This week the minister for disabled people Mike Harper has said that UK holiday companies are ‘missing a trick’ by not catering as well for people with disabilities as many overseas holiday resorts, pushing disabled people to book foreign breaks rather than stay in the UK. The opinion, backed by Paul Nadine, head of the biggest disabled holiday operator the Disabled Holiday Directory, is that British holiday firms just aren’t catering for people with disabilities, but we’re not sure that’s the case.
In his statement the minister warned that many coastal destinations are out of bounds for disabled holidaymakers, citing Cornwall in particular as somewhere where half of holiday parks advise disabled visitors to go elsewhere. However, we’re not sure whether this is a failing on coastal resorts or a necessary restriction caused by the sheer landscape of the UK. We do know that many of the parks listed among our pages, in fact almost all of them offer specially adapted caravans and accommodation for those with mobility issues.
Much of the Devon and Cornwall coastline is rustic, rocky and requires a steady foot and without destroying the aesthetics of this beautiful landscape it seems impossible to accommodate less able people. For the same reasons, those dependent on a buggy or pushchair might also avoid the area. It stands to reason then that accessibility on the Norfolk Broads for instance would be much better, and indeed there are more parks in that area that are recommended for wheelchair users.
So while we believe that all UK holiday parks should indeed attempt to cater for the disabled, because of course everyone deserves a break, we’re not sure whether it’s the facilities on holiday parks or the general location and area that’s the problem.
That said, museums, holiday parks and attractions really do need to ensure they are as wheelchair friendly as possible, especially as British holidays become more and more popular. While some coastal resorts may be restricted by their simple geography, it’s important that as many places as possible as accessible to the as many people as possible, keeping the UK up with the rest of the world on attractions and facilities.
By: Kath Cross
