Northumberland
VisitEngland has long-known that visitors to England needn’t compromise on location or style to guarantee accessibility and facilities. Here, the national tourist board looks at some of the country’s visitor attractions, accommodation options and holiday operators blazing the trail for accessible tourism.
See the Sites
Whether or not you’re a Manchester United supporter, the stadium tour of the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is a must for footie fans. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of this world-class sporting venue, see the players’ changing rooms and simply soak up the atmosphere. Accessible throughout, the stadium has plenty of spaces reserved for wheelchair users and companions and offers a Disabled Supporters’ Booklet.
Cornwall’s multi-award-winning attraction, The Eden Project, works with the Sensory Trust to find creative approaches to physical access. The attraction has fully-trained staff on hand to assist visitors with mobility or sensory impairments, from parking to site navigation and access.
The RSPB is working hard to improve access at its main nature reserves and more than 20 reserves now have an access statement available to download. Visitors wanting to know more about the layout of the café, the length of the trails or accessible parking facilities can now request the access statement prior to travel.
Stay the Night
Gold ‘medallist’ in the VisitEngland Access for All award 2011 was Hoe Grange Holidays. Comprising four accessible self-catering log cabins in the Derbyshire Peak District, Hoe Grange is fully equipped and wheelchair friendly, and combines a ‘home from home’ atmosphere with excellent accessible facilities. Ideal for families and groups, Hoe Grange Holidays is rated suitable for assisted wheelchair users under VisitEngland’s National Accessible Scheme – and they even allow you to bring your own horse!
Morton’s House is a charming 16th century manor house, now converted into a 21-bedroom hotel in the picturesque village of Corfe Castle. The hotel offers a selection of individually decorated rooms, a 2 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant and has been rated suitable for independent wheelchair users and hearing impaired under our National Accessible Scheme. 
Package it Up
Can Be Done Holidays has specialised in original and pioneering wheelchair-accessible holidays, tours and short breaks since 1985. They can tailor-make itineraries according to your preferences, and can arrange self-drive holidays for greater flexibility, offering both standard and adapted vehicles.
Adventurous travellers can try out new activities or hone existing skills in everything from watersports, climbing and abseiling to zipwire and archery at The Calvert Trust at Kielder Water. This holiday centre in the Northumberland National Park offers accommodation and activities for disabled travellers and their families. A member of the National Accessible Scheme, all accommodation provided at the Calvert Trust is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
VisitEngland provides tips and ideas for people with physical and sensory needs at www.visitengland.com/accessforall
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Shabana Adam