Planning a winter staycation? Lots of people love staycations in the UK, but it can be tricky to find the perfect place with accessible accommodation and things to do. Check out these tips to help you find fun and comfortable winter staycation spots this year.
Choosing a UK staycation this winter could be the perfect getaway. Since you’re staying in the same country, there’s usually less travel and planning, which makes it easier and more comfortable.
There are lots of good things about a UK staycation. You can invite more family and friends to join. Also, many places let you bring guide dogs or pets. Staying in the UK can also save you money compared to going abroad. Plus, it’s easier to bring along any special equipment or mobility aids you might need.
Whether you want a cosy trip, time with loved ones, or an exciting winter adventure, there are plenty of UK staycation options. Everyone has different accessibility needs. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful ideas to help you find your ideal winter getaway.
Choosing an accessible location
Choosing the perfect spot for your winter staycation in the UK takes a bit of planning. Start by thinking about how far you’d like to travel and the best way to get there.
Your Motability Scheme package
With the Motability Scheme, you can have peace of mind when you travel. As part of your all-inclusive package with the Scheme, you get insurance, servicing, repairs and much more. So wherever you are in the UK, you’re covered.
Plus, if you lease an electric car, you’ll get access to Motability Go Charge. This is a card and app that gives you access to over 50,000 public chargepoints from over 20 different chargepoint operators. That’s over half of all chargepoints in the UK, meaning you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) with ease on your journey.
Next, consider the type of trip you want. Are you looking for something relaxing, or do you prefer a more active trip? Here are some options to think about.
Countryside staycations
For a peaceful and relaxing break, the countryside is a great choice. Especially if you’re looking for some quiet time or want to be out in nature. Even if it gets a bit chilly, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and unwind during the colder months.
If you like winter walks, there are lots of accessible routes in the UK countryside. The National Trust shares a helpful list of top accessible walks across the country. You can find details on how long the routes are and whether they’re suitable for mobility aids, like wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or pushchairs. These paths let you have a great experience because they are designed to be accessible for everyone.
If you’d rather do something indoors, there are lots of museums and galleries you can visit in the UK. Accessible Great Days Out has a list of these places across the country. Many of them have ramps, audio guides and accessible tours. You can find out more or book ahead on the venue’s website.
Author’s* countryside pick: Cornwall
Cornwall has lots of fun activities and great views to enjoy, no matter the weather. This makes it a great place for a UK staycation.
The Eden Project is a fun and educational day out for the whole family. You can explore the global gardens inside big, covered Biomes, so you’ll stay warm and dry even if it’s raining. It’s also very accessible for people with different disabilities. Plus, it’s cost-effective as carers or personal assistants can enter for free.
There are also free wheelchairs available to borrow. If you’re visually impaired, you can book an access guide or use a Braille guidebook to help during your visit. They also welcome assistance dogs too.
City staycations
If you’re looking for a fun trip, a city staycation is a great idea, especially during winter. Many cities get even more exciting during the festive season with holiday lights and special events. You can visit festive markets, see famous landmarks, or trying out new restaurants.
Author’s city pick: Edinburgh
If you’re looking for an exciting city to visit during winter, Edinburgh is a great choice with lots to do. You can explore the famous Edinburgh Castle and easily find all the accessibility information you need on their website.
If you love shopping, head to George Street where there are lots of shops and restaurants, plus beautiful buildings to enjoy. To end your trip, you could visit the Edinburgh Playhouse to watch a show. These sometimes include well-known West End shows too.
Just like in the countryside, there are lots of museums and heritage sites to explore in big cities across the UK. So, if it’s cold and rainy outside, you can still have fun by doing something indoors.
Author’s city pick: Bath
Bath is a great place to visit if you love history. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can visit sights from the Roman times. Check out the Roman Baths, the city’s biggest attraction. The Roman Baths are mostly accessible to wheelchair users with lifts and handrails all around the museum.
The city also has lots of accessible restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food. For a traditional meal, The Elder is a great choice. It has easy access with a ramp and is at a street level.
Choosing accessible accommodation
Once you’ve picked your location, it’s time to decide what kind of place to stay. You can choose from accessible hotels, Airbnbs, or even cool options like accessible yurts.
If you do not want to cook during your stay, a hotel is a good choice. They usually have plenty of restaurants and food spots in the hotel or nearby. Hotels also offer extra comfort, with staff available to help if you need anything.
Websites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com have accessibility details about bathrooms and room sizes. You can also use sites like DisabledHolidays.com and accessibleGO.
If you’d rather cook your own meals, self-catering places are a great option and can help save money. Websites like AirBnB let you search for places with parking and step-free access. Many listings also include pictures and floor plans to make sure it suits your needs.
You can also find a list of useful contacts for accessible accommodation on the Motability Scheme’s website.
Accessibility features checklist
If you’re not sure about how accessible somewhere is, it’s always best to ask before you book to avoid any surprises during your trip. Here are some key things to think about when choosing where to stay:
- Step-free access
- Accessible bathrooms
- Accessible parking availability
- Space under beds for a hoist
- Assistive devices such as visual fire alarms
- Emergency procedures
- Staff training and disability awareness
- Accessibility in communal areas
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Join over 800,000 customers who already enjoy the benefits of a all-inclusive package through the Scheme. With the Scheme, you can exchange part or all your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle of your choice. Check if you’re eligible to join the Scheme.
Request a free information pack to learn more about the Scheme.
*Author’s bio
Shona Louise is a writer and access consultant. She writes about disability and accessibility on her blog, and has worked with well known publishers across the past 10 years. These include Metro, The Independent, DigitalSpy, Posability Magazine and Rooted in Rights. She is also a theatre photographer and campaigns for greater accessibility in the arts.
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