Carrie-Ann Lightley, Tourism for All UK

Carrie-Ann Lightley – accessible travel expert for Tourism for All – shares insider tips and her top three sporting activities in England… 

Just as the number of joggers pounding the pavement seems to have seen a sharp increase since the Olympic Games, the Paralympics is also an opportunity to showcase the large variety of sports activities and breaks available for disabled people, whether complete beginners or active aficionados. I work for the accessible tourism advisory service Tourism for All UK who are committed to leisure for all, and have many member organisations who offer accessible activity holidays across the country…

Latrigg in the Lake District ©The Calvert Trust

The Calvert Trust
The Calvert Trust have three sites in England (with a fourth currently being built in The Chilterns) offering activities like cycling, horse riding, climbing, abseiling, archery, zip wires, caving, paragliding – the list goes on! Their mantra is: ‘It’s what you can do that counts’ and they have facilities for families and friends to share the enjoyment and experience too.

Signing umpire ©Tennis Foundation

Tennis Foundation
Wheelchair tennis camps are run nationwide by the Tennis Foundation throughout the year, as well as camps and tournaments for those who are deaf or have a learning disability. Tennis doesn’t just offer people the chance to develop their fitness and coordination, but also to build social skills, confidence, self-esteem and independence. Disabled people can play against their non-disabled friends or family, and more and more clubs across the country are now running inclusive sessions.

Carrie-Ann at Wimbledon

Wimbledon
For those not feeling active enough to give a new sport a try just yet, spectating can be just as fun. In June I was lucky enough to visit the Wimbledon Championships. The All England Lawn Tennis Club issue an easy access guide to Wimbledon with all wheelchair tickets, which is very comprehensive and has all the information that a disabled spectator needs. The grounds themselves are completely flat, with a smooth tarmacked surface. There are accessible toilets near every court, as well as food outlets which are either level with the ground or ramped. Each wheelchair ticket comes with a complimentary companion ticket and there is ample room in the wheelchair space, even for a large mobility scooters. Our space at court two had a great view. We had a wonderful day watching the fast-paced tennis while dipping into a punnet of strawberries. The atmosphere at Wimbledon is so special, everyone should experience it.

Carrie-Ann Lightley’s top insider tips for accessible holidays in England:

Your favourite hotel…

I recently got married at The Grange Hotel, in the Lake District which obviously holds a special place in my heart.  The hotel was built in 1866 in an elegant Italianate style, yet still manages to be wonderfully accessible.  All the function areas are accessible by lift and wheelchair ramp, and they have bedrooms specifically tailored for guests with limited mobility.

A weekend away in England…

For my husband’s birthday we had a wonderful weekend in London. We stayed at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington and saw Billy Elliott in a nearby theatre. We also visited the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the trio of museums along Exhibition Rd and then finished off with dinner and cocktails in the Hard Rock Café.  Accessibility was very good throughout.

Your ultimate accessibility insider tip…

When visiting attractions, check if they provide concessions for a disabled person and companion – most places admit companions free of charge.

Find out more about Carrie-Ann Lightley.