Bournemouth Beach, a picturesque coastal destination in the UK, offers wheelchair hire services to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the beauty and serenity of the seaside. This comprehensive guide will explore the details of the wheelchair hire service, the accessible features along the beachfront, and the overall accessibility of Bournemouth’s coastal attractions.
Bournemouth Beach Wheelchair Hire: Accessibility at Your Fingertips
Bournemouth Beach provides two specialized beach wheelchairs with balloon tires, available for hire from the beach office on Bournemouth Undercliff Drive. These chairs are designed to navigate the soft sand and uneven terrain, allowing users to venture closer to the water’s edge. The wheelchair hire service operates from May to September, with operating hours from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, on a first-come, first-served basis. A refundable £50 cash deposit is required to secure the wheelchair.
Accessible Features Along the Bournemouth Beachfront
In addition to the wheelchair hire service, Bournemouth’s beachfront offers several accessible features to enhance the experience for visitors with mobility challenges.
Mobi-Mats at Boscombe Beach
At Boscombe Beach, Mobi-mats are installed, providing a stable and level surface for wheelchair users to access the sand and reach the water’s edge. These mats create a smooth pathway, making it easier for individuals to navigate the beach.
Wooden Boardwalk at Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks Beach features a wooden boardwalk, which extends from the promenade onto the sand, allowing wheelchair users to move closer to the sea during the bathing season. This boardwalk offers a stable and accessible route for those with mobility challenges.
Cliff Lifts and Land Trains
Bournemouth’s cliff lifts, operational from April to October, provide easy access to the beach from the cliff top. Carers and children under 5 can travel on the cliff lifts for free, making it more convenient for families with mobility-impaired individuals. Additionally, land trains are available along the seafront, enabling wheelchair users to enjoy the scenic views of the coastline.
Accessible Facilities and Amenities
Bournemouth’s seafront also offers a range of accessible facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of visitors with disabilities.
Accessible Toilets and Changing Places
Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities are available across the Bournemouth seafront. These facilities require RADAR keys for access, which can be purchased from the Bournemouth Tourist Information Centre located in the Bournemouth Pier Approach.
Accessibility Guide
For comprehensive information on wheelchair-friendly attractions, services, and facilities in Bournemouth, visitors can refer to the accessibility guide provided by the local council. This guide offers detailed information on the various accessible features and resources available throughout the area.
Exploring Bournemouth’s Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions
Bournemouth’s coastal attractions extend beyond the beach, offering a range of wheelchair-accessible experiences for visitors.
Bournemouth Pier
The iconic Bournemouth Pier is fully accessible, with ramps and lifts providing easy access to the various attractions and facilities along the pier, including the Pier Approach Gardens.
Bournemouth Gardens
The beautiful Bournemouth Gardens feature accessible pathways and trails, allowing wheelchair users to explore the lush greenery and scenic landscapes.
Oceanarium
The Oceanarium, Bournemouth’s renowned aquarium, is equipped with accessible features, including ramps and designated wheelchair-friendly viewing areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Conclusion
Bournemouth Beach’s commitment to accessibility is evident through its wheelchair hire service, accessible features along the beachfront, and the range of wheelchair-friendly attractions and amenities in the area. By providing these resources, Bournemouth ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can fully immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the seaside, creating lasting memories and a truly inclusive experience.
References:
– Bournemouth Accessible Seafront
– Bournemouth Accessibility Guide
– Wheelchair Hire Bournemouth