What do you want to do?

Preloader

Loading entries...

In NewcastleGateshead we are working with businesses to ensure everybody is welcome. Look no further for useful information about accessibility and inclusivity in our great city and experience our world-famous Geordie Welcome first hand.

We are proud to work with many of the businesses listed below to provide relevant information to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. They have all made a firm commitment to provide advance accessibility information allowing you to make an informed choice. Many businesses are listed with AccessAble - a nationwide scheme that highlights hotels, venues, restaurants, pubs, theatres, and cinemas with access guides providing information for visitors with a wide range of needs. Some have gone the extra mile in providing you with the ability to advise the venue of your specific needs in advance of your arrival via the WelcoME app. This allows a business to plan and provide the best service possible for your arrival. Others have produced 360-degree films and videos providing further information in advance of your arrival as part of our regional Everybody Welcome Initiative*. 

Whatever your age, background or accessibility requirements, you are assured of the warmest of Geordie welcomes.

*The UK aims to be the most accessible destination in Europe by 2025 and our Everybody Welcome Initiative will help ensure that businesses in NewcastleGateshead play a key role in making that vision a reality.

Accessible Accommodation

Accessible hotels Newcastle Gateshead small new

Visitors with access needs will be pleased to know that NewcastleGateshead has as a range of accessible accommodation to make your stay in the city as comfortable as possible.

Many offer accessible bedrooms with built-in facilities including wet rooms, wheel-in showers, lowered sinks, and grab rails.

You’ll also find additional features which will make your visit more convenient, such as adjoining rooms, level access, ramps, and lifts.

Many hotels will find you a quiet space in their public areas if required and/or provide 24-hour room service.


Click Here for Accessible Places to Stay

Food and Drink

Accessible restaurants and bars Newcastle Gateshead small new

Visitors with access needs are also well catered for at NewcastleGateshead food and drink venues, many of which offer accessibility features which allow everyone to enjoy the city’s culinary delights.

In addition to step-free access and accessible toilets, some eateries provide large print menus for those with visual impairments.

Assistance dogs are also welcome at certain venues.

Find out more here.


Click Here for Accessible Restaurants and Bars

Accessible Attractions and Accessible Things to Do

Accessible Things to do Newcastle Gateshead new

For those with access needs, there are a wide variety of accessible things to do in NewcastleGateshead.

Many of the cultural venues in NewcastleGateshead such as Life Science Centre hold the Equality Standard Gold Award, and provide excellent accessibility for a wide range of requirements as well as hosting fully inclusive events and tailored programming.

Euan's Guide is a national review website which aims to remove uncertainty about the accessibility of hundreds of venues across the UK. Plan ahead and find valuable recommendations and practical reviews of many NewcastleGateshead venues on the website.

Click Here for Accessible Things to Do

WelcoMe

WelcoMe is an innovative accessibility app designed to empower individuals with disabilities and anyone seeking inclusive travel experiences. It aims to make travel, venue planning and navigation more seamless and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or specific needs.

Users can personalise their access needs as well as communicate with venues ahead of their arrival to maintain a confident and enjoyable experience for both customer and business. After visiting, users can review their experience and leave feedback for venues, ensuring a consistent and constructive rapport.

Search the WelcoMe web app to look for venues in the North East. Download the app here. 

Accessibility in NewcastleGateshead | Public Transport

NewcastleGateshead has a great public transport system which quickly connect Newcastle International Airport, the city centre, Gateshead town centre and the coast. Our transport partners are committed to making travel as easy as possible for you.

An extensive and accessible public transport system includes bus, train, and metro services as well as accessible taxis. Here’s an overview of different modes of public transport and links where you can find out more detailed information.

Disabled Access to the Metro

You can find out more about travelling on the Metro website where you can also download your copy of the Metro Access Guide.

Nexus has developed accessibility guides, to provide autistic people with clear information about Metro trains and stations, bus interchanges and the Shields Ferry. The guides detail what stations, trains, interchanges and ferries will look, sound and feel like, to help them plan their visit and prepare them for what to expect.

Download the autism guides for travelling with Nexus

Travelling by Metro

Travelling by bus

Travelling on Shields Ferry

Bus Accessibility

Go North East and QuayLink bus services provide 100% easy access on their main services through low floor and ramp access and an easy access wheelchair guarantee. Find out more information about accessibility, using concessionary passes, taking pushchairs and buggies onto the bus and much more by visiting the Go North East website.

Accessible Taxis

If you need to book a taxi, Noda Taxis and Blue Line Taxis both provide a range of taxis to accommodate all access needs including vehicles with wheelchair ramps. It is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Train Accessibility

There is a taxi rank at the entrance to Newcastle Central Station to ease your arrival or onward travel. Visitors travelling to and from NewcastleGateshead can benefit from LNER's assisted travel services. There are also some helpful FAQs about Assisted Travel with LNER which will answer a lot of your questions before you book. There is an accessibility hub provided by Northern Railway and Lumo have an assisted train travel page to ensure confident travel.

For more information, head to our guide on Getting Around Newcastle for further information.

Blue Badge Scheme car parking

Knowing where to park in advance, can really make a difference to your visit to NewcastleGateshead and your enjoyment! DisabledGo Newcastle can provide access information for car parks in Newcastle city centre. If you're visiting Newcastle, you can plan ahead with this A-Z of Blue Badge parking spaces. Gateshead Council also provide clear information about where to park with your Blue Badge in Gateshead.

Use our Loos Scheme and Changing Places

Take away the stress of uncertainty when you visit NewcastleGateshead with a quick glance at which venues participate in the Use our Loos Scheme.

Life Science Centre

Eldon Square

Laing Art Gallery

Local libraries
both Newcastle and Gateshead

Costa Coffee
(Northumberland Street)

McDonalds
(Northumberland Street)

Fenwick

Grainger Market

Marks & Spencer

Discovery Museum

Great North Museum: Hancock

Newcastle Civic Centre

Eldon Gardens Shopping Centre

John Lewis

The Gate

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Tesco Extra Trinity Square

You can find information on public toilets for the wider North East and the rest of Great Britain on the Great British Public Toilet Map website.

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. You can search for a Changing Places toilet near you here.

AccessAble

AccessAble’s detailed guides tell you all about a venue's access. Everyone's accessibility needs are different, which is why having detailed, accurate information is important. AccessAble send trained surveyors to check out every single place in person. 

You can find out if the venue:

  • is easy to enter
  • has accessible toilets or changing places
  • is wheelchair friendly
  • has steps at the entrance or inside
  • uses a hearing loop
  • has a lift
  • has parking on site or nearby
  • provides access to closed captions or audio description or BSL is available

Check out access information across NewcastleGateshead before you leave home or on the move using AccessAble’s App and/or website. Visit AccessAble to search all of the venues in NewcastleGateshead that have been assessed for their accessibility to prepare for your next trip.

NewcastleGateshead has some of the most diverse and interesting places to visit, many with facilities for visitors with disabilities seen and unseen. Most attractions will provide access and facilities for our less mobile visitors, but it is best to check specific requirements with the attraction before your visit.

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW