Top 10 accessible hotels in the UK
To celebrate the launch of our UK Holiday Cancellation Cover, we’ve teamed up with DisabledHolidays.com to give you a run-down of some of the best accessible hotels and holiday destinations in the UK.
A self-catering lodge in Cornwall
These accessible log cabins and lodges in Looe are nestled in two acres of quiet Cornish countryside and sleep up to six people. Built in 2008, facilities include electric profiling beds, electric hoists/slings, riser chair and shower chair, while additional mobility aids available on request and without charge. The popular Looe & Plaidy beaches are close by, where you can hire a sand wheelchair, watch the sunset or enjoy a traditional cream tea. You’ll also be within travelling distance of The Eden Project, as well as South East Cornwall’s array of great houses and gardens, including the grand Lanhydrock House.
Situated on the outstanding Victorian promenade in the heart of Llandudno Bay, this hotel has 40 modern accessible rooms, some overlooking the sea. You’ll stay on a half-board basis and the hotel prides itself on sourcing the very best local ingredients for hearty Welsh breakfasts, traditional roast lamb dinners and famous freshly battered fish and chips – with Vegetarians and dietary requirements well catered for too. The main shopping street, Venue Cymru Theatre and the Llandudno museum are only a short stroll away, and fully accessible excursions are available to the nearby Conwy Castle, Anglesey, Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, and Lake Padarn.
Visit Blackpool’s world-famous attractions including Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds, and SeaLife Blackpool, before enjoying panoramic sea views from your hotel room. There are 43 modern accessible rooms available and the hotel doesn’t charge single supplements. This one is another half-board option; the in-house chef has 20 years’ experience and provides good quality, home-cooked meals using fresh local produce. The hotel also boasts fabulous live entertainment each night (including special theme weekends), and there’s even an accessible games room. It regularly plays host to cast members from Coronation Street and Emmerdale, so you might even spot a star.
A countryside log cabin in Burnham-on-Sea
These countryside log cabins are perfect for those who want to combine a relaxing retreat with a fun-packed activity holiday. Located on an animal farm the cabins offer luxury living with high quality décor and under-floor heating throughout. A river meanders through the farm – perfect for fishing – and there’s a range of on-site activities including canoeing, kayaking, archery, target shooting, cycle hire, wildlife safaris, and pottery. Nearby you can visit the sandy beaches or the world-famous Cheddar Gorge, Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor, the RSPB Nature Reserves at Ham Wall, Grey Lake or the Steep Holm Island boat tour.
Different from other caravans and sleeping up to six, these are custom-built models with two bedrooms and convertible beds in the lounge, making them suitable for family and / or carer accommodation. The four-star Holiday Park boasts a scenic setting in the picturesque Lake District and has indoor and outdoor heated pools, a 9-hole golf course, and archery. It’s around a 30-minute journey to Lake Windermere and close to sandy beaches, lake cruises, steam railway rides, Dalton Zoo, and Beatrix Potter’s cottage.
Although it sleeps up to 16 people, the stunning self-catering barn conversion can also be rented as apartments for two, four or six people (the price is adjusted according to the occupancy level.) The bedrooms have been designed to a high standard, have adjustable beds, and are ideally suited for wheelchair access. There’s also level access patio areas to sit and enjoy the countryside views. Facilities include a fully accessible hydrotherapy swimming pool, and there’s also a restaurant on site if you don’t fancy cooking. Fabulous dishes include Scarning ‘Asparagus’ when in season, Slow cooked Lamb Fillet, Norfolk Sausage & Mash, Cromer Crab, indulgent chocolate tart and delicious desserts.
A countryside cottage in Melrose
For exploring the unspoilt Scottish Borders countryside, this ground-level cottage is the ideal choice. Snuggled in a fold of the Eildon Hills, it boasts magnificent views from the cottages over the Tweed Valley to the Lammermuir and Moorfoot Hills, with Galashiels in the distance. Edinburgh isn’t too far away, nor is the great castle of Northumberland, although there’s lots of interest in the immediate locale – particularly for naturalists, historians, gardeners, architectural enthusiasts and sports people. The self-contained facilities are fully accessible, though there is an additional charge for use of the hoist and electric bed.
The family-run hotel has ground-floor wheelchair-friendly chalet-style rooms, which include wheel-in showers and wheeled shower chairs. A standard room sleeps two while the superior rooms can accommodate four people, and a full English buffet-style breakfast is included in all room rates. The area is a popular coastal resort which enjoys exceptional sunsets and hosts regular events over the summer months. It’s rich in historical buildings too, such as The Royal Estate of Sandringham, which is close by. For nature lovers, there are the RSPB reserves at Titchwell and Snettisham.
A relaxing retreat barn in Kent
Ideal for families seeking a relaxing escape from reality, this converted barn sleeps up to 12 people and is close to local amenities including a village shop, butchers, restaurant and pub. All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, including one wet room, and there’s also a BBQ and hot tub. The barn is in the perfect location for walking, cycling and spotting wildlife (of which there is plenty), while one well-behaved pet is also permitted. The city itself is surrounded by medieval walls and cobbled streets – or you could spend an afternoon enjoying the historic river tours, the Canterbury Tales attraction or the Tower Gardens, as well as various World Heritage Sites.
A countryside cottage in Whitby
A flagship 4-star Quality in Tourism rated easy-access cottage, it’s easy to see why this destination is so popular with families. Its up-to-date facilities are regularly reviewed for wheelchair users, older persons, persons with a visual or hearing impairment, or persons with a learning disability or memory difficulties. Whitby, famous for its connection to Captain Cook and his ship the Endeavor, is the perfect location for exploring the spectacular North York Moors National Park. You can travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, visit Robin Hood’s Bay, or visit the many friendly pubs, tea rooms and other attractions in the surrounding area.
If you’re booking an accessible holiday in the UK, make sure you’re protected with our UK Holiday Cancellation policy. Find out more here.
