Whether a city break, glamping or beach getaway the UK has a spot for you. Not enough people explore all corners of this great country but now the staycation has become the only way to get a break without the stress of isolating and, if you are less abled, enduring the hassle of airports and aeroplane travel.
For those unfamiliar with the term, staycation is a combination of the words stay and vacation and it means taking a holiday in your own country. With a new normal thrust upon us, thanks to the Covid-19 virus and the government encouraging us, there has been no better time to explore the UK.
The UK can boast soft sandy beaches, crystal clear lakes, steep sided mountains and rolling hills as far as the eye can see, but where is best to go. More importantly where is best to go for the less abled.
The most popular locations
Cornwall and Devon
Surrounded almost entirely by sea and neighbouring Devon, Cornwall can boast the sunniest climate in England, as can Devon.
As the top holiday destinations, they have gone the furthest in catering for the disabled holiday goer. Options include north Cornwall with its golden beaches and hidden bays, the south with its rustic fishing villages and rivers or one of Devon’s many wide stretching beaches. One of these is Bigbury-on-Sea which has previously won the prestigious Blue Flag award, awarded to beaches for their accessibility, and which provides special beach wheelchairs for disabled guests.
For more information about what there is to do, getting around and places to stay please see links below.
https://www.visitcornwall.com/essentials/accessibility
Norfolk
Situated on the east coast, Norfolk is one of the few destinations that is accessible and enjoyable no matter the season. There’s obviously a reason the Queen enjoys winter in Sandringham.
It has miles of coastline, picturesque villages, historic market towns, seaside resorts and of course the famous Norfolk Broads. With such a variety and something to please everyone, it is well worth adding to your to visit list.
For more information about what there is to do, getting around and places to stay please see link below.
https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/Info-accessible-Norfolk.aspx
Peak District
This area is home to the start of the famous Pennine Way national trail, which stretches 268 miles from Edale, in the northern Derbyshire Peak District through to just inside the Scottish border. The Peak District’s breathtaking steep limestone valleys like Dovedale, dramatic gritstone ridges and stark moorland plateaus, truly is tranquil as well as spectacular, and there is loads to keep you occupied like the Peak District National Park, market towns, stately homes, castles and museums. Depending on your disability and level of mobility there are opportunities for disabled visitors to experience the Peak District’s many outdoor activities on offer, like climbing, mountain treks, fishing and canoeing.
For more information about what there is to do, getting around and places to stay please see link below.
https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/accommodation/accessible-accommodation
Scotland
Planning your trip to Scotland is a must if you want to make the most of it. To start with the area is huge, with many castles, The Highlands, vast Lochs, vibrant cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, and unspoilt geological treasures. This, combined with their mixed climate and culture including tartan traditions, haggis, live folk music and historical buildings it has everything.
If you are looking for a more active Scottish holiday, it is home to two national parks full of wildlife, dense forests and that include over 50 wheelchair friendly routes.
With so much to see and do you’ll either have to stay longer or visit again.
For more information about what there is to do, getting around and places to stay please see link below.
North Yorkshire
Being the largest county, and most rural in England, North Yorkshire is not short of dramatic views. Whether you’re looking for vast rich greenery, a rugged coastline, heather smothered moorland, a seaside resort like Whitby of Scarborough, or stately homes and castles, North Yorkshire has it covered.
The county encompasses the famous Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors; both are home to many TV series like All Creatures Great and Small and Heartbeat, as well as famous movie scene locations that can be found in The Woman in Black and Harry Potter.
There is never a possibility of wondering what to with bustling market towns, steam railways, hidden hamlets and beautiful cities for you to explore during your stay.
For more information about what there is to do, getting around and places to stay please see link below.
So, whether you are looking to tackle sea fishing off the coast of Penzance, meander over 125 miles of lock-free man-made Broads in Norfolk, stroll the historic halls and extensive gardens of Chatsworth House (home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire) or kayak across to Loch Ness’ only island (Cherry Island), the opportunities are there and so is the support.
These locations have been popular for many years for people of all abilities and it is because of this that local councils and businesses have acknowledged the need to ensure everyone, no matter their ability, should be able to enjoy as much of the areas as possible. It is also worth noting that should you not want to transport your own wheelchair or mobility scooter, there are a number of businesses that hire out wheelchairs, standard mobility scooters, right through to off-road mobility scooters. These places have come a long way to being accessible for all. However, as with any trip you must make sure you have the right insurance not just to cover you should an incident befall you but should government rules change forcing you have to cancel and look for a refund.
At the time of writing this local councils and tourist boards were asking visitors to maintain social distancing, treat others with respect and take litter home with them.
If you have experience in visiting any of these places and would like to share your experience with others, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch here
