(2).png){kind=icon}
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
.jpg)
It might feel like school has only just started again after the New Year, but February half term will be here before you know it. If you’re looking for something to do with the whole family or want to plan some days out with big and little kids alike over half term, here are our suggestions for things to do.
For those of you who want some outdoor adventures this February, head to one of the UK’s WWT centres. At WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire, there are a number of adjustments made for their MudFest activities, including relaxed sessions on Monday and Tuesday of half term, as well as the mud kitchen being wheelchair friendly.
The relaxed sessions include both the Mud Show and the Puddle Jumping Championships – find out more and book your session here.
If you’re in the South of England, you can join in similar activities with WWT Slimbridge. They are also hosting MudFest, and the area is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies. Some of the activities will take place in areas that have grass and woodchip, so it is recommended to call them to discuss your needs. Elsewhere, there will be art activities taking place at their Art Hub, which is accessible, with height adjustable sinks, magnifying glasses and equipment for those with limited motor skills. The site also has a Changing Places Toilet for visitors to use.
Find out more and book your session here.
.jpg)
Image: WWT
At WWT Arundel, their MudFest event is being held in a level building which can easily accommodate wheelchairs and staff are on hand to advise which are the best times to visit for quieter sessions.
The Mud Kitchen event in the Wildlife Garden 10am–3.45pm, features a paved area, some wood chipping, activities can be done in a lap tray. Suggested quieter times for this activity are first and last 30 minutes.
Special activities all staff supervised in the Wildlife Garden:
- Seed bomb making - Sat 15, Sun 16, Mon 17 – 10.30am-12.30pm - activities done in lap trays by all
- Mud sculpture - Tues 18, Wed 19, Thurs 20 – 10.30am -12.30pm - activities done in lap trays by all
- Minibeast hunts - Fri 21, Sat 22, Sun 23 – 10.30 m-12.30pm – some paved pathways with access to plants to hunt bugs
Free sensory bags can be signed out to enhance your visit: contents are coloured viewing paddles, bird tick lists with a pencil, a magnifying glass, small binoculars, a texture bag of nature bits.
Further South in Plymouth, The Box are running a Quiet and Calm Family Crafts session from 10-10.30am on Thursday, 20th February specifically for children who would benefit from a more calming and peaceful environment, as part of their half term provision.
If you don’t fancy getting muddy, there are still plenty of accessible activities to enjoy. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry are hosting several events, including Doze Under Dippy, a truly unique sleepover experience. The building is accessible to those using mobility aids and with other needs, but the team do recommend letting them know what additional support you might need for the event when booking. You should also note that the event is for children aged 6 – 11, so is not suitable for younger members of the family.
Find out more and book your visit here.
You’ll find a great day out for the whole family at Fairytale Farm in Oxfordshire. Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, families love visiting the farm, there is an exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet our amazing animals, there is so much to see and do. It is a sensory and learning wonderland for all the family. Visitors are also in control of sound and stimulation – so you can adjust it to whatever you need.
Or for a nostalgic day out with some incredible scenery, book a train journey with North Yorkshire Moors Railway – their fuss free coaches are specially adapted so everyone can use them. Find out more here.
You’ll find lots of options around the UK with accessibility in mind – find a host of attractions and activities here.
Looking to get away? Book accessible accommodation here.
Related
We want all our visitors to have a great time. Fairytale Farm has been designed to put disabled people first.
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is committed to being accessible for everyone. Here, you can find information about accessible facilities and resources across the site to plan your visit.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) offers four fully accessible ‘fuss-free’ coaches - part of its long-term initiative to make the heritage railway attraction accessible to all thanks to funding secured from the Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey project (YMJ).
Free wheelchairs are available at the centre. There is a mobility scooter available to hire. A £10 non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking of the mobility scooter.
Throughout the year there are a wide range of activities including wheelchair-accessible Wild Safari’s in the summer months to wild bird feeds in the wintertime, when the reserve is home to over 35,000 wildfowl. WWT Slimbridge have three SEND friendly sensory backpacks available from their admissions desk, these are free for visitors to borrow on a first come first served basis. Each backpack contains 4 fidget items and ear defenders can be borrowed separately.
We want all our visitors to have a great time at The Box. With so much to see and do, you may find the following information helpful in planning your visit.
