Having a mobility impairment often results in getting out of the house much less often than normal, so the thought of going on holiday is often too daunting to contemplate. Today we’ll look at some of the best places to holiday in the UK for those that rely on wheelchairs, mobility scooters or powerchairs. It’s not too late to book a summer holiday, so read on!

Head To the Hampshire Countryside

The South Downs National Park is probably not a location that immediately springs to mind when thinking about accessible holidays. Wallops Wood in Droxford offers five self-catering cottages that all have step-free access with wooden floors inside and patios out. The hot tubs are a big attraction all year round too, and guests are welcomed all year round. In the summer you can barbecue on the patio and in the winter cosy up in front of the woodburner. Cottages sleep up to 6 adults: www.wallopswoodcottages.co.uk.

Take To the River!

If the countryside is not challenging enough for you, why not take to the river? The QEF Jubilee, which is based in Hemel Hempstead, is a fully adapted canal boat that not only provides comfortable accommodation for wheelchair users, but also has adapted the controls to allow disabled people to operate the boat. The boat is a little wider than standard canal boats for better access, and inside you’ll find a hoist, adjustable bed and a battery charger for your powerchair or mobility scooter. The QEF Jubilee sleeps 8 with space for 3 wheelchairs.

Head To The Queen’s Favourite Retreat – Sandringham, Norfolk

The Queen enjoys winter in Sandringham for good reason – it is a fantastically beautiful place to be. Just a few miles from the Royal Estate at Sandringham, and close to the Norfolk Coast, is The Drier, a large converted barn that sleeps up to 10 people in 5 bedrooms. Although this is over 3 floors there is a lift. The top floor has a gallery with views of the surrounding countryside. The cottage has level access and an open plan living space, with a low-level kitchen designed for wheelchair users, and en suite roll-in wet rooms: nd-fc.co.uk.

Luxury Holiday Villa in Branscombe, Devon

If a beach holiday is a must, then a trip to Devon is in order. In Branscombe, which is between Lyme Regis and Exmouth, you’ll find one of the most luxurious wood cabins in the country. The villa sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms.

Set on one level it has large open plan living spaces that open out onto an equally large balcony with stunning views. The bathroom comes with wheel in a shower, shower chair and grab rails. There are wheelchair ramps providing wheelchair access to all areas, and the driveway is also fully wheelchair accessible.

The chalet is built from locally sourced timber and has tall ceilings and huge windows that let in loads of light, so even if the British weather turns a little gloomy it still feels light and airy inside. The villa comes with barbeque, private gardens, and all the self-catering facilities you need. There’s a pub and shop nearby too and the sea is only a 10 minute drive away. Disabledholidays.com.

Caravan Holidays

Static caravans have recently become the latest accessible holiday option thanks to Parkdean Resorts. Parkdean Resorts has introduced range of wheelchair accessible accommodation, with lowered kitchen units, open plan rooms, walk-in showers and wet areas, large bedrooms with trapeze bars above the bed, and external ramps for access. Not all locations have wheelchair accessible caravans, so check their wheelchair friendly map and choose a location, then filter by “Wheelchair Friendly”.

Once you’ve booked your accommodation you need to start planning your stay. Many of these options are in such great locations that you might not want to leave, but if you love exploring, find out what is in the local area before you leave so you can get the most from your holiday. Booking a holiday is also a great excuse for buying a new travel mobility scooter – with so many to choose from you really are spoilt for choice.

So don’t let reduced mobility stop you enjoying a much deserved holiday this year!