Accessible Accommodation, Travel and Holiday Tips
Accessible Travel Tips
Your comprehensive guide to accessible holidays and travel
There is a wide choice of accessible holidays and providers in the UK and abroad. This guide brings together travel companies that can organise your accessible accommodation, flights, adapted transfers, equipment hire and more.
Accessible Holiday Providers
Limitless Travel
This website helps you plan the best holidays in the UK suitable for your needs. Limitless Travel removes the hassle, the stress and the worry. They offer award-winning accessible coach holidays and cruises, with qualified carers on every trip to support disabled travellers.
Enabled Holidays
At Enabled Holidays they believe travel for disabled people should involve less work and more play. They can help you find, plan and arrange a holiday to suit your individual needs.
Disabled Holidays
Free online listings with detailed accessibility descriptions of hotels, guest houses, cottages, villas and apartments in the UK and abroad. Each property is clearly marked by its accessible facilities. Properties suitable for the visually impaired and people with hearing difficulties are also available. Use their Advanced Search page to find a holiday to meet your disability needs.
TUI Accessible Holiday Deals
Deals guarantee a trip which includes wheelchair accessible resorts (hotels, apartments and villas), accessible transport and airport assistance.
Skyes Holiday Cottages
Disabled friendly cottages across the UK with accessible facilities. Includes travel guides for each location with information on how to get there and local activities to do.
Planning Your Trip
Essential Planning Resources
Age UK Accessible Travel Tips
Includes information about travelling within the UK as well as abroad, in terms of air travel and accommodation. Useful internal links about the Blue Badge Scheme abroad.
The National Careline
Provides detailed information on what to think about when planning a trip abroad for those with a disability.
GOV.UK Disability and Travel Abroad
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guide providing useful information to help you plan for travel, including emergency contact information and how to contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate if you need help when overseas.
Finding Accessible Places
AccessAble
A website to find accessible places which have ratings and reviews to take into account before visiting. They have researched over 10,000 locations across the UK and Ireland with information on wheelchair and other accessibility-friendly features.
Euan's Guide
Award-winning website that details information and reviews venue access across Britain and abroad, co-founded by Euan MacDonald, MBE.
Air Travel and Airlines
Airlines offer priority boarding, accessible seating and wheelchair provision for disabled customers. All airports are covered by Disability Access legislation, so parking, accessing and getting around them should be well supported.
Your Rights as a Passenger
When flying to or from the UK, you have the right to free special assistance. This includes:
- Help moving through the airport from check-in to your seat
- Wheelchair assistance if you cannot walk long distances
- Priority boarding
- Help with carry-on luggage and stowing bags
- Use of your own wheelchair up to the departure gate
- Onboard wheelchairs to help you move around the cabin
- Assistance with connecting flights
- Return of your wheelchair or mobility aid at the arrival gate
Major Airlines Accessibility Information
The service varies between airlines, so check with your particular airline before booking. Here are links to accessibility information for major carriers:
At the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, go to an assistance point. These are usually located at drop-off points, car parks, train stations and bus terminals, marked with a disability-related logo. Staff will help you through check-in, security, and to your departure gate.
Airlines usually recommend arriving slightly earlier than standard check-in times if you require assistance. Confirm this in advance of your flight.
Transport in the UK
Rail Travel
All train companies publish an Accessible Travel Policy. Key services include:
- Passenger Assistance: Book assistance via the National Rail website, app, or by phone. Staff at each station will have details to help your trip run smoothly.
- Disabled Persons Railcard: Offers one-third off train fares for you and a companion.
- Accessible facilities at stations including step-free access (where available), lifts, and accessible toilets
- Support for passengers travelling with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and assistance dogs
Bus Travel
Most buses across the UK feature:
- Low-floor entry and priority seating
- Wheelchair spaces
- Audio and visual stop announcements
- Disabled Person's Bus Pass: Free off-peak bus travel across England (apply through your local council)
- Older Person's Bus Pass: For individuals over state pension age
Community Transport
Many local councils and charities offer door-to-door services including:
- Dial-a-Ride services with accessible minibuses
- Volunteer driver schemes for medical appointments
- Taxicard Scheme (London) for subsidised taxi travel
Transport Support Services
Government website which includes information about rights a disabled person has when travelling, whether that be by plane, bus or train.
Blue Badge Abroad
The Blue Badge Scheme operates in other countries, including throughout the European Union. However, parking concessions can vary by country.
Before travelling abroad, check the GOV.UK website for local arrangements in the country you're visiting.
Adapted cars are available for hire in many countries. Make sure you know the licence requirements, driving laws and driving conditions of the country you are visiting.
Travelling with an Assistance Dog
You have the right to travel with your assistance dog on flights, trains, and other public transport. According to the UK Government's Equality Act 2010, service providers must welcome people with assistance dogs and make reasonable adjustments.
When travelling abroad, you'll need to follow the rules on pet travel for the country you are visiting.
Check Guide Dogs for additional advice on taking your dog on holiday with you.
Travel Insurance
Finding appropriate travel insurance is essential when you have a disability or pre-existing health condition. Shop around for policies that cover your specific needs, and always declare all relevant medical conditions when applying.
Some specialist providers focus on accessible travel insurance for disabled travellers.
Travel with Confidence
Keep your Blue Badge safe while travelling with our range of Hologram Safe® permit holders. All wallets come with a free timer clock and are made in the UK.
Ready to Explore?
With proper planning and the right support, accessible travel opens up a world of possibilities. Safe travels!