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For most of us, going on holiday is relatively easy but if you are a wheelchair user, find it difficult to get about or have additional needs, then it can be hard to find travel options, accommodation and activities to suit you. With this in mind, we have put together some information and ideas to get you to the Island and to make sure that you have a great time once you’re here.
Whether you choose to come by ferry or hovercraft, both these options have passenger assistance available, accessible toilets on board car ferries and lifts which can accommodate wheelchairs. Red Funnel, Wightlink and Hovertravel all request that you book 48 hours before travelling if you are disabled and will need assistance or hold a blue badge (this is required by marine law). If you are travelling on the Red Jet you should bear in mind that due to tide difference throughout the day, the passenger gangways can be steep for those who have mobility issues.
Once you are on the Isle of Wight you’ll find that, if you’re a driver, there are plenty of disabled spaces to park in at all the main Island attractions, car parks, supermarkets and most pubs. If you’re travelling on public transport, the Island bus company Southern Vectis can accommodate wheelchairs and approved mobility scooters, although it is at the discretion of the driver as to whether there is the necessary space on board for mobility scooters. If you want to travel by train, then Island Line runs from Ryde to Shanklin. There is a downloadable leaflet about Assisted Travel, accessible station and train facilities and everything about wheelchairs, scooters and ramps.
The Isle of Wight has a huge range of holiday accommodation with everything from chalets and cottages to country parks and caravans many of which have accessible friendly features but you should enquire at the time of booking to see if the facilities will be suitable for you. Much of the accommodation on the Island has accessible bedrooms, disabled parking, a disabled persons toilet, ramp and access level and are wheelchair friendly and camping and country parks not only have fabulous views but also family and child friendly play areas.
You can find more details information about accessible accommodation and venues by visiting Euan's Guide, a disabled access reviews website; Isle Access, a directory of accessibility information on the Island; and Tourism for All, helping make travel accessible to all. We've also put together a selection of accessible friendly accommodation in the list below.
Euan’s Guide is used by disabled people to discover and recommend accessible places to visit. The website has thousands of access reviews of everywhere from cafes and hotels to boats, beaches and museums! Add your reviews to help others find great places to go on the Isle of Wight and beyond.
Isle Access is a user led charity committed to encourage and promote greater accessibility and inclusion for people on the Isle of Wight. We work with the tourist industry and local government, and our website is a useful resource for information about Island accessibility.
We realise that not all accessibility issues are visible and that different people have different needs so if you have additional needs or require assistance, you should check with the attraction, pub or restaurant to make sure that you can be comfortably looked after. The Isle of Wight’s greatest business is tourism and you will find a friendly welcome across the Island.
For some splendid days out and family fun there are lots of places on the Island that are accessible friendly. Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, The Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill are brilliant for a visit for all the family and there’s also the Isle of Wight Zoo, Amazon World and Monkey Haven for furry friend fans. Both of the Island theatres at Shanklin and Medina have wheelchair spaces and hearing assistance and the Island Riding Centre and Superbowl at Ryde also have facilities for those with additional needs.
There are, of course, beaches which, whilst the sand may not be accessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, have flat paths which run alongside. Appley beach in Ryde is ideal as is the path between Sandown and Shanklin beaches and Cowes Esplanade.
So plenty to do and see whatever your ability. Come and visit our beautiful Island and see for yourself!
Number of results: 103
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Café
WOOTTON
Paul & Chris Griffin welcome you to Bluebells at Briddlesford Lodge Farm. Bluebells is the cafe and education facility and is located in what used to be the cows winter housing. The barn conversion can cater for over 60 people and has a...
Observatory / Planetarium
YARMOUTH
The Island Planetarium has been "Reaching for the Stars" for over 20 years, offering a fascinating journey through time & space; stimulating your imagination & mind, in our astrodome theatre & exhibition.
Self-Catering
FRESHWATER
Comfortable self-catering holiday accommodation for 2-3 adults. Available for short or long breaks all year round.
Hotel
BEMBRIDGE
Few hotels on the Isle of Wight enjoy a finer shoreline setting or more stunning views across the Solent than Bembridge Coast Hotel.
Hotel
SHANKLIN
Cosy upgraded hotel located within walking distance to the beach, Shanklin Old Village, local amenities, bus & train station .
Event Venue
NEWPORT
Electric Woods is a series of stunning evening events featuring a spectacle of themed light, colour and sound set in a five acre pocket of ancient woodland at Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens in Newport on the Isle of Wight. As dusk falls, a...
Adventure Park / Playground
YARMOUTH
Looking to get the adrenaline pumping? Adventure Activities Isle of Wight offers the very best and most exciting range of Land and Water based activities on the Isle of Wight! Our activities cater for all ages and abilities, you will be sure to find...
Self-Catering
RYDE
West View Holiday Cottage (VisitEngland 3 Star Gold Award) is located at one of the Island's beach resorts, Ryde, and is within walking distance to all the shops and attractions of the town.
Glamping
YARMOUTH
Four Hand-crafted tented lodges with river views and incredible interiors, Glamping The Wight Way takes things up a notch on the isle’s wonderful western side.
Self-Catering
SHANKLIN
Haven Hall is a luxurious country house overlooking the sea on the Isle of Wight with 7 self-catering apartments and 14 en-suite bedrooms
Camping & Caravan Site
FRESHWATER
Family camping in a quiet, rural area with magnificent sea and downland views. Located on the outskirts of Freshwater village, 2 miles from Yarmouth ferry port and the Needles.
Church / Chapel
NEWPORT
Newport Minster is the principal church of the Isle of Wight and an Island venue for concerts, exhibitions and civic events. Rebuilt by Queen Victoria it houses Princess Elizabeth’s grave and other important memorials.
Bed & Breakfast
BRIGHSTONE
A charming 17th century thatched cottage offering exclusive B&B within one of the most beautiful spots on the Isle of Wight.
Cafes & Tea Rooms
COWES
The Watersedge is a fully licensed Beach Side Restaurant, located in Gurnard on the Isle of Wight.
Guest House
SHANKLIN
Renowned for a friendly atmosphere, delicious home cooked food and tempting choice of menu. Two comfortable lounges and well stocked residents bar. Car park.
Pub/Inn
NEWPORT
This picturesque, family-run pub sits on Newport Harbour, overlooking the river Medina and is within a three minute walk of Newport, the Isle of Wight's county town and is truly at the heart of the Island.
Self-Catering
SANDOWN
Two 3 and one 2 bedroom cottage in a lovely quiet rural setting. Electricity, duvets and linen included. Pets by arrangements. Garden/patio area.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
VENTNOR
Open the door to the Victorian and Edwardian past and meet the islanders and the landscape they shaped.
Self-Catering
COLWELL BAY
The Bay Colwell is situated on the beautiful west coast of the Isle of Wight and just a short stroll from the wonderful Colwell Bay beach.
Self-Catering
NEWPORT
We have a range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom self catering accommodation sleeping from 2-12 people or larger groups of up to 40 if booking multiple units.
Reviews and advice on hotels, and lots more!
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