by nadezda gurska | 12th Sep, 2017 | Lifestyle
Spring is now definitely on its way and as the sunshine begins to creep out from its hiding place behind the clouds, it’s time to start thinking about where you’ll be enjoying it. Throughout the spring summer period, we’ll be bringing you some ideas and tips about things to do and places to visit in the UK. We live in a beautiful country, it’s just about finding those hidden gems.
5 things you have to do in Devon
To kick off, we’re starting with Devon. So here our top 5 must visit places in the beautiful south west county.
Hele Corn Mill and Tea room
Hele Corn Mill dates from 1525 and is a unique working watermill in North Devon. You can find the Hele Corn Mill right near Hele Bay beach, a visit to the mill makes a perfect family visit. Guided tours are given by the family who run the mill, and children and adults alike will enjoy learning about the history of the mill. One of the highlights of our tour is our 1920s National engine which is in full working order and can be demonstrated for you in our guided tours. Perfect for a trip with the grandchildren.
Royal Albert memorial museum
Not only does the RAMM boast some stunning architecture, but it is also home to some rare historical artefacts from the world of science, literature and art. The idea of the museum dates back to the early 19th century with the purpose of supporting education in these areas. This educational nature of the project was supported by Prince Albert which is where the name originates. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you have interest in culture.
Hawk walks
One for the bird lovers, or even just the great outdoors. A short excursion out in the countryside of Exmoor with stunning views and of course, those beautiful birds of prey. You can get up close and personal with the Hawks and watch as they fly over the skyline with elegance. If you consider yourself a bit of an amateur, or even professional photographer, it’s a great opportunity to get some stunning shots in the heart of the Devonshire countryside
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Walking at Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge, also known as the ‘White Lady Waterfall’, is the deepest gorge in the South West with a spectacular 30ft waterfall. The base of the waterfall can be easily reached where you can stand and admire sheer beauty of the nature that surrounds you. Why travel the world to be in a picturesque setting when you can have it on your door step.
Blackpool Sands beach
And then there’s the beaches. How could we forget the beaches of south west England. Some of the most spectacular beaches in the country, some so beautiful you’d think you were in the French Riviera. Enjoy the white sand, blue sea and refreshing sea breeze at our favourite Blackpool Sands Beach. The picture speaks for itself.
by nadezda gurska | 12th Sep, 2017 | Lifestyle
With summer finally here, many of us are turning our thoughts to taking a break. Finding, booking and arranging the right destination can be a major headache for even the most enthusiastic holidaymaker, but especially so for those with mobility problems, who have a range of extra considerations to factor into their choice.
From the availability of mobility scooter hire to walk-in showers or wheel-in showers, many people require certain essentials which can’t be regarded as a given in every accommodation.
What to look out for
A hotel, B&B or cottage may look stunning and claim “disabled access” on its website, but the term is often applied very loosely. It could mean nothing more than having a ramp alongside the steps at the main entrance, but be wary when no specific details are provided, for example, about bedroom and bathroom facilities.
Does it have a room with an easy-access shower or easy-access bath? Are grab rails provided in important locations? For many people of restricted mobility, little details like those provide the comforts that make the difference between a good and a bad holiday experience.
In a previous blog post we touched on mobility issues to consider when you go away, and here’s the good news: a select number of travel companies specialise in sourcing and arranging holidays which take these issues into consideration. A number of agents have portfolios of accommodation which is specifically designed to cater for all levels of mobility. To point you in the right direction, we’ve listed five websites which could take care of all your holiday hassles…
1. www.enableholidays.com
With a range of options, from cruises to city breaks, Enable Holidays have a real understanding of accessibility needs in all their various forms – their experts can create a holiday that’s tailor-made for your specific requirements, from airport transfer to your choice of resort.
Offered at global destinations, from Madeira to the Caribbean, each holiday property they feature has been visited and fully checked out by a qualified Enable auditor.
Their Accessibility Audit covers 150 vital areas, including details on adapted rooms, wheel-in showers, door widths, pool hoists, adapted transfers and much more besides.
Start planning your next trip away with Enable Holidays today.
2. www.accessibletravel.co.uk
If you’re looking for a package holiday, Accessible Travel & Leisure is one of the UK’s leading specialist tour operators catering for disabled people and less-mobile holidaymakers. Founded in 1997 by experienced travel professionals, the company combines extensive knowledge and empathy with your personal needs.
The Managing Director, Andy Wright, is a wheelchair user and family man who has experienced the challenge of travelling with a disability. They only recommend tried-and-tested destinations that the team has visited. The impressive range of options featured on their website includes resorts in the UK, Europe, the USA and Africa.
Check out their chosen destinations here.
3. www.canbedone.co.uk
Can Be Done’s reservations team includes over 30 years of experience in booking holidays for people with disabilities and they take responsibility for every aspect of your trip. With worldwide destinations ranging from Belgium to Barbados, the majority of their holidays include private transfers and mostly in wheelchair adapted vehicles.
