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Holidays and Travelling Abroad for Young People with SEND

Find out more information on travel across the United KIngdom and abroad.

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If you're going on holiday in the United Kingdom it is always a good idea to plan your journey. This is helpful if it will mean travelling by different forms of transport - by train, bus, taxi, etc.

Travelling across the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom includes:

  • England

  • Wales

  • Scotland

  • Northern Ireland

Independent Travel Training can help you develop many of the skills you need to travel around the country. There is also other information available to help you travel independently.

Some useful tips for when you are planning your holiday include:

  • Make sure you have up to date travel documents. These include your freedom pass, bus pass, railcard etc.

  • Check how accessible different train and bus stations you need to visit are. Contact any you think you might need help to get around.

  • If you need to change at a station, check the platforms you need. This way you can check how far you need to travel between platforms.

Useful Information

You can find information about all train stations in the United Kingdom on the National Rail website and app. You can also contact National Rail to arrange assistance getting on and off your train. For more information, visit the National Rail Accessibility pages [External Link].

Airports

Airports will display their accessibility measures on their websites. Gatwick Airport have a range of assistance and support available at throughout your journey. Visit the Gatwick Airport website for more information [External Link].

Gatwick Airport also recognise the Sunflower Hidden Disability lanyard. Learn more about Gatwick and the Hidden Disability lanyard here [External Link]. Gatwick is also the first UK airport to open a sensory room.

Guide to Flying with a Disability

The Queen Elizabeth Foundation have produced a film about flying with a disability. It is particularly helpful for wheelchair users. It gives information and insights about flying and what support you can have. To view the video, visit the Queen Elizabeth Foundation's Youtube channel [External Link].