Accessible England
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Your guide to exploring England
England’s lushly beautiful countryside, vibrant cities and dramatic coastline are there for everyone to enjoy, including disabled travellers and those with access needs. There’s plenty of information and guidance on our site as to the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to get there – from assistance at railway stations, to accommodation that has been specifically assessed for those with access needs.
Whether you’re after a few days by the sea, a rural escape or a bright-lights-and-bustle weekend in the city, there is always somewhere to stay that offers comfort and support. Woodford Bridge Country Club in Devon has a swimming pool hoist, while Holiday Inns in Birmingham and London have rooms with ceiling hoists. For a real sense of escape, book the Hytte in Northumberland – a self-catering lodge that has won awards for its accessibility.
Disability is no barrier to feeling the sand between your toes or the tranquillity of England’s gardens and stately homes. Seaside resorts from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk to Boscombe in Bournemouth offer free beach wheelchairs, while many National Trust properties have excellent access facilities – particularly the beautiful gardens at Stourhead in Wiltshire and the atmospheric Anglesey Abbey in Cambridge.
Activity breaks are another great option, and again there are plenty of facilities for disabled travellers. Wheels for All offers adapted cycles at many centres including Cumbria, Sheffield and Northumberland, while fishermen can spend a lazy day on the water courtesy of Wheelyboats, which offer independent boating for wheelchair users at locations from Redruth to Ripon. Blind and visually impaired travellers can also enjoy the great outdoors with Sense Adventures, which specialises in guided walking holidays in the Malvern Hills. For families, the spectacular aquarium at The Deep in Hull is ideal for those with sensory needs; particularly on a ‘Quiet day’ when lighting and sound levels are adjusted, BSL-signed presentations are available through the day and there are multi-sensory and interactive experiences.
Whatever your level of access needs, there is an organisation that can help ensure you have a safe, fun and enjoyable holiday. Revitalise can provide short-break and respite care at their centres in Southport, Essex and Southampton. The Calvert Trust offers outdoor adventure holidays in Exmoor, Kielder and the Lakes, while the waterways of Essex, Herts and London can be explored on a holiday boat from CanalAbilty. All boats are specially adapted with lifts and other facilities to cater for people of all abilities.
For more ideas and inspiration contact Tourism for All on 0303 303 0146.
Accessible Destinations
In 2014-2016, VisitEngland worked with destination organisations in Birmingham, Brighton, Derbyshire, Lincoln, Margate, Nottingham, Northumberland and the Peak District to develop accessible itineraries in coastal, countryside and city destinations.
You can find increasingly accessible destinations around the country such as Derbyshire, thanks to the work of organisations like Accessible Derbyshire.
Know before you go
Many places to stay and visit, including accommodation and attractions that have been assessed by VisitEngland, have an Accessibility Guide (or an Access Statement). Guides are designed to give disabled travellers thorough information on where they are planning to visit. So if you want to know anything from how many steps lead up to the hotel’s front door to the location of the nearest bus stop, look out for Accessibility Guides before you travel.
Confidence to book
VisitEngland’s National Accessible Scheme (NAS) highlights accommodation providers who have improved their accessibility. This means recognising accommodation that has introduced grab rails or large-print menus – meaning that if you need a little extra support, or have let your glasses at home, providers have kept your needs in mind!
VisitEngland Inclusive Tourism Award winners brochure
The VisitEngland Inclusive Tourism Award winners booklet lists the businesses that have excelled in providing access for all visitors, and particularly people with impairments and other physical and sensory access needs.
Related link
Accommodation and travel to suit everyone's needs
Accessible places to stay
Find accommodation that meets your needs.
Getting around
Make your travelling around England easy.
Places to visit
Attraction search
The information you need to enjoy England’s excellent attractions.
Accessible London
Enjoy a fantastic hassle-free visit to London.
- 10 accessible attractions in London
- VisitLondon's Accessibility Guide
- Access London Theatre
- London transport accessibility
Useful resources
Tourism For All Travel Planner
Your one stop shop for accessible tourism all across the UK. Tourism for All is the place to find accessible destinations and places to stay – whether you want a relaxing hotel break, an exciting day trip or just a change of scenery, find everything you can think of right here!
Euan’s Guide features disabled access reviews written by disabled people and their families, friends and carers. Search for places with great disabled access and submit your own reviews of places that you have visited.
AccessAble, the new name for DisabledGo, is here to take the chance out of going out. Find thousands of Access Guides – all visited and assessed in person.
Handy hints
SPEND A PENNY
Use the Changing Places toilet map to find toilets with extra features and more space.
GET THE KEY
Gain access to over 9,000 accessible toilets with the National Key Scheme and instantly locate your nearest toilet using WheelMate.
HAPPY WALKING
Explore wheel-friendly walks with The Outdoor Guide and Walks with Wheelchairs and enjoy Accessible Countryside for Everyone.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP'
Hire a wheelchair or scooter through Shopmobility and go shopping and sightseeing.
