A rough guide to Manchester’s best accessible days out

Great art is accessible to all at The Whitworth Gallery. Its spacious and imaginative exhibitions of art, sculptures and textiles are displayed in a modern gallery which blends seamlessly with the surrounding park. Accessibility has been well considered, and the helpful staff also host autism-friendly art groups.

The Science and Industry Museum brings Manchester’s heritage to life with its vast collection of exhibits. The museum’s remarkable events are always one for the diary – it’s previously displayed iconic objects such as Tim Peake’s spacecraft and more. Despite being spread over five 19th-century buildings, the whole site is wheelchair accessible, and smooth paths connect the buildings, avoiding the Victorian cobbles.

For something more adrenaline-pumping, iFLY Indoor Skydiving offers the extraordinary thrill of ‘free-falling’ with its vertical wind tunnel (with wind speeds of over 129mph). People with all abilities can take flight, including those with limited mobility.

“Flying is limitless,” said a spokesperson for iFLY. “Everyone should have the opportunity to spread their wings.

That’s why we’re proud to empower people to overcome their physical and cognitive challenges.”

Planning accessible days out in Manchester is now easier than ever with the new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain. 

Packed with over 200 reviews of attractions across the UK, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is an ideal planning tool to enjoy an inclusive day out.

The refreshed ninth edition of the Guide highlights venues that have gone the extra mile to make themselves accessible. Encouraging people to discover the best parts of the UK, the detailed reviews in the Guide are designed to empower anyone with physical, mental health or cognitive condition to enjoy an accessible day out.

This new edition of the Guide is supported by NHS GP, presenter and author. Dr Radha Modgil is passionate about empowering people to make small, tangible yet powerful changes to have more fulfilling lives, so is encouraging disabled people and their families to enjoy ‘A Daily Dose of Discovery’.

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain has been created in partnership with Motability Operations Ltd, the company that owns and operates the Motability Scheme. The scheme’s customers use their cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs to enable increased independence. The guide supports the ethos of empowering people with diverse needs to live life to the full.

A new, refreshed the ninth edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is now available to read and download online for free now here.