UK
The United Kingdom is made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. With a population of around 61.9 million, the UK uses pound sterling, and its head of state is Queen Elizabeth 11. The UK has a long history of arts and culture, ranging from William Shakespeare to the Beatles to Harry Potter and the Royal Ballet.
ROMFORD
Romford is in the London Borough of Havering but was historically a market town in the county of Essex. It has two shopping centres, a high street and regular market with 270 stalls.
I stayed at the Premier Inn, Romford Central. It has a car park with disabled parking directly outside and a ramp leading to the door. The reception is very welcoming and the staff are extremely helpful.
I stayed on the first floor, which is reached by a lift, and a key is used to open the wide room door (rather then a key-card). I stayed in a large double room, but found the bed slightly too low (480mm), when getting up from it in the morning but you can contact the hotel beforehand to find out if they can raise the bed. The bathroom has a sliding door and the toilet is surrounded by rails to make it very accessible. The bath has been adapted with rails around it but it may be difficult to use if you are confined to a wheelchair. An overhead shower is attached to the taps but to access the bath depends on your mobility.
The hotel is a very basic, comfortable stay and you can choose to purchase toiletries or supply your own. There is also a choice of continental or full-English breakfast for an extra cost. The restaurant is large and very accessible with a disabled toilet.
EAST GRINSTEAD
I stayed at the Premier Inn, East Grinstead. It has a step- free entrance with disabled parking spaces right outside but it’s disabled room depends on your access needs. The room is large with a low spy hole in the door, double bed, dressing table you can put your legs under and a wardrobe with a low rail to hang your clothes. The bathroom has a sliding door but although there are rails around the toilet and sink, it only has a bath with a shower head attached.
The staff are extremely helpful and there is a choice of pillows to help you with their Good Night Guarantee.
SOMERSET
If you are looking for a traditional, English countryside break, head to Somerset. On my visit I stayed at the Half Moon Inn in Templecombe. It is an 18th century village inn and one mile from the mainline railway station.
The accommodation is in two separate buildings with three rooms rated for the National Accessibility Scheme. There is a large car park and a ramp leading to the rooms. The ensuite twin room I stayed in had a full wet room and rails around the toilet and sink. .The shower had a fold-down seat and rails.
Breakfast is included in the price and is freshly prepared from local produce with home-made jams and marmalade. The inn is completely accessible and large enough for a standard size wheelchair.
RAMBLING
For fresh air enthusiasts and nature lovers, rambling is now accessible for all. It is an excellent way to meet like minded people and outdoor enthusiasts who love the countryside.
Rambling is an adventurous way for many to experience the countryside and to discover new paths and trails.
Wheelchair users are allowed in exactly the same places as the able-bodied but stiles, steps, slopes and debris can make navigation a lot less simple.
Steep inclines are a common feature in countryside walks but specialised disabled trips keep to smooth paths.
The Forestry Commission have introduced disabled walking paths, which are flat and start at car parks, making it an accessible experience.
A growing database of walks suitable for wheelchair users can be found at www.walkswithwheelchairs.com, an independent site that has route descriptions available for download.
HERNE BAY, KENT
For a traditional British seaside holiday, Herne Bay, is the place to visit. Situated within two miles of seafront, you will find candyfloss, arcades, pubs and fish and chips!
The town is home to the 12th century Reculver Towers and fort and also many beach huts, which have become very trendy, in recent years.
The seafront is very accessible, although it is a pebbly beach, and has interesting Victorian architecture, floral gardens, bandstand and a clock tower. Due to recent developments, the town has clean beaches, and has a new pier that allows you to stroll along and look out to sea.
The summer season is the best time to visit the seaside resort as there is much going on. The main event in East Kent is the annual Carnival. Filled with many floats, including local businesses and schools, you can also have a look at the Miss Herne Bay of that year. The event parades along the seafront, where there are also disabled toilets.
The Herne Bay festival, which begun in 1993, also celebrates the town for nine days in August. The community hosts 200 events, many free, and include live music from the best local bands, a giant family picnic, the monster crab catching competition, Herne Bay’s Got Talent and two fireworks displays.
Herne Bay has a wide selection of hotels and b&b’s, but as some are in converted houses, they are not all accessible.
JERSEY
Jersey is the most southerly island of the British Isles and a beautiful blend of Britain and France. Although it has its own coins and notes, the currency is still sterling, but its street names are all in French.
Divided into 12 administrative districts and parish’s, the island mixes lush countryside with coastal views. Most attractions and hotels are wheelchair accessible, but not all, so always check before booking anywhere.
Much of the Island is unspoilt, so many of the roads do not have pavements, leaving you to attempt to walk/ wheel along busy roads. Some of the smaller restaurants also have stairs and are not wheelchair accessible at all.
St Helier is the capital and the busiest town on the island. It contains all the popular shops, along with bars and restaurants. It is also home to the Island’s parliament, which sits in the States Chamber in the Royal Square and is one of the oldest assemblies in the Commonwealth. The town is very accessible and wheelchairs are able to get into shops. It also provides a Shopmobility scheme which allows you to hire wheelchairs or scooters.
No comments:
Post a Comment