Holidays
LAST UPDATED: 07/05/13
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Holidays are a great way for people with learning disabilities to experience exciting activites and meet new friends. There are a number of holiday opportunities available through specialist tour operators who offer holiday programs with the appropriate level of support.
Supported holidays encourage independence and self-confidence and, most importantly, allow people with learning disabilities to be themselves.
A selection of learning disability holiday providers are listed below. It is advisable to contact the organisations directly if you are interested in the holidays they offer, or if you need some more information.
TOP TIPS
Do your research
Find out as much as you can about your holiday destination in advance – where the loos are, what the food is like, is it free from flickering lighting and echoing (some restaurants can be really loud and scary). Know where a quiet zone is. Know where the big noise/light/smell hazards are eg. fairgrounds etc.
Planning a trip
When you are planning a trip, try and take away the fear of the unknown by using symbols, books, even photos of every stage of the journey. Prepare as much as possible in advance by showing the photos, symbols every day, take away the unpredictability which is a big part of the fear.
How many sleeps
When we go away, our son's biggest stress is being taken away from his home comforts, so we take a velcro strip displaying how many sleeps we will be away and when we are going home.
Phone ahead
If you are travelling with someone who has special needs, phone ahead & ask for assistance. We travelled by EuroStar and phoning ahead was a God-send. We had an allocated member of staff who took us into a quiet room before the train was announced and escorted us to the platform. At the other end we were greeted by staff who escorted us to the front & helped us through.
Travelling with medication
Travelling by plane with medication: always pack half in your hand luggage in case your suitcase does walkabouts. That way, you will have enough with you till your case is relocated or you get some more locally.
Holiday routine
Without the routine of school, my son acts up, so holidays can be hell. I now prepare a holiday routine for him. Even just a basic structure helps, like: 'wash, get dressed, breakfast, park or some other activity, lunch, play or video, dinner, bathtime, bed with story or DVD'.
Summer play schemes
Summer play schemes and local swimming courses can be a god-send in the holidays. My daughter went to one last year that was held by a local school, and she learned all sorts of craft activities.
Leisure time planner
We have a leisure time planner for our eldest so that he can do things in 1hr rotations otherwise he would spend all day doing exactly the same thing during the holidays.
Getting lost
If you are travelling to Disneyland or a big theme park, and are worried about loosing the person you are caring for, when you get there take them to the guest services and introduce them. Also write your contact details on a piece of paper and put in their pocket.
Days out
For big and expensive days out, check online for charities or grants that could be available to help with costs. The Merlin group has a fund that will pay not only for entry costs but also travel fees for a trip to any of its attractions (merlin magic wand) most of the big groups have similar. www.merlinsmagicwand.org
Borrow rather than hire
If you need specialist equipment during the school holidays, before you hire it, try asking your school or college if you can borrow it from them.
UK Holiday Activities
Gloucester - Willows Trust
A charity that offers freedom for the disabled on the water by providing days out for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities and those who are seriously ill. The Trust has two boats based at Saul Junction, and guests can enjoy the excitement of adventure and the therapy of tranquility in beautiful surroundings - all travelling totally free of charge. http://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk
Sheffield - The Ethel Trust
The Ethel Trust Community Barge based in south Yorkshire is a purpose-built 57 ft long broad beam canal barge, fitted out with accessible toilets & shower, safety rails, hydraulic lifts, accessible seating and sleeping facilities for up to 10 people. Wheelchair friendly. They offer three-day boat handling courses, leading to AQA accreditation. For further info contact Tim Miskell on 0114 2299385/ 07910 802476
Three-day residential courses are also available, including a two night stay aboard.
