Our Bench - PLaces to Visit - Accessible New Forest Attractions

Suggestions of Day Trips

The New Forest National Park area is brimming with activities and attractions within a couple of hours' drive, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our top recommendations, but don't forget to do your own research to find the perfect experiences for you!

Practical Information

Accessibility: While many attractions are accessible, not all may be suitable for everyone. Please check individual websites or contact the venues directly to ensure they meet your specific requirements or access needs.
Booking and Fees: Some attractions have an admission fee or may require advance booking, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your visit.

These are just a few of our favorite day trips ythe surrounding area has so much more to offer. We hope you have a fantastic time exploring and creating lasting memories!

Marwell Zoo

This wonderful wildlife park is set in beautifully landscaped surroundings, with enclosures designed to mirror the animals’ native habitats as closely as possible. The site is large and hilly, but power-chair users will have no trouble navigating the slopes. With hundreds of species to see around the 140-acre park, all the viewing platforms above the animal enclosures are wheelchair-friendly, offering stunning views. The zoo lends out manual wheelchairs (carers go free), and there is a wheelchair-accessible carriage on the land train that trundles around the park. Marwell Zoo also offers a downloadable sensory trail mp3 for guests who are blind, and hearing loops are available. It was the first zoo in the UK to install a Changing Places facility.

The Watercress Line, Alresford

A fantastic heritage railway in Hampshire with various events throughout the year. They have two wheelchair-accessible carriages. Please see the website or call 01962 733810 for up-to-date information about operating times. It makes a great day out for all the family.

Longleat

An amazing safari park, and the UK's number one. Enjoy the drive-through safari, explore Longleat House and gardens, and discover the Adventure Castle offering a dream playground for children. Take a river cruise to see the gorillas, navigate the giant maze, or ride the railway. Longleat hosts the Mobiloo on several dates throughout the year and has an active program of events, including the Festival of Light each winter and ballooning events in the summer.

Highcliffe Castle and Nature Reserve

Park at Highcliffe Castle and walk through the grounds to the nature reserve. From there, you can enjoy a tarmac walk down to the sea and along the promenade to Mudeford Harbour. There are kiosks for coffee, a tea room, and a pub at the end of the walk, along with an accessible toilet.

Fort Nelson, Fareham

We love this place – 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, underground tunnels, and more in this restored Victorian fort run by the Royal Armouries. Amazingly, it is free for everyone. Ramps access most of the site, and the galleries contain some of the biggest guns ever made. You can enjoy a glimpse into the past with the barrack rooms, hospital, and kitchen.

Winchester Science Centre

An exciting family destination, Winchester Science Centre is the South of England's interactive science and technology centre with the largest standalone planetarium in the UK. Open 7 days a week, it provides hands-on science experiences to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of great scientists! With two floors of interactive science exhibits and a vibrant events program, the Science Centre makes for a brilliant family day out, whatever the weather. Wheelchair-friendly with a Changing Places facility.

Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head offers a variety of habitats to explore, including heathland, grassland, freshwater wetland, and coastline. There are smooth tarmac paths to follow, a fantastic visitors' centre, and an accessible route to the top of the headland. A wheelchair-friendly land train departs regularly near the car park.

The Tank Museum

Learn about armoured warfare from World War I to the present day with over 300 vehicles, regarded as the best collection in the world. The site features broad paths, lifts, and ramps, making it easy to navigate. This museum offers a great insight into our military history.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Get up close and personal with the animals at this heart-warming primate rescue sanctuary. The primates live in natural surroundings, so you can watch them interact in their family groups, just as they would in the wild. Most paths are tarmac, and access is possible to all the monkey enclosures. The adventure playground includes a wheelchair swing. Borrow one of the sanctuary’s motor scooters in advance for easy navigation.

Winchester Christmas Markets

Explore the magical Winchester Christmas Markets, offering festive treats, unique gifts, and a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

Winchester with it's Christmas Markets

Big cats at Marwell Zoo

The Watercress Line for a lovely day out

Spend a day on the Isle of Wight, regular crossing from Lymington.

Take time to explore Salisbury and Stonehenge.

Spend time in Bournemouth - they have a regular events including the Air Show.

Towns, Cities, and Islands to Explore

As well as individual attractions, there are towns, cities, and islands worth exploring in the New Forest area. Here are a few key places to start:

Isle of Wight

The ferry to the Isle of Wight departs regularly from Lymington, with discounts available for disabled guests. Extra room for your vehicle can also be booked if needed. It’s lovely to take the car across and explore Colwell Bay, Totland Bay, or other attractions. The island offers a handy guide to accessible activities for your day trip.

Dorset

There are two different parking permits available to tax exempt disabled people in Dorset. One is for the Bournemouth/Christchurch/ Poole area, the other is for Weymouth area. Both permits are the type that you need to pay, they then last for a year, so you need to weigh up costs if only using them for a week's holiday. However there is no free Blue Badge parking in either area, and parking costs are rising everywhere. Bournemouth Disabled Parking / Dorset Disabled Parking

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is home to Gunwharf Quays, a fantastic outlet shopping centre with a shop mobility scheme. Enjoy views from the Spinnaker Tower, discover Navy Heritage at the Portsmouth Dockyards, the Mary Rose museum, or take a harbour boat tour.

Salisbury and Stonehenge

Explore Stonehenge's ancient landscape and exhibition centre, including neolithic houses and a 360 audio-visual seasonal view from inside the stones. Visit Salisbury to see the beautiful Cathedral, home to the Magna Carta, and explore Old Sarum. Salisbury is also a great spot for sky diving and hot air balloon rides.

Southampton

Southampton boasts the fantastic West Quay shopping centre, complete with changing places facilities and shop mobility. There’s also an outdoor event space surrounded by restaurants, bowling, cinemas, and more. Visit the Mayflower Theatre for West End Shows and the Sea City Museum to learn about the Titanic.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is the south's favorite seaside town, featuring miles of sandy beaches, two piers, beautiful gardens, and indoor entertainment like bowling, zip wires, cinemas, and an oceanarium. The town hosts events such as the Bournemouth Air Show and Christmas tree festival. Beach wheelchairs and accessible beach huts are available at Boscombe seafront.

Winchester

Winchester is home to one of Europe's largest Cathedrals and King Arthur's Round Table. It hosts one of the UK's largest farmer markets and the Winchester Hat Fair. Just outside Winchester, discover the interactive Winchester Science Centre and planetarium.

The Purbecks

Explore towns, villages, and attractions in the Purbecks. The accessible guide includes details about accessible walks and activities.

Brownsea Island

Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is in Poole Harbour and home to scouting and the red squirrel. Accessible facilities include an electric buggy service, all-terrain wheelchairs, and the Brownsea Seahorse landing craft.