Holiday Information - Capability Scotland

Disability Factsheet

Holiday Information

Selected information on accessible holidays,
including accommodation, activity holidays, and
holiday companies

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Contents
Accommodation……..…………………………………………….3
Accommodation with Care Provided, Accompanied Holidays
and care whilst on holiday………………………………………..6
Specialist Holiday Companies and Tour Operators……….…...8
Outdoor/Activity/ and Group Holidays…………………………...9
Camping and Caravan Holidays………………………………...12
Visitor Attractions in Scotland……………….…………………...13
Transport……………….…………………………………………..14
Travel Insurance……………………….………………………….16
Other Useful Organisations and Websites……………..…….....17

The information in this factsheet is intended to help you choose and plan a holiday.
Please note that inclusion in the list does not imply a recommendation by Advice
Service Capability Scotland. This list is not comprehensive.
For further information about any of the holidays included in this factsheet, please
contact the company directly.

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• Accommodation – Hotels, Guesthouses, Self-Catering

The main sources of information about accommodation and accessible
accommodation are VisitScotland and Tourism For All. If you are looking for
information on accommodation then you should try these organisations first.

VisitScotland
Visit Scotland is the national tourist board for Scotland. Its website gives information
about accommodation and visitor attractions. It includes some information on
disabled access. You can search for accommodation by location, degree of
accessibility and by star-grading. You can also telephone their booking line for
information on accessible accommodation.

Contact:
Visit Scotland
Level 3
Ocean Point 1
94 Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JH
The national booking line for accommodation is:
Tel: 0845 2255121
Website: www.visitscotland.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Tourism For All
Tourism For All provides holiday information and advice for disabled travellers. They
produce a range of information leaflets on holiday opportunities in England and
Wales and abroad, including group holidays, activity holidays, holidays for
unaccompanied children and young adults, transport advice etc. There is a small
charge for their publications.

Contact:
Tourism For All
c/o Vitalise
Sharp Road Industrial Estate
Sharp Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6NZ
Tel: 0845 124 9971
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tourismforall.org.uk

Open Britain 2011
This guide and accompanying website has information on accessible
accommodation and travel. It is produced by Tourism for All and Radar. You can

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order a copy of the guide from Tourism for All, or you can search the online version
from the Open Britain website: www.openbritain.net

Where to Stay 2009
This guide published by RADAR contains information on planning and booking a
holiday, transport, and accessible accommodation. It is available from RADAR or
bookshops. You can also search the online version for accommodation at
www.radarsearch.org.

Contact:
RADAR
12 City Forum
250 City Road
London
EC1V 8AF
Tel: 0207 250 3222
E-mail: [email protected]

Action for Blind People Hotels
Four hotels in Somerset, Devon, the Lake District and Sussex. All have facilities
which are especially suitable for people with visual impairments. Personal care is
not provided at the hotels.

Contact:
Action for Blind People
14-16 Verney Road
London SE16 3DZ
Tel: 0303 123 9999
Website: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk

Crathie Opportunity Holidays
Four fully accessible self-catering holiday cottages on the banks of the River Dee in
Aberdeenshire.

Contact:
The Manse Courtyard
Crathie
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5UL
Tel: 01339 742100 / 742002
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.crathieholidays.org.uk

Dalraddy Chalet, Aviemore
Chalet providing accessible self-catering accommodation for six people in Dalraddy
Holiday Park in Aviemore.
Contact :
Capability Scotland
11 Ellersly Road

4

Edinburgh
EH12 6HY
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.capability-scotland.org.uk

Denis Duncan House
Fully accessible self-catering accommodation in Dirleton, East Lothian. Facilities
include a portable induction loop, wet room, hoist and height adjustable washing
facilities.

Contact:
The Lin Berwick Trust
Eastgate House
Upper East Street
Sudbury
Suffolk
CO10 1UB
Tel: 01787 372343
Website: www.thelinberwicktrust.org.uk

Farm Stay UK
Holidays and accommodation on more than 1000 farms across the UK. Many
properties provide facilities for disabled people. Their website has information on
accommodation and they produce a publication called Farm Stay Guide.

