When you have a disability, travelling sometimes isn't as easy or as accessible as it should be. We've put together some helpful hints and tips on how to take the hassle out of getting to a Vitalise Centre, so all you need to worry about is how to enjoy your break.

Please remember to travel in the safest way possible and wear a seatbelt when appropriate.

Let the train take the strain

Rail operators can help you in all sorts of ways. The key is to book as early as possible, giving them the chance to help you plan your journey and ensure every stage is accessible.

For more information visit National Rail Enquiries

Disabled persons railcard

At only £18 a year, this gives you and an adult companion a third off a standard or first class fare throughout the UK. Even without a railcard, wheelchair users who stay in their chairs are entitled to the same discount.

Find out more about the Disabled persons railcard

Did you know?

Vitalise staff can usually pick you up from the Centre’s local station (in return for a small donation) if you let them know when you are arriving.

Happy motoring

If you’re travelling to a Vitalise Centre by car, there are plenty of resources to ensure a hitch-free journey:

• The Automobile Association (AA) can help you plan your journey from anywhere in the UK.
  Visit the AA website
• Traffic England gives up to the minute advice on avoiding traffic hotspots, incidents and roadworks.
  Visit Traffic England
• The Highways Agency gives 24-hour traffic information and updates by phone, online and on digital radio.
  Visit the Highways Agency

Why not fly?

Did you know that each of our Centres is within easy reach of a regional airport, and four out of five Centres are within twenty miles!

• East Midlands airports – 14 miles from Vitalise Skylarks
• London City airport – 11 miles from Vitalise Jubilee Lodge
• Manchester airport – 45 miles from Vitalise Sandpipers
• Newquay Cornwall airport –19 miles from Vitalise Churchtown
• Southampton airport – 9 miles from Vitalise Netley Waterside House

Thanks to new regional airports and increasing choice in domestic flights, getting to Vitalise by air is definitely an option. As with travelling by train, booking well in advance is the key to a stress-free flight.

For more advice on flying visit Flying with Disability or read Your Rights to Fly, a short guide published by The Equality and Human Rights Commission.
 

Other useful resources

The Blue Badge Map is an interactive online map, provided by Directgov. You can search the UK for Blue Badge parking bays, accessible public toilets, train stations, shopmobility centres, accessible beaches and more. The map is also available via mobile phone. Visit the Blue Badge Map page on the Directgov website

The Community Transport Association UK (CTAUK) provides local accessible transport, including dial-a-ride, vehicle hire and private car schemes.
Visit the CTAUK website

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) provides transport and travel advice for disabled people.
Visit the DPTAC website

Directgov offers advice an all aspects of accessible travel for disabled people
Visit Directgov

Late availability

Take advantage of unexpected summer sunshine with a last minute Vitalise break! Our Bookings Team can help you plan your journey to the Centre of your choice.

Take a look at our late availability highlights

Directions to all Vitalise Centres

Don't forget you can find directions to all our Centres in the Our Centres section

Directions to Vitalise Churchtown, Cornwall

Directions to Vitalise Jubilee Lodge, Essex

Directions to Vitalise Netley Waterside House, Southampton

Directions to Vitalise Sandpipers, Southport

Directions to Vitalise Skylarks, Nottingham