Devon, the Lake District and Kielder - The Calvert Trust
The Calvert Trust aims to enable people with disabilities, together with their families and friends, to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure in the countryside. They offer a wide range of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. www.calvert-trust.org.uk
UK & Abroad Supported Holidays
Holidays with Help
provides respite care breaks for disabled people. All holidays include meals, entertainment, leisure facilities and trained, experienced helpers. Transport is not included. Bookings are welcome from individuals, couples and groups. Suitability of breaks are checked with each individual prior to accepting a booking. www.holidayswithhelp.org.uk
Lets-Go Supported Holidays
provides a wide range of UK and Worldwide holidays for adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Offering central pickups, their supported holidays offer something for everyone, whether it's fun and excitement or just relaxing around the pool. www.letsgosupportedholidays.co.uk
Maybrook Tours
A not-for-profit holiday club set up to offer personalised and affordable supported holidays for adults with a learning disability. Membership is free, and offers discounts, deals and comparatively low prices on a wide range of holidays in Britain and abroad. Also supported day trips for people who prefer to stay at home. Travel is by minibus and a door-to-door service is available. maybrooktoursuk.wordpress.com
Papillon Holidays
Supported holidays in group settings throughout the UK, Spain and
France. Themed and educational holidays are provided to adults of all
ages with support needs. www.papillonholidays.co.uk
Door to Door Holidays
Specialists in holidays for adults with learning disabilities and operate
trips to the UK, Spain and the USA. Each holiday is packed with exciting activities. www.doortodoorholidays.co.uk
Break Away Holidays & Weekends
A range of supported holidays and mini breaks designed for individuals and small groups of adults with learning disabilities in the UK, Europe and the USA. Also a range of activity based holidays, planned around college terms, giving young people the opportunity to holiday together. www.breakawayhols.co.uk
Beds Garden Carers
BGC organises holidays all over the world including the UK. Past holidays include Florida, Mediteranean Cruise, Eurodisney, Devon and Center Parcs. Our holidays are open to all even people who do not attend BGC. All our holidays are fully insured and staffed and include transport to and from Bedford. www.bedsgardencarers.org.uk
Jollydays Supported Holidays
Supported holiday packages for adults with mild to moderate learning
disabilities in UK and various European destinations. Tailored holidays to suit individual needs can also be arranged. www.jollydaysholidays.co.uk
Branch Out
A range of supported holidays, mostly UK with the occassional trip to a European destination. Holidays are suited to adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities who would like to be part of a small group. www.branchoutholidays.com
Chrysalis Holidays
A choice of supported, themed holidays in the UK and Europe to suit
adults of all ages with learning disabilities. www.chrysalisholidays.co.uk
Bespoke France
Bespoke France offer fully accessible holidays for families living with learning and multi-sensory difficulties. www.bespokefrance.com
I Need a Holiday Too
Based on the coast of Brittany, I Need a Holiday Too provides six self-contained apartments in a converted cotton mill, for disabled people wanting to travel to France. Modern living in a rural, traditional setting, just 10 minutes from the nearest beach. www.ineedaholidaytoo.com
Your Direction Ltd
Your Direction Ltd offers supported holidays for people with learning disabilities, with the opportunity for people to design their own holidays within the UK or abroad. www.yourdirection.co.uk
Away with us holidays
Away With Us Holidays
Away With Us Holidays arrange supported, all-inclusive holidays for people with learning disabilities to a number of destinations in the UK, Europe and further afield. www.awaywithusholidays.com
Out About & Away
Out About & Away is a non-profit organisation that provides day trips and short breaks for people with disabilities. They also provide leisure and sports activities for disabled people. www.outandaboutandaway.co.uk
Diana's Supported Holidays
Offers supported holidays around the world for people with a learning disability. All holidays are led by a qualified leader with additional support staff. www.dsh.org.uk
Go Provence
A family-run company that provides supported activity holidays for adults with learning disabilities in the Gorge Du Verdon region of Provence. They have a 'Blue Sky' fund to help people on a low income afford a holiday with them. www.goprovence.co.uk/
Supported backpacking around Europe
Go Provence also provide supported backpacking holidays around Europe for one month. Traveling as a small group, people stay in hostels and mix with people from around the world. The group is also involved in planning the trip. To find out more email ian@goprovence.co.uk or telephone 00 33 4 86 56 65 61 (French land line).
