Art, aperitifs & accessible loos Your guide to accessible city breaks in England It’s so easy to plan a short The result is welcome news to getaway with our guide to some of the disabled traveller; warm, the most accessible English city disability-savvy staff, mobility, breaks. Thanks to VisitEngland’s hearing and visual impairment Access for All project a selection ratings for accommodation of attractions and places to stay and improved accessibility across Lincoln, Nottingham and to the best attractions in Birmingham have undergone the area. City weekending an ‘accessible reinvention.’ has never felt so good… Advertisement Feature

The Strait & Steep Hill, Lincoln Magnitude of history Lincoln’s stalwart heritage fuses with a fun, popular cultural scene

mall, yet perfectly formed, bars, restaurants, luxury hotels Lincoln packs serious and a multiplex cinema fringe this cultural kudos into its picturesque inland harbour. And, as ancient heart. This historic a city with many cobbled streets, city captivates first with its accessible transport is high up on the web of medieval streets, magnificent agenda here. Wheelchair and scooter Seleventh century cathedral and loan is available from Shopmobility in Norman castle. Yes, it’s home to Lincoln Bus Station, and accessible one of only four surviving copies of taxis from Marks Passenger Services. 1215 Magna Carta; sheer historic The Cultural Quarter is where gold; but scratch below the surface the city’s artistic scene ignites. Its and you’ll also find a vibrant city in eclectic mix of theatres, museums, touch with its cool, cosmopolitan galleries, music, cuisine, bars and side. The Steep Hill area is lined café culture adds a fresh, directional with quirky vintage boutiques, cafés, dimension to a break here. restaurants and chocolate shops. And The Collection and Usher despite its inclines, the city is easy Gallery is the hub of the Cultural to get around thanks to the Steep Quarter’s action. Fusing an award- Hill Shuttle; a wheelchair accessible winning archaeology museum and bus that stops at 13 locations across the region’s premier art gallery in the The Collection Lincoln. At the Brayford Waterfront, same location is a genius move. the atmosphere is more lively; At The Collection design your own What to do in Lincoln

Roman mosaic, immerse yourself in was constructed between the 13th & the Stone, Bronze or Iron Age or learn 14th centuries, it claimed the crown Lincoln how archaeological treasures weather. as the tallest building in the world, Cathedral After all that ancient-inspired stealing the mantle from the Great activity, take time out at Stokes Pyramid of Giza. Take a tour around Collection Café. It’s a restorative the cathedral to learn more about the space serving a delicious menu building’s impressive history and its of speciality teas, coffees and connection to Magna Carta. Around homemade dishes using fresh, 85% is accessible by wheelchair. locally-sourced ingredients. Sunday The Museum of Lincolnshire Life brunches are excellent – standout charts the social history of the county dishes include the ‘Sweet Sunday’ from 1750 to today. The Industry and – an indulgent blueberry and white Agricultural Gallery exhibits farming chocolate crêpe – and the Latino machinery and a first-world-war tank. Benedict – eggs Benedict with And at Commercial Row you can step a fiery chorizo and salsa kick. into shops from bygone eras such as At the Usher Gallery accessibility the chemist or post office. 90% is a high priority. You enter through of the museum is on ground level. a wheelchair-friendly glass pavilion Intersperse that history and culture and a new, wider lift enables access with some natural beauty at the to the upper galleries. The space Natural World Centre in Whisby. is home to fine and decorative Set in the lush expanses of a nature art and horology (clocks and park, the centre hosts inspiring watches). Outside in the Temple exhibitions and creative events for all Gardens admire the elegant the family. Little Darters Adventure neoclassical sculptures and the play area is an activity hotbed for large commanding bronze known the kids. Or hire a mobility scooter as A Mighty Blow for Freedom. yourself and explore the woodland Arguably the most iconic of trails in Whisby Nature Reserve. Lincoln’s landmarks is the Cathedral Where to Stay and it’s neighbouring castle. The Check in with confidence – these addresses offer imposing Gothic cathedral towers great accommodation and are committed to offering over Lincoln like a medieval Museum of skyscraper. When the cathedral tower Lincolnshire Life you a warm welcome. Arrive, then kick-back and relax. Lincolnshire.gov.uk/ museumoflincolnshirelife, Prices from £80 Prices from £50 01522 782 040 per room per night per room per night inc. breakfast. inc. breakfast. Need to know The Collection Under VisitEngland’s Access & Usher Gallery for All campaign key staff thecollectionmuseum.com, members have completed 01522 782 040 disability awareness training. Natural World Centre Accommodation and attractions naturalworldcentre.co.uk, have been audited by a 01522 688 868 The Lincoln Hotel Longdales House professional access advisor, Set in the heart of uphill Lincoln This Bed and Breakfast is and many have received a Lincoln Cathedral and commanding exceptional located on the edge of the mystery visit from guests with lincolncathedral.com, views of the Cathedral, The Bishop Grosseteste University accessibility requirements. 01522 561 600 Lincoln is a glamorous hotel in campus. Inside the ambience is All venues listed display access Stokes a stylish 1960’s building with cosy and contemporary. There statements on their websites Collection CafÉ beautiful manicured gardens. are 18 rooms and breakfast giving detailed information thecollectionmuseum.com/stokes, The Green Room is a unique is served in the university on their accessibility. 01522 523 548 aviation themed fine-dining Refectory. With an on-site restaurant. There are two Access Champion, Deafgards, well-equipped accessible a portable hearing loop, bed rooms with fully-adjustable risers and an accessible sanitary ware, wheel-in showers room, there’s a wealth of For more information go to and connecting rooms. very helpful facilities here. thelincolnhotel.com, Longdaleshouse.co.uk, VisitLincoln.com/accessible 01522 520 348 01522 583 681 Advertisement Feature The new Hood Nottingham is throwing off its more obvious shackles and emerging as one edgy culture-loving dude

