The North
IN AND AROUND CHESTER WITH A WHEELCHAIR
The clock on the city walls above Eastgate Street
Chester is a busy city and has a thriving shopping centre with beautiful black and white timbered buildings. On the whole, accessibility to the shops is good and it is possible to gain access to the famous 'Rows' from the shopping arcade in Eastgate Street.
A shopmobility scheme hiring motorised scooters and wheelchairs operates from Frodsham Street car park Telephone 01244 312626 or e-mail shopmobility@dialhousechester.org.uk
You can download an access leaflet from the City Council's website detailing designated parking, accessible transport, wheelchair access points to the Rows and other accessibility information for Chester. The guide has been compiled by two local groups, The Link Up Club and the A2B group.
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page and for a wider accommodation search for other areas of the North and the UK click here.
The following are attractions that are wheelchair accessible in and around the city centre.
Inside one of the chapels in the cathedral
Chester Cathedral is almost fully accessible apart from the cloister gardens (which have a high step at the entrance) and the upper end of the Nave. It is a beautiful place to visit. The story of Chester Cathedral can be traced back to the time of the Saxon Minster, which in A.D. 907 housed the remains of St Werburgh (a Mercian princess, who became a nun and subsequently an Abbess) . There is an entrance fee charged for admission to the cathedral but wheelchair users companions are given free entrance. The fee includes a guidepoint audio tour of the cathedral (that has a hearing loop facility) the majority of the posts for this are accessible with a wheelchair.
Bishop Pearson's Tomb
The Refectory Cafeteria has ramped access and serves meals as well as light snacks. There are designated toilets and a shop on site and it is possible to park using a disabled parking permit in Northgate Street adjacent to the Cathedral.
For further details of accessibility see more info.
A view of the cathedral gardens from the city walls
Adjacent to the cathedral there is access to the city walls via a ramp and it is possible to wheel along a section overlooking part of the city. There is also another accessible section of the walls in Lower Bridge Street that allows access along the walls past the racecourse as far as Watergate.
Chester Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum has a wheelchair lift to enable access to the ground floor, admission is free and it is well worth a visit. The museum is not fully wheelchair accessible but there is a curator guided virtual tour available near the shop for the areas that are not step free.
The Roman Gallery
The Roman gallery has an impressive collection of Roman Gravestones and The Time Line gallery gives a fascinating insight into the history of the present day city.
For further accessibility information please click here
The Cheshire Military Museum
Just a few hundred yards away is the Military Museum which is also extremely informative. It is fully accessible but please note that in order to view the exhibits in correct chronological order, wheelchair users will need to enter the main exhibition at the exit point wheel to the front and then work backwards.
Surveying a very realistic replica of the first world war trenches
As well as detailing battles and campaigns and the lives of the soldiers in the Cheshire regiments, the museum interestingly also features information about soldiers wives and families including several audio clips. More accessibility info.
Inside the rowing deck of the Roman Galley, heading for Deva (pronounced Dewa) in Britannia
The Dewa Roman Experience in Bridge Street is not fully accessible for wheelchairs but it is possible to view some of the archaeology and it does contain plenty of Roman finds in the display cabinets.
One of the display cabinets showing extremely well preserved artefacts
There is level access to the video display and the shop but please note there is no designated toilet on site.
For more details of accessibility please click here
Chester Park
A short walk away opposite the Visitor Centre there is a superb park with attractive gardens and views over the river and suspension bridge. It also contains the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre and St. Peters Church. There is a designated radar key operated toilet in the park with left hand transfer but it is outdated and the door is difficult to close so we recommend using the new facilities in the Visitor Centre which have right and left hand transfer. Also in the visitor centre is an easily accessed cafe with both inside and outside eating.
The remains of a hypercaust in Chester Roman Gardens
Adjacent to the amphitheatre and lying below and just outside the city walls are the Roman Gardens which were opened in 2004. These contain the remains of the columns and other Roman artefacts which have been relocated and set within the planted areas.
The accessible 'serpent' pathway in the Roman Gardens
The design of the site makes use of the existing steep gradients and the good vantage point on the City Walls, forming a pattern of snaking paths and geometric shapes (which are representative of a serpent coiled around a staff the symbol of Aesulapius the Roman God of Health) down to the river Dee below.
The zig-zagged ramp down to the boat quay
There is vehicular access to the Quayside in Chester via Souters Lane off of Pepper Street near the main Visitor Centre and three designated bays just in front of the Quay and promenade. For those walking or wheeling please note the lane is very steep and manual wheelchair users (and their assistants) might find it difficult to negotiate however there is the alternative curving path down to the river via the Roman gardens (pictured above).
