We recently invited Sassy to experience a fun-filled visit to the West Midlands, highlighting some of the fantastic accessible venues from across the region. Read all about her visit below. 

 

There is something about Stratford-upon-Avon that invites you to slow down. It unfolds gently through small details, familiar comforts, and moments that stay with you. 

I am totally blind and use a long white cane, though on this trip, I was primarily being sighted-guided by my husband, Grant. We travelled as a multi-generational group with diverse access needs, including my retired guide dog, Ida, my in-laws, and Grant’s Nan, who uses an electric mobility scooter. Travelling together always brings a fuller perspective on how welcoming a destination truly is. Here is how we got on.

 

Stratford Butterfly Farm 

Our day began at the Stratford Butterfly Farm, having checked AccessAble in advance - a fantastic tool that provides me with the autonomy to make informed decisions and plan with confidence. 

The Butterfly Farm itself is completely level throughout, with clear, accessible toilet facilities, making it straightforward to navigate physically. What truly made the experience stand out was the team's wonderful approach. Our guide, Kate, brought the environment to life through rich descriptions, explaining the different species and their behaviour. I was even able to hold stick insects, and at one point, a butterfly landed right on my head! 

Accessibility Tip: Assistance dogs with an identifying harness are welcome at the Butterfly Farm; however, they cannot enter the Flight Area, as it is an unsuitable environment for them.

If you are visiting with an assistance dog, please call in advance so that a member of staff can be made available to supervise your dog and offer further assistance to enable you to enjoy your visit to the Butterfly Farm.

Lunch – The Food of Love 

We paused for tea at The Food of Love before heading to our next stop. It is dog-friendly, and the staff were incredibly helpful. There is level access into the café, though the layout is quite compact and tables are close together. Because navigating tight spaces can be a challenge, Grant’s Nan chose to leave her electric scooter outside in the alleyway. This worked perfectly in practice, but it is an important layout detail to note in advance. She mentioned how helpful the team had been, and it gave us all a chance to sit down and spend some time together before heading back out.  

 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace 

Continuing into the town centre, we visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace. The historic house features incredibly knowledgeable staff, including a guide named Helen who went above and beyond on my visit. She made it possible for me to engage with the space in a way that went far beyond listening alone, handing me artefacts and replicas so I could understand them through touch. She shared that, as part of her dissertation, she had written about the importance of tactile memorabilia in museums, which I absolutely loved and felt deeply aligned with my own experience.  

The newer exhibition space at the beginning of the tour includes benches and beanbags, offering places to pause, which is particularly helpful for those who may need to manage fatigue.  

The building itself is narrow, with steep stairs, and would not be accessible for someone using a mobility scooter such as Grant’s Nan. However, an iPad downstairs provides a virtual tour of the upper floors. This offers an alternative way to access those spaces, and the built-in accessibility features make it usable for visually impaired visitors.  

Exploring the Town 

We spent the afternoon moving through the town at an unhurried pace, enjoying independent shops like Ye Olde Sweet Shop and The Nutcracker Christmas Shop, where my mother-in-law and I happily lost track of time among the decorations. 

For dinner, we headed to Barnaby’s Fish & Chips. It's worth noting that there is a large step at the main entrance, and the indoor seating consists of fixed, picnic-style tables, which may limit flexibility for some guests. However, the food was excellent, Ida settled easily under the table, and having accessible public toilets located nearby made a big practical difference for our group. 

We finished the day with a ride on the town's Ferris Wheel. It requires several steps to board, so it isn't suitable for all visitors. While I went up to enjoy the blustery atmosphere and the views described by my in-laws, Grant, Nan, and Ida safely hung out below with an ice cream and coffee. 

Where We Stayed: Mallory Court Hotel and Spa 

For our overnight stay, we highly recommend Mallory Court Hotel and Spa, located just outside the centre. Their website is exceptionally screen-reader friendly for independent planning, and the staff offer impeccable, tailored service without making assumptions. 

The venue features accessible parking, a temporary entrance ramp, and purpose-designed accessible rooms with walk-in showers and grab rails. The modern spa offers level access throughout, a pool hoist, and accessible changing facilities (though guests must navigate heavy doors through standard gendered changing rooms). It is also a wonderfully dog-friendly choice, complete with in-room treats for retired guide dogs like Ida! 

 

Final Thoughts 

Stratford itself is highly walkable, but as an older, historic town, you will encounter uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and historic layouts.  

This trip wasn't about finding absolute perfection; it was about how places respond, how information is transparently shared, and how thoughtfully people interact with you. Accessibility here might not be flawless, but it is deeply considered - and that is exactly what makes the difference. 

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