[Lucydog]

The thorny issue of access pops up again and again. So I thought lets nominate those places that have gone out of their way to make access for all a reality , and lets also stick 2 fingers up to those that dont give a damn

So my nominations are;

Gold star goes to Rheged in Penrith Cumbria.
Whoever designed this place really knew their stuff . There are ramps that are actually usable, and lifts to every floor and have also included useful braille bits and a hearing loop for other visitors. All the shops and exhibitions are totally accessible and the staff are helpful without a hint of patronisation. There is a wide range of restaurants, again all fully accessible. Its a really good day out. My only suggestions of improvement is that the disabled parking is on a hill which is a bit steep, however I think they are probably at the mercy of local geography here, but they have positioned it as near to the entrance as possible.

A big fat Turkey goes to the City of Edinburgh

I visit regularly and find the place appallingly difficult to navigate. The pavements are terribly broken in places, the dropped kerbs about and inch and a half above the road, steep kerbs where they do have dropped kerbs, crossing the road is a real danger . There doesnt seem to be any accessible restaurant in the whole of the city as they all have steps at the front.We went to the botanic gardens which was supposed to be accessible on the website, but its not without a motorised chair. They do have one for hire, but you have to book in advance... no info given on this at all. Edinburgh is a really truly great city, wonderful people, fabulous architecture, fascinating history, but do the council want us to visit? At the moment I think not!!


Finally a special mention goes to Tesco . Yes I know they come in for so much criticism, but the one in Hexham really comes up trumps. An enormous amount of disabled parking, great loos, and cafe. They always always carefully pack our shopping for my husband. I really cant ask any more from them, so thanks Tesco, you have got this right!

[jane]

Well - My local Asda is wonderful - parking, shopping, packing, carry to car, smiles etc.

However the Methodist International Centre in Euston, London is not good.

Main entrance has stairs so you are sent round the side on a very dodgy path (fortunately someone was pushing me) to ring a door bell and wait for someone to come and let you in.

Then to get to reception you need to use one of these oddl ifts where just you in the chair fits in and have to keep hand on button (difficult for me as my left hand very week and that were button was) and then i couldn't get out. no way of getting help other than shouting!!!!

all the door to rooms heavy and couldn't open. Was a nightmare for my firsty independant trip somehwere.

[Scotsgal]

Great topic, Lucydog !
Just back from an overnight stay in Perth, Scotland and I'm afraid my turkey is the disabled parking facilities in their town centre !
Car parks with disabled spaces were not near enough the shops, and I'm afraid the more centrally placed disabled parking spaces on the roadside did not have drop kerbs so my fella couldn't transfer out of the car and into his chair - infuriating !! Had to give the town centre a miss, but had a great time anyway!!!
Best wishes to all,
Scotsgal

[kanga2433]

Sorry to hear you didn't like Perth, Scotsgal. Like many cities you need to knwo where to find the park and the traffic system is rather hard to understand. There are some reasonable shopping areas though.

I vote for Dublin as great city to visit. Plenty of help to go places, accessible tram service and nearly all the buses are old but adapted. We were able to catch the oridary bus from the airport

I am working on the one to vote down and will come back on that later.