Whitby takes pride in providing attractions for people with different types of disabilities. So, if you’re planning a trip away, make sure you give this splendid town a visit. Here are several wheelchair friendly and accessible places to visit in Whitby.
Accessible activities are crucial for people’s mental health, physical health, independence, and quality of life. Despite this, 51.5% of Brits living with a disability say they experience access issues when using in-person services. But there’s no need to worry about being unable to do things when you visit Whitby, as it’s one of North Yorkshire’s most accessible towns. So, let’s look at the best wheelchair friendly attractions and accessible places to visit in Whitby so you’re prepared for your trip.
Whitby Abbey
The ruins of Whitby Abbey are a must-see. Despite the ruins being situated on headlands, people with disabilities can access them, including wheelchair users. A ramp provides easy access to them, and there’s a smooth pathway to use too. Ramps are in place throughout the ruins, making it easy for people with mobility problems to explore. Four parking bays have also been made accessible in the adjacent car park, and there are another three accessible parking bays close to the museum. Once on site, sightseeing is made easy with accessible lifts and handrails. You can even hire a wheelchair for your trip if you need it.
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Pannett Park
A real gem in Whitby is Pannett Park. This park is situated on a hill, making it a great spot to take in the views of the town. It is open to all, as it was a gift to the town by a local benefactor and continues to be well-maintained.
There are many winding footpaths and viewpoints throughout the park, which lead to the Whitby Museum. Additionally, the park is wheelchair accessible, making it an excellent option for everyone. The museum has toilets, and there is also a large playpark for children next to the museum. So, whether you want to take in the scenery or entertain the kids, Pannett Park is worth visiting!
Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery
The Whitby Museum is wheelchair-friendly. The Museum and art gallery have level access and an accessible toilet. There is a lift to the upper floor. They do not have public parking, but there are four disabled (extra wide) parking spaces for blue badge holders and visitors with limited mobility at the rear of the Museum.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Whitby is famous for its connections with Captain James Cook. So much so that there’s an entire museum dedicated to the explorer in the town. The good news is that the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is accessible and offers a great day out. If you’re a wheelchair user, both the ground floor and first floor are accessible by a lift. Although the second floor is inaccessible, there’s a room where you can view the exhibits on the second floor via a DVD. The museum has added handrails where appropriate, and there’s an accessible toilet on site too. People with visual impairments needn’t miss out either, as extensive print guides are available, and assistance dogs are allowed in as long as they wear a vest.
Whitby Harbour
The picturesque Whitby Harbour is wheelchair accessible. There is level access to the harbour area, and the town’s famous swing bridge can be viewed from the harbour area.
Whitby West Cliff Beach
No trip to Whitby is complete without a trip to the beach. Whitby Beach was recently awarded a Blue Flag award in the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards 2023, meaning that it is recognised as a quality beach. For a beach to receive this award, the Blue Flag criteria state that ‘Wheelchair access and accessibility features must be in place for at least one Blue Flag beach in each municipality’.
One of the best things about Whitby Beach is that it’s sandy, making it much more accessible for people with various disabilities. Access to the beach is made easy via a slope suitable for wheelchairs. As some mobility equipment may be difficult to manoeuvre across the sand-packed beach, you can hire beach wheelchairs and all-terrain wheelchairs. Its features, good water quality, environmental management, and adequate safety measures make Whitby a good beach for people with disabilities to visit.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a wheelchair-friendly heritage railway from Whitby to Pickering. Accessible coaches are available on some services, and staff can assist with boarding. This is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of the area.
These are just a few examples of wheelchair-friendly and accessible places in Whitby. Of course, it’s always a good idea to contact the venue directly to confirm their accessibility features and make any necessary arrangements.
Accessible accommodation in Whitby
Whether you want to stay in a hotel, cottage, or caravan while in Whitby, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are plenty to choose from. Some of the best accessible hotels in Whitby include The Angel Hotel Wetherspoon, The Royal Hotel, and The Willows. Accessible cottage options include East Side View, Palmers, and Scandi Scallop. Or, if you want to stay in a caravan, consider Abbey View at Summerfield Farm.
For further information on accessible accommodation in Whitby, check out our article here.
Useful links
We hope this article has been helpful! Whitby offers a variety of wheelchair friendly attractions and accessible places to visit. From the stunning views of the harbour to historical sites such as Whitby Abbey, there is something for everyone. The town’s commitment to accessibility ensures that all visitors can enjoy the beauty and culture of Whitby.
