Accessible Britain

Anderton Boat Lift
Blue Badge holders will find plenty of free, dedicated spaces in the site’s large, level
car park, close to the two-level visitor centre, which is accessed via a slope and has a
lift inside. The boats used for the Anderton Lift trips and river trips have mechanical
transport on and off – you can stay in your wheelchair (two wheelchair spaces are
available, and should be booked in advance) or transfer independently. The paths
into the nature park and Northwich Woodlands are mostly level and hard-surfaced,
allowing for easy progress, while clear maps make route-planning straightforward.
FOOD & DRINK aa The family-friendly café in the visitor centre makes a convenient lunch
stop, and there are some lovely picnic spots (with accessible tables) around the site and
in the neighbouring woodlands. Nearby alternatives include the Moorings Restaurant
(01606 79789), which you pass en route to the car park, and the excellent Stanley Arms
pub (01606 75059), overlooking the boat lift.
THE NORTHWEST
Ideas aa Active
Diggerland Yorkshire (Castleford WF10 5NW; www.diggerland.com) Packed with
giant diggers, earth movers and dumper trucks, this novel adventure park (one of four
nationwide) makes for a great family day out. Although none of the machines are
adapted for disabled use, most have power-assisted hand controls that don’t require
great strength to operate; you just need sufficient mobility to get on them.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park (Inverness-shire PH23 3AJ; www.landmarkpark.
co.uk) This is a paradise for active kids, who can climb, run, slide and hurtle through
the park’s many activities and rides, many of which are surprisingly accessible.
SNO!zone @ Xscape Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire MK9 3XS;
www.snozoneuk.com; www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk) Disability Snowsport run
lessons at the SNO!zone centre (and at other locations around the country), where
sit-skis, hand-held outriggers, tethers and other specialist equipment give people
with a wide range of disabilities the opportunity to get out on the snow.
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