York is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the UK, and for good reason. A vibrant town that’s rich with history, there’s many reasons why someone might want to visit York. If you have trouble moving or have a disability, you may wonder which places in York are accessible for you. This article will tell you 7 accessible places to visit in York, perfect for the elderly and the disabled.
Leodis has been providing stairlifts to York and nearby areas for over 30 years. We’re always proud to give back to the local community. Our time there and the discussions we’ve had with our wonderful customers has given us an insight into how the elderly or disabled are able to navigate the range of sites to see in the historical town.
This access guide aims to work for those with hidden disabilities, wheelchair users, and those with other ailments that limit or slow their movement.
Read on to learn the 7 best accessible places to visit in York and gain some keen advice on how to plan and organise your visit.
1. York Minster
One of the most iconic landmarks in York, the York Minster is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a must-visit attraction. At the top of many lists for a good reason, this magnificent cathedral boasts stunning stained glass windows, including the awe-inspiring Five Sisters Window. It’s also home to the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the world.
Accessibility: York Minster is committed to providing convenient access to all visitors. There are ramps and lifts for wheelchair users, accessible toilets, and comprehensive access guides available. Additionally, blue badge holders can park nearby, making it convenient for those with limited mobility.
After your visit, don’t forget to explore the gift shop for souvenirs and mementos.
Learn more about accessibility at York Minster
2. York Castle
York Castle is another historic gem that should be on your list. The centuries old castle is not wheelchair accessible, but the surrounding area has many accessible features. You can explore the museum and exhibitions in the York Castle Museum, which occupies former prison buildings.
Step into the past and wander historic recreations that will take your breath away. If you’re visiting around Halloween, the Kirkgate Ghost Count might be up your street. Fun for the family, explore the detailed recreation of a Victorian era high street and count the York ghosts that inhabit Kirkgate.
Accessibility: The York Castle Museum provides wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and offers assistance to visitors with disabilities. The museum gardens nearby are also wheelchair accessible and provide a tranquil space to relax.
Learn more about accessibility at the museum.
3. National Railway Museum
Calling all train enthusiasts! The National Railway Museum in York is a paradise for anyone fascinated by locomotives and the history of rail travel. With a vast collection of historic trains, including the iconic Flying Scotsman, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of railways.
Open 7 days a week, visit one of the North’s most fascinating museums, learn the history of the railways that stitch the country together.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts, accessible toilets, and trained staff to assist disabled visitors. There are also designated parking spaces for blue badge holders. The museum also welcomes wearers of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme and support will be available if needed.
Learn more about accessibility at the Railway Museum
4. York Art Gallery
If you wish to dive further into the cultural side of York, the city boasts a vibrant arts scene. York has several art galleries showcasing a diverse range of contemporary and historical works, including York Fine Arts and the The Blue Tree Gallery. Whether you appreciate classical art or contemporary pieces, you’ll find something to captivate your senses. The centrepiece of these cultural gems is of course the nationally known York Art Gallery.
The gallery boasts that some pieces in their collection are more than 600 years old, some of the oldest art currently on display in the UK. Already known as a town with a rich history, it’s places like the Art Gallery that solidifies York as a well-known city of culture.
Accessibility: Many art galleries in York are friendly to disabled people. The York Art Gallery is wheelchair accessible and also has disabled toilets. Always check the specific gallery’s access guide for details.
Access information for visiting York Art Gallery.
5. Museum Gardens
Let’s change up your visit with a bit of relaxing scenery. Adjacent to the York Museum, the Museum Gardens provide a serene and picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. The beautifully landscaped gardens are home to an array of flora and fauna, as well as Roman ruins.
Discover the vast open guards, visit the historic Multangular Tower, or explore the country’s oldest active Observatory. With the location being free access, you can spend hours here just exploring the grounds.
Accessibility: The Museum Gardens are wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible toilets nearby for your convenience. The luscious Gardens are an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Learn more about the gardens here.
Bonus: The Shop That Must Not Be Named
Experience a bit of Harry Potter magic, alongside some other fun shops and places to visit. If you’re a fan of the boy wizard and his magical world, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit The Shop That Must Not Be Named. Located on The Shambles, this Harry Potter-themed gift shop offers a wide range of magical merchandise.
The Shambles is carved out of the past, a unique cobble street preserved from medieval England. Note: Due to the nature of the street it is unfortunately not suitable for all accessible needs, but the shops there do try their best to accommodate.
6. Jorvic Viking Centre
If you’re unable to access the narrow cobble streets of the Shambles but still wish to step into the past, consider the nearby Jorvic Viking Centre.
A fascinating interactive learning experience, it’s a must-see for all interested in Vikings and Viking mythology. The museum has a vast range of materials, artefacts, and remains largely from the Copper gate Dig excavations of the 1970s. Most of these fascinating displays are not behind glass cages, allowing visitors to truly experience these rare objects.
The culture and structure of an old Viking settlement has been lovingly recreated to give visitors the most accurate visuals of a true Viking town. Truly a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.
Accessibility: For a start the Jorvic Viking Website itself has fantastic accessibility tools through the use of a web plugin called “Recite Me”. Available at the top of the page the program allows the user to pick a variety of website changes e.g. changing the colour scheme for those with colour blindness.
At the centre there is a lift between floors, disabled toilers, and the site is fully wheelchair accessible. Visual aids and hearing loops are available, among a boat load of other considerations. Take a look and find out more.
7. The Crescent Community Venue
York’s music enthusiasts will appreciate The Crescent Community Venue, a popular music venue hosting live performances by local and touring bands. Billed as “York’s independent DIY venue” this excellent attraction is perfect for an evening entertainment that has been carefully curated. There’s a genuine passion behind the organising of the Crescent that reflects in their selection of acts available to see.
Alongside this the crescent is an excellent bar that offers pool, billiards and a tasteful selection of local ales. Sample the culture and sample what local breweries have to offer at this York institution.
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, offering ramps and accessible seating options. Accessible toilets are available to ensure everyone can enjoy the music scene in York.
Learn more about accessibility at the venue and see what’s on soon.
In Conclusion…
York is a city that welcomes visitors of all abilities with open arms. With accessible facilities, wheelchair ramps, and friendly staff at many of its attractions, you can explore the rich history and culture of this charming city without any hindrance. So, plan your visit to York, and make the most of these accessible places while enjoying a memorable trip.
We’re proud of the work we’ve done in the area, providing residents with new and reconditioned stairlifts, to straight stairlifts or curved stairlifts.
We understand that people want better access within the city as much as they want independence back in their own homes. If you’re in need of a straight or curved stairlift, call 0800 542 6045 to speak to one of our team today. Stairlifts can be sold outright for you to own or be hired as a stairlift rental.
Providing stairlifts does that little bit to boost the quality of life for those with mobility issues. We hope this article may provide someone the chance to enjoy the great city up close and personal.
All information presented was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing, October 2023. All images were acquired under creative commons licensing.
Leodis Stairlifts is not responsible for the content of external sites.
