Preston is a city with plenty of inclusive and accessible activities, welcoming people of all abilities. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend, or a longer UK break with plenty of seeking engaging accessible experiences, Preston offers something for everyone. But what are the accessible activities in Preston? And what should you plan for on your trip to Preston?
So what are the accessible activities in Preston?
There are lots of accessible activities on offending Preston, and these can be divided into different categories, including:
- Cinemas
- Swimming and water activities
- Fun physical activities
- Space centre
- Green spaces
Inclusive cinemas in Preston
Preston’s cinemas go above and beyond to make movie-going accessible. You can visit:
- Arc Cinema: Accessibility is at the heart of Arc Cinema, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a trip to the movies. The venue is simple to navigate with lift access to the first floor and a single-level layout, while wheelchair spaces, sensory-friendly screenings with softer sound and gentler lighting, and subtitled showings every Monday evening ensure an inclusive experience for all. And when it comes to the big screen itself, Arc Cinema doesn’t hold back. Set within Animate, Preston’s newest hub for entertainment, it offers luxurious electric recliners, enormous Hypersense screens, immersive Dolby Atmos sound and ultra-clear 4K laser projection. This makes every visit feel like something special.
- Odeon Cinema at Preston Docks: As well as disabled parking, ramps, accessible screens and toilets, the Odeon at Preston Docks provides a range of accessibility options to ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors. Audio description is available for some screenings, allowing customers to listen to film narration through bodypacks, headsets or neck loops, which also offer enhanced sound. Subtitled screenings also take place at least five times a week, spread across different days and times, and can be shown in any screen. The cinema also hosts autism-friendly screenings at least once a month. These sessions feature reduced sound levels, higher lighting, no adverts or trailers, and clear signage with pictorial guides.
Swimming and water activities in Preston
If you’re a fan of getting in the pool and love aquatic activities, don’t miss West View Better Health Leisure Centre, and Fulwood Leisure Centre. These are adapted with accessible parking, ramps, suitable changing facilities, disabled toilets, lifts, poolside hoists, and accessible poolside provisions. This means that all visitors can enjoy swimming or relaxing in the pool with confidence.
Fun physical activities that are accessible in Preston
Preston offers fun and accessible recreation at:
- Flip Out Trampoline Park and Wacky World (an inflatable assault course), both of which run autism and disability-friendly sessions. These include quiet rooms and are led by trained staff, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable experience
- Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre supports wheelchair users with adapted equipment like bowling ramps and wheelchair putters, in addition to accessible cinema seating and friendly screening options. Here you can enjoy bowling, curling, mini golf.
Multisensory experiences at Preston space centre
The Preston Space Centre is especially tailored for visitors with special needs. It houses three multisensory rooms designed to adapt flexibly to families, carers, therapists, and educators. The venue also features historical gardens, which are currently being improved to enhance accessibility
Green spaces in Preston
Outside structured venues, Preston offers several outdoor spaces that are accessible and inviting, including:
- Avenham Park and Miller Park: these are historic Victorian gardens that feature wide, maintained pathways, restored seating, lighting improvements, and a new pavilion with accessible amenities (e.g. toilets, café). The long-awaited replacement of the old tram bridge is also underway, improving mobility for all users
- The Guild Wheel offers a 21-mile accessible greenway ideal for walking, cycling, or wheelchair use. It encircles the city with largely traffic-free paths, passing scenic spots such as Avenham and Miller Parks and Brockholes Nature Reserve
- Brockholes Nature Reserve, with its floating visitor village and network of accessible trails, spans over 250 acres and offers access to nature in an engaging, inclusive format
Choose the No.10 Preston Hotel for your stay
For luxury and comfort on your family trip to Preston, choose the No.10 Preston Hotel. With a fantastic city centre location, our hotel boasts top quality apartments for a great night’s sleep, and a relaxing retreat. Why not take a look at our rooms and availability today?