There are hundreds of campsites in Great Britain with a variety of accessible layouts and facilities. Camping, glamping and caravanning holidays all have that taste of outdoor adventure.

Camping and Glamping

Camping ‘under canvas’ is easier than you might think, if you select the right campsite. Woodview Campsite in Bude features gently sloping grassed areas for you to pitch up on next to solid pathways that lead to accessible facilities such as a shower block and toilets as well as a games room. Furthermore, for the full Robinson Crusoe experience, there are several fire pits set in a wooded area close to the stream, with grills, picnic tables and hammocks to enjoy (accessible with assistance). The pitches have electric hook-up.

You may of course choose to upgrade to more of a ‘glamping’ experience. The site’s spacious Woodpecker Cabin is heated and has a double sofa bed and pair of bunk beds as well as other furniture and domestic appliances (and a barbecue and outdoor grill). It’s still kind of camping, since you’ll still need to use the shower block and toilets.

Woodview Campsite
Youlstone, Bude, Cornwall
Tel: 01288 331492
www.woodviewcampsite.co.uk

Caravanning and Static Caravans

Caravans offer that little bit more privacy, incorporating basic kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Waren Mill Caravan Park is located within acres of woodland on the headland above Budle Bay Nature Reserve, with stunning coastal views of Holy Island and Bamburgh.

The caravan park has all of the facilities you could need to enjoy a break in your touring caravan, such as onsite facilities including a bar, restaurant shop, games room and launderette as well as shower and toilet facilities, described by the park as “easy access”.

Beyond the site, the local area has plenty of interesting sites including Bamburgh Castle and the nearby island of Lindisfarne. The park also hosts modern static caravans (also known as caravan holiday homes) for hire that offers more space and facilities and are more like a small house than your traditional touring caravan. Features include gas central heating and double glazing as well as a fully equipped kitchen, wetroom and hoist for the beds and external decking area with shallow gradient ramp.

An easy-access holiday home is available with full wheelchair access throughout and with large external balcony.

Waren Caravan Park
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Tel: 01668 214366
www.meadowhead.co.uk/parks/waren/

Motorhomes

You might be surprised at the level of facilities and comfort available in specially adapted campervans. The other advantage of hiring a motorhome is that you can drive it anywhere and at a time that suits you, perhaps to coincide with an event such as a festival or sporting fixture, for example.

Coachbuilt GB offer wheelchair motorhomes for hire that are large enough to accommodate four people. Features that you would more usually find in an adapted home are available, including: include wide door access, wheelchair cassette lift, profiling and height-adjustable bed, ceiling track hoist, wheelchair restraint system and a wetroom.

Although driving something as large as a motorhome might be a new challenge, they can also be supplied with hand controls. Hire packages include comprehensive insurance, generous mileage allowance and Caravan and Camping Club Privilege membership. Naturally, there’s a full handover and demo to set you off with everything you need to know about the vehicle.

Coachbuilt GB
www.coachbuiltaccessiblehire.co.uk

Holiday Cottages

For a more comfortable country getaway the option of hiring a holiday cottage is hard to beat, with all the comforts of home with the added scenery of your chosen destination.

Hill Lodge in Poole is a good example of accessible self-catering accommodation for up to six people. Furthermore, it is set in a wonderful location, just 10 minutes from Poole Harbour and within half an hour of lovely beaches.

Although the property has three en suite bedrooms it is the downstairs bedroom and bathroom that are wheelchair accessible, featuring a height-adjustable super-king bed with electric profiling controls as well as touch bedside lamps and easy pull-down rails in the wardrobe.

A wetroom incorporates a hand-held shower head, shower chair and pull down rails next to toilet (raised seat available). In the kitchen there’s space under the hob and sink for wheelchair access as well as a low level work surface – and a level access patio area outside. (A hoist and other mobility aids and equipment can be provided at no additional cost.)

Hill Lodge
Poole, Dorset
Tel: 01202 630075
www.endeavour-uk.co.uk

More information

To join The Camping and Caravanning Club and explore 108 Club sites around the UK, many of which have disability-friendly layouts and accessible facilities visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Freedom to Go – if you are new to caravanning and motorhome holidays, www.freedomtogo.co.uk has hints and tips to help you get started and plan your next family adventure.

For popular camping and glamping holiday destinations, visit: www.campsites.co.uk