he Robin Hood green across the city. And fine Tudor, markets. Home to four galleries, a reception and performance spaces. tight-clad clichés may have Regency and Victorian façades sit performance and film space, learning The Galleries of Justice Museum stuck, but Nottingham is alongside the asymmetric industrial studio, shop and a café bar, its is another example of Nottingham’s so much more than a city lines of Nottingham Contemporary. changing programme of exhibitions offbeat identity. The unique concept with a charitable hero and It’s an eclectic cultural hub and one is sure to capture your imagination. fuses history with live performance. a multi million pound nineties movie to that’s fully committed to keeping its Their Access to Art for All scheme Based at the city’s old courthouse itsT name. Visit and you’ll find a vibrant colourful sites open to all. As the provides artist led workshops and and gaol it brings exhibits and stories county capital with cosmopolitan proud owner of the first accessible free gallery tours for a wide range of around crime and punishment to city ambitions. Today Nottingham’s tramway in the country, Nottingham groups with additional support needs. life. Walk in the shoes of one of the buoyant independent music, cinema is working hard on providing visitors The New Art Exchange is a cutting- city’s outlaws, or watch the villainous and performing arts scene gives it with improved accessibility. edge visual arts space that celebrates Sheriff of Nottingham put Robin a hip undercurrent. Fuse that with Designed by award-winning the region’s cultural diversity. And it Hood on trial. 90% of the exhibits award-winning heritage, medieval architects Caruso St John, certainly does it well. With an eclectic at this Grade II listed building are caves, independent shopping, hidden Nottingham Contemporary is one variety of art exhibitions, lectures, accessible for wheelchair users, cocktail bars and kicking nightlife and of the country’s largest contemporary film-screenings, live music, dance with virtual reality presentations you can see why this city’s got the cool arts centres at over 3,000 square and theatre, it’s clearly serious about available for harder to reach areas. kids talking. The art and architecture metres. Inspiration for the building’s shining a light on all art forms. All The city’s drinking and dining are pretty up there too; with classical, unique design came from the five floors can be accessed by lift. A scene is also flourishing. At Sinatra modern and landscape art showcased surrounding 19th century lace hearing loop system operates in the Bar and Restaurant the emphasis

Nottingham Council House, Contemporary Old Market Square nottinghamcontemporary.org, 01159 489 750 Photo: David Baird Photo: New Art Exchange nae.org.uk, 01159 248 630

