The Premier Cottages Accessibility Scheme

At Premier Cottages, we’re committed to making it easier for all guests to find holiday properties that suit their accessibility needs.

That’s why we’ve developed the Premier Cottages Accessibility Scheme - a self-assessed framework that helps guests make more informed choices when planning a UK break. The scheme includes properties that meet at least one of seven accessibility categories, including Reduced Mobility, Assisted or Independent Wheelchair Use, and Visual or Hearing Impairments

To qualify for the scheme and to be in the Accessible Cottages Collection, cottage owners must:

• Complete the Key Accessibility Features Questionnaire
• Self-assess which of the seven accessibility categories their property meets
• Agree to the Premier Cottages Accessibility Commitment (see below)

Every cottage listing in this scheme includes a downloadable copy of the Key Accessibility Features Questionnaire, giving guests a detailed breakdown of key accessibility features. This can be found in the About & Contact section of cottage pages that are part of the scheme. Detailed access guides are also available on the owner's website.

We also strongly recommend contacting the owner directly to discuss your individual requirements before booking.

The Premier Cottages Accessibility Commitment

Every Premier Cottages member who joins the ‘The PC Accessibility Scheme’ commits to the following for each applicable cottage/unit:

• To complete and publish on their PC listing a completed copy of the “Key Accessibility Features Questionnaire: Self Catering Accommodation” and maintain accurate and up-to-date information.
• To have a detailed access guide available on their website for every applicable cottage.
• To be available to speak or communicate by other means suitable for the guest honest and clear information about the accessible features of their property to enable a prospective guest to form a judgement about its suitability for their needs.
• To offer any guest who books a PC Accessible property via the "BOOK NOW" button on the Premier Cottages website a full refund of the amount paid to the cottage owner if they cancel within 14 days of booking, on the grounds that the property is not suitable for their specific accessibility needs.
To be eligible for this refund:

The guest must place the booking via the "BOOK NOW" button on the Premier Cottages website.
The guest must contact the owner within 14 days (or before arrival if the stay is within 14 days) to confirm the property meets their accessibility needs.
The guest must cancel within 14 days of placing the booking.
The refund will cover only the amount paid for the cottage stay and will not include any other associated travel or personal expenses.

PLEASE NOTE

The questionnaire is a self-assessment filled in by the property owner. The accessibility categories offered by Premier Cottages include the properties that have the minimum requirements that are deemed necessary for each category.

We recommend that when a property has been chosen that the guest reviews the full questionnaire for that property. If the guest requires any further specific information, we recommend that the guest looks at the detailed access guide requirements (this will be on the property owner’s own website) and/or contact the property owner directly to confirm that the suitability of the choice of cottage meets their requirements.

The accuracy of the information provided remains entirely with the property owner.

Seven Accessibility Categories

Each cottage in the scheme has been self-assessed by the owner and meets at least one of the following categories. These 7 accessibility categories were created by Premier Cottages, and are based upon the minimum criteria required by the Key Accessibility Features Questionnaire.

You’ll see these icons displayed on individual cottage listings where applicable, and you can also filter your search results by category by clicking “Filter Results” and selecting from the Accessibility tab.

REDUCED MOBILITY

Includes the following key features to accommodate guests who have limited mobility and would benefit from some basic level accessibility facilities:

• Must have parking within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a standard bedroom with either an ensuite or a separate bathroom, and the ensuite/bathroom must include a shower unit or level-entry shower.
• Must have at least one of the following:
- o Venue all on one level
- o A lift available between floors and changes in level
- o At least one ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom

ASSISTED/PARTIAL WHEELCHAIR USER

Includes the following key features for wheelchair users who can transfer independently and can walk a minimum of 3 steps OR are travelling with a friend or companion who can assist them:

• Must have parking within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have step-free access at a customer entrance.
• Must have at least one wheelchair-accessible bedroom with a wheelchair turning space of at least 1200mm x 1200mm.
• Must have a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, with a level floor including a roll-in shower OR bath, and a wheelchair turning space of at least 1200mm x 1200mm.
• Must have an emergency evacuation plan for disabled customers.
• Must have a map and/or floorplan showing accessibility facilities.
• Must have at least one of the following:
- o Venue all on one level.
- o A lift available between floors and changes in level.
- o At least one ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

INDEPENDENT WHEELCHAIR USER

Includes the following key features for full time wheelchair users who need or want to travel independently:

• Must have parking within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have step-free access at a customer entrance.
• Must have a wheelchair-accessible kitchen for independent use
• Must have at least one wheelchair-accessible bedroom with a wheelchair turning space of at least 1200mm x 1200mm.
• Must have a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, with a level floor including a roll-in shower OR bath, and a wheelchair turning space of at least 1200mm x 1200mm.
• Must have an emergency evacuation plan for disabled customers.
• Must have a map and/or floorplan showing accessibility facilities.
• Must have at least one of the following:
- o Venue all on one level.
- o A lift available between floors and changes in level.
- o At least one ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
Includes the following key features for guests who are blind or have poor eyesight:
• Must have parking within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a standard bedroom with an ensuite or separate bathroom with a shower unit or level-entry shower
• Must have an emergency evacuation plan for disabled customers.
• Must have an audible emergency alarm with flashing lights
• Must have a map and/or floorplan showing accessibility facilities.
• Must have facilities for assistance dogs

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT [ENHANCED]
Includes the following key features for guests who are blind or have poor eyesight:
• Must have parking within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.
• Must have a standard bedroom with an ensuite or separate bathroom with a shower unit or level-entry shower
• Must have an emergency evacuation plan for disabled customers.
• Must have an audible emergency alarm with flashing lights
• Must have a map and/or floorplan showing accessibility facilities.
• Must have facilities for assistance dogs
• Must have step-free access at a customer entrance.
• Must have tactile signage available

HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Includes the following key features for guests who have hearing difficulties or impairments:
• Must have an emergency evacuation plan for disabled customers.
• Must have a vibrating pillow alarm to alert deaf visitors in an emergency.
• Must have a map and/or floorplan showing accessibility facilities.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT [ENHANCED]
Includes the following key features for guests who have hearing difficulties or impairments:
• Must have an emergency evacuation plan for disabled customers.
• Must have a vibrating pillow alarm to alert deaf visitors in an emergency.
• Must have a map and/or floorplan showing accessibility facilities.
• Must have an assistive listening / hearing enhancement system available

Notes

• The Premier Cottages Accessible collection does NOT require designated parking bays as many of our owners provide single properties which would not have/require a designated parking bay. If guests are booking a property on a shared complex and require a designated parking spot, please check the full questionnaire details, or contact the owner directly.

• For wheelchair users, VisitEngland has criteria for accessible bathrooms and bedrooms with both a 1,200mm and 1,500mm turning space - the Premier Cottages wheelchair user categories require a minimum of 1,200mm. If guests require a minimum of 1,500mm they should check the full questionnaire details or contact the owner directly.