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National Accessible Scheme

If you have particular mobility, visual or hearing needs, look out for VisitEngland’s National Accessible Scheme ratings.

Accommodation establishments that display one or more of the logos shown below are committed to accessibility and you can be sure that these establishments have been assessed against demanding criteria.

Description of awards

Older and less mobile guests

Mobility level 1Typically suitable for a person with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of steps but who would benefit from fixtures and fittings to aid balance.

Part-time wheelchair users

Mobility level 2Typically suitable for a person with restricted walking ability and for those who may need to use a wheelchair some of the time and can negotiate a maximum of three steps.

Independent wheelchair users

Mobility level 3 independentTypically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and transfers unaided to and from the wheelchair in a seated position. This person may be an independent traveller.

Assisted wheelchair users

Mobility level 3 assistedTypically suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair in a seated position. This person also requires personal or mechanical assistance (e.g. carer, hoist).

Access Exceptional

Access exceptionalAccess Exceptional is awarded to establishments that meet the requirements of independent wheelchair users or assisted wheelchair users and also fulfil more demanding requirements with reference to the British Standard BS 8300:2001.

Visually impaired guests

Visual level 1Typically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests.

Hearing impaired guests

Hearing level 1Typically provides key additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with hearing impairment.

Visually impaired guests

Visual level 2Typically provides a higher level of additional services and facilities to meet the needs of visually impaired guests.

Hearing impaired guests

Hearing level 2Typically provides a higher level of additional services and facilities to meet the needs of guests with hearing impairment.

More information

Search accommodation rated under the National Accessible Scheme

Additional help and guidance on accessible tourism can be obtained from the national charity Tourism for All:

Tourism for All c/o Vitalise
Shap Road Industrial Estate
Kendal
LA9 6NZ

Information helpline: 0845 124 9971
Reservations: 0845 124 9973 (lines open 9-5 Mon-Fri)
Fax: 01539 735567
Email: info@tourismforall.org.uk
Web: http://www.tourismforall.org.uk