Charlotte Murphy is a freelance writer focused on health and social care. She shares her top tips for having a successful day out with the person we care for. And we've added a few insights from the Mobilise community too.
As carers, it is not always easy to plan holidays.
So here's our guide to creating a memorable staycation. Built around fun days out with the person we care for.
We also have a great list on places where carers can go free. Take a look and start saving pennies.
Everything we need to know to have a fun staycation with the person we care for
According to experts at Helping Hands:
“Holidays are an important part of life, giving people the opportunity to rest, recuperate, and experience a change of scenery. They also give you something to look forward to, as well as something to reminisce about.”
Holidays allow us to create lots of new happy memories to share and reflect upon with the person we look after.
For those of us who can't get away at the moment, we can still plan a fun staycation and enjoy a well-deserved break. After all, a change is as good as a rest, so the saying goes.
Here are carers' top tips for planning a day out with the person we care for. Along with ideas for carer-friendly and accessible days out in the UK.
Carers' top tips for planning a day out
Planning a day out with the person we care for can be daunting, especially if we haven’t done it for a while.
Here are tips to help us plan a successful day out with the person we care for:
Search for accessible attractions that offer the facilities the person we care for's needs. For example, disabled toilets, wheelchair ramps, hoists, etc.
Choose local attractions to avoid long travel. We should take things slowly and build up to longer travel times and further attractions.
Write a packing list in advance. Helping us to remember the essential items that the person we care for will need while we’re out.
Ask a family member, friend, or another carer to join us on our day out to provide additional care and support.
Look up where fully accessible Changing Places are. These are large toilets with a bed and hoist, as well as a disability-friendly toilet.
Activate Google Maps' 'Accessible Places' feature
Did you know Google Maps have a feature on their Google Maps app to allow us to easily find wheelchair-accessible places? By turning on this feature, accessible places information will be displayed more predominantly on our phones when we are using it, saving us from the hassle of having to find out first before we leave.
Simply ensure you have the latest version of Google Maps, go to settings, select 'Accessibility', and turn on 'Accessible Places'.
Carer friendly/accessible days out in the UK
The UK has a fantastic range of accessible attractions that everyone can enjoy. There are some great companies, with accessible guides, which make a helpful starting point, including:
Revitalise is a national charity that creates holidays for disabled people and their carers. They have also conducted thorough research and created their accessible tourism report. They’ve ranked UK attractions based on factors around accessibility. Including the number of disabled toilets, wheelchair access, and the number of staff with disability awareness training.
The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is another great resource. Updated each year, and packed with over 200 reviews of accessible and inspiring days out.
Motability also has a great scheme which helps us lease a new car or a wheelchair accessible vehicle. So we can have smoother carer-friendly days out. Find out more here.
Take a look at this article by Tinbox Traveller for more ideas of accessible days out.
Countryside Mobility have an accessibility guide to attractions in the Southwest.
'The Passenger Assistance App' is available on both iOS and android the app easily helps the person we care for request for assistance when using trains across the UK.
Here’s a snapshot of top accessible days out, we can enjoy with our cared-for, at various locations across the UK.
England
Top 20 accessible attractions in London. The capital has a huge variety of accessible attractions. Including the London Science museum, the British Museum, and Tate Modern.
Brighton beach. Brighton has been voted as one of the best coastal breaks for disabled people. We can hire an all-terrain beach wheelchair in advance to enjoy a fun day relaxing on the beach. They also have a changing places toilet.
Bristol Zoo Gardens. This is the fifth oldest zoo in the world. And has been voted the most accessible attraction in Bristol. We can enjoy a fun day out with our cared-for watching different animals (there are more than 10,000!) and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
Scotland
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Based in Edinburgh, this is ranked as the top accessible attraction in Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle. We can hire a complimentary vehicle for wheelchair users in advance. Enabling our cared-for access to the inner buildings and grounds of the famous fortress. There are also electric wheelchairs for hire.
Wales
Caernarfon Castle. Medieval castles are not often accessible to people with disabilities. However, this fortress now features a purpose-built ramp. This provides wheelchair access to the inside of the castle. We also get free entrance as a carer.
Penmaenmawr Beach. With only great things said by carers in the Mobilise community, the Penmaenmawr beach is also a must-visit. If we do give it a visit, Tideschart provide information on tides, fishing times and weather to make our planning smooth sailing!
One visitor describe it as:
"a lovely quiet beach, accessible via bike path from Conwy. Cafe, toilets ample parking. With a boat ramp that can be used as disabled / push chair access if required."
Northern Ireland
Ulster Museum is Northern Ireland’s most accessible and wheelchair-friendly day out. In fact it ranks at number five overall in the UK. Free entrance is offered to disabled people and there are excellent wheelchair facilities.
And the list is endless! Join the the Accessible Holidays and Day Trips Facebook Group for even more carer-friendly places to visit!
Where do our carers like visiting?
We asked carers in the Mobilise community where their favourite place to visit with the person they care for was. From their local Aldi to safari parks, their suggestions may give us further inspiration.
“We found the Liverpool One shopping centre very accessible”
“Knowsley Safari park in Merseyside has a fully accessible changing room”
“If you don’t drive and getting public transport is too difficult, Driving Miss Daisy offer personalised lifts and general support for a day out or short break”
“Eurodisney have many wheelchair accessible rides plus fantastic disability facilities”
“Harlow Playhouse in Essex has the best wheelchair facilities for seeing a show. You have a fabulous view of the stage and your wheelchair does not block the view of others. Plus you’re right next to the ice cream when it comes out!”
“We love a drive through coffee shop and then go to a local car park that has lovely views”
And sometimes it’s the simple things that can make any trip out feel like a huge success:
“Our local Aldi is our favourite place to go! My adult son is autistic and very vulnerable. Over the years all the staff have treated him just like anybody else and have engaged him in conversation. It doesn’t take a lot but it means the world to us. So a big shout out to Aldi in Ashton in Makerfield.”
Final thoughts
We know first-hand that caring for someone can be challenging and we all need a break sometimes. The good news is that we can still plan a fun staycation with the person we care for (along with family and friends) and enjoy a much-needed change of scenery.
The UK has loads of exciting and accessible visitor attractions on offer. This guide is designed to offer us inspiration. To help us overcome any barriers and to plan a memorable staycation with our loved ones.
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About the author
Charlotte Murphy is a freelance writer focused on health & social care. From a young age, Charlotte volunteered at her local hospice and has helped her Mum care for her elderly grandmother. Now a writer, she aims to be an advocate for those in need. When she isn't writing, Charlotte can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen or walking her spaniel, Ringo. Charlotte can be contacted here.
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