The pretty Welsh county of Pembrokeshire has been named the ‘most accessible place’ in the UK for a staycation, with its pretty towns like Tenby praised for their inclusive attractions and pathways.
For anyone who’s planning a cosy winter staycation with accessibility in mind, this highly rated destination topped the list – and is also one of the most beautiful places coastal destinations in the UK.
The Welsh county, with its stunning coastline that’s been used as a set for world-famous films like Vanity Fair and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, attracts visitors from far and wide attracted by its postcard-perfect pastel houses, abundance of wildlife and miles of golden sandy beaches.
Pembrokeshire houses Britain’s only coastal national park, which was designated as such in 1952. Its landscape includes white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and rare flora and fauna.
It’s great to see that the tourist hotspot ensures that its beautiful destination is accessible to all. TGA Mobility gave the destination the highest accessibility rating — an impressive 61.2 out of 100.
Some key highlights from the research include the famous Coastal National Park, which offers several accessible trails, including the popular Skrinkle Haven, where wheelchair users can enjoy the coastline’s beauty.
Attractions like Pembroke Castle and Carew Castle have also been praised for their accessible facilities, with ramps, lifts, and disabled parking readily available.
Blackpool came in second during the study, scoring 55.1/100.
The research noted how attractions like the Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach are well equipped with ramps, accessible seating, and assistance services, while the famous Blackpool Tower itself has been commended for its inclusivity, with reviewers praising how measures have been put in place to enhance the experience of those with physical liabilities.
The study noted the number of positive reviews on Euan’s Guide, a website for disabled access reviews, with one commenting that Blackpool Tower offers ‘great view from the accessible area, and it has a lovely dedicated staff member. Lots of flat space, and chairs available for family/carers so we could sit together’.
Cambridge came in third place, with the study praising the historic city’s renowned Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge University Botanic Garden, both offering wheelchair-friendly pathways and facilities, as well as Cambridge’s compact size that makes it easier to navigate.
Daniel Stone, Director at TGA Mobility, shared their findings: “For many, travel isn’t just a luxury. It’s a source of independence and empowerment, allowing us to enjoy new experiences and connect with the world around them without unnecessary limitations.
“Creating inclusive, barrier-free environments ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the freedom and joy of travel.”
UK’s most accessible staycation spots
- Pembrokeshire
- Blackpool
- Cambridge city
- East Suffolk
- Brighton
- Portsmouth
- Dorset
- Cornwall
- Shetland
- Exeter
You can see the full list of research here.
Country Living’s Access for All campaign
Country Living‘s Access for All campaign champions the right of everyone to enjoy Britain’s green spaces. We’ve created the map below to highlight some of the best accessible walking routes in the UK, as recommended by disabled people.
More on our Access for All campaign…
A powerful poem on embracing nature from a wheelchair
Map shows UK’s most accessible walks
