top of page
Screenshot 2024-07-19 at 17.39.23.png
c6b4e84d-7966-4f5c-8a2e-44494fd43d29_edited.jpg

Retirement, Redefined

Ready to embrace the power of independence from the comfort of your own home?

Be part of our early access programme...

Older Adult-Friendly Travel Destinations in the UK: Top 10 Spots for an Accessible and Enjoyable Getaway in 2024

Planning a holiday should be a joy, especially for older adults looking to explore the beautiful sights of the UK. Whether you’re organising a trip for yourself, a loved one, or the whole family, it’s essential to choose destinations that are not only stunning but also easy to navigate and welcoming to all. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 older adult-friendly travel destinations across the UK, where accessibility, comfort, and enjoyment are at the heart of the experience.

1. Llandudno, North Wales

Why It’s Great:

  • Llandudno, often called the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts,” is a charming seaside town known for its Victorian elegance and stunning views. It’s a place where you can take things at your own pace, whether you fancy a stroll along the pier or a gentle ride up the Great Orme.

Accessibility:

  • The town’s wide, flat promenades are perfect for those with mobility issues. The Great Orme Tramway is fully accessible and offers breathtaking views without the need for strenuous walking.

Things to Do:

  • Take a leisurely walk along Llandudno Pier, explore the fascinating Home Front Experience museum, or enjoy the views from the accessible Great Orme Tramway.

Where to Eat:

  • The Osborne House offers delicious meals with a view of the seafront, all in a welcoming and accessible setting.

catrin-ellis-BODbS0DzhQA-unsplash (1)-2.jpg

2. Bournemouth, Dorset

Why It’s Great:

  • Bournemouth is a beloved seaside resort known for its golden beaches, beautiful gardens, and lively yet laid-back atmosphere. It’s a wonderful destination for a peaceful retreat by the sea.

Accessibility:

  • Bournemouth’s seafront is wheelchair-friendly, with smooth pathways and ramps throughout the town’s gardens. Beach wheelchairs are also available for hire, making the sandy shores more accessible.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, take a stroll in the Lower Gardens, or enjoy a scenic boat tour along the Dorset coastline.

Where to Eat:

  • The Cliff Top Restaurant offers a stunning view of the sea, with accessible facilities and a menu full of fresh, local produce.

james-mcpherson-YpTy1X7vZJo-unsplash.jpg

3. Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Why It’s Great:

  • Harrogate, with its historic spa heritage and beautiful parks, is a haven of tranquillity. It’s a delightful town for a relaxed holiday, with plenty of flat, accessible areas to explore.

Accessibility:

  • The town centre is easy to navigate, with good accessibility at key attractions like the Royal Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens.

Things to Do:

  • Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Room, unwind in the Turkish Baths, or take in the beauty of RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Where to Eat:

  • Bettys Tea Room is a must-visit, offering accessible seating and a classic afternoon tea experience that’s been cherished for generations.

ebun-oluwole--WhCo-M9PgU-unsplash.jpg

4. The Norfolk Broads, Norfolk

Why It’s Great:

  • The Norfolk Broads offer a peaceful escape into nature, with calm waterways and picturesque landscapes. It’s the perfect spot for those who love a bit of tranquillity and wildlife.

Accessibility:

  • Many boat hire companies provide accessible day boats, and there are flat walking trails around the Broads that are ideal for older adults.

Things to Do:

  • Spend a day on the water with an accessible boat, visit one of the nature reserves, or explore the charming village of Wroxham.

Where to Eat:

  • The Wroxham Barns Café offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with accessible dining and lovely views of the countryside.

steven-winter-2LXEXxprovA-unsplash (1).jpg

5. Chester, Cheshire

Why It’s Great:

  • Chester is a city steeped in history, from its Roman walls to the stunning cathedral and unique shopping streets known as The Rows. It’s a compact city that’s easy to explore.

Accessibility:

  • The city centre is designed with accessibility in mind, with level paths and good access to attractions like Chester Zoo and Chester Cathedral.

Things to Do:

  • Visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s most accessible zoos, explore the historic cathedral, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the River Dee.

Where to Eat:

  • The Botanist Chester offers a unique dining experience in an accessible setting, right in the heart of the city.

y-park-Ezam_LKVODk-unsplash.jpg

6. Bath, Somerset

Why It’s Great:

  • Bath is known for its Roman history, Georgian architecture, and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s a city where you can unwind and soak up the culture at your own pace.

Accessibility:

  • Many of Bath’s attractions, such as the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, have been made accessible, with ramps, lifts, and guided tours available.

Things to Do:

  • Relax at the accessible Thermae Bath Spa, explore the Jane Austen Centre, or take a gentle boat trip on the River Avon.

Where to Eat:

  • The Pump Room Restaurant offers a luxurious afternoon tea with a view of the Roman Baths, all in a setting that’s easy to access.

silviya-nenova-x9kjUtt1QKg-unsplash.jpg

7. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Why It’s Great:

  • Famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with a rich cultural heritage. It’s an inviting place for a relaxed and enriching break.

Accessibility:

  • Key attractions like Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre are well-equipped for visitors with mobility issues, with ramps and lifts available.

Things to Do:

  • Discover Shakespeare’s Birthplace, enjoy a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company, or take a peaceful river cruise along the Avon.

Where to Eat:

  • The Fourteas offers a delightful 1940s-themed tea room experience, with accessible seating and a menu that’s perfect for a nostalgic afternoon.

swati-kedia-LtEf3pAUNDo-unsplash (1).jpg

8. Cardiff, Wales

Why It’s Great:

  • Cardiff is a vibrant city that combines historic sites with modern attractions, all within a compact and accessible area. It’s a wonderful place to soak up a bit of Welsh culture.

Accessibility:

  • Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay are all designed to be accessible, with smooth paths and plenty of seating options.

Things to Do:

  • Explore Cardiff Castle, visit the National Museum of Wales, or take a boat tour around the stunning Cardiff Bay.

Where to Eat:

  • The Potted Pig offers a unique dining experience in an accessible setting, blending modern British cuisine with local Welsh flavours.

taylor-floyd-mews-Ptmr9uOExc0-unsplash.jpg

9. Canterbury, Kent

Why It’s Great:

  • Canterbury is a historic gem, known for its magnificent cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval streets. It’s a city full of charm and history, perfect for a leisurely visit.

Accessibility:

  • Canterbury Cathedral, the city walls, and many museums have made great strides in accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city’s rich history.

Things to Do:

  • Tour the breathtaking Canterbury Cathedral, explore the Canterbury Roman Museum, or take a peaceful boat trip along the River Stour.

Where to Eat:

  • The Goods Shed offers a delightful dining experience in a converted railway shed, with accessible seating and a focus on fresh, local produce.

peter-thomas-M8nOm3oysF8-unsplash (1).jpg

10. York, North Yorkshire

Why It’s Great:

  • York is a city where history comes to life, from its medieval walls to the grand York Minster. It’s a fantastic place to explore, with plenty of attractions that are both fascinating and accessible.

Accessibility:

  • York Minster, the city walls, and several museums have been adapted to be accessible, making it easy for older adults to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the National Railway Museum, explore York Minster, or enjoy a walk through the beautiful, accessible Museum Gardens.

Where to Eat:

  • The Star Inn the City offers a lovely dining experience with beautiful views of the River Ouse and a menu that highlights the best of local Yorkshire produce.

sarah-qGCpe7B47UY-unsplash 2.jpg
bottom of page