If your elderly relative lives in Berkshire, you are spoilt for choice over accessible places to visit for a family day out. Berkshire is big on old English charm. Home to the Royal family’s oldest residence, world-class horse racing tracks and the winding river Thames, there is plenty to enjoy.
We have carefully chosen our favourite five attractions with accessibility measures in mind. The guide below also includes pricing, opening hours and contact details so that you can plan a day for your family.
You may also be interested in a guide to cultural delights in Berkshire which includes National Trust venues and cinema silver screenings. Alternatively our insider’s guide to the best afternoon tea in Berkshire may tickle your fancy!
- The Living Rainforest, Thatcham
- Newbury Racecourse
- Thames Rivercruise, Caversham
- Windsor Great Park
- Windsor Castle
The Living Rainforest, Thatcham
The Living Rainforest in Thatcham brings the experience of a lush rainforest to Berkshire. Exciting sights, sounds and smells are all to be taken in across the site. Three glasshouses are home to over 850 plants and animals. This includes endangered species such as the blue poison dart frog and Goeldi’s monkey.
Aside from the natural wonders, the Living Rainforest has a gift shop, suited to those with accessibility needs. A takeaway food stand and outside play area are also on site meaning the whole family can enjoy a day out.
Parking
There are designated parking spaces near the entrance for disabled visitors. All car parking is free.
Guide dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the cafe and shop on a lead. They are not able to go inside the greenhouses as this can prove stressful for the other animals.
Wheelchair hire
The site is fully wheelchair accessible but wheelchairs are not available to hire.
Prices
Adult: £11.85
Child: £9.55
Disabled adult (includes free carer): £11.10
View Ticket Page
Opening times
Everyday, 10am – 5pm.
Contact
Address: The Living Rainforest, Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham, RG18 0TN
Telephone: 01635 202 444
Email: enquiries@livingrainforest.org
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Newbury Racecourse
One of the UK’s most popular racecourses, Newbury hosts exciting events throughout the year. As well as almost 30 horse-racing fixtures, tickets to concerts and summer parties are also on offer. Wherever the interests of your family lie, there is sure to be an exciting upcoming event. The site has a number of restaurants, food outlets and bars.
Newbury Racecourse aims to attract and wide range of visitors to all events. The site is designed to be as inclusive as possible to welcome all disabled people, irrespective of age and physical or sensory ability. In terms of taking young children, buggies are welcome around site and there is a creche available for some events.
Parking
There is a drop off point close to the entrance for disabled visitors. Blue Badge holders are also given forward parking in the car parks for free. Please contact the racecourse in advance using contact details below to identify the most suitable accessible car park for day of your visit.
Guide dogs
All guide and assistance dogs welcome.
Wheelchair access and mobility scooters
All buildings and temporary structures have ramps, level access or lifts. Mobility scooters and power chairs are welcome around the site.
Visual and hearing aids
The racecourse is equipped with induction loops at all entrances and enclosure reception points. The racecourse is also able to provide large print guides.
Prices
Prices are dependent on event, however carers are always entitled to a free ticket. Please see upcoming events to book tickets.
Opening times
Opening times are dependent on event. Please see upcoming events.
Contact
Address: Newbury Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Newbury RG14 7NZ
Telephone: 01635 40015
Email: info@newburyracecourse.co.uk
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Thames Rivercruise, Caversham
Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the river Thames from the boarding point in Caversham. There are a range of options available, from a short ride to a longer experience to live music on the Thames. Afternoon tea and Sunday lunch can also be booked.
The extent of accessibility is dependent upon the Thames Rivercuise vessel. Please take a look at their guide to vessels to ensure you book a trip on the most suitable one for your needs. To discuss accessibility arrangements, a call on 01189 481 088 is recommended prior to trip.
Parking
All parking is close to the landing stage and pier at Caversham. Please use the postcode in address below.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome onboard.
Prices
Prices depend on the type of cruise booked but start from £7.50. Please see booking page.
Opening times
Opening times also depend on type of cruise booked. Please see booking page.
Contact
Address: Scheduled cruises depart from Caversham Pier, behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Caversham, RG1 8BD
Telephone: 0118 948 1088
Contact Form
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Windsor Great Park
With over 4,800 acres to explore, Windsor Great Park provides a scenic day out for those who enjoy being out in nature. A royal history spanning 1000 years is to be discovered including historic monuments, ancient forests, stunning horticulture and rare wildlife.
The park is huge so can be revisited and enjoyed in a completely different way. There are delightful spots to enjoy a picnic and for children to run about.
Parking
Parking prices are dependent upon stay length and car park. Blue Badge visitors go free in the Swinley Forest car park.
Guide dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in all public areas of Windsor Great Park.
Wheelchair and scooter hire
Due to the varied nature of the terrain across the park, some areas are more wheelchair accessible than others. Please see the park’s disabled access page to plan your visit.
Prices
Free entry to all areas apart from Savill Garden where adult tickets are £6-12 depending on the day and carers go free.
Book Savill Garden Tickets
Opening times
Car parks open daily from 7.45am (or dawn, if later).
Car parks close daily at 7pm (or dusk, if earlier).
Pedestrians can access the park from dawn and must exit by dusk.
Contact
Address: There are three main car parks to access the park.
Telephone: 01753 860 222
Email: enquiries@windsorgreatpark.co.uk
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Windsor Castle
Undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in the UK, Windsor Castle is an unforgettable day out. Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II spends most of her private weekends at the castle.
Highlights at Windsor include breath-taking state apartments, Queen Mary’s dolls’ house, St George’s Chapel and the castle art gallery. With guided tours available around each attraction, there is a wealth to learn and enjoy for all. In addition to attractions the castle is home to a royal collection shop and tea room.
Parking
There is no visitor car parking at the Castle, so it is recommended that public car parks are used in the town centre. Please visit council website: parking in Windsor.
Guide dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome around site.
Wheelchair and scooter hire
Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Mobility scooters can be used in areas where they are compatible with the lift system.
Visual and hearing aids
St George’s chapel, ticket sales desks, shop till counters and the audio tour collection point are equipped with induction loops. Guides can also wear induction loops on request.
A BSL video tour is available and included in the admission price.
Prices
Adult: £23.50
Over 60/student: £21.20
Under 17/disabled: £13.50
Under 5: free
Opening times
March to October: 10am – 4.15pm
November to February: 10am – 5.15pm
Contact
Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Telephone: 0303 123 7304
Enquiry Form
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