Hi all,
Are you in a wheelchair?
Have you been on holiday in the UK?
Was it memorable, good or bad?
I'm looking for anyone in a wheelchair who has been on holiday in the UK, who is prepared to write a small review of their experiences, to give others ideas of where to go on holiday in the UK.
If you want to share you experiencies, just sign up as a member, which is free, and you can leave your review to give other wheelchair users ideas of where (or where not!) to go on holiday in the UK.
To leave your review or idea, just click "Add Reply" below, and type away!
Please include the holiday website's address as well if they have one.
Please remember, this is for holiday destinations in the UK only.
Many thanks for your help
Simon.
Full Version: Accessible Uk Holiday Information Request
Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries > Disabled Living & Spinal Cord Injuries > Travel Tips & Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Destinations
"Where There's A Will, There's A Way"
It's a phrase which has rolled off all of our tongues at one time or another, and the trouble with such catchy phrases is that their truth becomes watered down over time. I have, however, recently had two experiences which brought home the true significance of this phrase for me. Both were disability related, one was at a personal level, whilst the other has far broader implications.
The first "will" occurred during a flight from Cape Town to London. Airline flights are always a flashpoint for us disabled travelers, particularly when is comes to the care and well being of our wheelchairs. I always ask for my wheelchair to be stored inside the cabin, in the coat rack, as I am entitled to do under aviation authority regulations. I've seen first hand how the baggage handlers treat wheelchairs and it's not a pretty sight. Most airlines try, and often succeed, in meeting my request. SAA always decline me, but on this flight there was a flight attendant with some savvy. She could see the way. Despite my being loaded into my seat, and my storage request dismissed offhand by her seniors, she, without fanfare, took it upon herself to negotiate for the storage of my wheelchair in the coat rack. She had the will, and knew the way.
Sadly, for the return flight, which happened to be on exactly the same aircraft, I encountered an aircrew which had neither the will, nor did they want to know the way. They were the exact opposite of the abovementioned attendant, instead choosing to be deliberately and calculatedly obstructive. They agreed to my storage request, loaded me into my seat, waited for the aircraft to take off, then told me they had not loaded the wheelchair and had sent it into the hold instead. Some people do not know the way, and never will.
But this story is far bigger than my personal battles with SAA. When I was last in London wheelchair access was possible, but with difficulty. The challenge was physical in the sense of ramps, steps, lifts, etc, but the greatest barrier I encountered was a mental one. London as we all know is a historical city, and the city fathers and their minions down the chain hid behind this historical legacy at every opportunity. All too often one would have the excuse of "this is a Grade 1" building thrown in one's face when looking for a lift, or ramp, or accessable toilet. In 1996 I could not get to certain V&A museum exhibits "because it is a Grade 1 building and we cannot build a lift in", yet they could not explain to me why Starbucks was allowed to have a coffee vending kiosk right on top of the gravestones in Westminster Cathedral.
But time has passed, and legislation has been passed, and it seems that some of the people who were so obstinate have passed as well, passed on that is. It is amazing to see how, when there is the will (or maybe the law) just how creative and innovative architects and builders can be in providing access for wheelchairs. It is equally interesting to see how financial resources can be freed up as well. The entire South Bank has been integrated and paved. One can roll down to Waterloo Station, catch a train (thanks to access ramps) to Hampton Court and tour Henry VIII's castle fitted with lifts and ramps and accessable toilets. Items which ole' Henry probably would have given his eye teeth for! Most of the bridges across the Thames are accessable. The majority of the famous red buses are fitted with wheelchair lifts. A large percentage of the city taxi's provide wheelchair access. Public toilets have private accessable cubicles, with fussy caretakers to boot! The nett result is a historic city which is now relatively easy to navigate in a wheelchair.
Much of the access is unobtrusive, with ramps being integrated with stairs, to the extent that the average Londoner is probably not even aware of its existance. As we have been pointing out to city planners for decades, this not only serves to assist disabled commuters, but also the elderly, mothers with prams, delivery personnel, etc. The cost of this access is negligible relative to all the development taking place, the benefit is potentially huge, as has been shown with the awarding of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to the city.
Access is about removing obstacles. Ten years ago London was riddled with obstacles, the largest of which were mental. During this period there has been a mind shift, a big one, and suddenly the obstacles have been cleared away and replaced with opportunities. The way to achieve this turn-around is not very difficult, nor is it expensive, all it requires is the will to do so.
