Consumer Reports

suitcaseHolidays and tourism

Specialist companies and charities
The National Accessible Scheme
Help planning an independent holiday
Access guides
Money

Arranging a holiday if you have a disability can be complicated if you need assistance or facilities. There are many organisations that can help. Be prepared to put in some time finding out what is available and make sure that anyone you speak to has grasped the detail of what you need.

Some commercial firms and charities provide package holidays for disabled people.  Providing that the location and type of holidays they offer suit you, arrangements should be hassle free, and you should not have any worries about facilities not being accessible or up to scratch.

Specialist companies and charities

Specialist companies and charities that arrange holidays for disabled people or who have accessible accommodation include:

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  • Chalfont Line (escorted holidays for slow walkers or wheelchair users)
    4 Providence Road
    West Drayton
    Middx UB7 8HJ
    Tel: 01895 459540
    Fax: 01895 459549
    Email: info@chalfont-line.co.uk
    www.chalfont-line.co.uk

  • Disabled Access Holidays Limited
    2351 Dumbarton Road
    Yoker
    Glasgow G14 ONN
    Tel: 0845 257 0113
    Email: info@disabledaccessholidays.com
    www.disabledaccessholidays.com

  • Disability Snowsport UK
    Disability Snowsport believes that anyone can take part in snow sports, regardless of disability.  They have information on special adapted equipment for skiing or snowboarding and qualified and experienced instructors. Contact them for details of instructions, activity weeks in Scotland, Europe and Northern America and information about local groups.
    Cairngorm Mountain
    Aviemore
    Scotland PH22 1RB
    Tel: 01479 861272
    www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

  • Disability Travel
    21 Bedford Square
    London WC1B 3HH
    Tel: 0208 731 2111
    www.disabilitytravel.co.uk

  • The Disaway Trust
    The Disaway Trust organises group holidays with physically disabled people.  Each year they usually organise one holiday in the UK and one abroad. The size of the group depends on the destination but usually varies between 30 - 50 people on each holiday.  Disabled people pay the full cost of the holiday while the volunteers who help them pay about half - Disaway fundraises for the other half.
    Email: lynnesimpkins@hotmail.com
    www.disaway.co.uk

  • Enable Holidays
    26, The Green
    Kings Norton
    Birmingham B38 8SD
    Tel: 0871 222 4939
    Fax: 0871 222 5753
    Email: info@enableholidays.com
    www.enableholidays.com

  • English Heritage
    Engish Heritage have a free access guide to their properties.  It provides clear details of access and of the facilities for mobility and sensory impaired visitors. Available from customer services:
    Tel: 0800 015 0516
    Text: 01793 414 878
    And downloadable from their website in MS Word and pdf formats
    Customer Services Department
    PO Box 569
    Swindon SN2 2YP
    Phone: 0870 333 1181
    Fax: 01793 414926
    Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
    www.english-heritage.org.uk

  • Holidays with Help (support provided by trained helpers)
    4 Pebblecombe
    Adelaide Road
    Surbiton, KT6 4LL
    Tel: 0208 390 9752
    Email: holidays.with.help@lineone.net
    www.holidayswithhelp.org.uk

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  • The Jubilee Sailing Trust has opportunities for sailing on one of their two tall ships. These include day sails, voyages for a week or more and chances to take part in tall ships races.  People with a very wide range of disabilities have sailed with the Trust.
    Hazel Road
    Woolston
    Southampton SO19 7GB
    Tel: 023 8044 9108
    Email: info@jst.org.uk
    www.jst.org.uk

  • Livability holidays (the new name for the John Groom and Shaftesbury charities) have accessible hotels accessible self catering properties.
    50 Scrutton Street
    London, EC2A 4XQ
    Tel: 020 7452 2000
    Fax: 020 7452 2001
    Email: info@livability.org.uk
    www.livability.org.uk

  • Options Holidays (for adults with learning disabilities)
    Greyhound Farm House
    Barnsley, Cirencester
    Gloucestershire GL7 5EF
    Tel: 07000 790348 or 01285 740491
    Fax: 01285 740434
    Email: fiona@optionsholidays.co.uk
    or joanna@optionsholidays.co.uk
    www.optionsholidays.co.uk

