Accessible Holidays
Travelling when you have a disability takes preparation!
Do you have any recommendations or holiday tips? We have pulled together some useful resources to help plan for a holiday. Let us know if you have any suggestions 😊
Our most successful holiday destinations have been close to home. Crescent Hideaway in Weston-super-Mare offers a well-equipped accessible bungalow with an accessible hot tub.
Harriet Davis Seaside Holiday Trust provides four self-catering holiday houses in the beautiful walled seaside town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire. The adapted and wheelchair accessible holiday houses are each unique for their views or locations and are available all year round for families with disabled children up to the age of 21.
Parkdean Trecco Bay offers affordable and fun caravan holidays. To find accommodation suitable for wheelchair users visit https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/holidays/wheelchair-friendly/
If you are prepared to do some research, there is something to suit all tastes, and everything is possible! Visit Wales, VisitEngland, VisitScotland and Ireland.com all have information on accessible activities and accommodation.
If you fancy going abroad, travel agents such as TUI and Jet2holidays offer a range of accessible hotels, apartments and villas. First Choice has a friendly and knowledgeable Customer Welfare team dedicated to finding the holiday that’s right for you.
Specialist holiday providers such as DisabledHolidays.com and Disabled Access Holidays can help customise your holiday to meet your needs and arrange add-ons such as adapted transfers and equipment hire. Limitless Travel provides group tours with professional carers on every trip. Revitalise specialise in holidays with on-call nursing care. Responsible Travel offers accessible holidays that support communities and preserve nature. Avon Tyrrell, in the New Forest National Park, offers adventurous outdoor activity experiences. Fully qualified instructors enable you to participate in mountain biking, climbing, canoeing and more.
Facebook has groups such as Accessible Holidays And Day Trips dedicated to sharing experiences and recommendations.
Review website EuansGuide.com has lots of information on the accessibility of venues around the UK and beyond.
AccessAble has surveyed thousands of venues across the UK and Ireland, including shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations and hotels. Download the free App to check out disabled access and facilities on the go.
Lonely Planet has a collection of freeresources including a list of specialist accessible travel agents and links to accessible travel bloggers.
ABTA has plenty of guidance on how to work with your travel provider to book holidays that meet your needs.
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation has created a series of videos covering everything from booking to disembarking flights.
Top tips
‘Assistance’ to disabled travellers varies widely, as does what is considered ‘accessible’. Before you book, prepare a list of questions to ask. Let your travel agent and accommodation provider know exactly what you need and get confirmation in writing. Take a copy of your booking arrangements to show staff, if needed.
Always take adequate insurance! Give accurate and up-to-date information to your insurer. Check you are covered for your conditions and the activities you want to do. Insure everyone on one policy.
Get any prescriptions you need ahead of time, take spare medication and a copy of your prescription, in case you need to show why you are travelling with certain medicines.
Always check guidance and rules with your airline in advance. If taking over 100ml of liquid medication or food, you’ll need a doctor’s letter. Check the legality of any medication in the country you’re travelling to.
Ask if there is a quiet space or sensory room available at the airport. Bristol Airport has a sensory room designed specifically for passengers with disabilities such as autism, dementia or cognitive impairment, who would benefit from a safe and interactive place when in unfamiliar surroundings.
Remind the airline about your assistance requirements at least 48 hours before your flight.
Wear a sunflower lanyard at the airport to give staff the heads up that you or a member of your group might need some extra support.
If you are taking a wheelchair or mobility scooter – let the airline know its weight and dimensions. Make sure you know how it is folded down and, if powered, how to deactivate it.
All Eurostar trains have wheelchair spaces. They are in Standard Premier or Business Premier but you’ll only pay for a Standard class ticket. You can also take a companion with you at a discounted rate.
Happy holidays!