Free tickets for Carers – 5 amazing and accessible attractions in York
Starting in September, carers can travel for free when accompanying someone who needs assistance.
York is one of the best places to visit in northern England – and this historic city is open to absolutely everyone who wants to learn, see, and do something fun!
That’s why we’ve introduced a new permanent offer. All carers go FREE when visiting with someone who requires assistance.
Here are just a few ideas for places in York that are accessible to everyone.
CitySightseeing York
Of course, the best place to start is our very own 21-stop CitySightseeing tour.
Every vehicle has a built-in fold-out wheelchair ramp. Along with a system that lowers the vehicle to the curb for easy boarding, these ramps allow manual and electric wheelchairs of various weights and sizes to access the bus.
Inside each vehicle, we have dedicated wheelchair spaces and priority seating areas. We can even pick up visitors who require assistance from nearby Union Terrace Coach Park – just to make getting on the bus that little bit more comfortable.
Our audio commentary is available via headphones in eight languages, and our colleagues are trained for a wide variety of accessibility needs – they’re always ready and able to help when needed.
Check out our accessibility tour guide!
Rowntree Park
Named after the famous sweets maker, Rowntree Park is a fabulous way to spend an hour or two… Provided the weather holds up reasonably well.
Within its 10-hectare site, there are play parks, table tennis facilities, wildlife trails, a café, a library, and several duck ponds – with plenty of benches to take it all in.
Most of the park is wheelchair accessible, although there is one mini bridge that may pose a challenge for larger wheelchairs.
Our Stops 13 (Southlands Methodist Church) and Stop 14 (The Winning Post) drop you a short distance away from the park entrance.
York Art Gallery
Open Wednesday – Sunday, York Art Gallery’s collection of paintings takes you on a journey through more than 600 years: from 14th-century Italian panels and 17th-century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian and modern works, there’s something for everyone.
The gallery also holds the county’s most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics and regularly hosts unique exhibitions worth seeing.
Ramped access leads to the main entrance, and lifts connect the floors; they also accommodate guide, hearing, and assistance dogs. Staff are also trained in accessibility awareness and can be found throughout the gallery to help with opening doors.
National Railway Museum
One of the largest and most fascinating museums in all of Britain, the National Railway Museum is certainly a ‘must-visit’ attraction – especially since admission is FREE.
See world-famous trains and locomotives like the Mallard and Japanese Shinkansen Bullet, discover new things in the Wonderlab, and marvel at the Great Hall’s giant model railway set.
The entire museum has step-free access; hearing loops and ear defenders are available on site, and mobility scooters are available for hire at the Welcome Desk.
On the CitySightseeing tour, Stop 19 (York Rail Station) or Stop 20 (Memorial Gardens) are the best places to access the museum.
York Minster
From its Roman Undercroft to its medieval stained-glass windows and colossal towers, York Minster is one of those awe-inspiring places you need to see in person to appreciate fully.
Most of the building is wheelchair accessible (although the main tower does not have step-free access), but there is lift access from the South Transept to the Undercroft.
Stop 1 (Exhibition Square) is the closest, but you can also use both Stop 2 (Gillygate) and Stop 3 (Monk Bar) to reach the Minster.
Book your tickets on a CitySightseeing tour today – Carers go FREE this September!
