Here in the UK, we’re incredibly lucky to have many incredible national parks. However, wheelchair travel can be challenging. Not only are many of the national parks most famous natural sights inaccessible for disabled visitors, there’s also the challenge of finding wheelchair-friendly accommodation.
Thanks to thoughtful initiatives, however, the national parks in England and Wales are becoming increasingly inclusive. Which means it’s now easier than ever to enjoy disabled-friendly holidays in our finest countryside. But which are the best parks to visit if you have physical impairments? And where should you stay? Read on for our top national park holiday tips.
Disabled access holidays in the UK: what to look for
If you’re keen to get out and about in the best of British countryside you need look no further than our national parks. However, some locations offer more than others when it comes to great wheelchair-accessible breaks.
Here’s what to look for:
- disability friendly sights: check websites like Accessable and the excellent Euan’s Guide for accessibility information on local attractions
- accessible travel links: if taking public transport, read up on good train links and accessible station facilities as well as step-free bus routes. Drivers will want to see plenty of blue badge parking spaces, especially if visiting at busy times of year
- wheelchair accessible nature: check the national parks’ own website to find Miles Without Stiles walks and to read up on accessibility at visitors centres and other national park-run sites
- wheelchair friendly dining: a good holiday is nothing without great food. Check out the Google reviews of restaurants to ensure sampling local delicacies is stress-free for those with access or dietary needs
- disabled holiday accommodation: it can be hard to come across but comfortable and affordable accessible accommodation does exist…
Accessible holiday accommodation – why choose YHA?
At YHA, we know that everyone’s different. Here are just a few reasons to choose a hostel for wheelchair friendly holidays:
- accessible rooms: we’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion with inclusivity at the very root of YHA as an organisation so, wherever possible, our hostels will include accessible rooms, many with en-suite disabled bathroom facilities and improvements are ongoing so our accessible offering will only increase in years to come
- affordable pricing: our hostels are significantly cheaper than most hotels yet offer comfort and convenience
- great locations: no big hotel chain can claim to offer locations as diverse or as interesting as YHA, from London’s Oxford Street to the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Cornwall clifftops, our hostels’ locations are simply unbeatable
- comprehensive accessibility statements: each hostel offers a clear, easy to understand and easy to find accessibility statement so you’ll know exactly what your stay will look like
- friendly staff: whether it’s setting up a hoist, giving you a hand with bags or bringing your food to your table, our friendly, proactive team are ready to help
- fantastic food: dedicated to sustainable local food, many of our hostels have an in-house restaurant, café or bar and most will cater to special dietary requirements and offer a diverse range of options
The five best national parks with accessible accommodation
1. The Peak District
With a range of Miles Without Stiles routes just waiting to be explored, the Peak District is a National Park with plenty to offer anyone who loves to get outdoors. Throughout the region you’ll also be able to try your hand at sailing on Carsington Water, swim at the open air and accessible Hathersage pool, take your handcycle along interesting cycling routes and lay hands on all-terrain wheelchairs and scooters, including the Tramper and the Boma 7.
For a real adventure, we recommend a stay at YHA Edale Activity Centre. In addition to its comfortable accessible rooms and facilities, including a cafeteria and lounge, this unusual hostel also runs activities, many of which are open to those with both physical and mental disabilities, including wheelchair users.
And when you tire of abseiling, raft building and caving, there are plenty of more sedate activities on offer across the Peak District. Pay a visit to genteel Bakewell, home to the famed tart, take a wheelchair accessible cable car trip to the Heights of Abraham or spend a day exploring the corridors and gardens of Chatsworth House.
2. Northumberland
Bordering Scotland, Northumberland National Park offers a varied landscape and access to a wide variety of historic sites, pretty villages and accessible routes that can be tackled on robust wheels. During a Northumberland holiday you might choose to visit Stell Rigg, a newly accessible route taking you right up to Hadrian’s Wall, or spend an evening staring into space at the wheelchair friendly Kielder Observatory.
While in this corner of the country you can also take the opportunity to visit the lovely Northumberland Coast AONB. Villages such as Bamburgh and Seahouses are worth exploring while beaches, including the sandy stretch at Beadnell – where the Hippocampe beach wheelchair can be hired – are a must on a summer’s afternoon. And of course, no visit to Northumberland is complete without seeing Lindisfarne, where accessible trails taking in the famed priory can be enjoyed.
Get up close and personal with the Northumberland National Park’s most famed attraction with a stay at YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall. Great for families, this accessible holiday accommodation is attached to The Sill landscape discovery centre, an inspiring visitors centre suitable for all ages and requirements.
3. The South Downs
Determined to become the UK’s most accessible national park, the South Downs isn’t just easy to get to, with great connections from London and elsewhere, it also offers loads to do for everyone, whatever their physical limitations. In addition to many Miles Without Stiles routes taking you throughout vast, rolling countryside, you’ll also find a wide variety of accessible attractions throughout the Downs, including the educational Weald and Downland museum and the family friendly Arundel Wetlands Centre.
Should the weather take a turn for the worse, there’s plenty to do indoors too. Wheelchair friendly must-visits include the historic Arundel Castle, the inspiring Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft and the Towner Eastbourne, an accessible arts centre and cinema hosting exhibitions and events as well as autism friendly screenings.
Located in a pretty refurbed farmhouse, YHA South Downs is ideally situated for getting out and about in this glorious park. In addition to cosy accessible rooms, this hostel is home to a comfortable lounge and quiet room as well as a smart dining room for delicious breakfasts and dinners.
4. Pembrokeshire
Nature lovers and outdoors types will adore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Offering access to spectacular viewpoints, fantastic walking routes and stunning sand beaches, Pembrokeshire is open to all. While you might spend one day car crawling viewpoints from Amroth in the south to Bwlch Gwynt in the north you might spend another on the accessible beaches of Saundersfoot.
And as for getting out on four wheels? Easy access walks like that which meanders from Pwllgwaelod to Cwm-Yr-Eglwys are suitable for all, while trails along the Porthgain Clifftop and from Abereiddi to Blue Lagoon are more adventurous.
No visit to Pembrokeshire is complete without getting out on the sea and some local organised boat tours are indeed suitable for disabled guests. These can take you out to round the islands of Skomer and Ramsey to spot puffins, as well as to Grassholme, one of the largest gannet colonies in the world. In addition you might glimpse dolphins, porpoises and even whales.
One of the association’s most special locations, wheelchair friendly YHA Broad Haven is situated moments from one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, accessible using a beach wheelchair borrowed from the hostel.
5. Eryri (Snowdonia)
Could Eryri (Snowdonia) be the UK’s most famous mational park? Possibly. With an iconic mountain at its centre – the summit accessible to all via train – Eryri (Snowdonia) has to be seen to be believed. In addition to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself, this region provides visitors with a whole host of accessible delights. Wheelchair friendly routes take visitors around lakes and to the sea, over marshland and through forests with Tramper hire making it easier to get out to more challenging destinations.
Gentler activities in Eryri (Snowdonia) might include a tootle on the picturesque and wheelchair suitable Llanberis Railway or a leisurely visit to picturesque Portmeirion. Many don’t realise that Eryri (Snowdonia) has a coastline, which means that should the sun break through you could choose to catch a few rays at wheelchair accessible Barmouth.
Eryri (Snowdonia) disability friendly holidays are affordable at YHA Idwal Cottage. A self-catering getaway with no wi-fi and beautiful valley surroundings, it’s the perfect place for families, couples or solo travellers to get back to nature.
