ACCESSIBLEKENT
THE MOST RECENT DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS’ FAMILY RESOURCES SURVEY( 2024) HAS DETERMINED THAT AROUND 16.1 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UK ARE CONSIDERED DISABLED, WITH MOBILITY CITED AS THE MOST COMMON IMPAIRMENT FOLLOWED BY STAMINA, BREATHING OR FATIGUE AND MENTAL HEALTH. THAT’ S 24 % OF THE TOTAL POPULATION- AND YET THE TERM ACCESSIBILITY CAN STILL BE MISUNDERSTOOD.
By definition, accessibility- in terms of suitability for disabled visitors- refers to the design and implementation of spaces, services and digital content to ensure they can be used by people with various disabilities, with the end goal being to create an inclusive environment where disabled visitors can participate fully and independently. Important accessibility factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Physical accessibility: Ramps, lifts, wide doorways, accessible toilets and designated parking spaces for wheelchair users.
• Visual accessibility: Braille signage, audio guides, high-contrast text and accessible digital content for visually impaired users.
• Hearing accessibility: Sign language interpreters, hearing loops and captioning for videos.
• Cognitive accessibility: Clear signage, easy-to-understand information and simple navigation for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
While there isn’ t a definitive ranking of UK counties based on accessibility for disabled visitors, Kent is undoubtedly one of the most accessible counties in the UK, continuing to enhance inclusivity and accessibility wherever possible. From heritage sites and cultural attractions to nature reserves and modern transport facilities, Kent has made significant strides to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, whether exploring historic castles, enjoying scenic countryside walks or relaxing by the seaside, so visitors with mobility challenges, sensory impairments or other disabilities can expect their needs to be supported, stress-free.
A key aspect of Kent’ s accessibility is its wellconnected transport network. Many railway stations across the county have step-free access, lifts and assistance services available for passengers. Railway provider Southeastern has excellent comprehensive support for disabled travellers including pre-booked assistance and accessible seating, and for those travelling by car, Kent’ s roads feature accessible parking spaces and drop-off points in major towns and tourist hotspots. The county’ s public transport is becoming increasingly accommodating to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility too, ensuring that navigating the entire county is a smooth experience, no matter how you choose to explore it.
Alongside many other Kentish landmarks, Canterbury Cathedral, one of the jewels in the county’ s shining cultural crown, has made commendable efforts to enhance accessibility, providing ramps, lifts and accessible viewing areas that allow all visitors to get lost in its awe-inspiring architecture and unique historical significance. Other heritage sites, such as Leeds Castle and Dover Castle, have introduced accessible routes and mobility aids to ensure that disabled visitors can fully engage with these iconic historic spots, too. Many of these attractions also offer sensory experiences, including tactile exhibits and audio guides, catering to visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
For nature lovers, Kent is particularly accommodating, with the stunning landscapes of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty criss-crossed by wheelchair-friendly trails and accessible viewpoints, so every individual can stop to take in the staggering scenery. Similarly, coastal destinations like Margate and Whitstable offer accessible promenades, beach wheelchairs and inclusive facilities to ensure that everyone can relish a quintessential seaside experience. Popular gardens, such as the famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden and the tranquil Goodnestone Park, have also worked hard to improve pathways and offer mobility scooters for hire- a service that surely should be mandatory across the board in 2025.
The county’ s commitment to accessibility extends to cultural events and entertainment too, with most theatres, museums and galleries now providing adapted seating, hearing loops and sign language interpretation. Kent’ s growing- and exciting!- festival calendar and packed programme of seasonal public events are now making sure they incorporate accessibility measures to ensure full participation by disabled visitors, just as it should be.
A proud county-wide accessibility initiative, Visit Kent also collaborates with AccessAble to produce detailed Access Guides for various venues, ensuring visitors have accurate information about accessibility features. These guides are based on thorough assessments and are available via the AccessAble app and online at accessable. co. uk.
In celebration of Kent as a proudly accessible county, the following pages are a homage to the important and supportive work that many of the county’ s accommodation and entertainment options are doing to make sure that Kent is considered an accessibility trailblazer. Read on to discover just how essential it is that access all areas applies to everyone, every day.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 39