Senior Stairlifts study reveals the UK’s most accessible staycation hotspots
A new study by mobility equipment supplier Senior Stairlifts has revealed the best and worst places to stay for an ‘accessible’ UK holiday based on data regarding the main destinations that reveals which staycation spots are doing the most for those with accessibility needs, as well as which ones aren’t.
The findings come at the height of the summer holiday season, when more Brits are likely to book a staycation. For over 14.6 million people in the UK with a disability, choosing a location that can actually cater to their mobility needs will be top of their list.
From the Scottish Highlands all the way down to London, Senior Stairlifts has pulled figures from 10 of the busiest cities and holiday destinations, ranking them based on a number of variables.
The study highlights the importance of prioritising accessibility in these spaces across the UK, especially as sources such as the Financial Times say visits to top tourist attractions still continue to struggle after the pandemic.
Edinburgh, the city famed for its steep hills and The Scotsman Steps, comes top as the UK’s most accessible location; Cornwall comes bottom of the list as the least accessible staycation hotspot; Norfolk is the top place for the most accessible overall attractions and things to do at 93.5 per cent and Leicester has the highest number of Blue Badge holders, coming in at 3,888 per capita.
Kieran Harris, founder of Senior Stairlifts, commented on the findings: “We felt it was important to shed light on the accessibility challenges faced by millions during their UK staycations and the results are eye-opening for both the travel industry and holidaymakers. Accessibility is not just a matter of convenience, but about adopting inclusivity and equality for all.
“We are proud to highlight the best accessible staycation spots, such as Edinburgh and Wales, where everyone can enjoy their time without limitations. However, our findings also emphasize the need for continuous efforts to improve accessibility across the UK’s top tourist attractions, in particular Cornwall and the Isle of Wight, to ensure holiday experiences are truly memorable for all.”
To work out the findings, the dataset considered 26 locations from England, Wales, and Scotland, splitting them into staycation locations and the top 10 cities by population.
It also looks at where accessibility factors have been included, from restaurants and hotels to visitor attractions and Blue Badge parking, to determine which location considers mobility and autonomy for all its visitors.
For the final results, percentages from each section were collated into the overall rankings. See the graphic below on what was found:
The overall best location was Edinburgh, followed by Wales, then Norfolk, Cumbria and Somerset.
Ranked on contributing factors such as overall accessibility, including access to various things to do, places to eat, and stay, Edinburgh took the top spot.
Second is Wales, with a selection of scenic resort spots, such as Llandudno, and notable attractions, such as Newcastle Emlyn Castle.
With more people looking to explore scenic hills and country parks, Cumbria is up next, with the county of Somerset coming in as the fifth most accessible place to spend a weekend break for wheelchair users.
The overall worst location was Cornwall followed by the Isle of Wight, then Yorkshire/Yorkshire Dales, Blackpool and the Lake District.
Using the same factors as above, families looking for an accessible holiday were advised to steer clear of Cornwall, or at least ensure there’s a plan of action ready in advance of their stay to avoid disappointment.
The peninsula might offer wild moorland and sandy beaches, but those towering cliffs have little in the way of accessible routes for its many attractions and places to stay.
The Isle of Wight and the dramatic landscape of the Yorkshire Dales are second and third worst, respectively, with the seaside resort coming fourth in the rankings. Finally, the Lake District comes in fifth, rounding up the top five worst places to plan an accessible holiday in the UK.
Accessible hotels
Senior Stairlifts say, when it comes to finding the perfect base, Edinburgh comes up trumps for the biggest selection of accessible hotels, with 135 out of 1,898 hotels in Edinburgh meeting accessibility needs.
The Scottish city is the second most visited place after London, with its iconic historic Old Town Hotel boasting four types of accessible rooms and accommodations for guests, blending into the Royal Mile.
On the other hand, Cornwall comes bottom in terms of accessible accommodation, with just 154 out of 8,029 fit for wheelchairs.
Accessible dining
Once again, the data shows Edinburgh leading the way for accessible dining locations, with a whopping nearly half of the restaurants out of 783 in Edinburgh suited for wheelchair owners.
In stark contrast, London, with a bustling population of 8,796,628 people and 17,990 dining spots to choose from, only has 4,928 available.
With 2,940 Blue Badge holders per capita, the nation’s capital appears vastly underserved.
Accessible activities and attractions
When it comes to activities and things to do on your staycation, Norfolk was at the top of the rankings.
With 29 out of 31 attractions being accessible, everyone can enjoy the county’s stunning coastline, Norfolk Broads, or attractions such as zoos, railways, and cultural spots.
Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery all have excellent accessibility features, while outdoorsy types of people will enjoy Holkham Beach, Cromer Pier, and Sculthorpe Moor National Park.
At the bottom of the list was the Isle of Wight, of its 16 available attractions, such as The Needles and its beautiful beaches, just nine are accessible.
Over 7,500 people recently took part in the UK’s largest disabled access survey, the results of which have found that disabled people are being excluded from everyday activities because of a lack of disabled access information.
