To celebrate the start of what promises to be the greatest Paralympics ever, we’ve asked leading experts in accessible tourism to tell us who they’ll be cheering on, reveal their top tips and share their favourite holiday spots in England.
Brian Seaman, Tourism for All UK
Brian joined Tourism for All in 1993 from a background of working within both the English Tourist Board and the London Convention Bureau. Brian has worked on several national committees reviewing criteria that relate to accessibility – including reviewing access and facilities at large hotels (PAS88).
What is a prime example of an attraction, hotel or activity in England that’s got it right in terms of disability access?
On the hotel front I like Mortons House Hotel in Dorset which demonstrates that you don’t have to sacrifice quality and comfort to become accessible – even in a Grade II Listed Elizabethan Manor House set in a conservation area. They include information about their accessible rooms in their online video, I take my hat off to them. I also like the RAF Museum at Cosford, a great day out for all and it’s free entry too!
Who are you rooting for from Team GB in the Paralympic Games?
I’ve been following Josie Pearson who, as she says herself, likes to ‘chuck things’. She recently gave her support to an initiative by National Express coaches to demonstrate their use of platform lifts on their vehicles.
Where’s your favourite holiday spot in England with good accessibility, and why?
I like the remote and beautiful wilds of the Norfolk coast. There’s so much to do and much of it is accessible, from boating on the Broads to visiting national nature reserves. The coast is mainly level and this will help those who use a wheelchair.
Thurne Dyke windmill, Norfolk ©Rod Edwards
Alan Whetherly, former paralympian
Alan represented Great Britain in blind athletics in the 1980 Paralympics and won the 100metres bronze medal in the 1981 European Athletics Championships for the visually impaired. He currently works on sports and leisure programmes that encourage children and young people to engage in a wide variety of active pursuits.
Which hotel, attraction and or sporting experience in England do you recommend for those with sight loss?
The Audio Description at Lords Cricket Ground and at most football grounds ( just remember that you have to book in advance).
How does accessibility in England compare with other countries?
Access has improved greatly, for me it’s great that the transport system has audio commentary telling you the names of the stations. The train lines are colour coded and London Transport staff are fantastic and know how to help someone with sight loss. My experience at the Olympic Games was very positive with the volunteers knowing how to help someone with sight loss.
Who are you particularly rooting for from Team GB in the Paralympic Games, and why?
I will be cheering on Libby Clegg, one of the few visually impaired athletes competing.
Describe your favourite weekend away in England?
My favourite weekend away is in Sandown on the Isle of Wight, it’s just so peaceful and calm.
Sandown ©ronsaunders47
David and Felicity Brown, Hoe Grange Holidays
David and Felicity Brown set up Hoe Grange Holidays in 2006, and from the start the aim was to enable everyone to access the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. With this in mind, all four log cabins are National Accessible Scheme-rated for mobility, visual and hearing, with level thresholds throughout and spacious wet rooms.
Tell us about a new accessible initiative in England that’s really captured your imagination.
The DisabledGo London App details access at venues and attractions across England’s capital. It’s a reliable resource packed with all the information you need to plan a trip – with all venues visited and assessed in person.
Where’s your favourite holiday spot in England with good accessibility, and why?
The Peak District is far more accessible than people think. With some excellent trails and nature reserves that are wheelchair or mobility scooter friendly.
Other than your venture, what is a prime example of an attraction, hotel or activity in England that’s got it right in terms of disability access?
Chatsworth House, one of the finest stately homes in England, has excellent access to most areas of the house and gardens, and a fabulous team of in house staff to ensure all enjoy this national treasure. The gardens are particularly welcoming with golf buggies available to visitors who need a little help to get around.
Chatsworth ©Katie Rowe
Richard Gray, Deaf Equality and Disability Equality trainer
Richard Gray has been a Deaf Equality and Disability Equality trainer since 1990. He has created and delivered training courses for organisations all over Britain, including hotel groups, caravan parks, numerous local authorities, English Heritage and the Imperial War Museum.
Who are you rooting for from Team GB in the Paralympic Games?
Javelin thrower Scott Moorhouse has a good chance of a medal, he is currently ranked second in the world only two years after taking up the sport!
What is a prime example of an attraction, hotel or activity in England that’s got it right in terms of disability access?
It’s always especially impressive when small accommodation providers make the effort to make their premises accessible, and a real inspiration is the Abbey Guest House at Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Since 2006 Terry Boswell has gradually converted a former private house into one of Britain’s most accessible B&Bs, meeting high standards of access for sight and hearing impaired visitors as well as wheelchair users and other disabled tourists.
Where’s your favourite holiday spot in England with good accessibility, and why?
A great place for a day out from London is the Royal Dockyard in Portsmouth, where the staff have made huge efforts to make a difficult, historical site (warships like the Victory weren’t built for wheelchair users!) much more accessible than might ever have been thought possible.
Royal Dockyard ©Rod Edwards
Terry Reynolds, Chalfont Line
Terry’s involvement with access and disability was started by a business opportunity. In 1973 he began his own minibus company taking children to school, supplying accessible vehicles allowing children to stay in their wheelchairs, whereas previously they had to get out and be lifted up the steps. He now runs Chalfont Line Holidays, which provides escorted holidays for slow walkers and wheelchair users.
Where’s your favourite holiday spot in England with good accessibility, and why?
My favourite holiday spot in England is Devon, it has some wonderful hotels and great excursions such as the Eden Project, which is very accessible.
Other than your venture, what is a prime example of an attraction, hotel or activity in England that’s got it right in terms of disability access?
Our theme parks have great access, as do most of our star rated hotels. Buckfast Abbey is also tremendous with no stairs and an excellent café.
Eden Project ©Karen Roe
To plan your accessible holiday in England, check out our website.
