7 summer staycation ideas for wheelchair users

If you want to make the most of summer with an unforgettable staycation, the UK isn’t short of stunning landscapes, charming towns and exciting activities. Yet, for wheelchair users, planning the perfect trip can come with extra challenges. In this article, we’ve put together a shortlist of great staycation spots that are fully accessible.

And when you’re ready to find a comfortable place to stay, you have plenty of choice at Accessible Holiday Escapes.

Peak District

The Peak District National Park is an area renowned for its dramatic hills, historic buildings and fascinating caverns. Castleton is the Peak’s first accessible village and has many accessible facilities for all mobility levels. It has disabled parking, accessible toilets, wheelchair and tramper hire services, plus Miles without Stiles. These well-surfaced routes make exploring the park easy. They’re also graded to show if they’re accessible for ‘all’, ‘many’ or ‘some’. Read more about them here.

Lake District

England’s largest National Park has something for everyone. Head north to Keswick and stop by the Calvert Trust. They offer fun activities for disabled people, from boating and zip wiring to wheelchair challenge courses, all surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape. Or there’s the Bendrigg Trust in Kendall. They also organise a great range of accessible activity days for families and adults. Places to stay? Our friends at Lakes For All have self-catering, wheelchair accessible holiday properties in Cumbria.

Cornwall

Soak up coastal charm this summer at Britain’s most south-westerly tip. While some areas can be challenging, Cornwall has plenty of accessible gems. Many beaches in Cornwall are easy to access by wheelchair and provide sand chairs to hire. Summerleaze Beach in Bude, for example, has level access from the car park and Changing Places toilets. At Marazion Beach, you’ll find a ramp down to the beach from the car park, plus excellent facilities including cafés, toilets, ice cream shops.

Read our article about the UK’s best accessible beaches here.

Dorset

Most people visit Dorset to explore its dramatic Jurassic coastline, yet the county boasts a wealth of experiences, many of which are easily accessible. From sandy beaches and quaint villages to outdoor adventures and cultural pursuits. In fact, Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve in Swanage won the VisitEngland for Excellence’s Accessible and Inclusive Tourism award in 2020. Enjoy stunning coastal views, explore the visitor centre, and spot local wildlife here.

Yorkshire Dales

There’s a warm welcome waiting for you in the Yorkshire Dales. While this region is known for its rugged beauty, there are plenty of ways to experience an accessible staycation here. Many villages in the Dales, have accessible paths, as do some attractions. At Aysgarth Falls, there are accessible viewpoints to appreciate the beauty. Or why not relax and recharge in Harrogate? It’s beautiful gardens, shops, and restaurants are easy for wheelchair users to get around.

Cardiff, Wales

If you’re looking for an accessible city break, escape to the vibrant capital of Wales. Cardiff is a cosmopolitan hub with a rich history, modern attractions, and a stunning waterfront, all of which can be easily explored by wheelchair users. The iconic Cardiff Castle, as well as many museums, is fully accessible with ramps and lifts throughout. Tour the historic city centre or venture to Cardiff Bay for a plethora of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

With lush green spaces and a rich enchanting history, the southern region of Scotland is the ideal destination for wheelchair users. Threave Garden has flat and smooth accessible paths, so you can enjoy the floral displays. There are plenty of accessible areas at Drumlanrig Castle too. Spend a day admiring its impressive architecture and uncovering its stories. Or take a trip to Gretna Green. Famous for its weddings, the town of love has an array of accessible attractions and shops.

Let us know where you’re taking a summer staycation

Book a wheelchair accessible vehicle through us and enjoy a staycation of your own

If you’d like to enjoy a day out or a short break in the UK, ask us to organise a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) for you and your friends or family. Our team will arrange the perfect vehicle for your needs. You can hire one of our WAVs for anywhere from one day to one year. Simply click the button below to browse our range of vehicles, or give us a call on 0300 045 4505 to speak to us.