A Day at the Seaside
5
5
Date of visit: March 2016
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
On a sunny day there are few things more pleasurable than st-rolling by the sea. At Scarborough there is a 3 and half mile flat tarmac path than runs by the edge of the sea and sand with excellent views. If the tide is out there are ramps that lead down to hard packed sand in the South Bay, if you don't mind risking a bit of sand and salt in your wheels. The walk can be as long as a 7 mile round trip or a short roll down the harbough to the light house where there are lots of benches to enjoy the view. The Regal Lady, a 'pleasure steamer', can accommodate wheelchairs on the top deck (the ramp gets steeper when the tide is lower).
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
This route is flat apart from one slope which is in the South Bay near the Spa just below the roundabout at the bottom of Vally Road. The pavements along Foreshore Road and Sandside, where the amusements are, get congested with the pedestrians in the summer but this is a relatively short stretch and where the seafood stalls and ice creams are found. The South Bay is much less busy, where its fun to watch the surfers.
Parking & Transport
Good
There at least 6 disabled bays at the Spa and along the root dedicated disabled parking. Theses can be filled quickly in the summer. There is also disable parking on the Esplande in South Cliff just by the life lift which provide easy access to and from the sea front. Disk parking is also available on the streets by the cliff lift which are obtainable from shops nearby on Filey Road.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The Spa Complex has two good sized accessible loos. The Spa can be accessed from either end by a ramp. There are automatic doors into the foyer and loos are signposted. There are public accessible loos at the fishing pier by the new lifeboat station (currently being built). In the North Bay there are accessible loos at the Blue Crush cafe and the Sea Life Centre
Staff
Average
Staff at the Spa are helpful. As I am describing a route rather than a venue I can only say that some people you'll meet selling chips or ice-cream are lovely.
Additional Information
There are a number of good places for refreshments. Farrers Bar at the Spa does great breakfasts and tea. The Clock Cafe is set up the hill a bit but a power chair can follow a gradual slope - although a manual will struggle without a push (in my experience) worth it for the fabulous views across the bay and the scones. The Watermark in the North Bay serves good coffee and great breakfasts and locally sourced food. The city centre can be accessed via a cliff lift and the area is pedestrianised. Sadly there is no Nero's coffee in town - please suggest they need to open a shop here!
