UK’s most accessible shopping centres revealed, new national study ranks top 25 ahead of festival shopping season
With festive spending about to surge, millions of people will be heading into shopping centres for gifts, gatherings and seasonal events.
But for shoppers with mobility needs, including older adults, disabled visitors, wheelchair users and those who rely on step-free access, a simple day out can come with very real barriers.
A new accessibility review conducted by Halton Stairlifts, a leading stairlift provider, has analysed the 25 largest shopping centres in the country to highlight which destinations truly support inclusive access and which still have work to do.
The research assessed each centre based on five key criteria:
- Availability of mobility hire (wheelchairs or scooters)
- Whether Changing Places toilets were available
- Accessible toilet availability
- Quality of online accessibility information
- Presence of quiet hours or sensory-friendly sessions
Top scorers achieved full marks, offering mobility hire services, comprehensive accessible facilities and clear public information. These are the most prepared destinations for visitors with mobility requirements.
Centres with a score of 4/5 performed strongly overall, but often lacked sensory-friendly hours or clear public documentation around Changing Places facilities.
Centres scoring 3/5 may require more planning for visitors, particularly those reliant on mobility aids. Halton Stairlifts recommends checking ahead before travelling.
Halton Stairlift’s mobility expert, Neil McKenzie, comments: "This upcoming shopping period can be extremely challenging for anyone with mobility issues, especially in busy and crowded environments.
"Our research shows that while many centres are investing in accessibility, there are still large gaps in major shopping centres. The UK population is ageing, which is why we stress how important it is to ensure shopping spaces are inclusive."
Standout regions include the North West, Midlands, Scotland, and the South East, while the centres falling behind are Atria Watford, Royal Victoria Place, Merry Hill, and Lakeside, all of which are missing key accessibility features or clear public information.
Why this matters
More than 14 million people in the UK live with mobility challenges, and for many, accessibility is not a luxury. It is fundamental to independence, safety and dignity. An accessible shopping centre can make an ordinary day enjoyable rather than stressful.
Studies like this help families, carers and mobility users make informed choices while setting a standard for improvement across public spaces.
