12/08/2022

It’s International Youth Day, and Guideposts are celebrating by helping children to access new experiences, regardless of any additional needs. Although these accessible days out have been especially selected with little ones in mind, there is no age limit on fun, so they are suitable for all! We have top picks focused on accessibility in Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Gloucestershire.  

Oxfordshire

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

This wildlife park is a must-visit for families in Oxfordshire. With over 260 animal species and a huge range of areas to explore, this park is sure to be a hit with the little ones!

Highlights:

• Accessible Walkway 
• Gothic Manor House lawns 
• ‘Bella the Train’ ride 
• Beautiful outdoor gardens- over 120 acres of flat parkland with accessible paths 
• Over 260 different animal species!

Accessibility:

• Changes Places bathroom with hoist, full size adjustable changing bed, and ceiling hoist with sling.  
• There are no stairs, except in the Bat House, although a viewing can be given on the ground floor.  
• Enjoy the accessible walkway and meet some giraffes!

Fairytale Farm

https://www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

Fairytale Farm has been designed specifically to meet the needs of children and young people with disabilities. 

Highlights:

• Accessible play areas
• Sensory walks
• Wildlife walks
• Model mouse village 
• Meet Shetland ponies, pigs, goats, rabbits, alpacas and more!  

Accessibility:

• Accessible toilets 
• Accessible play areas with swings, water tables, giant party poppers and other activities
• One carer can attend free of charge with each disabled child

Hertfordshire

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Who doesn’t love Harry Potter?! This exciting your is bound to be a winner with kids of all ages (and grown-ups too!)

Highlights:

Enjoy a vibrant guided tour of sets, props, costumes, SFX and VFX, and more.

Accessibility:

• One free carer ticket with each paying disabled visitor
• Sensory Room with a sensory shell chair, mirror ball, interactive light box, and tactile mirrors
• Ear defenders are available
• People with additional needs can bypass the entrance queue in the lobby when busy
• BSL tours, with a qualified signer, can be requested in advance

• Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards available for those with hidden disabilities so staff can recognise visitors who may need additional assistance
• Changing Places bathroom with hoist and changing bench. Slings are not provided
• Manual and electric wheelchairs are welcome in the Studio Tour, as are fully trained assistance dogs. 
• Most of the Studio Tour is accessible for wheelchairs, with some exceptions such as the Forbidden Forest’s spongy surface, and Privet Drive’s narrow doorway. This is due to original set pieces which can not be altered 

Stanborough Park

https://www.parksherts.co.uk/parks/view/stanborough-park

This beautiful countryside park is the perfect place for children to let off steam.

Highlights:

• Model boating lake 
• Accessible boats and hoists on the jetty
• Bouncy castles 
• Nature trails 
• Play area 

Accessibility:

• Accessible boats with hoist 
• Changing Places bathroom with shower 

Gloucestershire

Robinswood Hill Country Park

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/robinswood-hill

Since 1972, Robinswood Hill Country Park has been providing a fantastic countryside experience just two miles from the city centre.  Perfect for sunny days!

Highlights:

• 100 hectares of serene parkland
• Large children’s play area
• With wildflower meadows, a woodland, orchards, and ponds
• Amazing views across the Severn Vale, Cotswolds, and the Forest of Dean
• Self-guided activities for all ages and abilities in the visitor hub

Accessibility:

• Two fully accessible waymarked routes for those with limited mobility
• ‘Tramper’ mobility scooter hire. These are designed to be used on all terrain
• Accessible toilet

Cotswold Farm Park

https://cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Cotswold Farm Park is a working farm, with both crops and livestock. Come along to discover rare farm animal breeds, farming tools and the interesting history of the farm. 

Highlights:

• Bottle feed adorable animals
• Enjoy fields of sunflowers and the Maize Maze
• Large play area

Accessibility:

• Carers go free 
• Listening posts around the Rare Breeds Through History walkway, playing different audio for children and adults
• Wheelchairs available 
• Terrain is suitable for wheelchair users
• This multi-sensory and interactive experience is great for guests with learning disabilities

For information on Guideposts’ services for children and young people, please visit https://guideposts.org.uk/services/need/young-people/