  • Traveleyes provide holidays for visually impaired people and sighted travellers.  Sighted travellers get a substantial discount on the price of the holiday in return from helping guide and support visually impaired members of the group (although they do not act as carers). Holiday destinations cover Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas.
    PO Box 511
    Leeds LS5 3JT
    Tel: 0870 922 0221
    www.traveleyes.co.uk

  • Vitalise is a national charity providing short breaks (respite care) and other services for disabled people, visually impaired people, and carers. Sighted people pay less for the holiday in return for helping guide and support visually impaired members of the group. 
    Shap Road Industrial Estate
    Shap Road
    Kendal
    Cumbria LA9 6NZ

    General bookings and enquiries: 0845 330 0149
    Short Breaks: 0845 345 1970
    Holidays:  0845 330 0149
    Group breaks and One day activity holidays: 01208 872148
    Residential activity breaks:
    Tel: 0845 345 1970
    Fax: 01539 735 567
    Email: info@vitalise.org.uk

  • The Wheelyboat Trust. Wheelyboats have been adapted to make them accessible to wheelchair users and other disabled people.  They can be used as a ferry, for pleasure boating, fishing or nature watching they are simple to operate and you will be taught how to use them.  You usually hire them by the day.  The Trust have Wheelyboat locations throughout the UK.  For more information:
    North Lodge, Burton Park
    Petworth
    West Sussex
    GU28 0JT
    Tel: 01798 342222
    Email: info@wheelyboats.org
    www.wheelyboats.org

The National Accessible Scheme

This is a voluntary scheme in which accommodation, facilities or attractions are independently rated for accessibility.  Attractions and facilities are marked with symbols to show their suitability for people with different disabilities and mobility needs.   

For more information about the scheme go to the Enjoy England website.

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Help planning an independent holiday

There are also a number of guides that can help you plan your own trip independently.  See the list below.

  • Directgov has a useful checklist of things to consider when planning a holiday, with links to helpful organisations.  www.direct.gov.uk

Directories and lists

There are directories which list accessible accommodation, supported holidays (where help is available) and have other information for disabled travellers.  The level of information they provide varies, so check details with the company or individual offering the accommodation or holiday service before booking.

  • accessatlast.com
    Accessatlast.com is a website that includes only accommodation which has at least one room with a level access shower.  Their database has detailed information on self catering accommodation and hotels, including reviews from people who have stayed there and photographs of accessibility details.  Their advanced search allows to you specify in detail what fittings or services you need.
    18 Hazel Grove
    Tarleton, Preston
    Lancashire PR4 6DQ
    Tel: 01772 814 555
    Fax; 0845 890 2119
    www.accessatlast.com

  • Accessible accommodation.com
    World wide searchable directory of wheelchair accessible accommodation. It includes small hotels, large hotels, B&B accommodation, apartments, houses, villas, caravans and castles. Each is classified by its owner into one of three categories to show how accessible it is.
    www.accessibleaccommodation.com

  • Apparelized is a forum for people with spinal injury that has a list of accessible accommodation in the UK and abroad that they have judged to be of good standard.
    www.apparelyzed.com/disability-directory/accessible-holidays

  • Artsline works for greater accessibility of the arts. It has an online and searchable database of arts, entertainment and other venues that are accessible in Greater London.  These include theatres, cinemas, churches, galleries, hotels and other attractions of all kinds.  You can search for venues and events.  Accessibility information is mostly based on their own inspections. 
    Email: admin@artsline.org.uk
    www.artsline.org.uk

  • Ceiling Hoist users Club
    CHuC promotes the interests of people who need to use hoists and particularly those who need, or prefer, ceiling track hoists (also caller tracker and tracking hoists). The lack of ceiling track hoists in hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation severely limits many disabled peoples ability to go away.  The site has information on accommodation fitted with hoists, mobile hoists and more.
    Equal Ability CIC
    Amco House
    Cedar Court Office Park 
    Denby Dale Road
    Wakefield
    WF4 3BA
    Email: admin@CHuC.org.uk
    www.chuc.org.uk

  • Caravan Sitefinder
    Searchable database of caravan parks which claim to have good provision for visitors with disabilities.  www.caravansitefinder.co.uk/features/disabled

  • Disabled Holiday Directory
    Details of accessible accommodation and specialist holiday services
    Disabled Holiday Services
    6 Seaview Crescent
    Goodwick
    Pembrokeshire SA64 0AZ    
    Tel: 01348 875 592
    www.disabledholidaydirectory.co.uk

