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While the idea of going on a summer holiday is exciting to the majority, if you’re travelling and have additional access needs, it can be one of the most stressful things you can do. Don’t worry though, at Tourism for All, we’re here to help take the stress out of travelling and to help you have an enjoyable holiday this summer.

The UK has some incredible options for families and individuals looking for disabled-friendly holidays, so wherever you want to go you can find the perfect destination to suit your taste, budget and needs.

If you are looking for some inspiration for a summer holiday, here are a couple of suggestions.

Self-catering breaks

Self-catering is a great option for anyone with additional access needs. Cottages, holiday homes and serviced apartments give you your own space and more privacy than staying in a hotel or B&B. They also tend to have your own parking, ideal for those of you who have adapted vehicles or need plenty of space to unload wheelchairs or other aids. Cottages also tend to be on one level, which is great for those that have limited mobility.

In Bridgwater, Somerset, there is Cossington Park, a family-owned destination with accessible accommodation within a historic house. The cottage has National Accessibility awards and has a wheelchair ramp, as well as an accessible wet room and a host of other features to provide a wonderful holiday, no matter what your age and ability. The cottage is also child and dog friendly, so the whole family can join in the fun. Not only that, but you're within easy reach of some of Somerset’s best-loved destinations, including Bath, Bristol, Exmoor, Wells and more.

Like the idea of being in the West Country? Check out Birchcroft, a self-catering property in Dorset only 6 miles from Bournemouth’s golden, sandy beaches and close to the New Forest, the Jurassic Coast and a host of National Trust properties. The property has a well-equipped wet room and there are a host of additional facilities available on request.

While in Plymouth you’ll find Fernhurst, a renovated bungalow with complete level access with off road parking where you can park two vehicles, including a WAV. The bungalow is well equipped with a hoist, roll in wet rooms, wide doors and is fully wheelchair accessible. The property is also completely level and also has its own outside space, making it a real home from home.

Also in Devon is the award-winning accessible North Hayne Farm Cottages, which consistently wins awards for its accessibility. It is a great farm holiday destination for families, especially those on the autism spectrum. Each of the cottages are on the outskirts of the Exmoor National Park and features plenty of quiet places on site for those who need a time out during their visit. There are a range of complimentary ASD aids which are available to borrow, including weighted blankets, fidget toys and more. The farm also features a range of holistic therapies and Makaton is widely used across the site.

Alternatively, there is Mellwaters Barn, near Barnard Castle in the North of England. The cottages are in the North Pennines, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you can enjoy some incredible views across the moor. The cottages here are suitable for guests with limited mobility and are wheelchair friendly – they were designed by a wheelchair user, with other wheelchair users in mind. Here you can find wide doorways, turning circles, ceiling hosts, wet rooms, stair lifts and adapted kitchens. It’s a great option for anyone wanting to visit this part of the UK.

Another option in the north of England is a working farm in the Peak District called Hoe Grange Holidays. Here you’ll find four purpose-built log cabins with amazing views of the countryside. The cabins have a modern, chic design with luxury and comfort in mind. The accessible features are discreet and three of the cabins are fully wheelchair accessible. The cabins feature over 30 different items of accessible equipment, including hoists, wheelchairs and more. They also have NAS awards for their facilities for visually and hearing-impaired visitors.

Or if you’re looking for an adventure holiday, take a look at what is on offer from Calvert Kielder who have been providing memorable holidays for people of all abilities for decades. Disabled guests and their families and friends are able to all experience the same activities within the facility, including climbing, canoeing, high ropes, zip wires and more all watched over by fully qualified instructors. The site also has a choice of accessible accommodation, so you can pick something that best suits your budget and needs.

You can find a host of other self-catering options here.

Camping, caravanning and glamping

You might not think of camping and caravanning as being the most accessible or even the most comfortable of options, but that’s because you’ve not been to any of our friends’ sites! There are fewer things more reminiscent of summer holidays than staying in a caravan or on a campsite. Though you will have less space than renting a cottage or other self-catering options, but there are plenty of accessible facilities on offer. 

Experience Freedom offer glamping, caravan and motorhome holidays at 8 different locations across the UK, including two that offer accessible options. In Penrith, Cumbria, there is Troutbeck Head has accessible glamping pods and cabins suitable for guests with a range of accessibility needs with everything from level entry, easy wheelchair access and turning circles, as well as stylish wet rooms and custom-built kitchens.

Another of their sites is Cayton Village in North Yorkshire, giving you easy access to Scarborough and just a mile from Cayton Bay. The site has universally accessible glamping pods, providing everything you could need for a glamping holiday without compromising on space.

There are more glamping options here and more accessible campsites here.

Hotels

Who doesn’t love being waited on? If you want to spend the summer not having to worry about tidying after yourself or cooking your own meals, then you need to look at accessible hotels and luckily for you, there are several in the UK.

Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth overlooks Bournemouth Bay and is centrally located, giving you easy access to both the beach and the town. The hotel has its own Changing Places shower and toilet, a sensory room, hoists and has a selection of fully accessible bedrooms available.

If you fancy visiting Wales, take a look at Gwesty Seren in the village of Llan Ffestiniog, a quiet village in the heart of Snowdonia. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK and by staying here, you can experience a three-star hotel with accessibility in mind. Everything in the hotel is designed with access at the forefront, there are wide corridors, specifically for those using mobility aids, with hearing loops, ramps and much more! It’s the ideal destination for anyone looking for an accessible holiday in this beautiful part of Wales.

Find more suggestions for an accessible hotel stay here.

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