Accessibility is increasingly becoming a critical factor for city living, tourism, and local engagement. TGA Mobility, used research from Age UK mobility data and Surewise accessibility scores, to identify the top 10 cities in the UK offering the best access for people using mobility aids such as scooters or wheelchairs.
The cities were ranked based on the number of accessible restaurants, hotels, attractions, parking spaces, and public toilets, relative to their population. This approach ensures that smaller towns with concentrated accessible facilities are recognised alongside larger cities with more extensive infrastructure.
Data
Age UK compiled the data from publicly available resources on accessible facilities, including official city guides, tourism websites, and accessibility-focused directories. A total of 75 cities were initially considered, selected for their population size and representation across the UK. From this list, the top 10 cities with the highest overall accessibility scores were highlighted for detailed analysis.
| Rank | City | Population | Accessibility Score | Key Accessible Features |
| 1 | Wells | 10,536 | 356 | Restaurants, attractions, parking |
| 2 | Chichester | 26,795 | 355 | Restaurants, hotels, toilets |
| 3 | Ely | 20,256 | 341 | Attractions, restaurants, parking |
| 4 | Truro | 18,766 | 339 | Hotels, attractions, restaurants |
| 5 | Bath | 88,859 | 313 | Parking, toilets, historic sites |
| 6 | Stirling | 34,790 | 309 | Castle, museums, hotels |
| 7 | Salisbury | 40,302 | 303 | Cathedral, restaurants, parking |
| 8 | Ripon | 16,702 | 295 | Attractions, restaurants |
| 9 | Bangor (NI) | 18,808 | 285 | Restaurants, attractions |
| 10 | Dunfermline | 49,706 | 284 | Hotels, attractions, restaurants |
City Highlights
- 1. Wells – With its iconic cathedral and compact city centre, Wells is easy to get around on foot or with mobility aids. The city’s concentrated number of restaurants, attractions, and parking spaces means visitors can enjoy the sights and local amenities without unnecessary hassle.
- 2. Chichester – This charming West Sussex city blends history with accessibility. From accessible streets to restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues like the Chichester Festival Theatre, it’s easy for residents and tourists alike to enjoy the city’s historic and modern offerings.
- 3. Ely – Famous for its stunning cathedral, Ely benefits from a small population and a strong mix of accessible attractions and restaurants. Visitors can explore historic sites and local amenities comfortably, with mobility-friendly options making each facility count.
- 4. Truro – Cornwall’s administrative hub is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and designed with accessibility in mind. Accessible hotels, restaurants, and attractions make it simple for visitors to shop, dine, and sightsee without barriers.
- 5. Bath – Known for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, Bath has invested in accessibility across its historic centre. With ample accessible parking, public toilets, hotels, and restaurants, visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy both cultural landmarks and leisure spots comfortably.
- 6. Stirling – This Scottish city mixes heritage and modern facilities. Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and local museums are complemented by accessible parking, lots of hotel options, and pedestrian-friendly areas, ensuring residents and visitors can explore the city’s rich history with ease.
- 7. Salisbury – Salisbury’s medieval streets and iconic cathedral are increasingly supported by accessible infrastructure. Restaurants, parking, and local amenities are designed to make navigating the city easier for everyone, allowing visitors to enjoy heritage sites and cultural events confidently.
- 8. Ripon – Small but well-planned, Ripon makes accessibility a priority. Visitors can move easily between the cathedral, market square, and other cultural sites, with nearby restaurants and parking facilities supporting a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- 9. Bangor (NI) – Bangor combines seaside charm with practical accessibility. Restaurants, waterfront attractions, and accessible pathways make it easy for residents and tourists with mobility needs to enjoy the city’s amenities and coastal scenery.
- 10. Dunfermline – A former royal burgh, Dunfermline balances historic sites like Dunfermline Abbey with accessibility efforts. Hotels, attractions, and parking areas cater to mobility needs, letting visitors experience the city’s history and local culture comfortably.
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Methodology
This analysis evaluated the accessibility of 67 towns and cities across the UK, using data compiled by Age UK from publicly available sources. The goal was to identify locations offering strong mobility support for residents and visitors using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or scooters.
City Selection
A total of 75 UK towns and cities were included based on the following criteria:
- A population above 10,000 residents (based on ONS mid-2023 estimates)
- Sufficient publicly available accessibility data
- Geographic representation across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Cities that lacked verifiable accessibility information were excluded. From this pool, the top 10 highest-scoring cities were highlighted in the final ranking.
Accessibility Metrics
Five key accessibility metrics were collected for each city:
- Accessible Restaurants – venues listed as step-free or wheelchair-accessible
- Accessible Hotels – hotels with accessible rooms, lifts, step-free access
- Accessible Attractions – heritage sites, museums, parks, and cultural venues that confirm wheelchair accessibility
- Accessible Public Toilets – toilets listed as wheelchair-accessible in official directories
- Accessible Parking – Blue Badge or step-free parking spaces listed by city councils
All metrics were gathered from public, verifiable sources.
Scoring Approach
Each metric was calculated relative to population to fairly compare large cities with smaller, compact towns.
Example:
Wells has 19 accessible restaurants and a population of 10,536, meaning 0.18% of the population is represented by accessible dining options.
Scores for the five metrics were then equally weighted and combined to form the final Accessibility Score for each city. Equal weighting was used because all categories represent core components of mobility-friendly access: food, accommodation, attractions, sanitation, and parking.
Sources
All original links, references and data inputs are documented in full in our shared Google Sheet: The UK’s Most Accessible Towns & Cities
Key Takeaways on UK City Accessibility
The UK offers a range of cities that prioritise accessibility, from small historic towns to bustling urban centres. Our analysis shows that smaller cities like Wells and Ely excel due to their compact layouts and concentrated accessible facilities, making mobility-friendly travel easier for both residents and visitors.
Larger cities, while offering more total facilities, often face challenges in proportionally meeting the needs of their population, highlighting areas for further improvement. By examining accessible restaurants, hotels, attractions, parking, and public toilets relative to population, this data campaign provides a clear picture of where mobility support is strongest.
These insights can guide travellers, urban planners, and policymakers in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all residents and visitors can navigate cities with confidence and ease.