Home / Accessibility at venues: a legal duty and a social promise
9th June 2026
Laura Crowe, Senior Associate
Visitor attractions and licensed premises are meant to be places of enjoyment, learning and connection. Yet for many people, barriers still exist that limit who can fully take part. Accessibility and inclusion are often seen as optional extras or matters of goodwill, but they are rooted in legal responsibility and reflect wider social values about who public spaces are designed for.
In the UK, the legal obligation to make commercial premises accessible largely sits within the Equality Act 2010. The law requires visitor attractions and licensed premises that are open to the public to take reasonable steps to ensure disabled people are not placed at a disadvantage. This duty is not just about reacting when a problem arises. It expects organisations to plan in advance, identifying likely barriers and addressing them where it is practical to do so.
Accessibility goes beyond physical features like ramps and lifts. It includes how information is presented, how staff interact with visitors, how busy or noisy a space is, and how easy it is to navigate. The law does not expect perfection, but it does expect genuine, thoughtful effort rather than minimal compliance.
Disability is often associated only with mobility needs, but many people face barriers that are less visible. Sensory and communication needs, long-term health conditions, learning differences and mental health needs all influence how someone experiences an attraction.
Long queues, unclear signage, overwhelming environments or inflexible ticketing can be significant obstacles. Clear information provided in advance, well‑trained staff, quiet spaces and flexible policies can make a substantial difference. Focusing only on physical access risks excluding a large number of visitors whose needs are just as real and important.
Historic and protected buildings can present real challenges, and the law recognises that changes may be limited. However, difficulty does not remove responsibility. Where full access is not possible, alternatives should be thoughtfully explored.
Digital experiences, detailed interpretation, models or partial access can offer meaningful engagement without damaging heritage. When handled well, accessibility in historic settings can deepen understanding for all visitors rather than detract from it.
Treating accessibility as a checklist can miss the bigger picture. An accessible entrance alone does not guarantee an inclusive experience if the journey inside remains difficult or unwelcoming.
True inclusion is achieved when accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of planning and design. This approach often leads to better visitor experiences, stronger reputations and a wider, more loyal audience. Inclusive attractions tend to work better for families, older visitors and anyone who values clarity and ease of use.
Ultimately, accessibility is about dignity, choice, and belonging. How visitor attractions and licensed premises approach inclusion sends a message about who is welcome and whose experiences matter. The law provides a foundation, but real progress comes from seeing accessibility not as a burden, but as an opportunity to create richer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.
Our leisure and hospitality solicitors can advise on accessibility obligations and inclusive best practice, contact us today at 0161 832 3434, or email us on [email protected].