Accessible beaches across the UK
In a recent issue of Forward Magazine we asked our members to share some of their favourite accessible beaches with us, this is what they said:
Cleethorpes Beach – Lincolnshire
Cleethorpes beach is a long stretch of picturesque coastline. There’s plenty to do on the beach with beach friendly wheelchairs available for hire and after some time in the sun, there’s the beautiful promenade and shops to enjoy.
Services and facilities available:
• Two new beach wheelchairs for free hire from The Resort Hub on Central Prom
• Access to the beach can be made via a ramp opposite the Beach Safety Office or via a slipway next to the pier.
• Disabled parking available outside the office and along the promenade.
• Disabled toilets located around the corner to the office.
For more information call Tourist Information on 01472 323356 or visit Discover North East Lincolnshire.
Sandhaven Beach, South Shields, NE England
Providing a free range of specialised equipment, the charity Beach Access North East (BANE) promotes social inclusion, independence and choice for disabled and elderly people across the beautiful beaches of the North East of England. Sandhaven offers a long stretch of beach to explore, with cliffs at one end.
Services and facilities available:
• Located at the south end of the South Promenade, the blue BANE container with specialised equipment is easily spottable with their name on it
• Nearest parking is South Promenade South. This is pay parking but free to blue badge holders.
• There is a wide ramp to the beach just opposite the container but there are other places just a few meters along the promenade where the beach can be accessed
• Public toilet facilities are available at the north end of the car park. There is one disabled toilet.
To book a beach wheelchair, call 0300 999 4444 For more information visit: Beach Access North East.
Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire
Just one of many stunning award-winning beaches in Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Bay is accessible to wheelchair users and has a beach wheelchair for hire. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has sourced a range of different equipment, which you can hire for free from various locations in the National Park so it’s worth checking out other accessible beaches in the area too.
Services and facilities available:
• A slipway providing easy access onto the sand
• Disabled, accessible toilets close by
• Café, shop and surf hire are located behind the beach
• Full range of shops, cafes and other services located in nearby St Davids, around two miles inland
Visit Pembrokeshire coast (Beach wheelchairs) and follow instructions for booking.
Fleetwood, Lancashire
Beautiful Fleetwood Beach has fabulous views from the sands and visitors come from far and wide to enjoy it. Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs is an award-winning charity providing specialist beach wheelchairs and other equipment to enable those with additional needs and disabilities to get on the beach.
Services and facilities available:
• 11 beach wheelchairs, two rollators, and other equipment such as a hoist, Go-To seats, pommel cushions and lumbar supports
• Not just a wheelchair service, the charity provides an inclusive service, ensuring you’re safe and comfortable in the chairs. There’s also a range of items to enhance your beach experience from beach umbrellas to toys
• Clients benefit from access to the Changing Places Facility near their Wheel Base
• Disabled parking in front of the Wheel Base and a nearby café
Visit Fleetwood beach wheelchairs and their Facebook page for more information and to plan a visit.
Porthmeor, Cornwall
One of the jewels in the crown of St Ives, Porthmeor mixes wild natural beauty and the quintessential British seaside. Framed by rugged granite headlands with a stretch of golden sand and inviting waters, it’s a favourite spot among surfers.
Services and facilities available:
• Beach wheelchairs and buggies can be hired from the café on Porthmeor beach.
• A steep sloping paved section of road leads down to the beach in front of the Tate Gallery.
• Toilets in the beach car park are fully accessible, although opening times are limited outside the holiday season.
• Beachside cafes, a surf school and a seasonal lifeguard service
• Parking is difficult in St Ives, especially during the summer. Consider taking a bus or train when you visit.
For more information on Porthmeor and Cornwall’s many other accessible beaches visit: Cornwall Beaches with Disabled Access.
Portstewart East Strand inclusive beach
Operational year round (weekends only in winter) Portstewart is one of five beautiful, inclusive beaches across Northern Ireland serviced by the Mae Murray Foundation which offer people of all ages and abilities the chance to take part in activities in an inclusive environment
Services and facilities available:
• Changing Places Toilets
• Matting
• Accessible equipment such as beach wheelchairs, walkers etc
• Accessible parking
To hire equipment, you need to be a member of Mae Murray Foundation (it’s free to sign up!) Overseas visitors can borrow equipment (there is just a different form to complete on arrival at the beach). Advance booking is recommended.
For more information on Portstewart and other beaches on the Irish coastline visit the Mae Murray Foundation.
West Sands Beach, St Andrews, Scotland
Located in the heart of this vibrant beach and university town, St Andrews Beach Wheelchairs offers free rental of accessible equipment from April until 29 October 2025 on select days of the week.
Advance booking is advised but walk-ins are also welcome.
Services and facilities available:
• Free rental of a beach friendly wheelchair.
• Hoist – users will need to provide their own sling
For more information and to make bookings visit: St Andrews Beach Wheelchairs or call 03000 122 014
Thorpe Bay Beach, Southend-on-Sea
Enjoying views of the Thames estuary, this beach is great for refreshing walks and for those looking for a relaxing break. There is decking leading straight onto the beach for wheelchair access.
Services and facilities available:
• Access to Southend seafront is from the High Street via Pier Hill. There are lifts to and from the seafront, which are located at the bottom of the High Street.
• For a more historic way of accessing the seafront, try the Cliff Lift, which is situated a short distance from the bottom of the High Street.
• The rest of Southend’s High Street and seafront is flat and easily accessible.
• Ample blue badge parking bays in all town centre car parks
For more information, such as lift opening times please call the Southend Visitor Information Centre on 01702 212534 or visit their website: Visit Southend.