Chester Boat operates a fleet of three boats from the quayside, two of which Mark Twain (pictured above) and Lady Diana have ramped access on to an accessible boat deck at the rear of the boat.
The wheelchair accessible boat deck
Trips vary in length from 30mins to 3 hours and there is a bar serving drinks and light snacks on board. Access to this is via steps but the boat crew are happy to serve you with any refreshments you may require. Please note that although the toilets are on the accessible deck they are not wheelchair accessible. There is a designated toilet in a black and white timbered building on the Quayside diagonally opposite the boarding area. A commentary about the area and the sights along the river is played during the trip. For the sailing times and dates please check out their website.
Chester Zoological Gardens
On the outskirts of the city is the famous Chester Zoo which is renowned for it's beautiful gardens as well as it's conservation work with its animals. There is so much to see and do it will provide a whole days entertainment and the companions/carers of wheelchair users have free entrance. The site is very large and motorised buggies and wheelchairs are available for loan but as these are in great demand it is necessary to book them well in advance of your visit. There are well surfaced pathways and plenty of seating throughout the zoo but manual wheelchair users may need the assistance of a fit companion to negotiate some of the steeper inclines.
Boarding the monorail
The monorail is fully accessible and there is a concessionary charge for those with limited mobility. There are accessible toilets at various points throughout the zoo with alternate transfers. By the Zoofari station for the monorail on the far side of the zoo there are also 3 adult changing rooms and a portable hoist available. N.B. These changing rooms are of limited dimensions with little room for a wheelchair user, carers and to be able to use the hoist. For a more detailed report of accessibility at the zoo please click here.
The Blue Planet Aquarium
Just a little further afield at Whitby is The Blue Planet Aquarium which has good wheelchair access throughout with designated disabled parking, three accessible toilets and wheelchair hire (£10 returnable deposit).
Sharks swimming overhead in the Aquatunnel
There is lift access to the lower floor that houses one of the longest walk/wheel through aquatunnels in the world and the restaurant which serves meals as well as snacks. Also on site is a shop and an outside picnic area and otter enclosure. More info.
Nearby is Cheshire Oaks Retail Outlet Park with designated disabled parking and level access to the stores throughout.
Stanney Woods
Stanney Woods are situated near the Blue Planet Aquarium at Whitby. There are good surfaced, all weather paths throughout the woods. Three routes are way marked and they vary in length from 0.74km to 1.2km. There is a small car park at the entrance and the only difficulty we encountered was getting under the low barrier at the start of the trail.
Just off the M53 is The Boat Museum which is 80% accessible, the cafeteria is reached by lift and there is a small reduction in the admission price for people with disabilities.
About thirty minutes away near Nantwich are Stapeley Water Gardens, Bridgemere Garden World and Dagfields Craft and Antiques Centre. All are wheelchair accessible and have suitable restaurants.
Chester provides a great city location with a wide variety of attractions for a short break or longer holiday.
PLACES TO STAY
All accommodation included has been assessed by one of our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most wheelchair users needs we strongly advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements. For accommodation inspection gradings e.g. Diamond ratings, follow the links to each providers own website.
The Chester Grosvenor
Dating back to 1865, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa is owned by and named after the family of the Duke of Westminster and is located in the heart of the historic city of Chester. The hotel has one very spacious, first floor, designated accessible room with en-suite wetroom. The room has been specifically designed to be both accessible and of high specification.
The spacious bedroom
The bedroom has good wheelchair access with right and left hand transfer to the bed. It also has a well stocked mini bar.
The en-suite wetroom
The generously proportioned en-suite wetroom has good wheelchair turning space, right hand transfer to the toilet and an intercom as well as an emergency pull cord.
Telephone 01244 324024 or check out their website
For further details of the accessible features click here
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Express by Holiday Inn Chester Racecourse
The Express by Holiday Inn is situated at Chester Racecourse within wheeling distance of the city centre. It has 5 accessible rooms with en-suite showers, two on the ground floor and one on each of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. There is designated parking adjacent to the level entrance into the hotel. Access around the ground floor including the dining area is good and there is a low level check-in counter.
One of the accessible rooms at Express by Holiday Inn, Chester Racecourse
The accessible bedrooms have good wheelchair access and double beds with right or left hand transfer with an adjoining room for a carer/companion if required. The sockets, wardrobe rail and tea/coffee making facilities are all at a suitable height for wheelchair users .
The en-suite shower room
All the en-suite shower rooms have left hand transfer to the toilet, wheelchair turning space, shower controls at an accessible height and room for a carer/carers if needed.
