Improving Campsite and Holiday Park Accessibility for All

Making Your Site Accessible to Everyone

Accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about welcoming guests who might otherwise be excluded from outdoor experiences. With 14.6 million disabled people in the UK (22% of the population), accessible sites tap into a significant market while doing the right thing.

The Business Case

Market Size

• 14.6 million disabled people in the UK
• Combined spending power: £274 billion ("Purple Pound")
• Disabled travellers often travel with companions
• High loyalty to accessible venues
• Growing aging population increases demand

Reputation Benefits

• Positive reviews mentioning accessibility
• Word-of-mouth in disability communities
• Award and certification opportunities
• Staff pride in inclusive service

Understanding Different Needs

Accessibility isn't just about wheelchairs. Consider:

Mobility Impairments

• Wheelchair users
• Walking aid users
• Limited stamina or balance
• Difficulty with steps or uneven ground

Sensory Impairments

• Blind or partially sighted
• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Cognitive and Learning

• Autism spectrum conditions
• Learning difficulties
• Dementia
• Anxiety disorders

Hidden Disabilities

• Chronic pain conditions
• Fatigue conditions
• Bowel/bladder conditions
• Respiratory conditions

Physical Accessibility Improvements

Paths and Surfaces

Key Principles

• Firm, level, slip-resistant surfaces
• Minimum width for wheelchair passage
• Rest areas on longer routes
• Alternatives to steps

Specifications

Element	Standard	Notes
Path width	1.2m minimum (1.5m preferred)	Allows wheelchair + companion
Cross-slope	2% maximum	Prevents tipping
Gradient	5% maximum (8% with resting)	Ramps need handrails above 6%
Surface	Firm, non-slip	Compacted gravel, tarmac, resin-bound

Improvements to Consider

• Tarmac or resin-bound paths to facilities
• Boardwalks over soft ground
• Handrails on slopes
• Resting benches every 50m on long routes
• Contrasting edges for partially sighted

Accessible Pitches

Minimum Requirements

• Level, firm surface
• Close to accessible facilities
• Wider than standard (8m x 8m minimum)
• Accessible hook-up point (lower height)
• Adjacent accessible parking space

Enhanced Provision

• Ramped access to pitch
• Outdoor shelter/seating area
• Direct path to facilities
• Priority booking available
• Assistance call point

Accessible Accommodation

For Self-Catering Units

Feature	Requirement
Entrance	Level or ramped access, 850mm clear opening
Circulation	1500mm turning circle in main spaces
Bedroom	Transfer space both sides of bed
Bathroom	Roll-in shower, grab rails, shower seat
Kitchen	Lowered work surfaces, space under sink
Doors	Lever handles, contrast markings

Ceiling Hoists

Consider installing ceiling track hoists in accessible units:

• Enables guests who use hoists at home
• Covers bedroom and bathroom
• Cost: £2,000-4,000 installed
• Significant differentiator

Toilet and Shower Facilities

Accessible WC Requirements

• Minimum 2200mm x 1500mm clear space
• Door opens outward or slides
• Support rails correctly positioned
• Alarm pull cord reaching floor
• Contrast between fittings and background

Changing Places Facilities

For guests with complex needs:

• Minimum 3m x 4m
• Adult-sized changing bench
• Ceiling hoist
• Peninsular WC
• Privacy for carers

Consider Also

• Separate accessible shower (1500mm x 1500mm)
• Fold-down shower seat
• Handheld and fixed shower heads
• Non-slip flooring
• Good drainage (level access creates challenges)

Sensory Accessibility

For Visually Impaired Guests

Wayfinding

• Consistent layout (don't move things)
• Tactile ground surface indicators
• Handrails along routes
• Audio information where appropriate
• Large print information available

Signage

• Minimum 25mm letter height
• High contrast (light on dark or dark on light)
• Non-reflective surfaces
• Sans-serif fonts
• Braille and tactile options on key signs

Accommodation

• Tactile markings on appliances
• Good lighting throughout
• Contrasting edges on steps
• Remove trip hazards

For Hearing Impaired Guests

Communication

• Staff trained in deaf awareness
• Written information available
• Email/text communication options
• Video relay service awareness

Safety

• Visual fire alarms (flashing beacons)
• Vibrating pillow pads for alerts
• Text-based emergency information
• Visual door entry indicators

Facilities

• Hearing loops at reception
• Subtitled videos/information
• Well-lit spaces (for lip reading)

Cognitive Accessibility

Clear Information

Signage and Wayfinding

• Simple, clear language
• Pictograms alongside text
• Consistent colour coding
• Logical layout
• "You are here" maps

Written Materials

• Easy-read versions available
• Short sentences, simple words
• Images to support text
• Clear structure with headings
• Avoid jargon

Sensory Considerations

For Autism and Sensory Processing

• Quiet areas/pitches available
• Low-stimulation times for activities
• Clear information about what to expect
• Staff aware of meltdown/shutdown
• Flexible booking policies

Environmental Factors

• Reduce unnecessary noise
• Controllable lighting in accommodation
• Consistent routines communicated
• Advance warning of changes

Staff Training

Core Awareness

All staff should understand:

• Range of disabilities (visible and hidden)
• Person-first language
• Asking before helping
• Communication adaptations
• Emergency procedures for disabled guests

Practical Skills

• Guiding visually impaired guests
• Communicating with deaf guests
• Wheelchair assistance if requested
• Using accessibility equipment
• De-escalation for sensory overload

Training Resources

• Purple Tuesday (free training)
• VisitEngland accessibility guidance
• Local disability organisations
• Online courses (many free)

Communication and Marketing

Website Accessibility

Technical Requirements

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliance minimum
• Screen reader compatible
• Keyboard navigation
• Alt text on images
• Captions on videos

Content Requirements

• Clear accessibility information page
• Photos of accessible features
• Honest description of limitations
• Contact for access queries
• Downloadable access statement

Access Statements

Comprehensive document covering:

• How to get there
• Parking arrangements
• Reception and public areas
• Accommodation details
• Eating and drinking areas
• Outdoor facilities
• Additional information
• Contact for questions

Be Honest

Don't oversell. Guests appreciate honest descriptions:

• "Our site has some gravel paths that may be challenging for manual wheelchair users in wet weather"
• "Our accessible toilet is 50m from the nearest accessible pitch"

Certification and Recognition

Schemes to Consider

Scheme	Focus	Benefit
VisitEngland National Accessible Scheme	Accommodation	Official recognition
Euan's Guide	Reviews by disabled people	Authentic feedback
AccessAble	Detailed access guides	Independent assessment
Autism Friendly Award	Autism-specific	Specialised recognition

Funding and Support

Grants and Assistance

Source	What For	Amount
Access to Work	Staff support	Varies
Disabled Facilities Grants	Major adaptations	Up to £30,000
Local authority grants	Business improvements	Varies
Tourism grants	Visitor experience	Varies

Tax Relief

• Capital allowances on access equipment
• VAT relief on some adaptations
• Business rates relief possible

Common Quick Wins

Planning Your Improvements

Legal Requirements

Equality Act 2010

Service providers must make "reasonable adjustments" for disabled customers. What's reasonable depends on:

• Size of organisation
• Resources available
• Cost of adjustment
• Practicality
• Impact on service

Building Regulations

New buildings and significant alterations must meet Part M (Access) requirements.

Planning Considerations

Listed buildings may have restrictions, but accessibility improvements are often supported.