Accessible breaks in South East England

The South East is a wonderful place to visit in the summer. From amazing seaside resorts, incredible countryside and some fascinating city breaks, there is something for everyone in the South East. Here you’ll find places like Brighton, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and the capital, London, amongst others. Whether you’re planning a city break or want to spend some time relaxing by the coast, here are some of our suggestions for things to do and places to stay.

Things to do

With cities like London, Brighton and Portsmouth, among others, located in this part of the UK, you’re never too far from something to do. Here are some suggestions of accessible things to do.

Want to explore the great outdoors?

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is open all year around. Located in Kent, it’s the perfect place to get away from screens and enjoy some fresh air. The National Pinetum is home to a wonderful collection of conifers with over 12000 species of tree. The entire site features trails for cycling, walking and more and has its own tramper available for visitors to use, as well as a Changing Places facility.
You can learn more about their accessibility here. 

Another option for getting out into nature is WWT Arundel Wetland Centre 

in West Sussex. WWT Arundel is one of ten centres in the UK that connects visitors with wetland nature and rare and endangered wildlife from around the world. It’s open 364 days a year and features paved pathways and non slip walkways leading to several hides and exhibits, where you can get up close and personal with the resident birds.

WWT Arundel has its own Changing Places toilet and an additional two accessible toilets, as well as having step free entry into all their hides and an accessible boat safari.
Find out more here.

Image: WWT Arundel

For those of you visiting London, you won’t be short of things to do but if you’re looking for a day out that won’t break the budget, take a visit to the National Portrait Gallery which is free to everyone, with only a small charge for certain exhibitions. The gallery is located in central London and it doesn’t have its own parking, but there is a number of Blue Badge spaces close by. Alternatively, you can use bus or underground, both of which are nearby. The gallery has its own Changing Places facility, as well as a variety of facilities to help your visit, including ear defenders, large print guides and more. You can find full details on their website here.

If you’re spending time on the Isle of Wight, stop off at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, 

which is right on the beach at Sandown Bay on the east of the island. As the Isle of Wight’s original zoo, Wildheart is a special place, with a programme of daily talks and a chance to meet some incredible animals, from tigers to meerkats.

You can see their accessibility policies here There is a bus stop directly outside for visitors using public transport and assistance dogs are allowed to come in with you, with only a few restrictions in place for the welfare of certain animals.

Younger kids will love spending time at Paultons Park in Hampshire, where you can find the famous Peppa Pig World! There are over 70 rides and attractions to entertain guests of all ages and their queue assist policy makes it easier than ever to enjoy a day out at a theme park. You can learn more about their accessibility offerings here.

Places to stay

As it’s summer, why not spend some time out in the open with a spot of camping? Stubcroft Farm is in Chichester and is an award winning family run site close to some of the region’s best loved beaches. The site has been designed with accessibility in mind and has won numerous awards for their inclusivity.

Learn more about what is on offer here

Alternatively, Revitalise have a site in Essex, on the edge of Epping Forest which is just 30 minutes from London and not far from the attractions of Essex. The site is built for people with additional needs and each site has a team of registered nurses and care assistants who are on hand to make sure you have the best holiday possible.  Find out more here.

Image: Revitalise

Or for somewhere accessible closer to London, take a look at Ablestay. Located in the suburb of Worcester Park and just 10 minutes from a station with direct access to the centre of London via Waterloo, AbelStay is one of the only self catering properties of its kind with this proximity to London.

Find out more and book your stay here.

Looking for more options of things to do and places to stay while in the South East? See more suggestions here.