Telephone 0870 9904065 or check out their website
For further details of the accessible features click here
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Travelodge Chester Central
One of the accessible bedrooms
The Travelodge Chester Central is situated within easy wheeling distance of all the city centre attractions. The hotel has 3 double or twin accessible rooms (with en-suite wetrooms) on the second floor and which are accessed via a lift.
The right hand transfer en-suite wetroom
Please state on booking if you have a preference for right or left hand transfer in the en-suite. Please note there is no car park or restaurant at the hotel but both are within easy reach.
Telephone 0871 984 6363 or check out their website
For more details about the hotel's accessible features please click here.
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Hoole Hall Country Club Hotel
Hoole Hall Hotel is situated off of Warrington Road in Hoole approximately 2 miles from the city centre and adjacent to junction 12 of the M53. Extensive refurbishment of the hotel is nearly complete and by summer 2009 a three storey spa will also be finished. At present there are four 'high specification' accessible suites available with a further two scheduled for November 2008.
One of the accessible suites
Each suite has an accessible shower room, a second en-suite and can accommodate up to four people. Right hand and left hand transfer to the bed and toilet are available please state preference when booking.
The spacious accessible shower room
The Orchid Room restaurant (that provides breakfasts, light lunches as well as evening meals) and the bar and other public areas all have wheelchair access. For further details of the accessible features at the hotel click here
Telephone :- 01244 408800 or check out their website.
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The Ramada Chester
The hotel is situated off the A41 Whitchurch Road in Christleton on the Eastern side of Chester. It has one ground floor accessible room with an en-suite level access shower. Access around the ground floor is good and there is a designated toilet adjacent to reception and near to the dining area.
The bedroom
The bedroom had a double bed (with right and left hand transfer) that can be arranged as twin beds with prior notice. Included in the room is an ironing board and iron.
The en-suite shower room
The compact en-suite has a shower with a shallow sill and right hand transfer to the toilet is impeded by the fixed screen (n.b. there is no left hand transfer).
Telephone 08448 159001 or check out their website
For further details of the accessible features click here
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The Best Western Mollington Banestre
The hotel is situated off the A540 at Mollington on the outskirts of the city of Chester. It has one designated ground floor accessible room with a level access shower (and a second designated accessible room with a low bath). Please note the room is accessed via several long corridors from the main entrance and there is no designated toilet near reception and the restaurant or bar, however there is a designated toilet by the spa area.
The bedroom
The twin bedded room has left hand transfer and right hand can be arranged by removing a bedside cabinet (with prior notice).
The en-suite shower room
The shower room is compact and there is a 1.5 inch sill into shower area and there is no side transfer to toilet. There is reasonable access to the wash basin and towels.
Telephone 01244 851471 or check out their website
For further details of the accessible features click here
Willow Run Bed and Breakfast
Willow Run Bed and Breakfast is situated in Tarvin approximately 5 miles east of the city centre and adjacent to the A54. It offers stylish and accessible accommodation with views across the Cheshire countryside.
The Sunny Breakfast room
Access into the property at the present time is via a ramp adjacent to the parking area. There is good access into the breakfast room and around the accessible twin bedroom. The beds allow right or left hand transfer or can be arranged as a double if preferred. The mirror, electric sockets and tea/coffee making facilities are all at an accessible height for wheelchair users. There are two other ground floor rooms suitable for family members or companions.
The stylish en-suite wetroom
The en-suite wetroom has good wheelchair turning space and plenty of room for a carer if required. The positioning of wash basin means that transfer to the toilet is diagonal and from the left side. A great deal of thought has gone into making the accommodation both accessible and of high specification.
Telephone 01829 749142 or check out their website
For further details of the accessible features click here
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The entrance at the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel
The Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel is situated at Ledsham, 5 miles north of Chester on the A540. The hotel has one designated parking space (can be reserved), a level entrance, high level check-in counter and level access to the accessible ground floor room. Access to the dining area, the conservatory and the main bar is good.
The twin ground floor accessible room
There is right or left hand transfer to the twin beds and the tea/coffee making facilities, mirror and sockets are all at an accessible height for wheelchair users. Internal access inside the bedroom is limited for wheelchair users.
The en-suite shower/bathroom
The en-suite bathroom has a low level bath, grab rails and a wheel-in shower cubicle (fold down seat). Positioning of the bathroom furniture means that side transfer to the toilet is not possible and there is not room for wheelchair turning space in the shower area.
Also on site is the leisure complex, this has a ramped entrance and a small lift (wheelchair user only, no space for a companion) up to the gym. Access to the gym equipment is limited to wheelchair users who can transfer. The pool (no hoist) on the ground floor has an accessible changing room and a designated toilet in the corridor and good access to the bar.
Telephone 0844 879 9038 or check out their website
For further details of the accessible features click here