Wales
VIEWING ANGLESEY FROM A WHEELCHAIR
Beaumaris
These pages are being updated during 2010 and in the meantime we strongly advise you to check with the accommodation and attraction providers included for more current information. N.B. Pili Palas, Beaumaris Castle, RSPB South Stack and Anglesey Sea Zoo have now been updated.
Anglesey is an island separated from the mainland of Wales by a narrow strip of water known as the Menai Strait. It is approached by either of two bridges, the Menai bridge or the Britannia Bridge. The whole island has beautiful coastal scenery and the views over the Menai Strait that take in the panorama of the Snowdonia mountains are spectacular.
Beaumaris is situated on the coast just over six miles from the Britannia Bridge and is an attractive and interesting town that retains much of its history and character. As a consequence some of the shops have stepped entrances however there are a selection of accessible cafes and restaurants. There are a wealth of dropped kerbs in the main street but please note that the pavements have drainage gulleys at regular intervals which can cause jarring for wheelchair users and could be a tripping hazard for people with visual impairment.
There are radar key operated designated toilets located near the castle entrance (see more info for the castle) and in Wall Street (N.B. this facility has very limited dimensions, partial right hand transfer and an overhead chain to flush).
Beaumaris Castle
The rear defences of the castle
Dominating it is the castle that King Edward 1st built towards the end of the reign of the Gwynedd princes. The majority of it is accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities who are accompanied by an essential carer are not charged for entry.
Much of the internal grounds are laid to mown grass
There are interpretation boards within the castle walls and many of the surfaces have been reinforced with matting. The castle is designated a world heritage site and its location adjacent to the sea shore and the fact that most of the defences remain intact make this a memorable visitor experience.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Beaumaris Courthouse
Inside the Courthouse
Also in the town are the old Gaol and the Courthouse which have limited wheelchair access. The Courthouse is located opposite the castle and there is wheelchair access to the main courtroom and some of the downstairs however not to the upstairs.
Inside the Gaol
The gaol is located off of Steeple Street and although there is access to the small shop and main corridor, many of the doorways are too narrow in the gaol for self propelling wheelchairs. However you do get a feeling for the gruesome conditions prisoners found themselves in and the admission fee is reduced for wheelchair users. N.B. There is a designated toilet on the ground floor at the Courthouse but the toilets at the Gaol are located upstairs.
Pilis Palas
Pili Palas ( Butterfly Farm )
Back towards the Menai Bridge and situated just off of the A5025 is Pili Palas . This all weather attraction has good accessibility and is well worth the visit. There is a cafe serving light lunches and a shop on site.
The terrapin pool at Pili Palas
As well as the butterflies, there are lots of other creatures to encounter including birds, lizards and snakes. Visitors can handle rabbits and guinea pigs or something more unusual like a giant stick insect or cockroach. A recent addtion to the facilities for visitors with disabilities is changing place accessible toilet complete with portable hoist.
For more detailed acccessibility information about Pili Palas and a link to their own website please click here.
Anglesey Model Village
Anglesey Model Village
In the south of the island on the A4080 close to Dwyran is the model village and gardens, it is fully accessible although the cafe which serves light lunches has a step but there is a covered area attached to it, that is accessible to wheelchairs. There is no designated disabled toilet but the ordinary toilets have quite large cubicles.
Anglesey Sea Zoo
Anglesey Sea Zoo
A short distance from the model village and situated on the coast is Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre. The site has good access and is extremely interesting, showing many of the creatures that live in local waters.
Learning about one of the exhibits
Over the years the Sea Zoo's work has developed and it's activities now include captive breeding and release, conservation as well as education and outreach.There is also a shop and a cafe on site.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd
This beautiful National Trust property is situated on the shoreline of the Menai Straits with magnificent views over the water to the mountains of Snowdonia. The main car park is situated near the entrance to the grounds some distance from the house, however there is a dropping off point for disabled visitors by the house. For those that can transfer there is a courtesy bus. Some of the gardens of the house are set on sloping ground and a strong pusher is needed to access them. Part of the formal garden is not wheelchair accessible. There is a shop and disabled toilet near the main car park. There is also a tearoom which as well as snacks serves lunches and stays open a half an hour after the house closes.
RSPB South Stack
The view from Ellins Tower
RSPB South Stack is located on two coastal sites in a beautiful area on the North West of the island. It is approached along a winding narrow road with very few passing places. The path to Ellins Tower leads from the first car park and is approximatelt half a mile long offering visitors lovely views over the headland which on our researchers visit was coloured purple and yellow with heather and gorse.
The observatory at the tower is accessed via a staircase however during the breeding season there is a camera located on the lower level of the tower showing live footage of the nesting sites.
The view from the road down to the Lighthouse
There is a cafe, shop and small designated toilet located at the second car park and also an outside picnic area with beautiful views of the coastline. Tickets for the Lighthouse can be purchased in the shop however this can only be accessed down 400 steps so would only be suitable for very fit and able visitors.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Anglesey is an island that offers a range of historic and more modern visitor attractions that would prove interesting to visitors of all ages.