Best Manchester attractions that are buggy & wheelchair-friendly named in Rough Guide including science museum

Manchester attractions which are both free and accessible have been praised in the new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.

The book, available in print and online, has over 200 reviews of attractions across the UK which have good accessibility for wheelchair users and people with mobility or access needs. Those who compiled the ninth guide says they hope to help cost-conscious families by featuring lots of free accessible days out, and many will suit those with prams or pushchairs too as well as people with mobility issues.

Among the free attractions named are The Whitworth Gallery at Manchester University. The guide says: “Its spacious and imaginative exhibitions of art, sculptures and textiles are displayed in a modern gallery which blends seamlessly with the surrounding park. Accessibility has been well considered throughout and the helpful staff also host autism-friendly art groups.”

The Science and Industry Museum in the city centre is also named among the guide’s top attractions. It notes: “The museum’s special events are always one for the diary – it’s previously displayed iconic objects such as Tim Peake’s spacecraft and more. Despite being spread over five 19th century buildings, almost the whole site is wheelchair accessible, and smooth paths connect the buildings, avoiding the Victorian cobbles.”

Other local attractions, not all of which are free, which are named in the latest guide include music venue Band on the Wall which it praises as ‘iconic’ with a great accessibility policy in multipe formats. It also praised the Royal Exchange Theatre for its ‘excellent, unimpeded views’ and audio-described, captioned, BSL and relaxed performances.

• The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain has been created in partnership with Motability Operations Ltd, the company behind the Motability Scheme. The Guide is available to read and download online for free now.