HILTON
It's a phrase which has rolled off all of our tongues at one time or another, and the trouble with such catchy phrases is that their truth becomes watered down over time. I have, however, recently had two experiences which brought home the true significance of this phrase for me. Both were disability related, one was at a personal level, whilst the other has far broader implications.
The first "will" occurred during a flight from Cape Town to London. Airline flights are always a flashpoint for us disabled travelers, particularly when is comes to the care and well being of our wheelchairs. I always ask for my wheelchair to be stored inside the cabin, in the coat rack, as I am entitled to do under aviation authority regulations. I've seen first hand how the baggage handlers treat wheelchairs and it's not a pretty sight. Most airlines try, and often succeed, in meeting my request. SAA always decline me, but on this flight there was a flight attendant with some savvy. She could see the way. Despite my being loaded into my seat, and my storage request dismissed offhand by her seniors, she, without fanfare, took it upon herself to negotiate for the storage of my wheelchair in the coat rack. She had the will, and knew the way.
Sadly, for the return flight, which happened to be on exactly the same aircraft, I encountered an aircrew which had neither the will, nor did they want to know the way. They were the exact opposite of the abovementioned attendant, instead choosing to be deliberately and calculatedly obstructive. They agreed to my storage request, loaded me into my seat, waited for the aircraft to take off, then told me they had not loaded the wheelchair and had sent it into the hold instead. Some people do not know the way, and never will.
But this story is far bigger than my personal battles with SAA. When I was last in London wheelchair access was possible, but with difficulty. The challenge was physical in the sense of ramps, steps, lifts, etc, but the greatest barrier I encountered was a mental one. London as we all know is a historical city, and the city fathers and their minions down the chain hid behind this historical legacy at every opportunity. All too often one would have the excuse of "this is a Grade 1" building thrown in one's face when looking for a lift, or ramp, or accessable toilet. In 1996 I could not get to certain V&A museum exhibits "because it is a Grade 1 building and we cannot build a lift in", yet they could not explain to me why Starbucks was allowed to have a coffee vending kiosk right on top of the gravestones in Westminster Cathedral.
But time has passed, and legislation has been passed, and it seems that some of the people who were so obstinate have passed as well, passed on that is. It is amazing to see how, when there is the will (or maybe the law) just how creative and innovative architects and builders can be in providing access for wheelchairs. It is equally interesting to see how financial resources can be freed up as well. The entire South Bank has been integrated and paved. One can roll down to Waterloo Station, catch a train (thanks to access ramps) to Hampton Court and tour Henry VIII's castle fitted with lifts and ramps and accessable toilets. Items which ole' Henry probably would have given his eye teeth for! Most of the bridges across the Thames are accessable. The majority of the famous red buses are fitted with wheelchair lifts. A large percentage of the city taxi's provide wheelchair access. Public toilets have private accessable cubicles, with fussy caretakers to boot! The nett result is a historic city which is now relatively easy to navigate in a wheelchair.
Much of the access is unobtrusive, with ramps being integrated with stairs, to the extent that the average Londoner is probably not even aware of its existance. As we have been pointing out to city planners for decades, this not only serves to assist disabled commuters, but also the elderly, mothers with prams, delivery personnel, etc. The cost of this access is negligible relative to all the development taking place, the benefit is potentially huge, as has been shown with the awarding of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to the city.
Access is about removing obstacles. Ten years ago London was riddled with obstacles, the largest of which were mental. During this period there has been a mind shift, a big one, and suddenly the obstacles have been cleared away and replaced with opportunities. The way to achieve this turn-around is not very difficult, nor is it expensive, all it requires is the will to do so.
HILTON
Hi
My family and i recently took a holiday in Nar Valley Pentney Norfolk at a farm we rented one of three lovely cottages, the one we stayed in Threshing Barn was ideal and i had no access problems with my wheelchair and the wet room made holidaying a breeze. The couple who own the farm were lovely, it was one of the most stress free holidays i have had in a long time and would thoroughly reccomend it to any one with any form of disability.
As well as the property the location was fantastic wel cited for the north norfolk coast, swaffham etc.
The address of the holiday website is http://www.narvalleycottagesnorfolk.co.uk
I Hope anyone who visits enjoys it as much as we did
Kind Regards
Simon
My family and i recently took a holiday in Nar Valley Pentney Norfolk at a farm we rented one of three lovely cottages, the one we stayed in Threshing Barn was ideal and i had no access problems with my wheelchair and the wet room made holidaying a breeze. The couple who own the farm were lovely, it was one of the most stress free holidays i have had in a long time and would thoroughly reccomend it to any one with any form of disability.
