Disability factsheet
Holiday Information
There is a lot to consider if you are planning a holiday. This factsheet has information to help
you think about planning your holiday and also selected information on accessible holidays in
Scotland.
Before you start planning make a list of the things that are essential for you. For example, if you
need a hoist, or a wet room, or local accessible transport.
Accommodation
When considering your accommodation you should make a list of questions to ask so you are
clear it will meet your needs. Do not accept the general term of “disabled room” or “wheelchair
friendly” – this means nothing. Ask for hard facts about access, but also ask specific questions
as you know what you need. Some accommodation may have standard equipment such as
raised toilet seat; grab rails etc. that can be used as required by guests. Accommodation
providers may also be able to give you information about hiring equipment locally.
Here are some questions you may want to ask:
Parking – is there a car park with accessible parking spaces, if not is there on street parking,
are there blue badge spaces nearby, how far is the parking from the accommodation?
Entrance –is there level access, or a ramp, are there any steps?
Reception – is it far from the entrance and is the lift near reception?
Room – How far is the room from the hotel entrance, is it near the lift if not on the ground floor,
where is it in relation to the dining room or any other hotel facilities you may want to use? Does
the door open wide enough to gain entry easily, is the handle easy grip and easy to operate,
does the door stay open long enough for everyone to enter, is the lock easy to operate?
Fire procedure - does the fire evacuation procedure make provision for people who may need
assistance to evacuate the hotel?
Bathroom – how big is the room, what height is the toilet, flush type, does it have a lid or not,
type of cistern, position of toilet in the bathroom, are there grab rails and if so what is their
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Disability Factsheet
position? Is there a toilet frame, is there an alarm cord, what is the width of the door, what type
of handle and lock, does the door open in or out, what is the position of toilet roll dispenser,
what type of flooring is in the bathroom, is there a seat?
Washbasin – what is the height - is this adjustable, what type of taps are there, what is the
position of towel rails?
Bath – height of bath, availability of grab rails, pole, is it against the wall or in the middle of the
room, are there any bath aids, does it have a non slip base or mat, type and position of taps?
Shower - is it wheelchair accessible, height of controls, height of shower head - is this
adjustable, availability of seat/stool and type, type of doors or curtain?
Kitchen – how big is the room, height of worktops and appliances, are the work tops height
adjustable, is there any adapted kitchen appliances/equipment, can a wheelchair user sit
comfortably at the table?
Living room – how big is the room, can the furniture be moved around to suit you. What height
are the seats in the room and do they have arms etc.
Bedroom - is the bed height adjustable, are there single or double beds, is a high bed available
on request, are bed blocks available on request, is there any other equipment available on
request such as a lifting pole?
Garden – are there any steps or changes in level either into the garden or within the garden, is
it grassed, is it paved, is it enclosed by a fence or hedge?
Surrounding environment –is the accommodation on a hill, are there cobbles, is it very far from
the beach, town centre, tourist attractions etc. Is there accessible parking nearby, are there
accessible activities for you to participate in, is there equipment hire nearby?
Equipment
If you require disability equipment, you may want to take this with you, however it is important
to consider what you can and will do if your equipment gets lost, broken, or breaks down
either in transit or at your holiday destination. Alternatively you can enquire into the possibility
of hiring equipment when you arrive. However bear in mind it can be difficult to hire certain
equipment such as a shower chair or commode. Our Equipment Factsheet has more
information about hiring equipment.
Carers/sitters
Sometimes it can be useful or necessary to use paid carers when on holiday. For some people,
it is essential to have a full time paid carer to be able to go on holiday. Paid care might be ideal
for teenagers/adults who are holidaying with family, but want to do different activities. Some
specialist holiday companies offer accompanied holidays or holidays which can provide carers
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Disability Factsheet
or sitters. Other specialist holiday providers provide ‘respite’ where the disabled person takes
part in activities they enjoy while their family does different activities and then meet later. Some
care agencies can provide carers. For example, in the morning/evening as required for those
on holiday in the area. These obviously add to the cost of a holiday.
Transport
Think about how you will travel to your holiday destination.
Your own car - If you decide to take your own car, it’s important to find out about accessible
parking, can you use your blue badge and if so what are the local rules for using a blue badge?
It can be helpful to know the dimensions of your wheelchair when enquiring about transport.
Will your transport options all link up? For example, where are the taxi ranks for wheelchair
accessible taxis in relation to bus stop/station/train station/airport etc. Can you book
assistance in advance?
Hiring a car – If you decide to hire a car make sure that it will be big enough for you, your
family, luggage and equipment. Some hire cars can be fitted with hand controls.
Buses - It is important to check whether there are wheelchair accessible buses both to your
holiday destination and at your destination. Contact the bus company to get information about
timetables and regulations regarding carriage of wheelchairs.
Trains – Contact the train company to get information about booking assistance and
regulations regarding the carriage of wheelchairs.
Ferries - Contact the ferry company to ask for information about assistance to board the ferry
as well as access on the ferry.
Our Mobility and Transport Factsheet has more information about different modes of transport.
Below is selected information on accessible holidays, including accommodation, activity
holidays, and holiday companies.
Accommodation – Hotels, Guesthouses, Self-Catering
The main source of information about accommodation and accessible accommodation is
VisitScotland. If you are looking for information on accommodation then you
should try these organisations first.
VisitScotland
Visit Scotland is the national tourist board for Scotland. Its website gives information about
accommodation and visitor attractions. You can search for accommodation online by location,
accessibility and by star-grading. You can also telephone their booking line for information about
accessible accommodation.
Contact:
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Disability Factsheet
Visit Scotland
Ocean Point 1
94 Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JH
The national booking line for accommodation is:
Tel: 0845 859 1006
E-mail: info@visitscotland.com
Website: www.visitscotland.com
Shared Care Scotland
Shared Care Scotland has an online directory of short break and respite services which does
include holiday breaks and accessible guest houses and hotels.
Contact:
Shared Care Scotland
Unit 2 Dunfermline Business Centre
Izatt Avenue
Dunfermline
KY11 3BZ
Tel: 01383 622 462
E-mail: office@sharedcarescotland.com
Website: www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk
Crathie Opportunity Holidays
Four fully accessible self-catering holiday cottages on the banks of the River Dee in
Aberdeenshire.
Contact:
The Manse Courtyard
Crathie
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5UL
Tel: 01339 742100
E-mail: info@crathieholidays.org.uk
Website: www.crathieholidays.org.uk
Denis Duncan House
Fully accessible self-catering accommodation in Dirleton, East Lothian. Facilities include a
portable induction loop, wet room, hoist and height adjustable washing facilities.
Contact:
The Lin Berwick Trust
The Christopher Centre
10 Gainsborough Street
Sudbury
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Disability Factsheet
Suffolk
CO10 2EU
Tel: 01787 372343
E-mail: info@thelinberwicktrust.org.uk
Website: www.thelinberwicktrust.org.uk
Farm Stay UK
Holidays and accommodation on more than 1000 farms across the UK. Many properties provide
facilities for disabled people. Their website has information on accommodation and they produce
a publication called Farm Stay Guide. You can search for accessible accommodation on the
website.
Contact:
Farm Stay UK Ltd
National Agricultural Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0247 669 6909
E-mail: info@farmstay.co.uk
Website: www.farmstay.co.uk
Leuchie House,North Berwick
Accessible holiday home in a listed building in North Berwick. Sleeps 20 people. Geared towards
people who need 24-hour nursing.
Contact:
The Manager
Leuchie House
North Berwick
East Lothian
EH39 5NY
Tel: 01620 892864
E-mail: enquiries@leuchiehouse.org.uk
Website: www.leuchiehouse.org.uk
Forest Holidays
Provide a range of luxury cabins, some of which are wheelchair accessible, on Forestry
Commission land in Argyll and Strathyre in Scotland.
Contact:
Forest Holidays
Bath Yard
Moira
Derbyshire
DE12 6BA
Tel: 03330 110 495
E-mail: info@forestholidays.co.uk
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Disability Factsheet
Website: www.forestholidays.co.uk
Accompanied Holidays / Holidays with Care Provided
Some specialist holiday companies, as well as activity centres, offer organised holidays with
care provided.
Altogether Travel
Arranges bespoke holiday packages for disabled people in the UK and abroad with care
provided if needed.
Contact:
Altogether Travel Ltd.
Meadow View
Cumbernauld
G67 2BY
Tel: 01236 222006
E-Mail: altogethertravel@gmail.com
Website: www.altogethertravel.co.uk
Holidays With Help
Arranges holidays for people with disabilities and their carers. Can provide experienced
volunteers and a range of activities. Medical and nursing advice is available if needed. They do
not provide 24 hour nursing care but can assist with medication.
Contact:
Holidays with Help
4 Pebblecombe
Adelaide Road
Surbiton
Surrey
KT6 4LL
Telephone: 020 8390 9752
E-mail: holidayswithhelp@btconnect.com
Website: www.holidayswithhelp.org.uk
Chalfont Line Holidays
Provides a range of holidays in the UK and abroad. There are personal assistance packages
available to suit clients needs. A specially adapted coach is provided for UK and European
travel with a side lift, clamped wheelchair spaces, an induction loop system and video
screens to relay signing. Door to door transport is available.
Contact:
Chalfont Line Holidays
4 Providence Road
West Drayton
Middlesex
UB7 8HJ
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Disability Factsheet
Tel: 01895 459540
Fax: 01895 459549
E-mail: holidays@chalfont-line.co.uk
Website: www.chalfont-line.co.uk
Can Be Done Ltd
Organiser of holidays for disabled people. Co-ordinates accommodation, transport and visits to
most areas of the world. Arranges fully accessible holidays; self-drive mini-tours with adapted
transport.
Contact:
Can Be Done Ltd
11 Woodcock Hill
Harrow
HA3 0XP
Tel: 020 8907 2400
E-mail: holidays@canbedone.co.uk
Website: www.canbedone.co.uk
3H FUND
Organises group holidays for disabled adults and children. Holidays are arranged in the UK and
abroad. Full care is provided with volunteer helpers, a leader and a nurse for each holiday.
Contact:
3H Fund
B2 Speldhurst Business Park
Langton Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 0AQ
Tel: 01892 860207
E-mail: info@3hfund.org.uk
Website: www.3hfund.org.uk
Wings on Wheels
Holidays in the UK and abroad. There is a nurse or carer accompanying each group who can
give assistance with basic medication, dressing and getting out of the shower.
Contact:
Wings on Wheels
8 Cornfields
Church Lane
Tydd St Giles
Wisbech
Cambridgeshire
PE13 5LX
Tel: 0194 587 1111
E-mail: info@wingsonwheels.co.uk
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Disability Factsheet
Website: www.wingsonwheels.co.uk
Care Inspectorate
If personal care is required while on holiday in Scotland, for example in the morning or evening,
the Care Inspectorate can give information about local agencies that provide short-term care in
Scotland and may do so for people on holiday.
Contact:
The Care Inspectorate
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY
Tel: 0845 600 9527
E-mail: enquiries@careinspectorate.com
Website: www.scswis.com
Shared Care Scotland
Shared Care Scotland’s online directory of short break and respite services also includes details
as to whether an agency may be able to provide support to people who are on holiday in the area.
Contact:
Shared Care Scotland
Unit 2 Dunfermline Business Centre
Izatt Avenue
Dunfermline
KY11 3BZ
Tel: 01383 622 462
E-mail: office@sharedcarescotland.com
Website: www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk
Specialist Holiday Companies / Tour Operators
Access Travel (Lancs) Ltd
Access Travel is a tour operator specialising in overseas holidays for people with a disability and
their families. They offer wheelchair accessible accommodation and, at some resorts, special aids
(bath hoists, chairs etc) and car hire.
Contact:
Access Travel (Lancs) Ltd
6 The Hillock
Astley
Manchester
M29 7GW
Tel: 01942 888844
E-mail: office@access-travel.co.uk
Website: www.access-travel.co.uk
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Disability Factsheet
Accessible Travel and Leisure
Offer accessible holidays to a variety of destinations overseas. Cruises, city breaks, winter and
summer sun holidays are available.
Contact:
Accessible Travel and Leisure
Avionics House
Newhaven Road
Kingsway Business Park
Quedgeley
Gloucester
GL2 2SN.
Tel: 01452 729 739
E-mail: info@accessibletravel.co.uk
Website: www.accessibletravel.co.uk
Enable Holidays
Accessible package holidays worldwide. Brochure available.
Contact:
Enable Holidays
Arion Business Centre
Harriett House
118 High Street
Erdington
Birmingham
B23 6BG
Tel: 0871 222 4939
E-mail: info@enableholidays.com
Website: www.enableholidays.com
Outdoor / Group / Activity Holidays
Badaguish, Aviemore
Activity holidays with support and accommodation for adults and children with learning, multiple
or physical disabilities. Unaccompanied individuals and groups are catered for and 24 hour care
can be provided. Self-catering accommodation also available.
Contact:
Badaguish Outdoor Centre
Aviemore
PH22 1QU
Tel: 01479 861285
E-mail: info@badaguish.org
Website: www.badaguish.org
FABB Scotland
Theme based residential summer activity holidays for young disabled and non-disabled people.
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Disability Factsheet
Also have activity clubs running throughout the year.
Contact:
FABB Scotland
Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5QY
Tel: 0131 475 2313
E-mail: info@fabb.org.uk
Website: www.fabb.org.uk
Jubilee Sailing Trust
Offers sailing holidays for disabled and non-disabled people (from 16 years old) on specially
designed tall ships. Everyone on board takes an active part in the running of the vessel.
Contact:
JST
Hazel Road
Woolston
Southampton
SO19 7GA
Tel: 023 8044 9108
E-mail: info@jst.org.uk
Website: www.jst.org.uk
Outward Bound Scotland
Run a variety of courses in the West Highlands. Disabled people, ages 16-24 years, are welcome
on all courses. Activities include water rafting, kayaking and problem solving courses.
