UK Holidays and breaks for people with disabilities

It’s that  time of year when people want to get away from it all and go on holiday, or at least start planning a break. But where are the best holiday destinations in the UK if you have a disability?

Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you should stay at home. Many people with disabilities may not work, or will work shorter hours, but that’s not to say they don’t need a break. One of the main benefits of a vacation is it reduces stress. Just because someone may not work does not mean they don’t get stressed. Many people have stress in their lives from numerous different sources.

UK breaks

Taking a break in the UK is an excellent option, with so much choice. You can choose from the beach, countryside, or towns and cities. You can have relaxing breaks, rambling breaks, take in a London show and so much more, all within a few hours of travelling. Many hotels, travel companies and tour firms  are now disability friendly in the UK, so it’s a great time to get looking!

Tour Scotland

Why not visit Scotland with Limitless Travel on a four-night tour with a guide? With a full itinerary to keep you occupied; you will visit Stirling and Loch Lomond on day two, Edinburgh on day three, and Pitlochry on day four, staying in a fully accessible hotel. The tour coach has a lift and wheelchairs are clamped into individual wheelchair spaces for a more comfortable and safer journey. They also have plenty of assistants to support your care needs.

Take in a London show

Or head to London with Disabled Holidays.com for a two night West End theatre experience with a guide. You have a full itinerary, accessible hotel and a team of assistants to help with care needs. On day one, once you have checked in, the day is your own. Day two, after breakfast you will be taken into central London. There is a short guided tour around the Thames and Westminster Bridge if you wish to join it. Later you will have a pre-theatre meal in the theatre district and then watch the spectacular Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

 

Explore the countryside

Alternatively, why not get back to nature and stay on a farm with Farm Stay UK?  This company offers accessible self-catering and bed and breakfast stays in the countryside. You can search by location and take your partner and children, or grandchildren with you. Then relax - in between exploring the surrounding countryside.

Visit the coast

How about a seaside break, with or without the children? Disability Holidays Guide has a website where you can search by area or disability type. It includes  information such as travel insurance, personal support, mobility scooter hire, mobility aids and equipment and more. There are many different accommodation options from self-catering to hotels, all of which are accessible.

Accessible holidays in Jersey

If you want to go slightly further, how about the Channel Islands? Enable Holidays offer a tremendous seven-night trip to the Maison des Landes with organised excursions. The hotel has been specialising in providing accessible accommodation since the 1960’s. They have adapted rooms, many with an electric bed and ceiling hoist, and all have flat floor showers with grab rails. They have a large heated swimming pool with ramped sides and special wheelchairs on hand. Hotel staff are also there to help guests enter and exit the pool.

You can fly out from your local airport, or board the ferry from Poole. There is a meet and greet service at Jersey airport and transfers in an adapted vehicle, and even a welcome meeting with a drink. You are guaranteed an accessible room on the ground floor with shower chairs, a profile bed and an overhead hoist available at no extra charge. There are also five adapted excursions available  taking in much of the island.        

      

Other sites and links

There are plenty of disability friendly tour companies and websites out there, so we’re sure you can find the ideal holiday or break. You can go all over the world, but don’t forget the Equality Law 2012 is not in place everywhere.  For holidays further afield, you may find considering cruises or choosing  a company that specialises in accessible holidays beneficial.  Don’t forget your travel insurance!

The following companies also provide accessible holiday options:

www.disabledaccessholidays.com recommend accessible hotels and properties in accessible resorts and source the things you need for a happy holiday. They will book flights and arrange assistance at the airport, guarantee you an adapted room and arrange transfers in adapted vehicles.

www.premiercottages.co.uk have a wide selection of cottages suitable for people with different access needs around the country.

www.holidaycottages.co.uk have a variety of cottages suitable for people with various access needs with lots of tips on where to go.

www.revitalise.org.uk deal with respite holidays for disabled people with or without carers. If you take a carer, they still get a break from caring for you and have a chance for a real holiday too.

You can get away from it all this year! A break may improve your relationship with your partner, children, or whoever you are travelling with, as well as lifting your mood. It might even inspire a new hobby or interest. Whether you choose to spend quality time with family or friends  or to travel alone and find new friends.  We wish you a very happy holiday!

A Quickie wheelchair makes the perfect travel companion. The Quickie Q100 R powered wheelchair is perfect for exploring museums and art galleries, as well as taking on the city streets. The Quickie Xenon2 is a folding wheelchair that's stylish, lightweight and easy to transport. Alternatively the Sterling Sapphire 2 disassembles so it easily fits into a vehicle to take on your travels.