check them out!

If you’re in the north of the country, why not bring back some romantic nostalgia with a ride on a steam train? North Yorkshire Moors Railway can be found at multiple locations across North Yorkshire, including Pickering and Whitby. Each of the stations have their own accessible facilities and access guides but throughout the lines you’ll find wheelchair accessible carriages and other facilities.  

For those couples that are into the arts, there are a number of theatres and venues that offer accessible performances throughout the year. For example, in the South East, there is Chichester Festival Theatre, who have won awards for their accessibility provisions. Further north there is the Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre, a Grade II listed building with a host of accessible performances and wheelchair access. They also have their own cinema where they are able to show screenings, which includes dementia friendly and relaxed options. In Leicester, there is Curve, home to some of the most prolific producers in theatre. They also offer several accessible performances, as do Theatre by the Lake, who offer captioned, audio described, BSL and relaxed performances across their programme.

Feeling inspired for accessible dates with your favourite person? You can find more suggestions for things to do across the UK here.