Accessible places to visit in York

Start your accessible break in the wheelchair-friendly National Railway Museum, which is home to some of history’s most iconic locomotives. Set in a converted steam train depot, its giant halls are packed with more than 100 restored railway vehicles, including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam train, a working replica of Stephenson’s world-changing Rocket, and the VR experience of the iconic Flying Scotsman.

Located close to the railway museum, Hooting Owl artisan distillery offers tasting tours of its spirits, which include gin, rum and vodka. Start with a welcome drink before touring the distillery to learn about the process, and finishing with another tipple. For lunch, tuck into a freshly made pizza in the Distillery’s Lounge Bar after the session.

A gold award winner at the 2024 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, York’s five-star Grand Hotel was restored to its old Edwardian glory in 2010. Choose from 207 bedrooms – including several wheelchair accessible rooms – and sip a cocktail in the elegant 1906 Bar. Book a table at Legacy if you enjoy fine dining, or The Rise for more casual fare. One of York’s top accessible hotels.

Ready to see the city by night? Cross Bridge Street to Kings Staith Landing on the opposite side of the River Ouse, and hop on an hour-long twilight cruise that takes in the ancient city’s best sights. Sip a glass of prosecco or a hot drink and enjoy the darkening views from the floodlit wheelchair-accessible boat.

End the first day of your accessible break with goosebumps galore! The Original Ghost Walk of York claims to have inspired hundreds of similar tours worldwide. Meet your guide and fellow ghost hunters at the nearby Kings Arms (if the riverside is flooded, meet on the Ouse Bridge) and explore the city while hearing its chilling stories and legends. The tour ends at York Minster, a suitably spooky photo spot.

It’s famous for its afternoon teas, but did you know that Betty’s Tea Room also serves breakfast? Start your morning with the Grande Breakfast, which comes with pastries and rostis, or opt for a traditional English hot breakfast with local Yorkshire sausage. If you’re feeling fancy, why not order a cheeky mimosa?

Step back in time to AD975 to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the Viking city of Jorvik. Standing on the site of one of the most famous modern archaeological discoveries, Jorvik Viking Centre tells the story of the city of York as it was nearly 1,000 years ago. Pre-booking for wheelchair users is mandatory, but the centre is well geared up for wheelchair-friendly breaks.

No visit to York is complete without a visit to York Minster, the thousand-year-old cathedral standing proud in the city centre. The Minster was completed in 1472 after several centuries of construction. Its vast spaces, vaulted ceilings and overall epic architecture are a sight to behold – particularly the Great East Window, which is said to be the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. The majority of the building is suitable for wheelchair-friendly breaks.

Tuck into a hearty Sunday lunch, complete with traditional Yorkshire pudding, at one of the city’s reputably most haunted pubs – The Black Swan. This 15th Century tavern features heavy dark timbers and a whole lot of atmosphere; its smooth flagstone floor makes it great for wheelchair users, and there are accessible tables on request. Keep an eye out for the resident black cat, Salem, who prowls around the tables and bar!

End your accessible break with a visit to The Shambles, reportedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series – and now home to The Potions Cauldron York. Even though it can get crowded during busier months, this highly Instagrammable spot has its very own spot for brewing potions (that’s cocktails, to you and me). Due to the small space inside, one wheelchair user can be accommodated per session – no mobility scooters, unfortunately.