We recently invited Natalie to experience a family-friendly day out in the West Midlands, highlighting some of the fantastic accessible venues from across the region. Read all about her trip below. 

 

Hi, I'm Natalie! I'm a 39-year-old mum of two boys and a primary school teacher. I also live with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, uveitis, and adrenal insufficiency. Because of my various conditions, I have a range of access needs that can sometimes make visiting new places a bit daunting. 

Why Accessibility Matters to Me 

My rheumatoid arthritis affects my mobility, and I sometimes need mobility aids like sticks. Long distances are challenging. My eye condition has caused significant vision loss in my left eye, affecting my depth perception and low-light visibility. 

I’ve had an ileostomy for nearly 10 years due to Crohn's disease. I often need accessible toilets with very little warning - and it's not just about changing a bag; I frequently need to change my clothes too. Small details like hooks, a shelf, plenty of space to organise my supplies, and a mirror over the sink make a world of difference.  

That's why I was thrilled when we visited three West Midlands attractions that are making real progress in understanding different access needs, and that effort shows in the experience they offer. 

Forge Mill Farm 

Best for: Animal lovers, families, and anyone who needs frequent, reliable access to toilets. 

Forge Mill Farm was a real highlight for us. I love animals, and I was able to get up close to feed and see the sheep, goats, Highland cows, chickens, donkeys, ponies and pigs. We also saw lots of baby lambs, which made it feel like spring was on its way. 

There is a great outdoor play area, an indoor play centre for rainy days, a café, and a food van (I highly recommend the churros!). There is also a wonderful farm shop selling animal feed, toys, gifts, and fresh produce. We bought some fresh farm eggs, which made for a perfect breakfast the next morning. 

Accessibility Information 

The farm trail is naturally uneven with slight inclines, and parts were closed due to flooding during our visit. The team wisely advises that the farm trail may not be accessible for everyone. However, by taking it slowly and having a bit of support, I was easily able to navigate the open sections. 

There are plenty of handwashing stations at various heights, making them accessible to children, adults, and wheelchair users alike. Having a compromised immune system, this gave me total peace of mind and meant I could fully enjoy feeding the animals. 

During my visit, I spoke to a member of staff about the facilities. When I mentioned that adding hooks in the toilets would be incredibly helpful during a bag change, she was wonderfully receptive. Having staff who genuinely listen and want to improve makes a huge difference. 

I did experience a bag leak during our visit and needed to use an accessible toilet. The one I used was a bit small, but it’s worth noting that there is a larger one elsewhere on site, alongside a full Changing Places toilet. 

Plan ahead: The farm has facilities for all ages and mobility levels, but the outdoor trail requires some flexibility. Come prepared for uneven ground. 

Dudley Canal and Caverns

Best for: Visitors with mobility issues, vision loss, or light sensitivity.

At Dudley Canal and Caverns, it was clear that accessibility had been considered for a wide range of needs. There is a lift down to the main floor, which was helpful not just for mobility but also for my vision, as the stairs were quite dark. There was also clear information about the different adjustments available, which showed real thought had gone into the experience. 

The boat tour itself involves three steps down to board, but there is a sturdy handrail and incredibly helpful staff to guide you. 

Top Tip: Try to sit on the far side as you board - more of the action happens on that side! If you sit on the entry side, you'll find yourself turning around or standing up to see some parts. 

Accessibility Information 

Before visiting, you can request adjustments at the time of booking. This includes:

  • Ear defenders for sensory sensitivity 
  • Lanterns for low-light assistance (crucial for me) 
  • Adapted light shows for visitors with photosensitive epilepsy 
  • Wheelchair and powerchair access on boats 

The accessible toilet was well-equipped, including hooks - a small detail that made a noticeable difference. 

While the main restaurant was closed during our visit, we loved the café, and I enjoyed browsing their small library, even picking up a few books to bring back to my classroom. 

The Black Country Living Museum  

Best for: Those with time to explore and energy to spare. 

The Black Country Living Museum is a fantastic day out with a bit of something for everyone: a traditional fish and chip shop, an old schoolroom, a historic church, a pub, a fairground, and vintage street games. As a bonus for TV fans, it’s also a famous filming location for Peaky Blinders, which adds to the experience. 

Because the museum is spread across a very large site, planning your day is key. We visited during the school holidays and intentionally made sure we had plenty of time to rest and recover the next day. 

Accessibility Information 

There are plenty of benches and places to sit and take breaks throughout the museum. The ground is generally level, though there are some hills. I still clocked a very high step count for me, which was a little tiring. 

The accessible toilets near the entrance are spacious and well-designed, with genuine consideration for different access needs. 

Some of the historic buildings have smaller, authentic entrances, which may prove a bit more challenging for wheelchair and powerchair users to enter. 

Overall, we had a fantastic family day out in the West Midlands. Being able to relax and enjoy these experiences without constantly worrying about access or facilities made a profound difference to me. 

The biggest positive? The staff. I was so impressed by how willing the teams across these venues were to listen to disabled people and genuinely act on feedback. 

These venues are moving beyond the checkbox approach to accessibility. They're not just adding ramps and calling it done. They're thinking about vision loss, sensory needs, invisible illnesses, bag changes, low-light navigation, and staff attitudes.  

With a little bit of planning, the West Midlands offers brilliant, inclusive days out that the whole family can enjoy together, regardless of access needs. 

Natalie’s Quick Tips: 

  • Check AccessAble for detailed accessibility info before booking  
  • Request adjustments at booking (especially at Dudley Canal & Caverns)  
  • Plan for rest time at larger venues like the Black Country Living Museum  
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and navigate at a comfortable pace

For more blogs, itineraries and information about accessibility across Birmingham and the West Midlands, visit our Accessibility page.