As well as the property the location was fantastic wel cited for the north norfolk coast, swaffham etc.
The address of the holiday website is http://www.narvalleycottagesnorfolk.co.uk
I Hope anyone who visits enjoys it as much as we did
Kind Regards
Simon
Hi, as for holidays in the UK I live in North Lincolnshire and I normally go to Blackpool ( just after the illumination have been turned on normally the last Friday in August, Its a bit of a hit and miss, certain hotels are inaccessible with steps especially for some one in a wheelchair, but there are places it's just trying to find them and if you let the hotel know they can be helpful.
Blackpool Promanade is accessible but there is other ways of getting in, it's just a case of knowing your way around it your not sure ask, you may find it a bit bumpy but between the end Aug - Nov it may be crowded so this is a little warning,
Skegness I found flat but the trouble is I don't drive, and by the end of the second day I had seen about everything.
Like most seaside resortt you need to take plenty of money.
Not sure on the web addresses.
Blackpool Promanade is accessible but there is other ways of getting in, it's just a case of knowing your way around it your not sure ask, you may find it a bit bumpy but between the end Aug - Nov it may be crowded so this is a little warning,
Skegness I found flat but the trouble is I don't drive, and by the end of the second day I had seen about everything.
Like most seaside resortt you need to take plenty of money.
Not sure on the web addresses.
Hi everyone,
Well, the other half and I just spent a few days away last month in Godney, nr Wells, Somerset - at a beautiful little B&B called Double Gate Farm... and it's literally a farm. Out in the middle of no where, the sort of place where you think you're lost as you're bouncing along country lanes, dodging farmer Giles in his massive tractor!
It's a family run place, and they've made a huge effort in terms of accessibility - especially for a B&B, as where we live in Bournemouth it seems NONE have thought to accomodate those with disabilities... Anyway, we both loved the place - huge wet room, cute little pub next door (brilliant food),
.... and total peace and quiet (something so alien when you're not used to it)! It's just a typical English cottage - so avoid it if you're afraid of floral wallpaper, LOL
The only issue we really had was the carpark was pebbles, not tarmac - which isn't THAT big of a deal for Craig - and unfortunately, there's only one accessible room and it only features two single beds (not cool when you're wanting a nice, romantic weekend away!!) But otherwise, we enjoyed ourselves.... saw Glastonbury nearby and doubt we'll return, it's on one giant hill (obviously), though the abbey was alright...
Wow - talk about long winded!
URL is: Double Gate Farm
Well, the other half and I just spent a few days away last month in Godney, nr Wells, Somerset - at a beautiful little B&B called Double Gate Farm... and it's literally a farm. Out in the middle of no where, the sort of place where you think you're lost as you're bouncing along country lanes, dodging farmer Giles in his massive tractor!
It's a family run place, and they've made a huge effort in terms of accessibility - especially for a B&B, as where we live in Bournemouth it seems NONE have thought to accomodate those with disabilities... Anyway, we both loved the place - huge wet room, cute little pub next door (brilliant food),
.... and total peace and quiet (something so alien when you're not used to it)! It's just a typical English cottage - so avoid it if you're afraid of floral wallpaper, LOLThe only issue we really had was the carpark was pebbles, not tarmac - which isn't THAT big of a deal for Craig - and unfortunately, there's only one accessible room and it only features two single beds (not cool when you're wanting a nice, romantic weekend away!!) But otherwise, we enjoyed ourselves.... saw Glastonbury nearby and doubt we'll return, it's on one giant hill (obviously), though the abbey was alright...
Wow - talk about long winded!
URL is: Double Gate Farm
We recently stayed in a Static Caravan On Havens Thorpe Park Site, Cleethorpes. Enjoyed it so much bought a caravan there!!!
I am fortunate enough to be able to cope with a standard unadapted caravan but i understand they have adapted caravans available.
The site has plenty of entertainmentt especially for the kids and found all the public areas to be accessible and had plenty disab toilets. Activiites on site - amusements, go karts, pool, fishing , golf, tennis, beach, caberet acts, kiddy disco
I can recommend the 4 pint pitchers of beer which not only saves a few pennies but also reduces trips to bar, sadly it increases trips to the aforementioned toilets!
Cheers
I am fortunate enough to be able to cope with a standard unadapted caravan but i understand they have adapted caravans available.