Avalon Freedom
Part of the Avalon Group (a registered charity) based in Harrogate, but with offices across the North of England, Avalon Freedom offers supported holidays to adults with disabilities, in the UK and abroad. They can also provide a tailor-made holiday service. www.avalongroup.org.uk/avalonfreedom/
Holidays for the disabled
Holidaysforthedisabled.com is run by Paul Fogarty, who is himself disabled, and feels strongly about giving people with disabilities or mobility issues the chance to enjoy holidays around the world. www.holidaysforthedisabled.com
UK Holiday Accommodation
Activity PLUS
PLUS is a charity based in Lewisham, which has a service called Activity PLUS that organises group holidays for people with learning disabilities. Holiday makers have the opportunity to purchase support if needed or bring a family member/carer with them. www.plus-services.org
Bempton Holiday Villa
Bempton Holiday Villa is a 5-bedroom seaside holiday home for disabled and non-disabled guests. Run by registered charity, the Wilf Ward Family Trust, Bempton Holiday Villa is based at The Bay Filey near Scarborough. www.yellowsubmarine.org.uk
Blackpool Cottage
luxury accommodation for up to 8 people in a smart residential part of Blackpool. It is suitable for all kinds of disability and is wheelchair accessible. An ideal place to be on your own away from busy hotels but close to all the wonderful attractions of Blackpool. The cottage is owned by a Blackpool born couple with great knowledge of appropriate places to visit. http://www.blackpoolcottage.co.uk
Bond Holidays - Blackpool
Offering accessible holidays over two hotels in Blackpool as well as self catering caravan accommodation in the same area. In addition, there is funding support available for guests with disabilities via the Blitz funding scheme. http://www.bondhotel.co.uk/
Break
Carefully
considered holiday programmes that support adults, children and
families living with learning disabilities. Holidays and short breaks
are offered in two locations: Rainbow Holiday Centre in Sherringham,
Norfolk - All inclusive with 24 hour support. Golden Bay Village in
Westwood Ho! -Self Catering Holiday Accommodation for families on a low
income. www.break-charity.org
Buddies
Short breaks for children with learning disabilities during the summer
school holidays. All activities are carefully planned to meet the needs of each child. http://dimensions-buddies.org
Can Do Holidays
Specialising in personally inspected holiday accommodation in the UK for people with disabilities; working with families, individuals, teachers and care staff to plan the stay and write the holiday risk assessments. http://www.candoholidays.com/
Crossroads Care
Crossroads Care has a network of local schemes providing respite in the home, using trained staff. Many Crossroads schemes do not charge, although there is often a waiting list for their services. www.crossroads.org.uk
Cwmair Farm Holiday Cottages
Traditional self-catering cottages on a working farm in Wales welcomes children & families with learning disabilities. Feed the ducks, chicken, sheep and lambs. Everyone is welcome to join in! www.farm-holiday-cottages.com
The Daisy Chain Project
Holiday accommodation in Blackpool offering respite breaks to families who have children with disabilities. The Foundation provides the accommodation rent free, the only charge is an application fee. www.kensingtonfoundation.com
Dave Lee Holidays
Dave Lee Holidays is a non profit organisation, based in Kent, that provides holidays for the whole family. happyholidays.moonfruit.com
Filey Caravan Holidays
Supported five star, luxury caravan holidays for adults with learning
disabilities on Yorkshire’s seaside coast. www.fileycaravanholidays.co.uk
Glamorgan Holiday Hotel
The hotel is nestled on Porthcawl seafront and specialises in providing respite care and short breaks to people with learning and physical disabilities and elderly people. Trained care staff are available 24 hours a day. www.new-witheven.co.uk
Heart of Wales
Family run company offering all inclusive, supported holidays for adults with learning disabilities in Wales. A range of carefully selected activities and support tailored to individual needs. www.heartofwalesholidays.co.uk
Petty Pool Outdoor Activity Centre
Petty Pool is an outdoor activity centre that provides tailor-made breaks to suit almost everyone. They take things as fast or as slow as you want to go. Guests stay in log style cabins with en suite facilities. Staff are highly experienced. www.pettypool.org.uk
Scope services
The charity Scope provides a number of short break and respite care services, including residential short breaks, weekend, after school and holiday schemes and support while you are on holiday. www.scope.org.uk
The Thomas Centre
The Thomas Centre is an autism-friendly holiday company in Lincolnshire, which specialises in five star holidays for families, groups and people with complex conditions, including autism, aspergers and ADHD. www.thethomascentre.co.uk
Trevanion House Holidays
Trevanion House Holidays is a hotel set in the heart to Cornwall who offer holidays for adults with learning disabilities. Each guests' individual needs are priority, ensuring each day is filled with activities that have been chosen by the guest. Prices are inclusive of all activity trips, entrance fees and breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also provides in-house entertainment in the evenings. http://www.trevanion.co.uk/
Vitalise
Vitalise is a national charity providing short breaks (respite care) and other services for disabled people and carers. www.vitalise.org.uk
Spanish Holidays & Breaks
Festivos Sol
Supported holidays for adults all year round on the sunny island of
Lanzarote. A variety of accommodation and excursions available.