  • Disabled Holiday Information
    Has information on sites and facilities in England, Wales and Scotland, and useful links to other resources including accommodation, activity holidays and helpful organisations
    PO. Box 186,
    Oswestry,
    Shropshire SY10 1AF.
    E-mail: info@disabledholidayinfo.org.uk
    www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk
  • The National Trust. Most properties have good access. With few exceptions all have adapted WCs. Many provide manual wheelchairs for loan and powered vehicles are available at some larger gardens and parks. If physically possible, users of powered wheelchairs and small vehicles can use them inside buildings.  Most have guides in braille and large print and many highlight items that can be touched and significant sounds and scents.

    The National Trust Access Guide 2009 has information about the accessibility of its buildings. Available as a pdf to download, or in print and on tape from accessforall@nationaltrust.org.uk
    The National Trust
    PO Box 39
    Warrington WA5 7WD
    Tel: 0844 800 1895
    Fax: 0844 800 4642
    Text: 0844 800 4410
    Email: enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk
    www.thenationaltrust.org.uk

  • Owners Direct Holiday Rentals
    Have searchable world-wide database of wheelchair accessible self catering accommodation
    58 The Street
    Ashtead
    Surrey KT21 1AW
    Tel: 01372 229330
    Fax: 01372 229339
    E-mail: support@ownersdirect.co.uk
    www.ownersdirect.co.uk

  • Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
    This pocket-sized guide has details of 100 accessible attractions, including parks and gardens, museums, wildlife, sport and outdoor activities, scenic journeys and venues and events.  It gives accessibility details for each entry, based on inspection by researchers.  Free to Blue Badge holders; otherwise £6.99 inc p&p.
    Order by calling 0800 953 7070
    Or via www.accessibleguide.co.uk

  • Caravans
    Frys Caravans make two caravans that are designed to be wheelchair accessible
    Cranswick Industrial Estate
    Beverley Road, Hutton Cranswick
    Driffield
    East Yorkshire YO25 9QE
    Tel: 01377 271 383
    Fax: 01377 271 384
    Email: sales@frys.co.uk
    www.frys.co.uk
Helpful organisations
  • Family Holiday Association provides help towards holidays to families and children in need.  These are mainly for breaks in Haven and Butlins sites in chalet or caravan accommodation. Grants for other breaks are available, and some holidays become available at short notice. To qualify you have to be on a low income, not have had a holiday in the last four years, have at least one child aged three or over and be referred to the Association by a social worker, health visitor, school, GP or a charity that can receive money on your behalf, help you prepare for the holiday and provide feedback to the Association afterwards.

    Family Holiday Association
    16 Mortimer Street
    London W1T 3JL
     Tel: 020 7436 3304
    Fax: 020 7323 7299
    Email: info@FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk
    www.FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk

  • Holiday Care is a long established organisation that provides information about transport, accommodation, visitor attractions, activity holidays and respite care establishments, here and abroad. It aims to help disabled people get away at least once a year with family and friends.  They have nearly 120 information packs on holidays and accommodation, a comprehensive database of respite care facilities and information on specialised services such as advice on travelling with oxygen supplies, escort services and equipment hire.  Contact them through Tourism for All (see below).

  • Tourism for all. This charity works to make tourism accessible. Their guide Easy Access Britain describes over 800 accessible places to stay.  It costs £9.99 but discounts are available - see their website.  Tourism for all's information services includes a searchable directory you can use to find hotels, B&Bs, self catering accommodation, camping facilities and hostels that have been inspected and rated for the National Accessibility Scheme. You can search for facilities that are wheelchair accessible, suitable for people with other mobility impairments or for hearing or visually impaired people. It also has lists of accessible attractions and services, escorted holidays, equipment and travel products and information on travelling and accommodation abroad.

    Tourism for All UK
    c/o Vitalise
    Shap Road Industrial Estate
    Shap Road
    Kendal
    Cumbria LA9 6NZ

    Tel: 0845 124 9971             
    Fax: 01539 735567
    Email: info@tourismforall.org.uk
    www.tourismforall.org.uk

  • Holidays for all is a group of disability charities and tour companies that works to improve facilities for disabled people and provides information on specialist and mainstream holiday services.
    Tel: 08451 249973
    www.holidaysforall.org

  • Directgov http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/UsefulContactsByCategory/DisabledPeopleContacts/OrganisationsAndCharities/DG_10014894] has links to organisations that provide specialist holidays. These include subsidised group holidays for physically disabled people, serviced and self catering accommodation and more.

