Blue Badge Access Awards have launched!

For those unfamiliar with the Blue Badge Access Awards, it's an annual event celebrating the best of accessible venues across the UK. The awards recognise venues that not only provide outstanding accessibility but do it with style. If you're looking for  a venue that delivers both a seamless accessible experience and a pleasant environment, the Blue Badge Access Awards should be on your radar!

Launched in 2016, the Awards were established to encourage designers, architects, and hospitality leaders to prioritise the needs of disabled guests. Over the years, the Blue Badge Access Awards (BBAAs) have become a trusted voice in accessibility, particularly within the hospitality sector. Last year, Robin Sheppard, co-founder of the BBAA and President of Bespoke Hotels, said:

"After eight years of trying to persuade the hospitality industry to put “access” higher up their collective agenda I am delighted to say that tonight’s award ceremony is testament to the progress that has been made.”

The Awards continue to gain visibility, inspiring businesses to improve and develop their accessibility.

Nominations for the 2025 Awards are open until 1st April 2025. So, if you know of a venue worthy of being crowned (or dethroned) as the UK’s most accessible and stylish, head over to Blue Badge Access Awards to submit your nomination.

Previous categories up for awards have included:

• Above & Beyond Award
• Best Accessible Bathroom/Toilet
• Best Luxury Hotel
• Best Boutique Hotel
• Best Venue in a Historic Building
• The Blue Badge Style Access Champion
• Best Spa
• Best Restaurant
• Best International Venue
• Best Bar

Additionally, there are categories such as the Ludicrous Loo and Ridiculous Ramp, highlighting venues that have completely missed the mark on accessibility.

With this year’s theme focused on intersectionality, and a new category for the Most Accessible LGBTQ+ Venue, this year’s event promises to be one to watch.

Tags: blue badge access awards, blog post, blog, disability, disabled access