There’s nothing better than a spontaneous trip to the seaside, especially during the summer! If you’re planning a last-minute adventure, here are five tips you may find helpful… 

Consider your transport options

If you’re driving to the seaside, finding a parking spot can be a challenge. If you have a Blue Badge, you may be able to find a great space on the seafront or near to where you want to be. If you don’t have a Blue Badge, it’s sometimes helpful to have a little drive around and identify other parking options. Sometimes there’s a smaller car park that’s still close to where you want to be, that’s much cheaper than the others! 

If you don’t drive or want to avoid the mental or physical exertion of driving before your fun day out, consider other transport options. You could book passenger assistance and catch the train, or look into day trips run by coach companies. National Express has an excellent code of practice for disabled customers – you can chat through your access requirements 7 days a week, or even download a journey assistance card to communicate your needs with staff and drivers. 

Enquire about beach mobility aids 

Seaside towns are finally beginning to understand the value of accessible tourism, and many of them now offer all-terrain wheelchairs and other mobility aids for disabled visitors to use on the beach. Brighton, for example, has two all-terrain wheelchairs available. You can reserve them in advance, or simply call up on the day of your visit to book a slot. You may have to pay a deposit, but these mobility aids are usually free to hire and can enable you to make the most of the glorious sand and sea. 

These mobility aids are usually booked via the location’s Seafront Office. Don’t forget to use AccessAble’s search function to find nearby accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities too! 

Image Credits: AccessAble Ambassador Emma Muldoon (Simply Emma)

Take your own treats 

There are some great meal and snack options at the seaside - who could say no to fish and chips or a Mr Whippy ice cream? However, it can sometimes be difficult for people with food allergies or specific dietary requirements to find safe treats to enjoy. This can lead to a real fear of missing out, especially if the people around you can enjoy food that you can’t. To combat this, pop some of your favourite allergy-safe snacks in your beach bag – that way, you’ll always have the option of something nice to eat. If it’s a hot day, consider taking along a small cool bag or ice pack, or freezing a bottle of water to ensure your food stays at the right temperature. 

If you’re hoping to get out and about lots over the summer and you have food allergies, you may benefit from carrying around a ‘Chef Card’. This is just a small piece of paper that lists your allergies, so you don’t have to exert yourself explaining your requirements each time you dine somewhere new. You can find free templates online and print off a few copies to keep in your bag or pocket – these are usually used for translating your allergies into another language, but even having a version in plain English can be helpful! 

Find the best spot on the sand

If you plan to spend the day on the beach, finding the right spot to settle can make a world of difference. If you have fatigue or pain and don’t use mobility aids, choose a spot nearby to any amenities you might need to reduce walking distances back and forth. If you’re neurodivergent or experience sensory overload, sometimes it’s worth walking a little further along the seafront to find a location that’s more peaceful. If you have sight loss, some people have had great success with the Be My Eyes app, where volunteers can guide users to a free spot on the sand.

It's not essential to go onto the sand to enjoy a day at the seaside. If your beach of choice isn’t wheelchair accessible or the sand poses additional access challenges for you, there are plenty of alternatives. Look for a seafront bench with a great view, or set up a deckchair on the pavement overlooking the sea. You could even splash out on a beach hut for the day, like these accessible beach huts in Bude!

Image Credits: AccessAble Head of Marketing Carrie-Ann Lightley enjoying a walk along Seaburn Promenade - view our Detailed Access Guide here!

Check out local accessible attractions 

There’s so much more to coastal areas than just the seafront. You may also enjoy shopping in the town centre or grabbing a drink in an independent coffee shop. Perhaps you’re more of a thrill-seeker and you’re interested in funfair rides or arcades. Maybe you’re visiting the area as a family and hoping to find attractions that are fun for all age groups, whether that’s a local icon like The Blackpool Tower, or one of the Sealife Centre aquariums which you can find all over the UK. 

Even if you haven’t planned a visit in advance, AccessAble means you can easily check out venues and attractions that are suitable for your access needs – even while you’re on the go. There are thousands of Detailed Access Guides available online for free, to give you all the information you need about amazing venues and attractions all over the country. Simply filter by the accessibility symbols and your location, and you’ll find plenty of fun things to do. Enjoy your adventure!