If you need wheelchair access, more accessible parking, or a bus, train or taxi to get you from A to B, then worry not! Northumberland has a wide range of easier and more accessible ways of travelling throughout the county.
BY CAR
Free parking is available in various areas of Northumberland although some still retain charges. The Blue badge Scheme in Northumberland is operated by Northumberland County Council.
BY TRAIN
Various rail companies operate within and throughout Northumberland. All services operate with ramps for wheelchair access, designated spaces and an accessible WC as well as colour schemes and audible announcements. All stations provide step free access on to platforms although many are unmanned by station staff. It’s recommended those passengers who require assistance book at least 24 hours in advance. All train operators; East Coast Mainline (Virgin & Cross Country), West Coast (Scot Rail & Network Rail) offer advice on accessibility of stations and would be happy to help assist with any queries on their dedicated customer service lines.
BY BUS
National operators pass through the region regularly, offering accessible routes to various destinations. Coach operator National Express stops at numerous points within Northumberland whilst MegaBus drops travellers off in Newcastle City Centre. Newcastle is well connected to the Northumberland Coast and National Park and details of timetables as well as routes can be found via Traveline.
Local services operate throughout Northumberland, Arriva being the major public bus service operator. It is advisable to contact Arriva prior to travelling to ensure your needs can be met.
BY TAXI
There are various taxi services which offer wheelchair access as well as vehicles for large groups. They operate at and around the areas of the most prominent train stations: Alnmouth for Alnwick, Morpeth, Hexham or Newcastle Central for Ponteland or Blyth. Please see below services which have assessed themselves as accessible although it’s recommended to enquire before you require a service;
Yellow Taxi – Alnwick (Alnmouth Station) 01665 541 250
Knights Taxi – Alnmouth (Alnmouth Station) 01665 714 555
Phoenix Taxis – Blyth (Newcastle Central Station) 01670 540 222
Target Taxis – Blyth (Newcastle Central Station) 0845 543 3024
Advanced Taxis – Hexham (Hexham Station) 01434 606 565
Eco Cabs – Hexham (Hexham Station) 01434 600 600
A & B Taxis – Morpeth (Morpeth Station) 01670 790 463
Caisley Cabs – Morpeth (Morpeth Station) 0800 118 5018
Batey's Taxis - Hexham (Hexham Station) 01434 602500
Just Taxis – Morpeth (Morpeth Station) 07957 495503
BY FOOT
Many larger towns within Northumberland provide pedestrian crossing accessibility. Many crossings ring a bleeper to help partial sighted or blind individuals know when it’s safe to cross or contain a rotating knob underneath the WAIT box which turns when the green man flashes.