They take great care to select only hotels that offer a level of accessibility which satisfies their high standards – for example, they won’t work with accommodation suppliers who do not guarantee a wheelchair-adapted room at the time of booking.
Speak to an expert at Can Be Done today.
4. www.disabledholidays.com
Disabled Holidays (originally called the Disabled Holiday Directory) was launched in 2001. Their team endeavour to take away your worries by providing you with all the support you need at every step, including choosing, booking, preparing to go, travelling, holidaying and coming home.
It’s is an excellent online resource offering a host of useful information, including disabled travel insurance, last minute deals and accessible cruise trips.
You can choose from an impressive variety of destinations, whether you want to enjoy an adventure to Disneyland with the whole family or settle into a quiet Cumbrian cottage and savour the scenery of the Lake District.
Disabled Holidays are the UK’s largest accessible holiday specialist, so you can be sure you’ll find the right holiday package for you. Search for your perfect destination now.
5. www.holidaysforall.org
Holidays For All is a group of the UK’s leading specialist companies offering accessible holidays in the UK and abroad. The group offers expertise in accessible travel and has wide-ranging experience dealing with different types of disability.
Holidays For All can offer a variety of accessible holiday options which provide adapted rooms and adapted bathrooms. From international travel, activity centres and accompanied tours to accessible canal boat and tall ship sailing, they aim to offer something for every taste, ability and budget.
Holidays with care and assistance are also available if required, along with specialist equipment and detailed access information, check out the Holidays For All website today.
by nadezda gurska | 12th Sep, 2017 | Lifestyle
So here’s the second instalment of our Discover the UK series and this time we’re bringing you the top 5 things to do in the stunning Cotswolds. Famous for its honey coloured limestone villages and beautiful rural setting, the Cotswolds make a perfect relaxing break away deep in the heart of the British countryside.
1: Chipping Campden You can’t go to the Cotswolds without visiting the beautifully quirky village of Chipping Campden. With idyllic cobbled roads, buildings wreaked with history and countryside views that will take your breath away, it’s hard not to love this village.
2. Swan Theatre If you’re a Shakespeare fan, or even just interested in literary works, then the Swan Theatre is the place for you. The theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon hosts the Royal Shakespeare Company where many of Shakespeare’s plays are performed. Look around the stunning Victorian architecture or even enjoy a performance or two.
3. Westonbirt Arbaretum A perfect setting to escape, relax and have an adventure. This historic picturesque area of forestry is an internationally renowned tree and shrub collection with 17 miles of accessible paths and 15,000 labelled trees, it’s a great place for a walk amongst natural beauty.
4. Gloucester-Warwickshire Railway Experience A historical steam and diesel railway operating on short stretches between Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham. The line was built in early 1900’s to carry trade items from the North to the South-West, however now you can take a short journey through the sleepy villages of the Cotswolds and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
5. Tewksbury Abbey Admire the architectural beauty of Tewksbury Abbey with its intricate ceilings and impressive windows, it is well worth a visit.
by nadezda gurska | 6th Sep, 2017 | Lifestyle
It’s not unusual that some people who live on into their old age still remain in their own home; some may be cared for by one or even several family members but sometimes they may live on their own. This can definitely cause problems and it’s important to create a risk-free environment in the home in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Throughout this article we’ll be taking a look at some steps you can take in order to make your home is as safe as possible.
Keep the home free from clutter
One of the most beneficial steps you can take in order to create a safe environment is to make sure that the home is free from clutter; this means that if something isn’t in use, it should be stored away and not obstruct the path of the elderly.
This may be a hard step to implement as many of us like to keep our possessions and this often results in a cluttered home. If possible, store any items that aren’t in day-to-day use. Stay positive about de-cluttering the home – think of it as an opportunity to review what you own, recall fond memories and create space in the home. Don’t forget, you can often sell unwanted items.
Preventing slips and falls
The second thing you should take a look at is preventing slips and falls. Make sure the flooring is suitable: don’t use laminate flooring and make sure that rugs are secured or removed. Carpet is generally the best flooring option to prevent slips. In addition to this, there are also products you can purchase such as handrails which will aid you when moving around the home.
Install proper lighting
You should also install proper lighting in the necessary areas. For example, it might be a wise idea have a night-light in and around the kitchen and bathroom. You should also make sure that any light switches are close to the doors. In addition, a torch kept close to the bedside would be a great idea.
Check the stairs
It is important to check the stairs and make sure that they are not dangerous. Many people develop mobility problems as they get into their old age so this could be one of the most important steps to take. Take measures to minimise the use of stair during the day and if possible install a bathroom downstairs. Consider moving your bedroom downstairs as well.
Always make sure that the stairs are properly lit, free from slip risks and uncluttered at all times.
Don’t forget communication!
It’s important to provide a means of communication. In the event of an accident or injury you need to be able to get to the phone. Consider placing a handset at all available points or carrying a mobile phone with you as you move about the house – just don’t forget to keep it charged. Personal alarms are also a good idea if you would struggle to reach a telephone in the event of an accident.