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Access guides

It is often vital to find out if a particular building is accessible before you set out.  Although all public buildings should be accessible by law, they vary in practice. 
It is always worth checking, and several paper and electronic publications give information about particular places.

Local guides.  There may be an access group in your area that has published a local guide.  Ask your local authority or local information service.  Some are listed by www.ableize.com, also see Direct enquiries, below.

  • DisabledGo This website has access information for a wide range of locations including hotels, cinemas, restaurants, pubs, tourist attractions, trains stations and leisure centres. Information is based on inspections. You can search the database by location and type of venue.  www.disabledgo.info

  • The Good Access Guide has brief details of accessible accommodation and leisure facilities.
    Good Access Guide
    38 Alexandra Road
    Lowestoft
    Suffolk NR32 1PJ
    Tel: 01502 566005
    www.goodaccessguide.co.uk

  • Access Project The organisation publishes access guides researched by Pauline Hephaistos Survey Projects (PHSP). Current guides are Access in Paris (June 2008), Access in London (2003), Access in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (2000) and Access to Football Grounds (Premiership and First Division) (2003).  Available online or order a copy by sending your address to gordon.couch@virgin.net or to:
    Access Project,
    39 Bradley Gardens,
    West Ealing,
    London W13 8HE
     
    The guides are free, but the publishers ask for a donation of at least £10 to £15 to help with the cost of research, printing and postage.

  • DirectEnquiries This Nationwide Access Register was developed, in partnership with RADAR and Employers Forum on Disability. It has details of the accessibility of local businesses you can search by location and type or by a particular name.  Their site includes details of access to London underground stations, accessible hotels, attractions and countryside (including guides to selected cities), accessible toilets (including those in the RADAR key scheme), post offices and pharmacies.  www.directenquiries.com
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Money

Some charities help towards holiday costs and some also own their own properties. Go to More information for contacts. Holidays for all has details of accessible accommodation and places to stay with support services www.holidaysforall.org

Local authorities may be able to help disabled people towards the cost of a holiday in some circumstances. Contact your social services department of your local council to find out if anything is possible.

If you live in an area which provides individual budgets it may be possible to use some of this money for a break or holiday, if it helps achieve the outcomes you have agreed with your local authority.

  • Family Fund gives grants to families with severely disabled children. They must normally be used towards the cost of a family holiday that includes the disabled child. Options are:  grants for self-catering packages at a choice of 35 Haven Holiday Parks in the UK, or for holidays in the UK or abroad arranged through Thomas Cook. If neither of the above are suitable you need to send the Family Fund details of the holiday you are planning and where possible, a copy of your booking confirmation when you apply. These grants are for less than the other two options.

    Family Fund
    4 Alpha Court
    Monks Cross Drive
    York YO32 9WN
    Tel: 0845 130 4542 or 01904 621115
    Text: 01904 658085
    Fax: 01904 652625
    Email: info@familyfund.org.uk
    www.familyfund.org.uk

  • 3H Fund (Help the Handicapped Holiday Fund) provide subsidised group holidays for physically disabled people. Each holiday has two experienced leaders and care is provided by volunteer helpers.
    There is always either a nurse or access to local medical facilities.
    They also give grants towards the cost of accommodation in the UK to disabled people and their families who are organising a modest holiday for themselves.  You have to fill in an application form with evidence of your disability and income. Most funding is for individuals and their families but a few grants are given to groups who organise holidays for their disabled members or carers.
    147A Camden Road,
    Tunbridge Wells,
    Kent TN1 2RA
    Tel: 01892 547474      
    Fax: 01892 524703
    Email: info@3hfund.org.uk
    www.3hfund.org.uk

  • The Handicapped Aid Trust
    This trust provides financial help towards the cost of helpers on holiday, grants to provide holiday respite for carers.  To apply you must be over 17 and be supported by an organisation, health or social work professional.  You must apply before the 1st February for summer holidays and 1st August for winter holidays.  Applications are considered only once every two years.
    The Old Bakery
    Green Street
    Lytham
    Lancashire FY8 5LG
    Tel: 01253 796441
    Fax: 01253 796441

 

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See also Information for carers.

 

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