Access for All Award

This award will go to tourist attractions and accommodation that go the extra mile to ensure their facilities are accessible to all. See the shortlisted finalists below.

 

Winner

The Hytte

Denewood, Bingfield, Hexham, Northumberland

Slow down, relax and unwind at the Hytte.

Sonja and Simon Gregory are the couple behind The Hytte, a Norwegian inspired, traditional timber hytte or mountain lodge featuring a grass roof. The Gregorys’ philosophy is to create a place where people of different abilities can come together to enjoy a carefree holiday.

What not to miss: Explore the nearby and ancient market town of Hexham with its magnificent 12th century abbey. www.thehytte.com

National finalists

National Theatre

South Bank, London

The National Theatre is for everyone. We aim to be accessible and welcoming to all and we are commited to making a visit as easy and as enjoyable as possible.

The National Theatre prides itself on its policy of inclusion, which includes concessions for senior citizens and disabled people; audio described performances, touch tours, Braille and lots more.

What not to miss: Backstage tours - Go backstage at Britain’s largest theatre complex and discover the secrets behind bringing productions to the stage. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Elms Farm Cottages

Elms Farm, Hubberts Bridge, Boston, Lincolnshire

Relax at Elms Farm Cottages and enjoy the peaceful Lincolnshire Countryside.

Elms Farm Cottages opened in May 2004 after derelict old barns and stables were converted under a rural enterprise diversification scheme to save them from demolition. It represents one of the first self-catering businesses in the country to achieve accessible grading for all eight of its cottages with Mobility (M1 and M2), Visual (V1) and Hearing (H1).

What not to miss: The Wash is the most important wetland for wildlife in the UK, it can be a magical place to see large numbers of waders and wildfowl throughout the year. www.elmsfarmcottages.co.uk

 

Regional winners

Park House Hotel

Sandringham, King's Lynn, Norfolk

By providing care and assistance as required, Park House enables disabled guests and their carers/campanions to have a completely relaxing holiday together.

Park House was built in 1863 by the Prince of Wales. In 1983 Her Majesty, the Queen, Patron of Leonard Cheshire Disability, offered the house to be used as a Cheshire Home.

What not to miss: Accessible activities - With the Activities staff and a fleet of adapted vehicles, every guest has an opportunity to explore the West Norfolk area during their stay. www.parkhousehotel.org.uk

The Beacon

West Strand, Whitehaven, Cumbria

Noted for working closely with disabled people's own organisations, the Beacon is proactive and innovative in its approach.

The Beacon museum opened in 1997 and provides incredible displays of paintings, prints and photographs along with the profound history and facts of Whitehaven.

What not to miss: Look out for the photographic exhibition by 'In Focus' looking at the history of Whitehaven harbour over the last 300 years. www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

RAF Museum

Shifnal, Shropshire

The free to enter Museum holds an exciting display of aircraft, engines, interactive displays and more, across two sites. One in London and one in the West Midlands.

The RAF Museum, Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the UK. Accessible features include disabled toilets and baby changing, tactile diagram books in large font and Braille, hearing loops and lots more.

What not to miss: The National Cold War Exhibition with its interactive kiosks and hotspots gives visitors a chance to see what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

Hue’s Piece

Paynes Farm, Broadclyst, Exeter

Hue’s Piece is quite simply a place to unwind, where guests feel cared about whilst being able to have privacy and independence.

Hue’s Piece started life as a calf house at Paynes Farm, which is part of a National Trust Estate at Killerton near Exeter in east Devon. Anna Hamlyn saw great potential in it as a wheelchair accessible conversion as it is single-storey with level access outside.

What not to miss: The cottage looks out over open fields and enjoys stunning sunsets! www.paynes-farm.co.uk

The Nurse’s Cottage Restaurant with Rooms

Station Road, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire

Very small property with a very big reputation.

Nurse's Cottage Restaurant With Rooms is situated in the the centre of the village of Sway, one mile from the open countryside of The New Forest and just two hours from London.

What not to miss: The Reception Shop stocks local produce from free-range eggs to Beaulieu Chocolates, Hampshire Honey, New Forest Soaps and lots more. www.nursescottage.co.uk

Novotel Sheffield

50 Arundel Gate

A modern, newly refurbished, comtemporary hotel with a city centre location and only 15 minutes from the peace and tranquility of the Peak District.

For over a decade Novotel Sheffield Centre has worked closely with Disability Sports England (DSE) and has been welcoming large groups of disabled sports people competing in various sporting events.

What not to miss: Visit the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, which feature collections of plants from all over the world and the National Collections of Weigela and Diervilla. www.novotel.com

 

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