Galleries of Justice galleriesofjustice.org.uk, 01159 520 555 Sinatra Bar and Restaurant sinatrabarandrestaurant.co.uk, 01159 411 050 The Ned Ludd thenedludd.com, 01159 484 221 Sobar sobar-nottingham.co.uk, 01158 240 364 What to do in Nottingham is on seasonal fresh ingredients, Nottingham based drug and alcohol cocktails and fine wines. A Pre- recovery charity, with the support of Theatre or Express Lunch menu is a grant from the Big Lottery Fund, available and every Thursday they this venue is inclusive and friendly. host live music in the bar. Wheelchair A portable access ramp is available, access is provided at the entrance a hearing loop is installed and there and an accessible toilet is located is an accessible toilet with handrails. on the same level. Menus are available in large print format. If you fancy curling up over a languid lunch in a great English Need to know pub environment, The Ned Ludd Under VisitEngland’s Access is the place to do it. This bar and for All campaign key staff restaurant showcases 14 craft members have completed beers and four real ales on draught, disability awareness training. served alongside local artisan food. Accommodation and attractions The front doors open out wide to have been audited by a accommodate wheelchair users, a professional access advisor, hearing loop is located behind the bar and many have received and large print menus are available. a mystery visit from guests Sobar takes the conventional bar with accessibility requirements. concept and turns it on its head. This Couple at Nottingham alcohol free, café/bar venue puts food, All venues listed display access Contemporary virgin drinks and mocktails at the heart statements on their websites of its business and sets them to the giving detailed information backdrop of original entertainment. on their accessibility. Developed by Double Impact, the Where to Stay Check in with confidence – these addresses offer great accommodation and are committed to offering you a warm welcome. Arrive, then kick-back and relax.

Prices from £81 per room per night.

Prices from £52 per room per night.

The Nottingham Belfry Jurys Inn The Nottingham Belfry is an Nottingham expansive 120 room-strong hotel Literally five minutes from the with state-of-the-art facilities. The train station, tramway and luxury spa is a highlight with six main city centre car parks, treatment rooms, indoor pool, Jurys Inn Nottingham is the Galleries of jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Justice Museum place to check in if you’re Book in for a signature Espa travelling by public transport Rebalancing Ritual. Choose from and on a budget. Innfusion six purpose-built accessible rooms Restaurant and Inntro Pub with emergency pull-cords. Two are located onsite and three For more information go to have a wet room with an accessible of the 264 spacious rooms wheel-in shower, wall mounted are wheelchair accessible ExperienceNottinghamshire.com/ drop down seat and grab rails. with lowered beds. Qhotels.co.uk/nottingham, Jurysinns.com/nottingham, access-for-all 01159 739 393 01159 016 700 Advertisement Feature

Custard Factory, Birmingham Brum for everyone Now up there with the big city hitters, Birmingham’s star is firmly on the rise

he culmination of hangouts and waterside bars. next door. The main bar and pizzeria Accessibility is high up on the Alfiebirds and huge investment and have level access and the Oobleck has agenda here, too. Mobility scooters The Oobleck regeneration over the a short entrance ramp. A large print alfiebirds.co.uk, last decade is propelling are available from Shopmobility in menu is available in the restaurant. 01212 706 665 this industrial city into an the Bullring, and Changing Places Café Opus is another of exciting cultural stratosphere. And, as accessible toilets are installed at The Birmingham’s interesting, independent Café Opus Britain’sT second largest city, there’s no Library of Birmingham and Cadbury food destinations. Tucked away on the cafeopus.co.uk, denying its cosmopolitan credentials. World in Bournville. VisitBirmingham. ground floor of the magnificent Ikon 01212 483 226 If one building sums up the city’s com has a number of photo journeys Gallery in Brindleyplace, it’s fuelled by Aston Villa transformation perfectly it’s the online; detailing the best access a passion for market fresh ingredients. Football Club award-winning Library of Birmingham; routes in and around attractions. The all day brunches are of exceptional avfc.co.uk, setting the cultural tempo with its edgy If you need someone to accompany quality, if you fancy something 08006 120 950 design. The metamorphosis of New you for a short trip when you healthier try the Café Opus Club Salad Street station followed; Grand Central arrive here, the city’s Southside or the Halloumi Burger. Wheelchair ThinkTank Birmingham is the luxury shopping destination, wardens are an excellent option. access is provided throughout. Science Museum housed in the mezzanine level. There’s Alfie Birds and The Oobleck is Sports-lovers should put a trip to birminghammuseums. a sleek new look at high-end shopping a unique hangout. With a tagline that Aston Villa Football Club on their org.uk/thinktank, destination The Mailbox, too. reads “gourmet eats and beats”, trip hit list. Soak up the atmosphere 01213 488 000 The city’s cultural and sporting you get the gist. This is a kick-back and and tread the footsteps of Villa’s finest Birmingham life is vibrant. As well as a host of chill space perfect for meeting friends star players of past and present. The Hippodrome outstanding museums and galleries, and enjoying world craft beers, ciders, stadium tours are really memorable birminghamhippodrome.com, Birmingham has four Michelin- gourmet burgers and fresh stone- and give you an insight into the club’s 08443 385 000 starred restaurants alongside baked pizzas. The Oobleck is a 350 history and a chance to get up close a profusion of secret cocktail people capacity live music venue, right with the European Cup, FA Cup and What to do in Birmingham

