Willerby Launches Accessible Holiday Home: Rio Access

Willerby, one of the UK’s best-known holiday home manufacturers, has raised the bar for accessibility in the industry with the launch of the Rio Access, a fully accessible holiday home designed to combine functionality with signature style.

The model, revealed this week, could reshape how the leisure vehicle and holiday park sector approaches inclusivity. It makes the great British getaway more accessible to everyone, without compromising on aesthetics.

And there are clear opportunities for UK dealerships, holiday park operators, and aftermarket suppliers to tap into this growing market for accessible, inclusive outdoor experiences.

A Win for Inclusivity and Opportunity in the Outdoor Leisure Market

What’s new with the Rio Access?

• Accessible by design:
  Willerby worked closely with accessibility specialists and the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide to make the Rio Access truly wheelchair-friendly.
  

• Key features include:

• Low-threshold entry and wide sliding doors

• Spacious turning circles

• Fully accessible pod shower room

• Low-level kitchen for easy access

• Stylish interiors that feel welcoming, not clinical
  

• Sustainability in mind:
  Built to the Willerby GreEN Standard, it offers improved energy efficiency and reduced running costs.

At £48,750 (ex VAT), this model is competitively priced, especially considering its specialist features and high-quality finish.

Why this matters to the UK outdoor leisure industry

For holiday parks and dealers, this is a chance to lead in an underserved but growing market.

According to recent UK accessibility data, over 14 million people in the UK live with a disability. And demand for accessible travel and accommodation is growing every year. The Rio Access opens new avenues to tap into this valuable demographic, offering:

• New revenue streams from accessibility upgrades and specialist stock

• Positive brand differentiation by championing inclusivity

• Cross-selling opportunities with accessible accessories and services

Willerby has smartly partnered with trusted accessibility specialists like AKW. The partnership ensures every detail is spot-on, from accessible bathrooms to user-friendly kitchens.

What this means for your business

If you’re a dealer, you now have a fresh conversation starter with customers looking for accessible models—either new purchases or retrofit inspiration.

If you’re a park operator, offering Rio Access units means you can attract a wider audience, extend the holiday season, and secure more loyal, repeat visitors who value your inclusivity.

If you’re in accessories or services, you can align your offering to support holiday homeowners upgrading their units for accessibility.

The bigger opportunity: Accessibility is not just a trend—it's an expectation

Willerby’s move reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour. People no longer want “specialist” looking solutions—they want accessibility built in, without compromise. And businesses that embrace this will thrive.

As Emillie Ayre, Willerby’s Product Executive, rightly said:

“This model combines functionality with Willerby’s signature style to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for all. We believe it offers the best solution on the market.”

What’s next?

The Rio Access is already available to view at Willerby’s Hull Showground and has received glowing reviews from wheelchair users who have tested the unit firsthand.

For full details, visit: willerby.com/rio-access

TL;DR