With forecasts pointing to a sizzling summer, many families will be planning trips to the nearest beach to make the most of the good weather. But for families with a disabled child, that’s not always straightforward, with accessibility issues sometimes causing barriers to what should be fun in the sun.
Accessible beaches for disabled people can be hard to find, and new research – one of the first national surveys of its kind – shows that many disabled people and people with long-standing health conditions are unable to access the coastline in practice, despite the important role beaches play in wellbeing, recreation and family life.
Led by Will Behenna at the Beach Access Project in collaboration with PhD researcher Sadie Rockliffe and Dr Catherine Kelly from the University of Brighton, the research was presented at a parliamentary event on 18 May 2026, where policymakers, disability advocates and coastal organisations discussed how UK beaches can become more accessible.
While several factors affect accessibility, it is hoped that many more beaches can be improved, opening up experiences that should be available to everyone. For now, however, standards are minimal and unenforced, leaving families to search for beaches that meet their needs.
Beaches that appear to be getting it right combine level access, beach wheelchair availability and adaptive facilities, including:
- Bournemouth Beach, Dorset: Features ramped access from the cliff lifts down to the promenade, accessible parking and nearby beach wheelchair hire.
- Seaburn Beach, Sunderland: Provides a wide-open, completely step-free promenade, level ramp access to the golden sands and Changing Places facilities.
- Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth: Offers Mobi-mats for smooth sand traversal, adaptive beach huts with ceiling hoists and free beach wheelchair hire.
- Bude Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall: Highlights include flat viewing areas, sand wheelchairs for hire, and fully accessible Changing Places toilet facilities and a tidal sea pool.
- Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot, Wales: Offers a very flat, wide sand expanse, smooth promenades for easy rolling and fully adapted restroom facilities.
- Troon Beach Ayrshire, Scotland: Offers floating chairs, hoists and volunteer assistance as well as hoisted water access and a wide selection of beach wheelchairs.
- Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire: Featuring accessible paths, beach wheelchairs designed for both sand and water, beach matting in summer and disabled-friendly toilets.
- Bridlington Beach, East Yorkshire: Has level walkways, free beach wheelchairs, Changing Places toilets and adaptive bike hire from April to September through the All Ride Scheme.
What to look for:
- Accessible parking or Blue Badge Parking nearby
- Accessible toilets and changing facilities such as Changing Places
- Beach wheelchairs available
- An accessible area/space on the beach to relax
- High quality multi-formatted information
- Floating Chairs or chair assisted sea access
- Access to activities e.g. swimming, adapted paddleboarding and biking
Things to consider:
- Book ahead as wheelchairs and adaptive bikes may need reservations.
- Contact the local tourist office at specific areas you plan to visit for advice.
- Check the tides and entry points for beaches you plan to visit – some might be more accessible at low tide or from specific access points.
For more detailed information, planning advice and equipment bookings, visit the Driffield Mobility Beach Guide and for more information about accessible breaks and activities visit Tourism for All UK.