Contact:
Farm Stay UK Ltd
National Agricultural Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0247 669 6909
Website: www.farmstay.co.uk

Livability
Provides accessible hotel and self-catering accommodation across England and
Wales. A holiday brochure is available.

Livability
50 Scrutton Street
London
EC2 4XQ
Tel: 020 7452 2000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.livability.org.uk

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• Accompanied Holidays / Holidays with Care Provided

Some specialist holiday companies, as well as activity centres, offer organised
holidays with care provided. See relevant sections below.

Chalfont Line Holidays
Provides a range of holidays in the UK and abroad. There are personal assistance
packages available to suit clients needs. A specially adapted coach is provided for
UK and European travel with a side lift, clamped wheelchair spaces, an induction
loop system and video screens to relay signing. Door to door transport is available.

Contact:
Chalfont Line Holidays
4 Providence Road
West Drayton
Middlesex
UB7 8HJ
Tel: 01895 459540
Fax: 01895 459549
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.chalfont-line.co.uk

Can Be Done Ltd
Organiser of holidays for disabled people. Co-ordinates accommodation, transport
and visits to most areas of the world. Arranges fully accessible holidays; self-drive
mini-tours with adapted transport; accompanying person programme for individuals
or larger groups.

Contact:
Can Be Done Ltd
11 Woodcock Hill
Harrow
Middlesex
HA3 0XP
Tel: (020) 8907 2400
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.canbedone.co.uk

3H FUND
Organises group holidays for disabled adults and children. Holidays are arranged in
the UK and abroad. Full care is provided with volunteer helpers, a leader and a
nurse for each holiday.

Contact:
3HFund
B2 Speldhurst Business Park
Langton Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN3 0AQ

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Tel: 01892 860207
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.3hfund.org.uk

Leuchie House MS Holiday Home, North Berwick
Accessible holiday home in a listed building in North Berwick. Sleeps 20 people.
People with Multiple Sclerosis given priority. Geared towards people who need 24-
hour nursing.

Contact the Manager:
Leuchie House
North Berwick
East Lothian
EH39 5NY
Tel: 01620 892864

Vitalise
Provides holidays for physically disabled adults and people with visual impairments.
There are five holiday centres in England, as well as organised trips abroad.
Accommodation is fully accessible and nursing care is available.

Contact:
Vitalise
Shap Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6NZ.
Tel: 0845 345 1970
Fax: 01539 735567
Website: www.vitalise.org.uk

Wings on Wheels
Holidays in the UK and abroad. There is a nurse or carer accompanying each group
who can give assistance with basic medication, dressing and getting out of the
shower.

Contact:
Wings on Wheels
8 Cornfields
Church Lane
Tydd St Giles
Wishbech
Cambridgeshire
PE13 5LX
Tel: 0194 587 1111
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.wingsonwheels.co.uk

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Care Commission
If personal care is required while on holiday in Scotland, for example in the morning
or evening, the Care Commission can give information about local agencies that
provide short-term care in Scotland.
Contact:
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee
DD1 4NY
Tel: 01382 207 100
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.carecommission.com

• Specialist Holiday Companies / Tour Operators

Access Travel (Lancs) Ltd
Access Travel is a tour operator specialising in overseas holidays for people with a
disability and their families. They offer wheelchair accessible accommodation and, at
some resorts, special aids (bath hoists, chairs etc) and car hire.

Contact:
Access Travel (Lancs) Ltd
6 The Hillock
Astley
Manchester
M29 7GW
Tel: 01942 888844
E-mail: office @access-travel.co.uk
Website: www.access-travel.co.uk

Accessible Travel and Leisure
Offer accessible holidays to a variety of destinations overseas. Cruises, city breaks,
winter and summer sun holidays are available.

Contact:
Accessible Travel and Leisure
Avionics House
Naas Lane
Gloucester
GL2 2SN.
Tel: (01452) 729 739
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.accessibletravel.co.uk

Enable Holidays
Accessible package holidays worldwide. Brochure available.
Contact:
Enable Holidays
First Floor Office Suite

8

762-764 Bristol Road
Birmingham
B29 6NA
Tel: 0871 222 4939
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.enableholidays.com

Scotiability
Organises tailor-made holidays in Scotland for disabled people

Contact:
Scotiability
59 Hawthornbank
Carnock
Fife
Scotland
KY12 9JS
Tel: 01383 852414
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.scotiability.com

• Outdoor / Group / Activity Holidays

Badaguish, Aviemore
Activity holidays with support and accommodation for adults and children with
learning, multiple or physical disabilities. Unaccompanied individuals and groups are
catered for. Self-catering accommodation also available.

Contact:
Badaguish Outdoor Centre
Aviemore
Inverness-shire
PH22 1QU
Tel: 01479 861285
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.badaguish.org

Calvert Trust Adventure Centre, Cumbria
Adventure centre near Keswick providing accommodation and facilities for groups,
families and individual disabled people. Individuals must attend with a friend or
helper. Courses include sailing, riding, abseiling. Facilities include heated indoor
swimming pool with sauna, and games room.

Contact:
The Calvert Trust
Little Crossthwaite
Keswick
CA12 4QD
Tel: 01768 772 255

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E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.calvert-trust.org.uk

Calvert Trust, Kielder, Northumbria
Close to Kielder Water, the centre accommodates disabled people, their families and
friends. Ten self-catering chalets are also available. Activities include, climbing,
walking, archery and swimming. Care breaks are also available to people over 18
years.

Contact:
Calvert Trust Kielder
Kielder Water
Hexham
NE48 1BS
Tel: 01434 250232
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.calvert-trust.org.uk

Calvert trust, Exmoor
Adventure Centre with beaches nearby. Fully catered rooms and apartments and
self-catering apartments. Activities include swimming, games room, sensory room,
outdoor play area, horse riding and many more. Accessible en-suite
accommodation.

Contact:
Calvert Exmoor
Wistlandpound
Kentisbury
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4SJ
Tel: 01598 763220
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.calvert-trust.org.uk

Churchtown Outdoor Adventure Centre, Cornwall
Provides accessible adventure, environmental, leisure and recreation courses, set in
a rural village close to the coast and moors. Caters for groups and individuals, adults
and children (from 6 years). Full programme of social and recreational activities.

Contact:
Lanlivery,
Bodmin
Cornwall
PL30 5BT
Tel: 0845 345 1970
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.vitalise.org.uk

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FABB Scotland
Theme based residential summer activity holidays for young disabled and non-
disabled people. Also have clubs running throughout the year.

Contact:
FABB Scotland
Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5QY
Tel: 0131 475 2313
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fabb.org.uk

Holidays With Help
Arranges holidays for people with disabilities and their carers. Can provide
experienced volunteers and a range of activities. Medical and nursing advice is
available if needed. They do not provide 24 hour nursing care but can assist with
medication.

Contact:
Colin Homer
39 The Avenue
Preston
Lancs PR2 7AX
Telephone/fax: 0208 390 9752
Website: www.holidayswithhelp.org.uk

Jubilee Sailing Trust
Offers sailing holidays for disabled and non-disabled people (from 16 years) on
specially designed tall ships. Everyone on board takes an active part in the running
of the vessel.

Contact:
JST
Hazel Road
Woolston
Southampton
SO19 7GA
Tel: 023 8044 9108
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.jst.org.uk

King Line Cottages
Provides accessible self-catering holidays for disabled people in 6 cottages
overlooking the River Bure on the Norfolk Broads.

Contact:
King Line Cottages
Ferry Road

11

Horning
Norwich
NR12 8PS
Tel: 01692 630 297
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.norfolk-broads.co.uk

Outward Bound Scotland
Run a variety of courses in the West Highlands. Disabled people, ages 16-24 years,
are welcome on all courses. Activities include water rafting, kayaking and problem
solving courses.

Contact:
Loch Eil Centre
Achdalieu
near Fort William
PH33 7NN
Tel: 01397 772866
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.theoutwardboundtrust.org.uk

Seagull Trust Cruises
Provides wheelchair accessible canal cruising for disabled people on the Union,
Forth and Clyde and Caledonian canals – at Falkirk, Ratho, Kirkintilloch and
Inverness. Day cruising takes place from April to October and is free of charge, but is
usually only for groups. A canal boat is available to hire for holiday cruising. There is
a charge for this service.

Contact:
Seagull Trust Cruises
19 Dean Terrace
Edinburgh
EH4 1NL
Tel: 0131 333 0322
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.seagulltrust.org.uk

• Camping and Caravan Holidays

Action Group Caravan, Port Seton
Caravan available for hire for children and adults who have a learning disability and
their parents/carers. Must register (no charge) as a member of the Action Group at
the Edinburgh office to use the service.

Contact:
The Action Group
Norton Park Centre
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh

12

EH7 5QY
Tel: 0131 475 2315
Fax: 0131 475 2316
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.actiongroup.org.uk

Forest Holidays, Forestry Commission
Provide a range of holiday cabins, some of which have been specially adapted for
wheelchair users. Also have 24 caravan and camping sites across the UK, many of
which have disabled facilities. Offer a 20% discount all year to disabled people at the
touring and camping sites.

Contact:
Forest Holidays
5 Bath Yard
MOIRA
Derbyshire
DE12 6BA
Tel: 0845 130 8225
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.forestholidays.co.uk

Scout Holiday Homes
Accessible caravans and chalets for hire in holiday parks around England and
Wales, including Berwick upon Tweed. A scouting connection is not required.

Contact:
Gilwell Park
Chingford
London
E4 7QW
Tel: 020 8433 7290
Website: www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/holhomes

Service d’Aide Côte d’Azur
8 Wheelchair accessible mobile homes available for hire on 3 star campsite in the
Gulf of St.Tropez. Equipment, such as a hoist, is available to hire and an adapted
minibus can pick visitors up from the station or airport.

Contact:
Camping Les Prairies de la Mer
83,310 Port Grimaud
France
Tel: 0033 (0)494 816150
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://headlight.nl/hulpdienst

• Visitor attractions

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Visit Scotland and Tourism for all provide information on tourist attractions in
Scotland. See their entries under ‘Accommodation’ for their contact details.

Historic Scotland
Provides information on historic properties and places of historic interest that they
manage across Scotland, including information for disabled visitors.

Contact:
Historic Scotland
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
Edinburgh
EH9 1SH
Tel: 0131 668 8600
Website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

National Trust for Scotland
Provides information about its own visitor attractions across Scotland, including
information on access for disabled visitors.

Contact:
The National Trust for Scotland
Hermiston Quay
5 Cultins Road
Edinburgh
EH11 4DF
Tel: 0844 493 2100
Fax: 0844 493 2102
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nts.org.uk

• Transport

The Red Cross Transport and Escort Services
Some branches can provide drivers and escorts for one-off journeys for people who
cannot get about easily or use ordinary transport. Can include travel to holiday
destinations.

See your local telephone directory for the number of your nearest Red Cross branch,
or visit www.redcross.org.uk

BAA Airports
Their website provides information about airports in the UK, including Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Aberdeen. This includes contact details for airports and information
for disabled passengers.

Contact:
BAA Airports Limited
The Compass Centre

14

Nelson Road
London Heathrow Airport
Hounslow
TW6 2GW
Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 9800
Website: www.baa.com

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd
Manages airports throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Their website
has information about the airports including contact details and information on
access.

Contact:
Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd
Head Office
Inverness Airport
Inverness
IV2 7JB
Tel: 01667 462445
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hial.co.uk

FirstScotrail
Information about accessibility of train services and stations in Scotland can be
obtained from FirstScotrail’s helpline. The website also includes information for
disabled passengers:

ScotRail Customer Relations
PO BOX 7030
Fort William
PH33 6WX
Tel: 0845 601 5929
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.scotrail.co.uk

Autobility self-drive car hire
Have a number of wheelchair accessible vehicles for self-drive hire. Can deliver
throughout Scotland for a negotiated fee.

Contact:
Autobility Ltd
Unit 2
Newburgh Industrial Estate
Cupar Road
Newburgh
Fife
KY14 6HA
Tel: 0800 298 9290
E-mail: info@ autobility.co.uk
Website: www.autobility.co.uk

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Open Roads from Allied Mobility, Glasgow
Open Roads is Allied Mobility's accessible car hire scheme. They have a number of
accessible vehicles for short or long term hire and can deliver throughout the UK.

Contact:
Allied Mobility
230 Balmore Road
Glasgow
G 22 6LJ
Tel: 0800 916 0015
Website: www.alliedmobility.com

There are also a few local accessible car hire companies across Scotland. Contact
the Advice Service Capability Scotland for details.

Lynx Hand Controls Ltd
Provide hand controls for hire cars. The control is supplied and fitted in the hired car
complete with steering ball, to customer requirements and UK specifications. Lynx
acts as a booking agent for most major hire companies and makes all the car hire
arrangements free of charge. The hired car is delivered by a driver experienced in
use of control systems, who will instruct the hirer on how to operate the control
correctly.

Contact:
Lynx Hand Control Ltd.
80 Church Lane
Aughton
Nr Ormskirk
Lancashire
L39 6SB
Tel: 01695 422 622
Fax: 01695 422 152
E-mail: [email protected]
Website www.lynxcontrols.com

• Travel Insurance

Some companies offering travel insurance for disabled people.

Travelbility
J & M Insurance Services (UK) ltd
Peregrine house
Bakers Lane
Epping
Essex
CM16 5DQ
Tel: 0845 338 1638
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.jmi.co.uk

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BJK Ltd – Insurance Products
2nd Floor
Devonshire House
Riverside Road
Tottington Business Park
Barnstable
EX31 1EY
Tel: 01271 345 005
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bjkinsurance.co.uk

Venturesure
PO Box 385
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 9AN
Tel: 0845 230 3521
Fax: 0870 620 5001
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.venturesure.co.uk

• Other Useful Organisations and Websites

Changing Places
This is an organisation which campaigns for more accessible toilets with adult
changing facilities. Their website has a list of all changing places toilets in the UK.

Contact:
Tel: 01382 385 154
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.changing-places.org

www.visitwales.co.uk
Provides information on holiday accommodation, activities events and places to visit
in Wales.

Contact:
Tel: 0870 830 0306
E-mail: [email protected]

www.enjoyengland.com
This website provides information on accessible accommodation and visitor
attractions in England. You can search online for where to stay and things to do. The
website also provides contact details and telephone numbers for local tourist offices
all across England.

Contact:

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Enjoy England
1 Palace Street
London
SW1E 5HE
Tel: 020 7578 1400
www.independentliving.org
This website includes a holiday home exchange section. Disabled people all over the
world who are interested in swapping their homes for a holiday advertise their
properties.
www.caravanable.co.uk
Information on accessible caravan sites in the UK.
www.holidaysforall.org.uk
Brings together information on a lot of the main accessible holiday organisations on
one website.
www.disabledgo.com
Information on access in different British cities. This includes detailed information
about museums, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs and attractions.
www.walkswithwheelchairs.com
A free online database of routes which are accessible for wheelchair users. It has
directions, OS maps and reviews from users.
www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk
Website with information on holiday accommodation, visitor attractions and activities
in different parts of Britain.

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Our Advice Service
Advice Service Capability Scotland is a national disability advice and information
service. We specialise in information on cerebral palsy.
We offer:

• information on Capability Scotland services
• advice on cerebral palsy
• general advice on disability issues

We also have a small lending library with resources about cerebral palsy and
children's books about disability.
You can get in touch with us by calling, e-mailing, dropping in or writing a letter.

Advice Service Capability Scotland
11 Ellersly Road
Edinburgh
EH12 6HY
Tel: 0131 313 5510

Textphone: 0131 346 2529
Fax: 0131 346 1681

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.capability-scotland.org.uk

This infosheet can be made available in other formats e.g. tape, large print.
March 2011
Capability Scotland, Scottish Charity SCO11330

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