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Accessible Days Out in Berkshire for the Elderly

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 for everyone.

We have carefully chosen our top five days out 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, have a look at our insider’s guide to the best afternoon tea in Berkshire!

The Living Rainforest, Thatcham

The living rainforest accessible Berkshire

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: ยฃ13.50
  • Child: ยฃ10.95
  • Carer for Paying Guest: Free (Proof of Entitlement Required)
  • View Ticket Page

Opening Times

Everyday, 9:30am – 12:30am; 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Please note, pre-booking is recommended and different opening schedules can apply on different holiday dates.

Contact

Newbury Racecourse

Newbury racecourse day out

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 a 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. Buggies are welcome around site for taking younger children and there is a creche available for some events.

Newbury Racecourse’s full Access Statement can be found here.

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 the contact details below to identify the most suitable accessible car park for the day of your visit.

Guide Dogs

All registered 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

Thames Rivercruise, Caversham

Thames rivercruise access

Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the river Thames from the boarding point in Caversham. There are a range of options available, from long and short rides to live music on the Thames. Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch can also be booked.

The extent of accessibility is dependent upon the Thames Rivercruise 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 the address below for looking at your options.

Guide Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome onboard.

Prices

Prices depend on the type of cruise booked but start from ยฃ13.50. Please see the booking page for more details.

Opening Times

Opening times also depend on type of cruise booked. Please see the booking page.

Contact

  • Address: Scheduled cruises depart from Caversham Pier, behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Caversham, RG1 8BD
  • Telephone: 01189 481088
  • Contact Form
  • Visit Website

Windsor Great Park

Great Windsor 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.
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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.

Please see Windsor Great Park’s full accessibility guide here.

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Parking

Parking prices are dependent upon stay length and car park. Free parking spots for Blue Badge holders are also available.

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 accessibility page to plan your visit.

Prices

There is free entry to all area, excluding the Savill Garden. Adult ticket prices for the Gardenrange between ยฃ7.95 and ยฃ13.95 depending on the date and carers can accompany for free.

Book Savill Garden Tickets

Opening Times

  • Windsor Great Park is open between 7:00am and sunset.
  • Car parks open daily between 7:00am and 7:00pm

Contact

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle accessible days out in Berkshire

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.

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.

See Windsor Castle’s full accessiblity guide here.

Parking

There is no visitor car parking at the Castle, soย it is recommended that public car parks are used in the town centre. Please visit council website for information on parking in Windsor.

Guide Dogs

Registered 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. See the site’s full mobility guide here.

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.ย Guides can also wear induction loops on request.

A BSL video tour is available and included in the admission price.

Prices

  • Adult: ยฃ28.00
  • Young Person (18-24): ยฃ18.00
  • Child or Disabled Person: ยฃ15.50
  • Under 5: Free

Note: these are advance ticket prices and are slightly cheaper than paying on the door.

Opening Times

  • March to October: 10:00am – 5.15pm (last admissions at 4:00pm)
  • November to February: 10:00am – 4.15pm (last admissions at 3:00pm)

Contact