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Written by: Janie
Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast is home to activities, experiences, and attractions that are accessible to all visitors. This includes a range of services and facilities to meet the requirements of anyone with additional needs. Make the most of your time in this beautiful region and check out our list of inclusive experiences, suitable for every member of your group.
Please note that while these businesses offer accessible services and facilities, we advise that you check their specific accessibility information to ensure that they can cater for your exact requirements.
Jump to:
- Carlisle Cathedral
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station
- Calvert Lakes
- Beacon Museum
- Theatre by the Lake
- Swim on the Wild Side
- Cumbrian Heavy Horses
Carlisle Cathedral
Discover this peaceful haven in the heart of Carlisle and uncover 900 years of extraordinary history. The perfect place for those who enjoy a quieter environment, spend some time marvelling at the wonderful starry ceiling.
A visual story is free to download and aims to help you prepare for a visit. The Cathedral itself is wheelchair accessible, including a wheelchair lift to the Treasury Exhibition. Disabled parking can be found on Castle Street, next to the main entrance to the Cathedral grounds.
Make sure you also pay a visit to the lovely Cathedral Café – a great setting for a tasty lunch.
Bassenthwaite Lake Station
An award-winning accessible venue, the Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers tasty breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas in the unique setting of a railway carriage. Located on the old Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, get ready to take a seat on board the exact train used in the 2017 movie, Murder on the Orient Express.
The owners of this quirky café are passionate about offering a fully accessible and welcoming venue for everyone. Available facilities include a sensory garden, accessible trails, a disabled toilet, a carpark with two Blue Badge spaces, two wheelchair-adapted outdoor picnic benches, a ramp onto the train and three tables suitable for wheelchairs in the restaurant carriage.
Calvert Lakes
Located just outside Keswick and offering residential outdoor adventure holiday breaks for people with disabilities, Calvert Lakes provides a varied programme of activities alongside accommodation options for a wide range of access requirements.
Specialist staff are on hand to ensure holidays are tailored to the needs of every visitor. Choose from a wide range of options, from weekend breaks to full week holidays. Keep an eye out for taster sessions and shorter summer clubs for kid as well.
A state-of-the-art multi-sensory swimming pool can be booked for shorter, 1.5-hour sessions. Open daily to both visitors and the local community, it includes a range of features such as bubble pads, a water fountain, and an adjustable pool floor. Advance booking is essential.
Beacon Museum
Head to Whitehaven on the coast and pay a visit to the Beacon Museum. Set against the backdrop of the Lake District’s dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes, this interesting spot tells the story of the local area, with interactive exhibits on its social, industrial and maritime heritage.
The venue was purpose-built with access for all in mind. There are two dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces on-site, three floors are accessible by lift, and you’ll find accessible toilets on floor 1 & floor 3. Large print information, audio presentations and subtitled video presentations are also available. For those who appreciate a peaceful environment, there’s a ‘quiet hour’ on the first Sunday of each month. Guide staff can accompany visitors if needed – just ask in advance.
Theatre by the Lake
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With a beautiful location on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, this vibrant creative hub is well-known for hosting exciting festivals and quality theatre productions.
Accessible performances have always been part of the programme at Theatre by the Lake. Audio described, captioned, BSL (British Sign Language) interpreted performances, and relaxed performances are scheduled for all their home-produced shows. As well as this, they recently worked with the Graeae Theatre Company on a new – and accessible – version of Romeo and Juliet; that included BSL and captions woven into the show itself, along with an incredible ensemble of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors.
With many more facilities available, they are ready to understand all your needs when you sign up to book accessible tickets – ensuring an enjoyable visit.
Swim on the Wild Side
Try swimming in the therapeutic waters of the Lake District and find tranquillity in the stunning surroundings – all possible thanks to Swim on the Wild Side.
Book their introduction session for the perfect first step. Professional and experienced coaching, plus kayak support, will put your mind at ease ensuring a great experience. For a multi-day adventure, they’ll sort everything while also guiding you in three different lakes.
They can cater to all levels and abilities – just get in touch to discuss individual needs. Using their expert knowledge of the Lake District, they can create a suitable trip for you, taking into considering factors such as lake access, available toilets and changing facilities. If you have a carer there is a 50% reduction in fees for the carer.
Cumbrian Heavy Horses
Meet magnificent Clydesdale, Shire and Ardennes heavy horse breeds at this small, professional, family-run equestrian centre.
The ‘Heavy Horse-Riding Experience’ offers a steadier paced ride suitable for beginner and novice riders – a great option for older family members or children. Ride through private farmland and over low fell areas, along the way enjoying great views over the Duddon Estuary and towards the Coniston fells.
New in 2025, their ‘Meet our Horses Experience’ is ideal for any visitor who isn’t able to ride but would still like to spend time with the horses and see what goes on behind the scenes.
Upon booking you will be matched with the right horse and riding experience, in a group that is carefully managed according to experience and ability – all ensuring you a wonderful experience.
The Cumberland Adventure for Everyone Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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