Where to stay for an accessible break this summer

The summer holidays are here and those of you lucky enough to have booked a break will soon be enjoying some time away. If you’re feeling the FOMO and want a last minute trip or to book ahead for next year, here are some of our suggestions for great places to stay for an accessible break.

For those of you looking for a hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere you can go and just relax without the need to source dinner or clean up after yourself, then you need a hotel break. There are several hotels in the UK with accessible facilities, including wide doorways suitable for wheelchairs, hearing loops in public spaces and level access for certain rooms.

If you’re planning a trip to the North, Rudding Park in Yorkshire is a privately owned luxury hotel which has been won several accessibility awards. The hotel’s Follifoot Wing was designed with accessibility in mind, it has a fully accessible bedroom with an adjoining wet room and two additional adapted bedrooms.

Elsewhere in the hotel, is the Ribston Wing, which also has adapted double bedrooms, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to your room. The spa features adapted changing facilities and there is a hoist available, allowing for inclusive use of the indoor swimming pool.

You’ll find a host of relaxing, leisure facilities throughout the hotel, making this the perfect place for enjoying some R & R. If you do fancy exploring a little more, the historic town of Harrogate is just 3 miles away, while York and Leeds are also within a short drive away.

Also in Yorkshire is the HEX Wildlife Hotel, which is located in Doncaster. If you’re an animal lover, this is the one for you, it’s meters away from Yorkshire Wildlife Park, home to the largest collection of polar bears in the UK!

The hotel has a selection of fully accessible rooms available and guests can make use of the spa facilities, when they’re not exploring the wildlife park of course.

At the other end of the country is Marsham Court Hotel which is set on the seafront in Bournemouth. Just five minutes from the beach and town centre, Marsham Court is a great option for anyone who fancies a beach holiday. The hotel has several accessibility features, including WelcoMe, which allows guests to discreetly inform the hotel staff of their needs when booking your stay, as well as a Changing Places facility and several accessible bedrooms. Fancy a swim? There is a hoist and a lift available for guests to use too!

Image: Marsham Court

Bournemouth beach, which is right on the doorstep is one of the UK’s most accessible beaches and with beach wheelchairs available to hire and level access down to the shore, you can have a wonderful beach holiday while staying at Marsham Court.  

For those looking to take things at their own pace

Hotels are great but they aren’t for everyone, especially for those of you who like a bit more space, privacy and the opportunity to go at your own pace.

For a peaceful self catering property not far from the coast, plan a visit to Bournemouth with Birchcroft Hideaway. Set within tranquil woodland and only six miles from the beach, there are loads of places for relaxing and enjoying the summer weather. The property is also big enough to sleep 8 making it ideal for family or group holidays – so what are you waiting for! Bring all your friends with you!

For those of you who want to go further south, Gwel an Mor in Cornwall have a series of modern accessible lodges right in the centre of nature with stunning views across the ocean. With everything you could need, including specialist equipment and with easy access to beaches and the cute towns and villages of Cornwall, this is a great place to visit for a bit of peace and quiet. There are even a selection of adapted activities, from archery to golf taking place every day, as well as a hoisted chair system for using the pool.

Image: Gwel an Mor

If you want to visit the capital, take a look at Ablestay, which is the only property of its kind within the M25. This accessible property features a fully accessible bedroom, as well as additional standard rooms and is wheelchair suitable throughout. Being self catering, you have the freedom to eat, sleep and generally spend your time as you like, plus you are only 10 minutes from a step free train station, with direct access into the city centre.

For those looking for excitement

If you’re someone who wants a bit of adventure when you go away, then maybe take a look at one of these residential centres instead of a traditional hotel or holiday park.

Revitalise are a company who specialise in creating holidays for disabled people and their carers. Their sites can be found around the UK and feature comfortable accommodation alongside activities, all with a team of RNs and holiday care assistance who are on hand throughout your stay to make sure you have the best holiday possible.

For those wanting to stay in the south, Jubilee Lodge is in Chigwell, not far from Epping Forest and just thirty minutes from the centre of London. While you’re here, you can either head out and explore on your own, or just stay on site and let the team entertain you with a range of excursions and activities that suit you!

In the north is Sandpipers which is in Merseyside. Perched on the Marine Lake, this is a picturesque place to stay with fully accessible, purpose built holiday centres with everything you could need, including hoists, profiling beds and a host of activities and excursions to keep you busy, should you not want to travel into nearby places like Liverpool and Blackpool.

Calvert Exmoor is another great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a spot of adventure. Set within the Exmoor National Park in Devon, Calvert Exmoor offers a range of accessible activity breaks, with everything from abseiling to canoeing to horse riding  - there is something for everyone here.

Image: Calvert Exmoor

Feeling inspired for your next summer break? You can find more places to stay across the UK here.