Enjoy an accessible break in Yorkshire

Following in the footsteps of Open Country, a charity based in Harrogate, releasing a series of accessible walking routes, we thought we would showcase some of the amazing places across Yorkshire where you can enjoy an accessible break or day trip this summer.

Open Country’s ‘breakfree’ packs were launched to celebrate National Walking Month which took place in May and follow a variety of routes, including the Beryl Burton cycleway and the Staveley Nature Reserve.

Speaking to reporters about the walks, a spokesperson said: “The free packs have been specially developed with wheelchair users in mind, but they could also support anyone who might struggle with exercise, limited mobility or even families with pushchairs.

“Each trail features clear, colour maps for each location, with all the information needed to help plan a trip, including access to facilities and points of interest.”

Interested in exploring the Yorkshire countryside this summer? Here’s some of the accessible places you can visit and stay.

For a nostalgic day out, head to North Yorkshire Moors Railway, with stations at Pickering and Whitby. Board a steam or heritage diesel train and enjoy a 24 mile journey. Each station is packed with character and have their own accessible information which is available here. 

Image: North York Moors Railway

Elsewhere you can spend some time getting up close and personal with some extraordinary animals at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster. The site features a range of disabled memberships for getting your tickets, as well as accessible facilities, including a Changing Places facility.

Or if you’re someone that likes being outdoors and want to add more picturesque places to explore, take a look at Helmsley Walled Gardens. Also in the North York Moors (so easily combined with a train trip!), Helmsley Walled Garden is a 5 acre garden filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables. 

You can find more things to do in the region here.

For somewhere to stay, Rudding Park in Harrogate is a great option. Having won a number of awards, including Accessibility awards from the AA and Catey, you’ll find a comfortable and welcoming stay awaits you here. One wing of the hotel was designed and built with access in mind, while other wings also have accessible and adapted rooms and the leisure facilities also have accessibility at the forefront.

Or as it is summer, why not enjoy a spot of glamping with Experience Freedom’s site at Cayton Bay near Scarborough. The accessible glamping pods and cabins are suitable for wheelchair users and have facilities suitable for a range of additional needs. They’re also dog friendly for anyone who has a service dog travelling with them.

Image: Keld Head Farm Cottages

One popular option for travellers looking for a disabled friendly break are cottage holidays. Staying in a cottage or serviced apartment gives you the privacy and space you need, while also being flexible with meal times and often they are dog friendly and have plenty of space outside for parking. In Pickering, you can find Keld Head Farm Cottages, where you have a choice of cottages, all fully equipped and suitable for different sized families and groups. 

You can find more accessible accommodation around Yorkshire here.

Interested in doing one of the accessible walking trails from Open Country while visiting? You can download details here.