Celebrating accessible days out in the Broads
The Broads Authority launched its guide to Accessible Days Out in the Broads, at the Nancy Oldfield Trust on Monday 20 March to coincide with English Tourism Week 2023 (Friday 17 - Sunday 26 March). The facilities highlighted are accessible to wheelchairs, suitable for people with limited mobility or can cater towards people who are visually impaired.
Well-managed public access is vital to ensuring the Broads remains a spectacular place for escape, recreation and enjoyment. The Authority is working with partners and businesses to help as many people as possible experience the special magic of the Broads, with wheelchair accessible boats available, visitor attractions with facilities for people with visual or hearing impairments and boardwalks suitable for wheelchair users.
They are launching a new video on Accessible Days Out in the Broads to raise awareness of and improve accessibility for all. The video was launched in Neatishead at the Nancy Oldfield Trust charity, which provides sailing, canoeing, motor cruising and accommodation for disabled and disadvantaged people.
The video is supported by a comprehensive guide to accessible days out on the Authority’s website: https://www.visitthebroads.co.uk/discover-the-broads/about-the-broads/accessible-visitsThe guide includes boat trips, such as the wheelchair accessible, Ra Solar Boat Trip (Hoveton), accessible sailing and canoe trips with the Nancy Oldfield Trust and accessible boat trips at the Museum of the Broads (Stalham).
Other ideas for days out include: Tandem Bicycles at Broadland Cycle Hire (Horning), accessible boardwalk and viewing platform at Barton Broad , Suffolk Wildlife Trust Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre (Oulton Broad), Waveney Stardust (Beccles) and Waveney Sailability (Lowestoft) boat trips, accessible green space at Beccles Quay and Oulton Broad, picnics at Cow Tower and Pull's Ferry (Norwich), and mobility scooter and accessible boat trips at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden (South Walsham).
The guide also includes suggestions of where to eat, such as Wroxham Barns, The Waterside Restaurant (Rollesby) and The Ferry Inn (Horning).
Broads Authority, Waterways and Recreation Officer Andrew Walters said:
“There are many opportunities for accessible days out in the Broads.
“We hope that having a wealth of information readily available on both our website and in Broadcaster magazine will inspire visitors to discover their ideal days out.”
Nancy Oldfield Trust Manager Stephen Bradnock said:
“The Nancy Oldfield Trust provides boating opportunities for anyone who, for whatever reason, would otherwise struggle to access the fantastic Broads National Park.
“We have a wide variety of accessible boats including motor cruisers, yachts and canoes as well a team of trained staff and volunteers to ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience out on the water. The Trust can be contacted to book a session on 01692 630572 or by e-mail info@nancyoldfield.org.uk”.
For more information on accessibility in the Broads see our video on YouTube and our Accessible Visits Webpage
If you know of any accessible Broads attractions not included in our information, or you own a business that has made efforts to be more accessible, please get in touch to let us know so we can include you in our listings.
Tuesday 28 March 2023