TWO Merseyside attractions feature in the first-ever Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.

Knowsley Safari Park and Cheshire’s Blue Planet Aquarium feature alongside a less obvious venue, Crosby’s Antony Gormley’s Another Place.

The guide features 100 accessible places to visit as chosen by the Rough Guide and Motability, a company which manages a mobility care scheme for disabled people across the UK.

All the locations have been vetted by wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to check that the guide is up-to-date and correct.

Knowsley Safari Park is praised for its low-level displays and the upstairs Sea Lion show with ground- level entrance.

The Giraffe House has easy access and viewing and the little on-site train has a special carriage for wheelchair users.

Martin Dunford, publishing director of Rough Guide, said: “Planning a day out can be pretty daunting at the best of times, especially when you may have specific accessibility requirements.

“This guide spells out all the opportunities and addresses any barriers, to ensure that people can be clear about what to expect.’’

Crosby Beach, one of nine coastal attractions featured in the book, is described as “a perfect spot for a very bracing walk by the sea, but with a delicious twist.”

Visitors are encouraged to walk across the beach or, if they are a wheelchair user, to go along the solid concrete prom only yards from the beach and buy an ice cream or hot dog.

Wirral’s Blue Planet Aquarium is hailed as the UK’s finest, with Europe’s largest selection of sharks.

It is fully accessible, with lots of disabled parking.

THE Rough Guide to Accessible Britain costs £6.99, or £1.99 for Blue Badge holders (postage and packing). To order a copy go to www.accessibleguide.co.uk, or call 0800 953 7070.