www.festivossol.co.uk
Assisted Holidays
Fully inclusive holidays for people with special needs on the Costa Del Sol. Staff are experienced in supporting people with Aspergers
syndrome, Autism and Downs syndrome. www.assisted-holidays.co.uk
Casa Capaz Care Holidays
All inclusive, 24 hour supported holidays for people with learning disabilities in Casa Capaz, Spain. An escorted service to pick up from home, travel to Spain and fly back to the UK is available. www.casacapaz.com
Finca Supported Holidays
Fully inclusive, all year round holidays for adults with learning disabilities in Alicante, Costa Blanca. Holidaymakers will be met by a CRB accredited member of staff at the designated UK airport and accompanied throughout the journey and holiday in Spain. www.fincasupportedholidays.co.uk
Costa Supported Holidays
Situated in the southern region of Spain, Costa Supported Holidays provides holidays for guests with learning disabilities, which promote choice and independence. Taking a maximum of six guests supported on each holiday, Costa encourages people to participate in the group, with the support they require. www.costasupportedholidays.co.ukwww.costasupportedholidays.co.uk
Sunshine Supported Holiday
Sunshine Supported Holidays is a private company offering all year round supported holidays for guests with learning disabilities, mental illness, disabled people, respite care and the elderly on the Costa del Sol in Spain. To find out more call 01273 251738 or email info@sunshine-supported-holidays.com
Long Haul Destinations
Holiday home in Israel
We have a holiday home in Netanya Israel that we adapted for my daughter who has severe learning disabilities. It sleeps 6/8 & is wheelchair accessible. It has a raised balcony overlooking the sea, safety gates, shared swimming pool, games room & gym. 5 min walk from beach. www.holidayhomeisrael.com
Skiing & Adventure Holidays
Ski 2 Freedom Foundation
Skiing holidays in france for adults, children and families with learning and physical disabilities. Adapted ski equipment available.
