Carrie-Ann Lightley

Carrie-Ann Lightley Award winning disabled blogger, writer, speaker and content creator. Passionate about accessible travel, with 20 years experience in the industry.

When I started my blog, I was looking to create content that didn’t exist yet.Instead of just listing out accessibility ...
13/04/2026

When I started my blog, I was looking to create content that didn’t exist yet.

Instead of just listing out accessibility features, I wanted to paint a picture of what it actually feels like to arrive somewhere new in a wheelchair.

The texture of it. The joy when it all works. The frustration when it really doesn’t. 😤

So I started writing it myself. Ten years ago (give or take), from a laptop, with no plan other than to tell the truth.

That little blog has turned into something I’m genuinely proud of. Almost a decade of destination guides, hotel reviews and honest travel reflections, all written from my perspective as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy who has been travelling, working and writing in this space for 20 years.

One piece even ended up in a KS3 English teacher resource pack. It was an article arguing that ‘fully accessible’ isn’t a helpful term. Not sure I’ll ever get over that one.

If there’s a destination you’ve been wondering about, or a type of trip you can’t find honest access info for, I’d love for you to explore it. The link’s in the comments.

And if the destination you’re looking for is not there yet, drop it in the comments. I already have trips on the horizon and I’m excited to keep expanding my travel footprint in the future.

There was a time when the Lake District felt just out of reach, even though I’ve lived here all my life. This piece is a...
12/04/2026

There was a time when the Lake District felt just out of reach, even though I’ve lived here all my life. This piece is about the version I’ve come to know since then.

Not the steep fells or summit views you see in guidebooks. The quieter side. Lakeside mornings. Woodland paths. Cafés where you can take your time and actually stay a while.

I’ve shared a three itinerary featuring some of my favourite spots, all shaped by how I travel as a wheelchair user and what actually makes a difference when you’re there.

It’s now live with and I’d love you to have a read.

🔗 Head to the comments to read in full!

And if you’ve found a place in the Lakes that just works, I’d love to hear about it 👇

09/04/2026

ad - Accessible self catering cottage tour! Expertly led by Poppy the King Charles Spaniel. 🐾

Here we are at The Old Stables, part of in North Cave, East Yorkshire.

I absolutely loved staying here and really felt just how much care and attention had been given to the small details and the interiors as well as the accessibility. A really relaxing environment to enjoy. 🥰

The cottage has a beautiful kitchen, with special attention paid to the hall, sink and oven areas for additional accessibility. Through into the cosy and relaxing lounge, which Poppy definitely made the most of.

There’s also an additional bedroom that isn’t adapted and connects to its own bathroom, perfect for family, friends or carers.

What I love about staying in accessible properties is discovering features that I think might actually also be helpful in my own home. Like the brilliant bifold doors that really do bring the outside inside, and give easy access through to the level courtyard garden. 🪴

I particularly loved this space, it was so quiet and peaceful and just lovely to sit and relax in. I’d recommend The Old Stables for anybody looking for an accessible, peaceful break in the countryside.

And if you’d like to find out more, check out my blog on carreiannlightly.com for my recommendations of accessible places to visit in the local area. 🩷 (link in comments ⬇️)

Video description – Carrie-Ann, a white woman with curly hair, exploring The Old Stables in her powerchair. She’s joined by Poppy, her small Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The cottage’s interior is clean and calming, with slate grey tones and wood features. Clips show the adapted bedroom with a double bed, ensuite tiled wet room, kitchen with adapted sink, hob and oven, and cosy lounge area. Also shown is the second bedroom with connecting standard bathroom, and the large, level courtyard garden with resin gravel.

A year ago I handed in my notice after 20 years in employment and went freelance. It was terrifying. It was exciting. An...
07/04/2026

A year ago I handed in my notice after 20 years in employment and went freelance.

It was terrifying. It was exciting. And it was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 🩷

The first few months were a lot of figuring it out as I went. Working from my home office with Poppy snoring at my side, wondering if I’d taken on too much, saying yes to things that scared me and trusting the work would follow.

Funnily enough, it did.

To mark one year of this strange and brilliant new chapter, I rebuilt my website from scratch.

It now shares more of my actual story, the real shape of how I got here. And it clearly lays out all the ways I work: writing, speaking, content partnerships and consulting.

It feels like the most honest reflection of what I do that I’ve ever put out into the world. I couldn’t be prouder.

Come and have a look (link in comments) and if anything lands or you have any questions, my DMs are open.

Image: VisitScotland/Allan Myles

Edinburgh… but make it accessible 👀I’ve just shared my latest guide for The Independent, breaking down how to experience...
03/04/2026

Edinburgh… but make it accessible 👀

I’ve just shared my latest guide for The Independent, breaking down how to experience the city as a disabled traveller, without the guesswork.

Because let’s be honest, Edinburgh isn’t the easiest city to navigate. Hills, cobbles, historic buildings… it can feel like a challenge before you’ve even arrived.

But with the right planning, the right areas, and honest access information, it can work. And more importantly, it can feel enjoyable, not exhausting.

If Edinburgh’s been on your list but you’ve been unsure… this one’s for you.

Head to the comments to read it in full! 🩷

Have you been to Edinburgh as a disabled traveller? What was your experience? 👇

A few of my recent pieces, all rooted in lived experience and a simple goal: making travel feel more possible for disabl...
01/04/2026

A few of my recent pieces, all rooted in lived experience and a simple goal: making travel feel more possible for disabled people. 🌍

There’s still a disconnect between how accessibility is described and how it actually feels. These are the conversations I want to keep pushing forward.

Ask the experts: what disabled travellers really want: https://www.sellingtravel.co.uk/ask-experts-what-disabled-travellers-want/

Travel blogger Carrie-Ann Lightley discusses inclusive travel: https://www.theskinny.co.uk/travel/features/blogger-carrie-ann-lightley-discusses-inclusive-travel

Beyond Compliance: How Luxury Hotels Are Redefining Accessibility in 2026: https://wearerhc.com/beyond-compliance-how-luxury-hotels-are-redefining-accessibility-in-2026/

How can agents champion travel for wheelchair users?: https://www.sellingtravel.co.uk/travel-businesses-cater-wheelchair-users

Where do you still see the biggest gap between “accessible” and reality? 🩷

Slide 6 image: VisitScotland/Allan Myles

Excited to feature in the next issue of Travel Without Limits Magazine!
01/04/2026

Excited to feature in the next issue of Travel Without Limits Magazine!

Naidex 2026 💜Probably my favourite Naidex yet! Two panel appearances, catch ups with the best people, and so much fun. A...
26/03/2026

Naidex 2026 💜

Probably my favourite Naidex yet! Two panel appearances, catch ups with the best people, and so much fun.

A full theatre for the accessible travel panel on day 1! And a really insightful discussion on the green spaces panel on day 2.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to come and chat to me. There’s something so powerful that happens when disabled people are the majority in a room. We stop apologising and over-explaining. We can just BE. The ultimate safe space 🥰

Video highlights coming soon ✨ but first, sleep, with a very happy heart 🥹

Happy Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Some wisdom from my fellow CP-havers. We’re so ✨inspirational✨😂
20/03/2026

Happy Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Some wisdom from my fellow CP-havers. We’re so ✨inspirational✨😂

19/03/2026

"Before, every journey took planning or didn’t happen at all.

Now it’s just getting in and going."

For Carrie-Ann, having access to the right vehicle means she can travel, work, and fully show up in what she does.

This is what access unlocks.

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