Thinking about booking yourself a winter staycation break? Many people enjoy staycations, but finding the ideal location, accessible accommodation and planning activities can be challenging. Keep reading to discover tips to help you have a comfortable, enjoyable winter staycation in the UK.
Choosing a staycation within the UK this winter could be a wonderful escape. Staycations can feel like a more comfortable option as you are staying in the same country. This type of holiday can often involve less travel, easing the stress of planning for accessibility.
Staycations offer the added benefit of bringing guide dogs and pets with you. This type of holiday also means you can gather more of your family without spending too much money. If you value the comforts of home, along with the need for assistance or mobility aids like a hoist and bathroom equipment, a staycation ensures you can bring them along with you.
Whether you want a quiet and cosy holiday, time with loved ones, or a fun winter adventure, there are lots of UK staycations to choose from. While everyone’s accessibility requirements vary, we have put together a handy list of tips to help you find your perfect winter break.
Find your perfect staycation break location
Choosing where to go for a winter staycation in the UK requires some planning, so start by thinking about how far you want to travel and how you will get there.
Choose the countryside for a quiet and relaxing staycation
If you’re looking for a quiet break with family or friends, then the countryside could be the ideal location for you. The countryside offers beautiful views, even when the weather isn’t great. Whatever the weather, we can guarantee it’ll be cold, so getting cosy in your accommodation with a warm drink and a blanket could be the ultimate way to relax.
If winter walks are for you, you can find many accessible routes to enjoy Yorkshire‘s beautiful views. Each walk has information on how long the route is and whether it’s suitable for wheelchair users and buggies. Alternatively, if you enjoy a slower pace, visit a local pub to enjoy a roast dinner with your loved ones.
Cornwall offers a variety of days out and views that are enjoyable whatever the weather, making it perfect for a UK staycation break. The Eden Project is a fun and educational day out for the whole family. You’ll explore a global garden across their massive covered Biomes, meaning you’ll be safe from the rain and cold. It offers great accessibility for a wide range of disabilities too. Assistance dogs are welcome and there is no charge for carers and personal assistants. There are also a variety of wheelchairs available to use free of charge. If you’re visually impaired, you can also pre-book an access guide to support your visit and a Braille guidebook is available.
Cityscapes are an excellent choice if you are looking for excitement!
Explore Edinburgh if you want a lively city with winter activities, shopping, and plenty of food. There is plenty to see and do across the city, including exploring the famous Edinburgh Castle. You can find lots of helpful accessibility information on their website. If shopping is more your style, head to George Street, where you’ll find many shops and restaurants and admire the beautiful buildings. You could even finish your trip with a visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse to watch one of the many touring theatre productions performed there, including well-known West End shows.
Bath is also a great choice 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 90% accessible to wheelchair users with lifts and handrails all around the museum. The historic city has plenty of accessible restaurants to enjoy lots of lovely food. The Elder is a great option for a traditional dinner with family and friends. It has easy access with a ramp and is at a street level.
Choose your UK winter staycation break accommodation
Once you have your location locked in, it is time to consider what type of staycation break accommodation would best suit your needs. You can choose anything from an accessible hotel room to self-catering accommodation, including unique options such as accessible yurts!
A hotel might be a good option if you take advantage of the UK’s wide range of restaurants and food options during your stay rather than cook yourself. Hotels also offer added comfort with staff available to assist you during your stay. For hotels, you can use websites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com to find accessibility information about bathroom facilities and room dimensions. There are also websites dedicated to providing accessibility information on hotels, including DisabledHolidays.com and accessibleGO.
Self-catering accommodation is a great option if you want to cook your favourite meals for your loved ones. Websites such as AirBnB let you filter options by things such as parking availability and step-free access. Many owners include photos of their accessibility features and a floor plan to help you visualise everything you need.
If you’re ever unsure about accessibility, it’s always better to ask before you book to avoid any unwanted surprises during your break. Here are some key things to consider when reviewing your accommodation options:
- 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
Read our guide on finding the best accessible accommodation
About the Scheme
The Motability Scheme makes leasing a car an easy, hassle-free experience. With the Scheme, you can exchange part or all of your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle of your choice. Insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance are already arranged and included, so you can enjoy the freedom that comes with a worry-free lease.
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