Staying positive and finding something uplifting to do every day is important for your mental and physical wellbeing. 

Days out with family and friends can be the perfect antidote to keeping moods high and negativity low. Activities don't need to cost the earth and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your mobility scooter. 

There are plenty of ways to have fun, whatever your budget. Even better, days out with your mobility scooter are becoming easier than ever before. Read on for our top tips to enjoy days out on a budget with your scooter.

Ways to save money 

Always check for promotions when planning a day out. If you use a mobility scooter because you have a disability, you are entitled to many benefits and discounts. These can include:                                                                                                                                                                                                               

●    Free or discounted tickets 
●    Free or discounted parking 
●    Discounted travel 
●    Free assistance
●    Queue jumping 

We always advise calling ahead to check that a venue will be accessible with your specific mobility scooter. If you have reduced mobility, always ask about the onsite facilities available to you. This will help you have a smooth and stress-free visit.

Where to find discounts

There are some fantastic resources for keeping budgets lean. We like to use:

●    Money saving expert 
●    Price comparison websites
●    Seasonal deals, i.e. bank holiday & Black Friday sales  
●    Newspapers and magazine offers
●    Loyalty cards; to save swap points for savings 
●    Newsletter sign ups; for birthday treats and early sale access 
●    Referral sites that give you and a friend a discount 
●    Disability Grants; advice for saving money on days out 

Our recommendations

There are lots of activities that you can enjoy at a reduced fee if you're savvy about it! Here we round up some of our favourite destinations for fun on a budget.

1.    National Trust 

Enjoy unlimited access to over 500 incredible heritage sites with a National Trust membership. Member benefits include free access and free parking, all year around. 

You'll be doing your bit for Britain's best loved beauty spots too. Every membership supports essential conservation work to protect National Trust sites.

Joint, family, senior and life memberships offer the best value per person. Even better, if you pay for annual membership via direct debit, you'll receive a £15 National Trust gift card. Long standing members aged 60 or over, will also receive a concession rate with their renewals.

Added extras include a National Trust handbook, regular issues of the National Trust magazine and online access to exclusive news and content. 

Accessibility is not an afterthought at the National Trust. Each location has its accessibility detailed online, so you can see which spot is mobility scooter friendly. See here for up-to-date information from the trust’s access guide.

2.    Museums & galleries 

Want to be inspired by art, explore history, or simply learn something new? All museums and most galleries in the UK have free admission.

Even better, plenty of venues have been updated with fantastic accessibility features. This means that you can take your mobility scooter along for the ride.

A huge number of galleries and museums are mobility scooter friendly. Some will also have plenty of well-trained staff on hand to help. Simply call ahead to check that your scooter will have adequate access.  

The Science Museum, Scottish National Gallery and the V&A are just some of the free locations that you can visit for a fantastic family day out.  

3.    Markets 

Most UK markets are free to enter. Discover and support independent businesses and grab a bargain at the same time. 

In you’re in London, head to Portobello market for vintage finds, or Borough market to sample some delicious eats. Covent Garden has three markets to explore. It also has the bonus of free entertainment in the square, to keep the whole family entertained. 

Beyond London, look to Brighton’s Open market for handcrafted gifts, or Kirkgate market in Leeds for haberdashery and hot food. Catterick Sunday market is the largest of its kind in Northern England. Head over to enjoy some light entertainment, alongside bakes and bargains.  

A lot of markets are on one floor and can be accessed via smooth, flat pathways. Always check ahead that the layout of a market is appropriate for your mobility scooter. 

4.    Seaside fun

The UK is home to many sandy and pebbled beaches. You'll also find plenty of famous piers and arcades, for a touch of nostalgic fun. 

Beaches are free all year around and fun for all the family. Enjoy a picnic in the summer, or a chilly but refreshing stroll in the winter. 

Make your own fun at the seaside, without denting your budget. Access to piers is free, as is relaxing on the beach when the sun is out. 

Penny arcades are cheap and cheerful, keeping the whole family occupied for hours. Lunch can also be a purse friendly affair. A fish & chip lunch is normally served as a huge portion, easily shared amongst friends. 

There are plenty of ways to navigate Blighty’s best beaches if you have a mobility scooter. Many beaches are being updated to provide an accessible experience for everyone. Look out for:

●    Levelled access
●    Slopes, ramps, slipways 
●    Beach wheelchair hire
●    Changing Places facilities
●    Disabled toilets
●    Blue Badge parking

Blue Flag beaches are the gold standard worldwide for sustainable, safe and accessible shorelines. Read more here. 

See our guide to mobility scooter friendly beaches here. 

Getting there: discounted travel 

So you've planned your day out, but how are you going to get there? And more importantly, is your mobility scooter coming along for the ride? 

If the answer is yes, you'll need to think about logistics. Pre-plan your visit ahead of time to ensure a stress-free, fun day out. 

Blue Badge Parking 

Transporting your portable or car boot scooter in your vehicle? Check that your destination has Blue Badge parking. This allows for quicker, easier and more convenient access to entrance sites. 

Another benefit of being a Blue Badge holder, is free or heavily discounted parking. Blue Badge Parking memberships cost just £10 for three whole years - a bargain! See here for more information.

Bus Travel

Most local bus companies will offer free or discounted travel for those with mobility issues. Check with your local council to see what operators are offering support in your area. 

If you live in London and you have a disability, you can apply for a Freedom Pass. This fantastic money saving pass grants you free travel across the city. It also includes some local bus companies. See here for more information.

Train & coach travel

Trains are one of the most expensive ways to travel in the UK. If you have a disability, you might be eligible for a significant discount on future journeys. 

The Disabled Persons Railcard entitles you to a third off train travel. It also gives an accompanying adult a third off their ticket too. The card has an upfront fee of £20, but you'll easily make this money back once you start travelling. 

Read our complete guide to travelling with your mobility scooter here.