A Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Cottage in Whitby

I recently returned from my annual, week-long family holiday. This year, my parents and I chose to stay in the UK after all the hassle we had last year with flying (find my review of our trip to Salou, Spain here).

Wheelchair accessible holiday cottage

So, back in February, we booked a self-catering accessible cottage through DisabledHolidays.

We’ve always loved Yorkshire; the history, countryside, charm and culture. But we also wanted to be near the coast and so we opted for the seaside town of Whitby, situated in the Borough of Scarborough.

Accommodation

A wheelchair accessible holiday cottage in Sneaton Thorpe:

• A large ground-floor property, all rooms are generously sized. More than enough room to manoeuvre with hoists, wheelchairs and any other equipment required.
• 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4. Large living/dining area and sizeable separate kitchen.
• Huge wet room with both bath and shower! There is a wall-mounted shower seat, though these are rarely any use to me as my balance is poor. I, therefore, pre-requested a static shower chair with armrests (as you can see from the photo, there are no armrests on the chair!) However, there are sturdy, wall-mounted grab rails either side and so this suited fine.
• The door ridges could be problematic for some wheelchair users. I use a Quantum 600 powered chair which managed the front door but struggled with the patio door. Alternatively, I went around the side of the property and through the gate in order to access the garden.

• Stunning views of Whitby coastline, the surrounding countryside and the Abbey in the distance.
• Ideal location: quiet and peaceful yet only a 10-minute drive to Whitby town centre.
• Overall very impressive and well-thought-out accommodation. My only complaint is the beds, which were VERY firm and uncomfortable. I use an electric adjustable bed at home with a regular mattress but I’ve always slept on normal beds when away, without issue. There was, however, plenty of room underneath to use a manual hoist should you need to.
• I would thoroughly recommend this property to anyone with a disability, particularly wheelchair users. My only suggestion would be to take some form of mattress topper and maybe a blanket as only heavy, winter duvets were provided.

Places I visited

Robin hoods bay

• Historic fishing village, scenic views. 10-15 minute drive, south of Whitby.
• Pavements are fairly wide and smooth. A reasonable amount of dropped kerbs.
• Sufficient disabled parking (not exempt from payment).
• Most pubs and restaurants are wheelchair accessible.
• Very steep towards the bay itself. I chose not to venture down as the gradient was too steep for my wheelchair.

Whitby town

• Could do with more dropped kerbs although generally flat in the west side of the town. Pier is mostly accessible (steps to reach the very end but you’re not missing out).
• The beach is accessible via a slope and the sands are firm (powered wheelchairs and scooters may struggle!)
• You can hire mobility equipment including scooters, manual and powered wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs and even an all-terrain wheelchair from Whitby Tourist Information. I would advise you to do this in advance! Call: 01947 821001 or click here for more information.
• West side of town is much more commercialised than the east side.
• Plenty of disabled parking (not exempt from payment) and accessible toilets (take your Radar key). I recommend the new Marina car park toilets, located near the Tourist Information Centre, as they’re the best equipped and the most pleasant.
• Eastside far less accessible depending on your tolerance for cobbled streets. Manual wheelchairs would struggle unless pulled backwards which is obviously not ideal or particularly appealing. I ventured through the cobbled streets and Whitby Market Place in my Quantum 600 and didn’t get stuck – so it is doable.
• There are some interesting shops showcasing local arts, crafts and Whitby jet jewellery.

Scarborough North Bay

• Flat, wide, smooth, even pavements.
• Dropped kerbs, free disabled parking, ramp access to the beach which is accessible depending on the wheelchair or scooter you use.
• My heavy Quantum 600 power chair got stuck in the sand, and I had to call on the assistance of some friendly locals to haul me back onto the pavement. However, manual wheelchairs shouldn’t encounter any problems as the sands are flat and firm.

East pier and Scarborough town centre

• Impressively accessible: flat, even, wide pavements and plenty of dropped kerbs.
• Free disabled parking.
• Much more commercialised and populated than the North Bay, so if you prefer the peace and quiet, stick to the north.
• Lots of amusement arcades, fast food and tourist/gift shops.
• Beach again is very flat and accessible although powered chairs may struggle.
• Accessible buses and sight-seeing tour buses.
• The main disabled toilet in town (Radar key required) is small and unpleasant! I would use one of the accessible toilets within the pubs or restaurants.

Whitby Abbey

• The Abbey is surprisingly accessible for all. I really enjoyed my visit as it was so easy to get around and there was nothing I missed out on.
• Smooth, even paths and slopes where necessary. Even the grass isn’t bumpy.
• 4 disabled parking bays, 2 large lifts and disabled toilets at the main entrance and in the tea rooms.
• All staff were extremely helpful and advised us of the most accessible routes. Even the gift shop was a decent size, allowing wheelchair users to browse without bumping into other visitors.
• I highly recommend visiting the Abbey!
• Obviously, the famous 199 steps are in no way disabled-friendly. But you can park at the top and take in the view.

While North Yorkshire is admittedly very hilly, rugged and rural, it is for the most part accessible to those with disabilities, as I discovered. It’s not always easy or comfortable to get around in a wheelchair, but it’s worth a bloody good try as the North Yorkshire Moors has so much to offer.

There are many narrow, winding, steep roads and country lanes to navigate. For this reason, I think it’s important for anyone with a disability to have access to a car in order to explore Whitby and the surrounding area.

Thank you to the lovely Carrie Aimes for sharing her wheelchair accessible holiday in Whitby. (All photos were taken by Carrie).

For more from Carrie you can visit and follow her on:
Website:   Life on the slow lane
Twitter: @claimesuk

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