It may be difficult to find a way to enjoy some of the same activities you did before you spinal cord injury. Camping can be especially tricky because camps are often in remote locations that do not have even the typical amenities you might find on holiday. However, there are camps in Europe that are wheelchair accessible. Which one might be good for you will depend on what level of accessibility you need.
Here is a look at five of the most wheelchair friendly camps in Europe and the United Kingdom. We’ll take a look at what they offer and where they are located, so you can decide if one of these camps might be the next place you want to travel.
Gythion Bay, Greece
Gythion Bay campsite is located in Gythion Bay, Greece. It is a beachside campsite that is usually open year-round. The campsite has a mini market, bar, and restaurant that all have ramp access. It also includes two accessible toilets and showers. In the winter, a fireplace room is open 24 hours a day. The fireplace room has free wi-fi and offers entertainment such as board games and darts.
The weather in Greece is usually mild. Visiting in the winter means the facilities are less crowded and the sun is not so hot as it is in summer, but the weather is still enjoyable. There are different options for camping. You can rent tents or bring your own caravan. These is also an accessible outdoor swimming pool for when it is warm out.
Don Antonio Camping Village, Italy
The Don Antonio Camping Village is located on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. It has a private beach with lifeguards. There are complimentary sun loungers, and the beach even offers a waiter service. Beach wheelchairs are available for use.
Their website boasts, “It’s a tourism without architectural barriers, ideal for families with children in strollers or children but also for people with disability. It’s the best in outdoor tourism.” The village has mobile homes, bungalows, and mini apartments to let. One of the bungalows is wheelchair accessible.
Warren Farm Holiday Centre, England
Warren Farm Holiday Center is located in the village of Brean Sands, on the coast of Somerset. It is an award winning campsite. The camp is family run, and it caters to tourists and campers. There are static caravans for let.
The campsite has a clubhouse and a restaurant as well as two takeaways and a small shop. In addition, there are playgrounds, an ice cream parlour, a pets’ corner, and a gift shop. For people who like to fish, there is a tackle and bait shop, and a fishing lake. All of these things give the centre a true holiday feel.
For campers with disabilities, there is a wash and shower unit that is not only accessible, but there is a staff member available to help, 24/7. The grounds are well-maintained, and level. It has been noted on travel websites as being easy to access and navigate and has earned praise for being wheelchair friendly.
The Villa, Spain
The Villa is not exactly a “camp,” but it is still a beautiful holiday getaway on the sea. The Villa is located in the village of Benajarafe, which is near Malaga. The grounds have a private BBQ area and a 10m x 5m pool. It is just a minute away from the beach. There is a bakery, supermarket, and chemist nearby so that you do not have to worry about being without any necessities.
The Villa sleeps 12, and the downstairs living area is fully wheelchair accessible. The downstairs bedroom and bathroom have also been made accessible, and the doorways downstairs have been widened. The pool has ramped access. Trained support staff can even be provided for an extra fee.
Camping Bellevue Mer, France
Camping Bellevue Mer is located near the town of Hillion, in France. It is a seaside camp, with 58 pitches. Some are for tents and some of for caravans and mobile homes. The campsite also has mobile homes for rent.
The mobile homes are of different sizes and style, but one of them is a 4/6 berth mobile home that has been designed for wheelchair users. It has a ramp for accessibility. It also has a medical chair for the bathroom and a fridge, microwave, and stove. The bathroom has an accessible shower, and the home even has electric heat.
For more wheelchair accessible holiday destinations, check out this Disabled Holiday Directory.
Author: Annie Beth Donahue is a professional writer with a health and disability focus.
