VisitEngland works with tourism businesses to improve their accessibility and thereby quality.
The National Accessible Scheme (NAS) is a national scheme which helps guests to find accommodation to suit their needs, independently assessed by trained assessors against demanding criteria. Assessed properties will have facilities such as handrails, ramps, level-access showers, hearing loops and colour contrast. A list of the NAS logos and explanations of suitability are shown below.
Please note that the National Accessible Scheme will close to new participants from 16 February 2023.
The scheme is only closing to new applicants. Existing participants will retain their participation, including the right to use NAS logos, until the next date of renewal.
If you can climb a flight of stairs, but banisters or grip handles would make this easier. This is also known as the ‘One step ahead’ standard.
If you have problems walking or can walk a maximum of 3 steps, or need to use a wheelchair some of the time.
If you’re a wheelchair user and travel independently.
If you’re a wheelchair user and travel with a friend or family member who helps you with everyday tasks.
– OR –
Access Exceptional is awarded to establishments that meet the requirements of independent wheelchair users or assisted wheelchair users and also fulfil more demanding requirements.
If you have difficulty reading small print, are registered blind, have poor sight or a visual impairment.
If you have a slight hearing difficulty, are deaf, wear a hearing aid or have hearing loss.