5 Accessible Days out in Suffolk for the Elderly

5 Accessible Days out in Suffolk for the Elderly

The county of Suffolk is one of extreme natural beauty and rich heritage, with historic abbeys, rolling countryside and vibrant coastline. Many attractions throughout Suffolk have made special efforts so that they may be enjoyed all โ€“ here we list our top 5 accessible days out that can include the whole family.

For a list of National Trust properties and more cultural activities visit Cultural Delights for the Elderly in Suffolk.

Find a Helper for companionship and transport for trips out with Good Life Sorted

Good Life Sorted will introduce you to a local Helper to take on any tasks you might needย help with from companionship to cooking, from light cleaning to running errands.

Africa Alive! - Lowestoft

Africa Alive Logo - Accessible Days out in Suffolk

Set across 100 acres of Suffolk countryside, Africa Alive! (formerly Suffolk Wildlife Park), has done its utmost to allow for everyone to experience as much of their park as possible. Some of the animals in the park include rhinos, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and reptiles.

Most of the park is accessible by wheelchair on either tarmac or crushed and rolled stone, and the viewing areas are designed with wheelchair users in mind. The lower end of the zoo is set, by its nature, in marshland and assistance is advised throughout this area for those using wheelchairs. Unfortunately, the Safari Roadtrain is not adapted to carry a wheelchair, although staff will assist visitors where possible to board and disembark the train.

See the Zoo’s full accessibility statements here.

Parking

Free disabled parking is available to those with a disabled parking permit.

Guide Dogs

Assistance dogs are unable to access the zoo. There is a secure environment for assistance dogs to be left in an office environment for the duration of the visit. Confirm in advance on 01502 740291.

Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Hire

There is a free wheelchair loan scheme (after providing bank card details) and ยฃ10 per day mobility scooter hire facility available on a first come, first served basis.

Visual and Hearing Aids

A portable hearing loop is available, as is an A3 photocopy of literature on request (or call 01502 740291 ahead of your visit).

Prices

  • Adult: ยฃ23.00
  • Child (3-15): ยฃ17.00
  • Infant (2 and under): ยฃ2.00
  • Concession (Senior & Student): ยฃ20.00
  • Carer: ยฃ0.00

Opening Times

Open daily from 9:30am.ย Closing timesย differ throughout the year.

Landguard Fort, Felixstowe

Felixstowe Port, next to Landguard Fort - accessible days out in Suffolk

The current version of the fort was built in 1744, and stands on the Landguard Peninsula overlooking the Orwell and Stour rivers. However, there have been earlier fortifications watching this important trade route inland stretching back to the times of Henry VIII in 1543. The port has been at the centre of a few battles in the years since. The Felixstowe Museum is also in close proximity, as are views of the famous Felixstowe Port.

Over 75% of the audio tour points are located on the ground floor, which is fully wheelchair accessible and although there is no lift to the first floor, staff are on hand to accommodate your family’s mobility needs as much as possible. They also show two excellent, historical, educational films on the ground floor. They have accessible toilets on site and other accessible provisions.

See the fort’s full accessibility statement here.

Parking

There are two designated disabled parking spaces just 10 metres from the entrance and disabled visitors can be dropped off even closer if needed.

Guide Dogs

Landguard Fort welcomes assistance dogs.

Hearing Loops

Portable loops and amplifiers are available for the hard of hearing.

Prices

  • Adult: ยฃ7.00
  • Child (5-17 years): ยฃ4.20
  • Under 5: free
  • Concessions (over 65s and students with relevant ID): ยฃ6.30
  • Carers: free

Opening Times

Opening times are season dependent but usually open from April to November, Thursday to Sunday (10:00am – 5:00pm).

Flatford & Bridge Cottage

Flatford Bridge Cottage - Accessible days out Suffolk

The famous view that inspired Constable in the 1800s; Flatford Bridge Cottage and its surrounding area, dubbed Constable Country, has been beautifully preserved and exhibited by the National Trust. The cottage itself is accessible by small, lightweight mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs, in which you can see the preserved wooden-beam structural interior and an exhibition telling the Constable Story.

There is also a Constable exhibition, adjacent to the disabled car park, a tea-room and gift shop. The National Trust have worked hard to maintain the original essence of the area, while also making it as accessible as possible. Much of the routes are on level and tarmacked, with an accessible toilet near the Constable Exhibition. Flatford is considered to be one of the best accessible days out in Suffolk.

For their full accessibility statement, see here.

Parking

There are 5 designated disabled access spaces in the car park next to the Constable Exhibition on a tarmacked surface โ€“ a short distance from the Bridge Cottage. The route from the main car park into the town is down some uneven steps, however, there is a transfer vehicle that can take visitors between the car park and Bridge Cottage.

Guide Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the property.

Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Hire

There is one manual wheelchair and one Tramper scooter available for loan from the shop.

Visual and Hearing Aids

Braille guides and hearing induction loop facilities are available.

Prices

This is a free attraction with a ยฃ5 car parking charge for non-members (free for National Trust members).

Opening Times

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village & Country Park

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village - Suffolk Accessible Days Out

One of the great English archaeological sites, West Stow is home to a recreation of an early Anglo-Saxon village and is encompassed by acres of stunning countryside.

In addition to the reconstructed village, there is a museum, visitorโ€™s centre and cafรฉ, all of which are accessible via wheelchairs, although assistance is recommended for parts of the village as it is on uneven grassland.

See their full accessibility statement here.

Parking

The car park is a short distance from the visitors centre with its own accessible toilets. Parking for the day is ยฃ1 for Blue Badge Holders.

Guide Dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted throughout the attraction and Anglo-Saxon Village although they would like you to note that livestock is present.

Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Hire

There are no facilities for wheelchair or mobility scooter hire.

Visual and Hearing Aids

A large-print transcript of the introductory DVD and village map are available on request. Induction loops are installed in the visitor centre and cafรฉ.

Prices

  • Adult: ยฃ7.00
  • Concession (Over 60s & Students): ยฃ6.00
  • Child (5-16): ยฃ4.00

Opening Times

Open daily from 10:00am-5:00pm (last entry 3:30pm in winter and 4pm in Summer).

Easy Going & Easy Access Trails

Suffolk Accessible Walking Trails

If itโ€™s exploring the countryside youโ€™re after, Discover Suffolk has a number of โ€œEasy Goingโ€ and โ€œEasy Accessโ€ Trails on their website. The trails span across the county, are generally on level ground and can be as short as 0.3 miles long. The trails have been assessed by a team of disabled volunteers, who have highlighted โ€œEasy Access Trailsโ€ which are suitable for all and written guides with relevant accessibility facilities labeled. โ€œEasy Going Trailsโ€ are often on slightly rougher ground and a bit more challenging.

Each walk starts with a car park, most with accessible toilet facilities and many with cafรฉs or tea rooms.

You can find everything you need to know about their easy to follow trails on their website, Discover Suffolk.