Consumer Reports

suitcaseHolidays and tourism

Specialist companies and charities
The National Accessible Scheme
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 
    UB7 8HJ
    Tel: 01895 459540
    Fax: 01895 459549
    Email: holidays@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.
    Glenmore Lodge Grounds
    Aviemore
    Scotland PH22 1QU
    Tel: 01479 861272
    Email: admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk
    www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

  • Disability Travel
    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
    39 Station Street
    Walsall
    West Midlands WS2 9JT
    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
    Tel: +44 (0) 870 333 1181
    Fax: +44 (0) 1793 414 926
    Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
    www.english-heritage.org.uk

  • Holidays with Help (support provided by trained helpers)
    4 Pebblecombe
    Adelaide Road
    Surbiton
    Surrey KT4 6LL
    Tel: 0208 390 9752
    Email: hwhholidays@btinternet.com
    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.
    12 Hazel Road
    Woolston
    Southampton SO19 7GA
    Tel: 023 8044 9108
    Email: info@jst.org.uk
    www.jst.org.uk

  • Livability holidays (used bo the 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: 01285 740491
    Fax: 01285 740434
    Email: office@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: +44 (0) 8448 040 221
    Fax: +(44) 113 335 0372
    https://www.traveleyes-international.com/

  • 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. 
    212 Business Design Centre
    52 Upper Street
    London N1 0QH
    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: 0303 303 0147
    Fax: 020 7288 6899
    Email: info@vitalise.org.uk
    www.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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Planning an independent holiday

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

  • 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)
    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.
    c/o 7 The Scarplands
    Duston
    Northampton NN5 6EY
    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
  • Disabled Holiday Directory
    Details of accessible accommodation and specialist holiday services
    Premier House
    Manchester Road
    Mossley OL5 9AA    
    Tel: 0800 993 0796
    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 2012 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
    Email: enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
    www.nationaltrust.org.uk

  • Owners Direct Holiday Rentals
    Have searchable world-wide database of wheelchair accessible self catering accommodation
    Portland House
    25th Floor
    Bressenden Place
    London SW1E 5BH
    Telephone: 020 8827 1998
    Fax: 020 3031 1021
    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
    www.accessibleguide.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
    3 Gainsford Street
    London 
    SE1 2NE
    Tel: 020 3117 0650
    Email: info@FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk
    www.fhaonline.org.uk

  • 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
    7A Pixel Mill
    44 Appleby Road
    Kendal
    Cumbria
    LA9 6ES
    Tel: 0845 124 9971             
    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: 0303 303 0146
    www.holidaysforall.org

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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.com

  • 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

  • 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: 08449 744 099
    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.
    B2, Speldhurst Business Park
    Langton Road
    Speldhurst
    Tunbridge Wells
    Kent TN3 0AQ
    Tel: 01892 860207
    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.
    Northchapel House
    North Street
    Horsham RH12 1RD
    Tel: 0800 028 0647
    Email: secretary@handicappedaidtrust.org.uk
    www.handicappedaidtrust.org.uk

 

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See also Information for carers.

 

Next Page: Mobility