4 Accessible Places to Visit in York for Disabled People
York is one of England's finest and most beautiful historic cities. The city is a mixture of Medieval, Georgian and Victorian streets and buildings which support today's shops, restaurants, pubs, leisure facilities and festivals. York has many places to explore whether you are one of its four million annual visitors or a local resident. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city is a carefully maintained heir to that heritage.
But what if you have accessibility needs? How can you be confident that you’ll find places to visit in York that will be accessible to you?
Our list of 4 accessible places to visit in York is here to help you be prepared, whether you need:
- step-free access
- wheelchair access
- ramps and lifts
- a hearing loop
- audio formats
- Braille or large print
- staff trained in sign language
- details of parking facilities
- information on light and noise levels.
For each place on the list we’ve linked to our Detailed Access Guide, which tells you all about a venue’s access. They are all 100% facts, figures and photographs, collected by trained AccessAble surveyors who check out every single place in person.
Beningbrough Hall Gardens
Image: Jacquiatwiki [CC BY-SA 4.0 (httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby-sa4.0)]
Inspired by his Grand Tour, John Bourchier created Beningbrough; an Italian Palace nestled between York, Harrogate and Leeds. A working walled garden, grand herbaceous borders, sweeping lawns and a play area for children to let off steam, creates a year round garden. Picture postcard views can be seen from the garden and the parkland offers opportunities to explore riverside walks, ancient trees and hidden wildlife.
Key accessible facilities include on site parking, accessible toilets and information in Braille.
Beningbrough Hall Gardens Detailed Access Guide
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
Image: © Christine Matthews (cc-by-sa/2.0)
No visit to York is complete without a trip to the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms on St Helen’s Square. With beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner, it’s been making a splash since 1936. The Traditional Afternoon Tea is famous the world-over. Lovingly refined since it was first served in the 1920s, it’s the afternoon tea that set the standard.
Key accessible facilities include a portable ramp, seats for those who need them in the queuing area and accessible toilets.
Betty’s Café Tea Rooms Detailed Access Guide
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is one of England's finest historic houses, set in a thousand acres of sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains. Inside discover world-renowned collections gathered by succeeding generations of the Howard family. Built over 300 years ago, today it still remains a family home.
Key accessible facilities include designated Blue Badge parking, a hearing loop and restaurant menus available in Large Print.
Castle Howard Detailed Access Guide
National Railway Museum
For a fantastic day out for the whole family in York, visit the award winning National Railway Museum. Get up close to over 300 years of fascinating history in York's only National Museum. Explore our giant halls full of trains and railway legends including the majestic Duchess of Hamilton, step on to the futuristic Japanese Bullet Train or marvel at the stunning opulence of the Royal Trains. Get on board awe-inspiring locomotives, watch our engineers at work in the Workshop, uncover hidden treasures in the Warehouse and make tracks to the outdoor area.
Key accessible facilities include entrances with level access, no background music and lifts for public use.
National Railway Museum Detailed Access Guides
If you’re visiting any of these attractions, why not download the free AccessAble App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
For more information about accessible places to visit, stay, eat and drink in York, click the links below.