Villa Park

Thinktank, Spitfire Gallery Need to know

Under VisitEngland’s Access for All many have received a mystery campaign key staff members have visit from guests with accessibility completed disability awareness requirements. All venues listed training. Accommodation and display access statements on their attractions have been audited by websites giving detailed information a professional access advisor, and on their accessibility.

Where to Stay Check in with confidence – this address offers great League Cup. Tour guides will tailor the and can accommodate wheelchairs. accommodation and is committed to offering you tour to suit your needs and there is If you fancy watching some live a warm welcome. Arrive, then kick-back and relax. a platform lift for wheelchair users to opera, ballet, a west end show, give access to the football pitch area. some stand-up or dance then head At Thinktank Birmingham Science to the Birmingham Hippodrome. Prices from Museum you can travel back in time This not-for-profit registered charity £79 per room Hotel La Tour to experience the city’s industrial is home to the Birmingham Royal per night. Right next door to Selfridges past in the morning. Then spend Ballet, DanceXchange and plays and Moor Street Station, this the afternoon exploring futuristic host to the Welsh National Opera’s luxury four star hotel excels inventions and space travel under entire repertoire. Accessibility is a at delivering exceptional the very same roof. The outdoor subject close to the charity’s heart. attention to detail. Modern, Science Garden is packed full of giant, Their own Access Forum Group yet classic in style, it has 174 interactive exhibits. Centrally-located actively listens and reacts to the rooms and an onsite gym. accessible lifts operate to all floors needs of all disabled visitors. There are ten accessible bedrooms with strobe lights linked to the fire alarm and For more information go to hearing loops at reception and in the Alvar bar. VisitBirmingham.com/travel/ Hotel-latour.co.uk, accessible-birmingham 01217 188 000 The Accessibility Key: Decoded Understanding VisitEngland’s National Accessible Scheme

se this handy, at- a-glance guide to decipher if Older and less mobile guests Visually impaired guests If you can climb a flight of a hotel is likely Suitable: Suitable: If you have difficulty reading to meet your stairs, but banisters or grip handles small print, are registered blind, have would make it easier. level of accessibility needs. poor sight or are visually impaired. UAccommodation that displays any of the official logos have been independently Part-time wheelchair users assessed against demanding Suitable: If you have problems walking Guests with hearing loss criteria. Assessed properties or can walk a maximum of three steps, Suitable: If you have a slight hearing may have facilities such as or need to use a wheelchair some of difficulty, are deaf, wear a hearing handrails, ramps, level- the time. aid or have hearing loss. access showers, hearing loops and colour contrast. Ratings are split into As everyone’s accessibility needs are three categories; mobility Independent wheelchair users unique, please do check your individual impaired and older people, Suitable: If you’re a wheelchair user visually impaired and and travel independently. requirements can be met before booking. blind people and hearing impaired and deaf people.

Bright lights. Big city.Bright lights. GO TO Large Bigprint. city. VisitEngland.com/ AccessforAll to download more guides to When taking a break youLarge don’t want to think about howprint. to get around, accessible breaks whether your hotel has a lift or which attractions are accessible. in England Download your free guides and win an accessible break in England VisitEngland.com/AccessforAllWhen taking a break you don’t want to think about how to get around, whether your hotel has a lift or which attractions are accessible.

Download your free guides and win an accessible break in England VisitEngland.com/AccessforAll