The site has plenty of entertainmentt especially for the kids and found all the public areas to be accessible and had plenty disab toilets. Activiites on site - amusements, go karts, pool, fishing , golf, tennis, beach, caberet acts, kiddy disco
I can recommend the 4 pint pitchers of beer which not only saves a few pennies but also reduces trips to bar, sadly it increases trips to the aforementioned toilets!
Cheers
I had a nice stay in Torquay in a large self-catering apartment.
There is a huge living/dining room with 2 pull down couch's .Kitchen and large bedroom with a double bed and electric hoist if needed. Believe it sleeps 6.
Torquay is very hilly though, but I managed with some help on the hilly parts.
Fantastic veiws. beautiful beach's and tons for the kids to do,Paignton Zoo is only 4 miles or so away, and there's great water places too.(forget name)
Site I used was called Grooms Holidays but seems to have changed name.
http://www.livability.org.uk/holidaylet.asp?id=75
I has lots of different holidays both hotel style and self catering.
Not to sure about hotel T&C but self catering had to have a disabled member in the party.
All in all I enjoyed myself and the prices were very reasonable.
I am T5/6
Forgot to say a large wet room with shower chair and bath
Park House, St Marychurch, Babbacombe is the one I stayed in.
There is a huge living/dining room with 2 pull down couch's .Kitchen and large bedroom with a double bed and electric hoist if needed. Believe it sleeps 6.
Torquay is very hilly though, but I managed with some help on the hilly parts.
Fantastic veiws. beautiful beach's and tons for the kids to do,Paignton Zoo is only 4 miles or so away, and there's great water places too.(forget name)
Site I used was called Grooms Holidays but seems to have changed name.
http://www.livability.org.uk/holidaylet.asp?id=75
I has lots of different holidays both hotel style and self catering.
Not to sure about hotel T&C but self catering had to have a disabled member in the party.
All in all I enjoyed myself and the prices were very reasonable.
I am T5/6
Forgot to say a large wet room with shower chair and bath
Park House, St Marychurch, Babbacombe is the one I stayed in.
QUOTE (Apparelyzed @ Aug 28 2007, 10:53 AM) 
Hi all,
Are you in a wheelchair?
Have you been on holiday in the UK?
Was it memorable, good or bad?
I'm looking for anyone in a wheelchair who has been on holiday in the UK, who is prepared to write a small review of their experiences, to give others ideas of where to go on holiday in the UK.
If you want to share you experiencies, just sign up as a member, which is free, and you can leave your review to give other wheelchair users ideas of where (or where not!) to go on holiday in the UK.
To leave your review or idea, just click "Add Reply" below, and type away!
Please include the holiday website's address as well if they have one.
Please remember, this is for holiday destinations in the UK only.
Many thanks for your help
Simon.
Are you in a wheelchair?
Have you been on holiday in the UK?
Was it memorable, good or bad?
I'm looking for anyone in a wheelchair who has been on holiday in the UK, who is prepared to write a small review of their experiences, to give others ideas of where to go on holiday in the UK.
If you want to share you experiencies, just sign up as a member, which is free, and you can leave your review to give other wheelchair users ideas of where (or where not!) to go on holiday in the UK.
To leave your review or idea, just click "Add Reply" below, and type away!
Please include the holiday website's address as well if they have one.
Please remember, this is for holiday destinations in the UK only.
Many thanks for your help
Simon.
Hi.My husband and myself have just had a great holiday in South Wales.Just 2 miles from Camarthenshire.It was a 3 bedroom cottage great wetroom with self propeled shower chair.everything was perfect for wheelchair user.The view from the cottage looked out over the valley to Carmathernshire.Places to visit were spoilt for choice,shopping was great and all the places we went to were mostly flat so easy to get around.I would highly recomend a visit,we will be going back next year for sure.
The Cottage was called Swn y Gwynt E Mail antony.griew@virgin.net You can see it on a web site I Know Wales cottages.or Cottages in wales.
The Cottage was called Swn y Gwynt E Mail antony.griew@virgin.net You can see it on a web site I Know Wales cottages.or Cottages in wales.
Just been sent this link: http://www.holtonlee.com/home
Don't know more about other than the 5 minutes I've just spent looking round their site, but they seem to have made an effort with accessibility, care arrangements and catering for people with disabilities. Anyone makes such an effort deserves a mention, and if anyone has been here then they can comment?
Don't know more about other than the 5 minutes I've just spent looking round their site, but they seem to have made an effort with accessibility, care arrangements and catering for people with disabilities. Anyone makes such an effort deserves a mention, and if anyone has been here then they can comment?
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