Contact:
Outward Bound Trust Scotland
Robertson House
152 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4TB
Tel: 0141 413 0244
E-mail: enquiries@outwardbound.org.uk
Website: www.outwardbound.org.uk
Seagull Trust Cruises
Hires out a wheelchair accessible canal boat for holidays on the Lowland canals. The boat is
based in Falkirk.
Contact:
Seagull Trust Cruises
Bantaskine Park
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Disability Factsheet
Falkirk
FK1 5P1
Tel: 07513 291 771
E-mail: marionbookings@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk
Website: www.seagulltrust.org.uk
Camping and Caravan Holidays
Action Group Caravan, Port Seton
Caravan available for hire for children and adults who have a learning disability and their
parents/carers. Must register (no charge) as a member of the Action Group at the Edinburgh
office to use the caravan.
Contact:
The Action Group
Norton Park Centre
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5QY
Tel: 0131 475 2315
Fax: 0131 475 2316
E-mail: advice@actiongroup.org.uk
Website: www.actiongroup.org.uk
Camping and Caravanning Club
Club for people interested in camping and caravanning. It is possible to search on their online
database for sites that are wheelchair accessible.
Contact:
The Camping and Caravanning Club
Greenfields House
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JH
Tel: 0845 130 7631
Website: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Visitor attractions
Visit Scotland provides information about tourist attractions in Scotland. See their entry under
‘Accommodation’ for their contact details.
Historic Scotland
Provides information on historic properties and places of historic interest that they manage
across Scotland. There is an online access guide which has information about access at
Historic Scoland properties for disabled people.
Contact:
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Disability Factsheet
Historic Scotland
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
National Trust for Scotland
Provides information about its own visitor attractions across Scotland, which includes
information about access for disabled visitors.
Contact:
The National Trust for Scotland
Hermiston Quay
5 Cultins Road
Edinburgh
EH11 4DF
Tel: 0844 493 2100
Fax: 0844 493 2102
E-mail: information@nts.org.uk
Website: www.nts.org.uk
Transport
Our Mobility and Transport Fact Sheet has information about transport throughout Scotland,
including information about car hire, hand controls and contact details for transport providers.
Travel Insurance
Most standard holiday company insurance policies will not cover pre-existing medical
conditions. However there are specialist insurance companies who will do so. Tourism For All
has an online directory which includes a list of specialist insurance companies.
Contact:
Tourism For All
7A Pixel Mill
44 Appleby Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6ES
Tel: 0845 124 9971
E-mail: info@tourismforall.org.uk
Website: www.tourismforall.org.uk
Other Useful Organisations and Websites
If you don’t have access to the internet you can contact the Advice Service Capability Scotland
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Disability Factsheet
to get more information about the organisations mentioned below.
Changing Places
This is an organisation which campaigns for more accessible toilets with adult changing
facilities. Their website has a list of all Changing Places toilets in the UK.
Contact:
Tel: 01382 385 154
Email: pamischangingplaces@dundee.ac.uk
Website: www.changing-places.org
Ceiling Hoist Users Club
This is an organisation that has details about holiday accommodation with ceiling hoists.
Contact:
CHuC
c/o 7 The Scarplands
Duston
Northampton
NN5 6EY
Tel: 01604 805839
E-mail: admin@chuc.org.uk
Website: www.chuc.org.uk
Holiday Inn Express
Subject to availability some Holiday Inn Express hotels may offer a free room for a carer
adjacent to the accessible room used by the disabled guest.
Telephone their booking line: 0871 423 4942 or go to their website for contact details of
individual hotels: www.hiexpress.com
www.caravanable.co.uk
Information about caravan sites in the UK with facilities for disabled people.
www.disabledgo.com
Has detailed access information about museums, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs and
attractions in certain UK cities and Local Authorities.
www.walkswithwheelchairs.com
An online database of routes which are accessible for wheelchair users. It has directions,
ordnance survey maps and reviews from users.
www.disabledholidaysguide.com
An online resource which can be used to find an accessible holiday.
www.describe-online.com
Website with text guides and text maps to public places in the UK, including railway stations.
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Disability Factsheet
March 2014
Our Advice Service
Advice Service Capability Scotland is a national disability advice and information service.
We specialise in information on cerebral palsy.
We offer:
•
information on Capability Scotland services
•
advice on cerebral palsy
•
general advice on disability issues
You can get in touch with us by calling, e-mailing, dropping in or writing a letter.
This Factsheet can be made available in other formats e.g. audio, large print
Capability Scotland
Westerlea
11 Ellersly Road
Edinburgh
EH12 6HY
Telephone: 0131 313 5510
Textphone: 0131 346 2529
Fax: 0131 346 7864
Email: advice@capability-scotland.org.uk
www.capability-scotland.org.uk
Scottish Charity SCO11330