Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages & Lakeside Hub, Lancashire

Opened in 2013, Brickhouse Farm Holiday Cottages & Lakeside Hub hosts 12 outstanding cottages set on Brickhouse Farm amongst acres of stunning countryside. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of all the activities, projects and day to day visitor interactions. Locals and visitors can meet new people, learn from each other’s experiences while having every need catered for in the fully and truly accessible cottages and Lakeside Hub. Brickhouse makes it easy for families from all over the country with all kind of disabilities have an enjoyable break in a completely judgement-free environment.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol

Located six miles out of Bristol, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a family-run zoo that welcomes over 210,000 visitors a year. The zoo is a Rare Breed Survival Trust Associate and has over 100 species of exotic and endangered species including rhinos, african elephants and spectacled bears and a host of British rare-breed farm animals in the collection.

Noah’s Ark welcomes around 20,000 school children annually and has a full national curriculum led, Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) accredited education programme, with interactive workshops. The zoo aims to be an inclusive and accessible family day out, providing a Changing Places facility, mobility scooters, and accessible play. Sustainability is at the heart of the business with energy generation, responsible sourcing, locally and ethically sourced products in retail outlets.

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire

WWT Slimbridge is the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity. It exists to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, and make it a principle for wetlands and wildlife to be accessible and engaging for everyone. Recent initiatives at Slimbridge includes a Changing Places facility; Wetland Heroes, an app providing an inclusive experience for audiences with sensory impairments as well as an iSandbox – an interactive wetlands sandbox which stimulates the senses through texture and sound. Portable and built-in hearing induction loops are available as well as enlarged maps across the site. Volunteers can accompany visitors with visual impairments while giving interesting facts and insights about the wildlife. The Wild Safari, Estuary Tower Hide and Summer Walkway are also wheelchair-accessible and provides wider access to the 800-acre reserve.

noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge