The Delights of a Staycation: 10 Days in the UK

• Staycations’ have become all the rage in recent years thanks to a combination of Brits having to tighten their belts, and the fact that we’ve all fallen a bit in love again with our own land.

For those wanting to organise holidays for disabled friends or family and/or for themselves, there is a third reason: staying in the UK means knowing you can get your loved ones’ needs met, which allows you and them a bit of well-earned relaxation.

At Can Be Done, we’ll take all the stress out of arranging a holiday with our packages which take into consideration all types of mobility issues. Here’s my suggestion for a 10-day driving tour of the UK.

Start in the Capital

London has so much to offer – from theatres and shopping to bars and restaurants – that it’s well worth spending a bit of time here, so I would suggest reserving three days to explore the capital.

• Suggested London Hotel - Royal Horseguards

The Royal Horseguards Hotel is in a grade 1 listed building but has used ramps to make most areas of the hotel accessible to wheelchair users. My team has visited here themselves and they can confirm: the Royal Horseguards has really done a great job here. The hotel has 4 bedrooms designed for disabled guests with wheelchair access. In addition there are 10 sensory rooms – get in touch with Can Be Done to secure a room that meets your needs.

On to Bristol

With a two night stop-off in Bristol, our team can offer a choice of excursions – from exploring the city to taking a day trip to local sights including Bath, Cheddar Gorge or Wells.

• Suggested Bristol Hotel - Mercure Bristol Grand

The Mercure Bristol Grand is set in a beautiful old town house in the city. For those booking holidays for disabled friends or family, or for themselves, I can personally recommend the reduced mobility rooms with wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms and a range of facilities to make your stay that bit easier.

Into Wales

Cross the spectacular Severn Bridge and you’re in Wales. Spend two nights in the Welsh capital, Cardiff, and discover its vibrant nightlife and culture or explore the local area.

• Suggested Cardiff Hotel - Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre

This is a fully accessible hotel with the added benefit of wheelchair access to disabled car parking spaces.

North to Liverpool

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool – it’s truly a great place to spend your holidays. For disabled holidaymakers there’s the added bonus of much of the city and its cultural venues being very accessible; just let me and my team put a list of excursions together for you.

• Suggested Liverpool Hotel - Hard Days Night Hotel

Celebrate Liverpool’s most famous export at the Hard Days Night Hotel. There is a lift at the entrance for wheelchair users and we particularly liked the accessible rooms with wheel-in showers.

Discover the Beauty of Yorkshire from Leeds

It’s well worth spending two nights in Leeds so that you can see the city and experience its great shopping before heading out on an excursion to the Yorkshire Dales, City of York and North York Moors.

• Suggested Leeds Hotel –DoubleTree by Hilton

The DoubleTree in Leed’s Granary Wharf has accessible rooms which include wheel-in power showers and ergonomic chairs.

Whether you’re planning holidays for disabled friends or family or have your own mobility issues, talk to us at Can Be Done and we’ll arrange the perfect UK ‘staycation’ specifically for you.

Philip Scott is the owner and founder of Can be Done, a fully licensed UK tour operator specialising in worldwide holidays for disabled individuals and groups. With over 31 years’ experience organising long and short breaks for disabled travellers, Philip has built a reputation for helping his clients select hotels and accommodation that offer high standards of accessibility, to ensure that those with special needs can experience truly relaxing and carefree holidays.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.