As our relatives get older, it can become increasingly difficult for them to continue engaging in activities and days out that they used to enjoy. Elderly people might feel like their mobility or health problems mean that they need to stay at home, but this doesn’t have to be the case!
There are a great number of local attractions across Sussex that are accessible for older people who are no longer completely able-bodied. These destinations mean that your elderly relative doesn’t have to miss out on the excitement of a day out with the whole family. On this page, you will be able to find our picks for the top five accessible days out in Sussex.
For more ideas of how to enjoy a day out with your elderly relative, you may be interested in our page on Cultural Gems in Sussex for the Elderly.
The Royal Pavilion & Museum, Brighton
This Royal Palace in the centre of Brighton is a must see attraction for those visiting the city or living locally. The Indian and Chinese inspired decor is beautifully extravagant and will blow the minds of any visitor – however old or young.
The ground floor of the Pavilion is completely accessible to wheelchair users and has an audio-visual room. They also offer bookable sign language, audio and tactile tours so everyone can make the most out of their trip.
Parking
There are plenty of parking areas in the close vicinity of The Royal Pavilion that have Blue Badge spaces available. You can find the full list of these here.
Guide Dogs
All guide, assistance and support dogs are welcome on site.
Prices
- Adult: £18.00
- Child (5-18): £11.00
Opening Times
- April – September, 9.30am – 5.45pm (last admission 5pm)
- October – March, 10:00am – 5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm)
Contact Details
- Address: Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton, BN1 1FN
- Telephone: 03000 290 900
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Arundel Castle, Arundel
The historic Arundel Castle is an incredible picturesque location to visit on a day out where you can enjoy the 11th century castle, beautiful stately home and gardens, as well as the beautiful views across the South Downs.
The majority of the castle and gardens are accessible by wheelchair users thanks to ramped entrances, lifts and disabled toilets. There are a few areas, such as the Inner Gatehouse and the Keep that are unfortunately inaccessible due to steep, stone steps.
You can find Arundel Castle’s full accessibility guide here.
Parking
Arundel Castle’s main car parking area is just across the road from the entrance.
Guide Dogs
Accredited Assistance dogs are welcome on site.
Wheelchair Hire
There are a number of wheelchairs that are available to loan on a first come, first served basis. Additionally, they have a motorised buggy that can help visitors to get from the ticket box to the gardens and castle entrance.
Prices
Prices for Arundel Castle change seasonally and can be found here.
Opening Times
Opening times for Arundel Castle change seasonally and can be found here.
Contact Details
- Address: Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
- Telephone: 01903 882173
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Drusillas Park, Alfriston
If you’re after a family day out that suits smaller children and older relatives alike, then Drusillas Park might be exactly what you’re looking for! Based just outside of Eastbourne, this small zoo offers great fun for all the family, with a whole host of animals including monkeys, meerkats and penguins, as well as an adventure play area.
Drusillas Park is completely wheelchair accessible, with flat surfaces and ramps that make it ideal for older people who are struggling with mobility issues. They also have a hearing loop for those who are hard of hearing, so that everyone can get as much as possible out of their day.
The route around the park is approximately one mile long and features plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. If your relative is finding the walk to be a little too much, there are wheelchairs available to hire.
You can find Drusillas Park’s full accessibility statement here.
Parking
All car parking is free and disabled parking is located on flat ground, close to the entrance.
Guide Dogs
Fully trained assistance dogs will be permitted into the Park, so long as proof of one of the following can be provided:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payments
- Attendance Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance
- Assistance Dog Access Card
Assistance dogs are unfortunately not permitted into the walk-through exhibits due to the stress this can cause to the animals. These exhibits include The Bats & Sloth Cave, Lory Landing and Lemurland.
Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Hire
Wheelchairs are available to hire on request, subject to availability. A £20, refundable deposit will be required to hire one. You can request this at the Admissions Gate when you arrive.
Prices
Opening Times
- Summer Opening Times: 10:00am - 6:00pm
- Winter Opening Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Contact Details
- Address: Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS
- Telephone: 01323 874100
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Sheffield Park & Gardens, Uckfield
For the nature lovers, Sheffield Park & Gardens can be the best choice. The park, situated close to Uckfield, displays acres of beautiful gardens and parkland with four lakes at its heart and picturesque wooded areas. The gardens are a haven for wildlife and make a lovely and relaxing day out for the whole family.
There is mobility parking available in the car park and the majority of the gardens are accessible, with paths and slopes made of non-gravel surfaces. Mobility scooters and wheel chairs are also available to borrow in exchange for a small donation. The tea rooms and restaurant are also accessible to wheelchair users.
You can visit Sheffield Park & Garden’s full accessibility statement here.
Parking
There is designated, mobility parking available in the site’s main car park, 50 yards from the reception.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome across the entire estate.
Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Hire
Wheelchairs can be hired from the main reception for a small donation fee. They also have mobility vehicles available, which they recommend booking in advance by calling on 01825 790231.
Visual & Hearing Aids
There are induction loops available at all till points in the Visitors Reception and Cafe buildings.
Prices
- Adult: £15.00
- Child: £7.50
National Trust members can get free entry to Sheffield Park & Gardens.
Opening Times
Sheffield Park & Gardens’ opening times change seasonally and can be found here.
Contact Details
- Address: Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
- Telephone: 01825 790231
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield, Battle
A visit to the most famous battlefield in England allows those interested in history to follow in the footsteps of the armies of William the Conquerer and King Harold and discover how English history was changed forever. Visitors can explore the battlefield trail and the atmospheric abbey, enjoying include stunning views, carved wooden sculptures and an interactive exhibition.
There are on-site disabled parking spaces allocated for those with mobility problems, as well as a suggested route for wheelchair users to take for the most comfortable experience.
You can find 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield’s full accessibility statement here.
Parking
There are allocated disabled parking spaces in the car park.
Guide Dogs
Assistance Dogs are welcome across the site.
Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Hire
There are mobility scooters available to hire on site. There is also a suggested route around the site for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
Prices
- Adult: £12.70
- Child (5-17): £7.70
English Heritage members are eligible for free entry.
Opening Times
Opening times to the Abbey vary throughout the year. You can find current opening times here.
Contact Details
- Address: High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AE
- Telephone: 01323 874100
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