www.ski2freedom.com
Dukes Barn
An outdoor education charity in Derbyshire, providing outdoor adventure activities to children with special needs including Austism, Aspergers Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, children with hearing and sight impairment and with physical disabilities. www.dukesbarn.org
Mountain House Holidays
Outdoor activitiy and walking holidays in the Peak District and Southern Spain for people with learning disabilities. Experience rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and much more. http://mountain-house.co.uk/
Vitalise Churchtown
An accessible activity centre in Lanlivery, Cornwall offering adventure activity breaks and one day activities for individuals, groups, schools and colleges and fun active breaks for all the family. Fully accessible to children and adults with physical, sensory and learning disabilities. www.vitalise.org.uk
Children’s Adventure Farm Trust
Based around a beautiful 17th century farmhouse, in the heart of Cheshire countryside, the Charity offers free adventure breaks and activities to children who are disadvantaged by illness, disability and poverty, from all over the Northwest. www.childrensadventurefarm.org
The Calvert Trust
The Calvert Trust offers a wide range of adventurous outdoor activities for people with disabilities, their families and friends. They have outdoor activity centres for people with all abilities in Devon, the Lake District and Kielder. Respite care breaks also available. www.calvert-trust.org.uk
Travel resources
Disability Travel Insurance
Specialist travel insurance designed for people with disabilities, pre-existing medical conditions and seniors. Additional cover is available for carers, wheelchairs and scooters. For quotes and information phone 01223 446 914 quoting scheme code ‘Disability Holidays Guide’. www.disabilityholidaysguide.com
Disability Holidays Guide
The Disability Holidays Guide lists accessible hotels, villas and cottages, as well as specialist tour operators. You can also find travel insurance, hire accessible transport and pre-order mobility aids and equipment. www.disabilityholidaysguide.com
Tourism for all
Tourism for All is a national charity, offering information about holidays and short breaks for people with disabilities. You can use the site to find places to stay and special offers. www.tourismforall.org.uk
Disabled & reduced mobility Airport Guide
A small guide with information and tips for people travelling with restricted mobility or a disability. There is a special section for people travelling with Autism. www.parkat.co.uk/disabled
OpenBritain
The OpenBritain guide includes useful information for disabled and older travellers, such as places to stay, accessible restaurants, interesting attractions, travel advice and maps. www.openbritain.net/openbritain
Able Accessible Holiday Guide
Published by Able Magazine, this guide highlights a number of destinations – from city breaks, trips to the countryside and European jaunts. Able Holiday Guide
Oakleigh School holiday booklet
Oakleigh School in the London borough of Barnet has produced a booklet for special needs families containing information on holiday accommodation, both in this country and abroad. It also contains information about organisations which may be able to help with funding and holiday insurance, plus a section on flying. Oakleigh info pack (6.0 MB)
Enable Holiday Resource list
Enable Scotland has put together a very useful list of holiday accommodation in the UK and abroad, including holidays with support, sources of funding and travel insurance companies. It's worth noting that the list was compiled in 2010, so some of the information may need to be checked. Enable (518.4 KB)
hft's Holiday Information Guide
The hft Holiday guide is full of ideas for people with learning disabilities, and offers travel advice. You you can download the 2013 guide now. It features loads of useful advice including places to stay – UK and abroad, meeting specialist health needs, benefits and help and insurance.
Your recommendations
Airport Awareness
Manchester Airport has produced a really useful illustrated guide to 'Airport Awareness' in association with various organisations, including the NAS. Although this guide is for Manchester, much of the info is useful for any major airport. Airportaware.pdf (729.4 KB)
Horse Boy Camps
Horse Boy Camps are brilliant! We went on one and it was great for the whole family. They cater for families with autistic children aged 2-12 years. Based in the UK and US. horseboycamps.co.uk/
The Mobile Creche Co
The Mobile Creche Co based in North Wales has provided us with excellent respite carers for past nine years, when we have visited family in North Wales. We have had someone each day to come out on trips as a family and be responsible for my son (now 14, with ASD and LDs) or to split the day and for him to do something different. I have paid for this with our direct payments or had special carers grant for this. www.mobilecreche.biz/
EuroStar
We travelled by EuroStar and phoning ahead was a God-send. We had an allocated member of staff who took us into a quiet room before the train was announced and escorted us to the platform. At the other end we were greeted by staff who escorted us to the front & helped us through.
North Wales
My son has Aspergers and he is obsessed with trains and railways. We recently had a fantastic holiday in North Wales as there were loads of steam railways everywhere, which kept him happy and were really good fun for the rest of the family. There were also walks which crossed over disused railway tracks, and when we weren't actually riding on a train, he had plenty of railway guide books to entertain him!
Swanage
Our son has a profound learning disability and going on holiday can be a challenge, but I thoroughly recommend Swanage as a holiday destination, the beach is very accessible, the town wheelchair friendly, you can even access coastal paths and the staff at the steam railway were very helpful. A lovely friendly place to stay.
