Funded Holidays for Disabled People: A Complete Guide to Grants & Accessible Breaks
Holidays matter. Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s relief, recovery and the chance to breathe. For many disabled people and families, accessibility needs + financial strain make holidays seem impossible.
This guide explains how funded holidays work, where to apply, and which charities and holiday centres offer support so families don't have to miss out on time away.
What Are Funded Holidays?
Funded holidays are breaks where part or all of the cost is paid for by a charity, grant body or council scheme.
- Adapted holiday accommodation
- Travel, fuel or accessible transport
- Equipment (hoists, profiling beds, chairs etc.)
- Meals, respite support or activities
These schemes exist to make holidays possible for people who would otherwise never get one.
How to Apply
- Apply to funding charities
- Ask your council about *short breaks*
- Use evidence of disability & income
- Get help from SEND workers or carer support teams
Charities That Fund Holidays (FULL LIST RESTORED)
Below is the full detailed charity list from earlier — now re-included in full as requested.
- Family Fund — Holiday grants for disabled children or young people.
- Variety — Grants that may include holidays & travel support.
- Leonard Cheshire — Support, respite & accessible services.
- Revitalise — Fully accessible respite holiday centres.
- 3H Foundation — Subsidised holidays for disabled families.
- Sense Holidays — Supported holidays for complex needs.
- Bendrigg Trust — Residential adventure breaks.
- Calvert Kielder — Adventure centre with accessible lodges.
- Calvert Devon (Exmoor) — Devon-based activity centre.
- Disability Grants Directory — UK-wide searchable grant list.
These charities are the best starting point for funding applications.
Holiday Centres & Organisations That Accept Funded Breaks
Unlike commercial travel companies, these are non-competitor accessible providers that work with grant applicants, and many accept council or charity-supported bookings.
---Calvert Kielder — Fully Accessible Activity Holidays
Located in Kielder Forest, Calvert offers lodges with hoists, wet rooms, ramped access and supported outdoor activities. Many guests fund stays using Family Fund, 3H Foundation or council short-breaks.
Website: www.calvertkielder.org.uk
Calvert Accessible Lodges
Profiling beds, wet rooms, ceiling tracks, wide-door access & mobility-ready lodges.
Other Accessible Providers (All Accept Funded Bookings)
- Revitalise — Care-supported holiday centres.
- Bendrigg Trust — Supported adventure & sensory breaks.
- Calvert Devon (Exmoor) — Countryside accessible adventure stays.
- Sense Holidays — Sensory-friendly group holidays.
- 3H Foundation Trips — Subsidised family breaks.
- Seagull Trust Cruises — Wheelchair-friendly canal cruises (Scotland).
- Kerry Farm (Penderels Trust) — Autism & learning-disability family holidays.
Why Funded Holidays Matter
- Rest & emotional recovery
- Reduced carer fatigue
- Freedom from daily limits
- Accessible joy that many never experience otherwise
How People Can Support These Schemes
- Donate or fundraise to holiday-grant charities
- Share this guide to increase awareness
- Advocate for increased short-break funding
A holiday is not luxury — it is restoration, dignity and mental release. Everyone deserves a break.