Accessibility

We believe that Youth Hostels should be open and accessible to everyone. That aim long pre-dates any legislation to compel accommodation providers to meet the access needs of people with disabilities.

Each new hostel is designed to offer wheelchair access, decorated in colour schemes to aid people with visual impairments, and many have had induction loops and tactile signage installed.

It is not just new hostels that offer this level of access. The older buildings in our network are being adapted and converted too. As a charity, we do have limited resources and have to make important decisions on where and how to allocate the money we have for these works. We are auditing each building, using the National Accessible Scheme (NAS) criteria established by VisitBritain, the UK tourism authority, to determine what levels of access and assistance are required. Our members are helping us to do this work, particularly by donating money to our YHA For All appeal fund, which has already raised over £60,000. Our work is not limited to buildings, however. Our staff also receive training which will enable them to meet the needs of every guest, ensuring that their stay with YHA is both enjoyable and memorable.

While a minority of hostels have specific facilities for guests with disabilities, most can offer limited facilities, and aim to be as flexible as possible. Facilities vary widely; so always contact the Youth Hostel before booking to ensure the facilities are suitable for your needs.

Typetalk

YHA is a registered user of Typetalk, enabling Youth Hostels and booking points to communicate with textphone users via a Typetalk operator.

Registered Assistance Dogs

Special arrangements can be made for registered assistance dogs at most Youth Hostels. Please discuss your needs when making a booking

Wheelchair Access

Many Youth Hostels are in old buildings, which make access by wheelchair difficult, though they may offer facilities such as ground floor rooms, suitable access to bathroom, and convenient parking spaces. Below is a list of Youth Hostels assessed to National Accessible Standards.

North Pennines: Kielder
Lake District: Borrowdale
Peak District & North West: Gradbach, Hartington Hall, Ilam Hall, Liverpool, Manchester, Sherwood Forest
Heart of England: Coalport, Oxford
South West England: Treyarnon
South East England: Medway
East of England: Blaxhall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sheringham, Lee Valley
London: Thameside
Wales: Broad Haven, Conwy, Manorbier

For more information of the National Accessible Standards please visit www.accessibletourism.org.uk or www.englishtourism.org.uk
Both websites give full details of national policy and legislation.