Bournemouth, with its stunning coastline and vibrant culture, offers many opportunities for memorable days out. Whether you're a local or visiting with family, there are plenty of accessible attractions and activities to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the best of what this beautiful town has to offer.
From tranquil parks and scenic beaches to fascinating museums and galleries, Bournemouth is packed with places designed to cater to all abilities, making it the perfect destination for an enjoyable and stress-free day out. Discover some of the top accessible spots for elderly visitors in this guide.
Enjoy this guide compiled by our local team at Bluebird Care Bournemouth and Poole.
1. Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach offers miles of beautiful sand and welcoming ocean views. Take a stroll along the promenade or explore the pier with its seaside cafes and arcade.
The beach itself has accessible wheelchairs available for hire if you or a loved one has difficulty walking or moving across the sand. They are designed with balloon tyres to more easily cross potentially tricky terrain. Similarly, many come with special matting that allows easier access to the shoreline. So you and your loved ones can still dip your toes in.
If you’d prefer, the promenade is fully accessible with ramps and level access for your convenience. Similarly, Bournemouth’s Oceanarium is also fully wheelchair accessible. Visit the clownfish and enjoy the colourful aquarium coral for a pleasant day out.
2. Russel Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
If you’d prefer a quieter day trip but still want to enjoy some beautiful sights, consider exploring the Russel Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. With step-free access, accessible toilets and a lift to all floors, everyone can enjoy what the gallery has to offer.
As a Victorian Villa, originally known as East Cliff Hall, the building alone holds plenty of interesting history and has an elegant design. Enjoy a captivating collection of art and artefacts with stunning sea views. If you’d rather, you can spend the afternoon enjoying the outdoors in its accessible garden.
3. Poole Harbour and Quayside
Poole is only about 15 minutes by car from Bournemouth. Poole Harbour and the historic Quayside offer scenic views and exciting boat trips around the harbour. The Quayside and the majority of Poole town are flat and accessible for people in wheelchairs or mobility concerns. While some boat trips offer wheelchair accessibility, it is recommended that you check with operators in advance.
If a boat trip isn’t for you, there’s still plenty to enjoy. The Poole Museum is fully accessible and offers an in-depth look at the history of the wonderful town of Poole.
4. Parks
If you want a lovely place to sit, relax or enjoy a picnic there are a range of parks you and your loved one can visit in and around Bournemouth.
Upton Country Park
Upton Country Park is located just outside of Poole and around 8 miles from Bournemouth. It’s a beautiful, forested park with a network of hard-surfaced, wheelchair-friendly footpaths so you and your loved one can explore with ease.
Similarly, Uptown Country Park offers accessible toilets and a cafe area so you don’t have to pack all your food. But you can do more than just take in the shoreline and wooded sights. Take a guided tour of this 19th-century parkland or participate in one of the many parkland events held there.
Compton Acres
Compton Acres is even closer, located between Poole and Bournemouth. They have accessible routes around the park, with wheelchair access to most of the gardens.
Take a break with accessible toilets and pick up a lovely lunch at one of the cafes. With themed Italian and Japanese gardens, you can enjoy the different styles of gardening. Take your time enjoying the stunning landscapes and soak up the charming atmosphere.
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve is also located only a fifteen-minute drive from Bournemouth. They have accessible paths for easy traversal and even hireable mobility scooters from the visitor centre. Enjoy accessible toilets and parking so you and your loved one can start exploring right away.
With unique views of Christchurch Harbour and accessible exhibits on the local wildlife and history, you can learn something new while taking in the sights.
Avon Heath Country Park
Avon Heath Country Park is also designed for accessibility, with reliable trails, accessible toilets and cafes. If you’re worried about moving around, they also offer mobility scooters for hire, so you or your loved one can explore the park at your speed.
If you enjoy wildlife watching, sequester away in the accessible bird hides to see what you can spot. Enjoy what nature has to offer with a relaxing walk down its many trails.
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest also offer accessible trails and toilets for your convenience. Take advantage of their hireable mobility scooters to wander around at your leisure.
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest also has a lot of other activities you and your loved one may be able to enjoy. Their Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course has some accessible options available. However, you may need to call in advance to check the requirements.
Likewise, you and your loved one could enjoy a ride on the narrow-gauge railway or take a seat in the grass for a simple picnic. With accessible play areas available as well, Moors Valley Country Park has a lot to offer.
Enjoy Your Day Out in Bournemouth!
Knowing where to go is half the battle when it comes to organising a day out. Explore one of these many beautiful locations, from breathtaking parks to captivating galleries and museums.
If you have any other support or accessibility questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Bluebird Care Bournemouth and Poole team. We want to help carers, and their loved ones enjoy everything Bournemouth, Dorset has to offer.
