Accessibility in NewcastleGateshead

In NewcastleGateshead we are working with businesses to ensure everybody is welcome. Look no further for useful information about accessibility and inclusivity in our great city and experience our world-famous Geordie Welcome first hand.

We are proud to work with many of the businesses listed below to provide relevant information to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. They have all made a firm commitment to provide advance accessibility information allowing you to make an informed choice. Many businesses are listed with AccessAble - a nationwide scheme that highlights hotels, venues, restaurants, pubs, theatres, and cinemas with access guides providing information for visitors with a wide range of needs. Some have gone the extra mile in providing you with the ability to advise the venue of your specific needs in advance of your arrival via the WelcoME app. This allows a business to plan and provide the best service possible for your arrival. Others have produced 360-degree films and videos providing further information in advance of your arrival as part of our regional Everybody Welcome Initiative*. 

Whatever your age, background or accessibility requirements, you are assured of the warmest of Geordie welcomes.

*The UK aims to be the most accessible destination in Europe by 2025 and our Everybody Welcome Initiative will help ensure that businesses in NewcastleGateshead play a key role in making that vision a reality.

WelcoMe is an innovative accessibility app designed to empower individuals with disabilities and anyone seeking inclusive travel experiences. It aims to make travel, venue planning and navigation more seamless and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or specific needs.

Users can personalise their access needs as well as communicate with venues ahead of their arrival to maintain a confident and enjoyable experience for both customer and business. After visiting, users can review their experience and leave feedback for venues, ensuring a consistent and constructive rapport.

Search the WelcoMe web app to look for venues in the North East. Download the app here. 

NewcastleGateshead has a great public transport system which quickly connect Newcastle International Airport, the city centre, Gateshead town centre and the coast. Our transport partners are committed to making travel as easy as possible for you.

An extensive and accessible public transport system includes bus, train, and metro services as well as accessible taxis. Here’s an overview of different modes of public transport and links where you can find out more detailed information.

Disabled Access to the Metro

You can find out more about travelling on the Metro website where you can also download your copy of the Metro Access Guide.

Nexus has developed accessibility guides, to provide autistic people with clear information about Metro trains and stations, bus interchanges and the Shields Ferry. The guides detail what stations, trains, interchanges and ferries will look, sound and feel like, to help them plan their visit and prepare them for what to expect.

Download the autism guides for travelling with Nexus

Travelling by Metro

Travelling by bus

Travelling on Shields Ferry

Bus Accessibility

Go North East and QuayLink bus services provide 100% easy access on their main services through low floor and ramp access and an easy access wheelchair guarantee. Find out more information about accessibility, using concessionary passes, taking pushchairs and buggies onto the bus and much more by visiting the Go North East website.

Accessible Taxis

If you need to book a taxi, Noda Taxis and Blue Line Taxis both provide a range of taxis to accommodate all access needs including vehicles with wheelchair ramps. It is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Train Accessibility

There is a taxi rank at the entrance to Newcastle Central Station to ease your arrival or onward travel. Visitors travelling to and from NewcastleGateshead can benefit from LNER's assisted travel services. There are also some helpful FAQs about Assisted Travel with LNER which will answer a lot of your questions before you book. There is an accessibility hub provided by Northern Railway and Lumo have an assisted train travel page to ensure confident travel.

For more information, head to our guide on Getting Around Newcastle for further information.

Blue Badge Scheme car parking

Knowing where to park in advance, can really make a difference to your visit to NewcastleGateshead and your enjoyment! DisabledGo Newcastle can provide access information for car parks in Newcastle city centre. If you're visiting Newcastle, you can plan ahead with this A-Z of Blue Badge parking spaces. Gateshead Council also provide clear information about where to park with your Blue Badge in Gateshead.

Take away the stress of uncertainty when you visit NewcastleGateshead with a quick glance at which venues participate in the Use our Loos Scheme.

You can find information on public toilets for the wider North East and the rest of Great Britain on the Great British Public Toilet Map website.

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. You can search for a Changing Places toilet near you here.

AccessAble’s detailed guides tell you all about a venue's access. Everyone's accessibility needs are different, which is why having detailed, accurate information is important. AccessAble send trained surveyors to check out every single place in person. 

You can find out if the venue:

• is easy to enter
• has accessible toilets or changing places
• is wheelchair friendly
• has steps at the entrance or inside
• uses a hearing loop
• has a lift
• has parking on site or nearby
• provides access to closed captions or audio description or BSL is available

Check out access information across NewcastleGateshead before you leave home or on the move using AccessAble’s App and/or website. Visit AccessAble to search all of the venues in NewcastleGateshead that have been assessed for their accessibility to prepare for your next trip.

NewcastleGateshead has some of the most diverse and interesting places to visit, many with facilities for visitors with disabilities seen and unseen. Most attractions will provide access and facilities for our less mobile visitors, but it is best to check specific requirements with the attraction before your visit.