Wringford Down Hotel
We have found a great family holiday in Cornwall run by a lady who has worked with special needs and has a full-time on-site nursery. Good facilities etc. Wringford Down Hotel, Cawsand, Cornwall. Our son loves going and enjoys everything and so do his siblings. www.cornwallholidays.co.uk
Thistle Rougemont Hotel
The Thistle Rougemont Hotel in the centre of Exeter is very disability-friendly and can't do enough to help you during your stay. They also have two accessible rooms available. Thistle Rougemont
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inns usually give you a free room for your carer if you are travelling with a disabled person. Always worth asking when making a booking. They are a lovely hotel chain and so helpful to disabled people.
Forest Schools Camp
A friend of mine's son goes to Forest Schools Camp every year and loves it. They run a special needs weekend camp for 6-17 year olds. They're a charity, not a commercial company, and all their staff are volunteers. www.fsc.org.uk
Blackpool Cottage
luxury accommodation for up to 8 people in a smart residential part of Blackpool. It is suitable for all kinds of disability and is wheelchair accessible. An ideal place to be on your own away from busy hotels but close to all the wonderful attractions of Blackpool. The cottage is owned by a Blackpool born couple with great knowledge of appropriate places to visit. http://www.blackpoolcottage.co.uk
Surfing
My daughter, who has autism, has been surfing in Ireland for the last two years, during our holidays there. It was such a confidence booster for her and brilliant fun. I really recommend giving it a go. There are various places in the UK/Ireland that offer surfing for kids with autism/learning disablilities. Try Google.
Family holidays in Cornwall
We have found a great family holiday in Cornwall run by a lady who has worked with people with special needs and has a full-time on-site nursery. Good facilities etc. Wringford Down Hotel, Cawsand, Cornwall. www.cornwallholidays.co.uk Our son loves going and enjoys everything and so do his siblings.
Portugal & Cornwall
Our son (15) has learning and physical disabilities. We recently stayed on the Algarve in Portugal, in one of two wheelchair-accessible apartments. One sleeps 7, the other 4. They can be rented separately or together.
The larger one comes with a VW transporter that accommodates a wheelchair. There is a lovely pool at the apartment, with a lockable gate. We had a great time because everything was so accessible and the apartment was perfect for our son's needs.
The owners also have a similar place in Cornwall. They have loads of disability experience, and were so helpful and friendly to us. They are doing a deal for the rest of 2011, 20% off all bookings with this code KKS/Port2011. www.tregooselet.co.uk
Calvert Trust at Exmoor
I highly recommend the Calvert Trust at Exmoor. Our family has had several wonderful activity holidays there. Something for everyone, all disabilities. I'm a wheelchair user and my son and husband have Aspergers, staff were great.
Holiday home in Israel
We have a holiday home in Netanya Israel that we adapted for my daughter who has severe learning disabilities. It sleeps 6/8 & is wheelchair accessible. It has a raised balcony overlooking the sea, safety gates, shared swimming pool, games room & gym. 5 min walk from beach. www.holidayhomeisrael.com
Flying to see Janet
From packing and going through security, to take off, turbulence and landing, this cheerful picture book will help children aged 3 to 12 learn what to expect at each stage of an airplane journey. Particular emphasis is placed on coping with sensory issues, ideas for distractions, activities to relieve boredom and practical hints and tips for parents and caregivers: Flying to see Janet
Spain by boat
My daughter has Aspergers and suffers from blackouts. Planes are tricky, as they mean crowds at the airport and a rugby scrum to board, so we took our car on the 24 hour crossing to Santander in Spain this year.
The cabin had its own bathroom and, crucially, a power point for the laptop (her obsession). Travelling by car meant we could bring lots of stuff, in fact there were a lot of disabled people on the crossing – especially those with electric wheelchairs, and plenty of service dogs!
Northern Spain is quieter and cooler than the south, but has plenty to offer - including lovely beaches, and places to visit. but for us. The fact it was quiet and there were fewer kids, so less noise, helped us.
We also went to Madrid, which is hot, and I recommend the Holiday Inn Piramides, which has rooms that sleep 4 in a 2-room suite, giving you and the kids space but no worries about their own room.
We are already looking ahead to our next trip, to France this time, it's going to be a while before I brave a plane & cramming everything into a suitcase I suspect!
