Hello all
Today I’ve been with some visiting friends to the Arundel Wetland Centre and I thought I’d share with you some of the good things about it for the disabled amongst us, and hope that other people can share their local attractions that are properly accessible (or otherwise).
The Wetland centre (Arundel Wetland Centre | WWT) is part of the WWT conservation charity. There are 9 wetland centres round the country. They preserve wetlands and support the local wildlife that live there, from a whole load of duck and geese species, water voles and their natural habitats. They are brilliant places for children (we had a 5 year old with us) and adults alike. And are accessible. Or at least the Arundel Wetland Centre is completely accessible. All paths are level, all gates are easy to open, the hides from which to view birds are accessible. Even the boat safaris are accessible. (When I phoned, they did ask what kind of chair I have, it’s possible that a big powerchair might be too heavy for the boat safari.) They also have wheelchairs available to borrow. There are plenty of disabled parking places, even on a reasonably warm and sunny Sunday.
It costs £9.50 for a disabled visitor (including gift aid, which allows them to claim the tax back) less 10% for booking on line. The carer of a disabled person gets in free. There’s a cafe and gift shop, and the all important disabled loo with the right equipment, ie bars on both sides of the loo as well as round the sink and it’s even big enough to get info in a wheelchair (which is a bugbear of mine - small disabled loos!)
To be honest, I can’t understand the reason we’d not been before (maybe we are a bit too keen on the ice creams on the seafront), we’ll certainly be going back. It’s open everyday except Christmas Day. It’s like having your very own Springwatch, only minus Chris Packham.
Sue
Did you round off your excellent day with a trip to the Black Rabbit?
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Not this time, we have been many times before. Sitting by the river Arun on a nice day with a glass or two is a lovely thing!! The problem with the Black Bunny is the parking is really iffy and if you need space for a wheelchair it’s a bugger especially on a sunny day.
Sue
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And that sounds lovely if you’re in the vicinity. We’re staying close to home at present due to lousy bladder. But for those of you lucky enough to live or go on holiday there…
Sue
I’m off to the north east for a few days and have been doing some research.
Alnwick Gardens will lend you a scooter / wheelchair and have accessible maps showing you where you are able to go without steps/slopes. It’s a beautiful garden, haven’t been for years.
Can’t wait to go back to the poison garden. Fascinating.
Jen x
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So glad you have all found such lovely places to visit. Many beauty spots do hire out Trampers. You make me feel homesick - as Arundel is near my old home. Little village called Clapham. Now in the South Downs National Park. We used to be able to ride along the bridle-way for miles. And dog walking was wonderful. My parents had a boarding kennels and cattery for many years - now my brother lives there and runs the kennels.
Lots of really interesting places to visit - and not far from the coast. l moved to the midlands - north cotswold area years ago - and it is beautiful and quiet here - without the heavy traffic.Unless l venture into Stratford.
Just around the corner from me then Spacejacket. That road over the Down’s through Clapham to/from the A24 is one of the loveliest to drive on.
Attingham Hall in Shropshire. I had never been (you do need a car to get there). Went with friend who had NT membership.
They hire Trampers, which will cover the extensive paths. We only visited the coffee shop that time but certainly well worht a visit.
That is the Furlong - and it used to be a quiet little B road when we moved there 55yrs ago. Then coaches/lorries from London found it a good short cut - and gradually the road got busier and busier - then wider and wider. My father fought the council for years over the road widening - they insisted they had not taken any of his land - but could not come up with an explanation why our ‘stop cock’ for the mains water - which was our side of a bank - now was in the middle of the road. Bank Holiday weekends we could not get in or out of the drive. Sometimes, coaches had been held up for ages - and the passengers desperate for a pee would be all over the garden. l have seen Dad let out our own dogs - 4 Rottweilers - to try to persuade folk to stay in their coach - but all they did was give silly grins and wag their stumpy tails - they just loved everybody. We were not on mains sewer - had a septic tank - so when about 50 ladies - West lndians - all in their best sunday dress little hats and white lacey gloves -this was 50 yrs ago-came and knocked the door asking to use the bathroom - we had to say NO! Then mum was worried it would be classed as being ‘racist’. You had to go right through the bungalow to get to the bathroom - and the whole family were sat down having Easter Sunday lunch. Bungalow gone now - and my brother has built his own house.
l have a Tramper - and it is almost all-terrain. Amazing scooters.
hi, i have visited the wetlands centre at slimbridge glos many times. its super for us wheelie folk. they even hire scooters out. the gates can be a bit tricky, but there is usually someone around to assist.
you could spend quite a few hours there and make a day of it.
loos, restaurant etc all accessible…but i drew the line at going on the water in a boat!!!
pollx
There is a cracking place in East Sussex if you want to see World class Bluebells (obviously season specific) but the paths are superb,you feel right in the woods. http://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/ last year we took some snaps. https://flic.kr/s/aHskz1ASRX
Mick
I meant earlier this year… muppet moment
Mick,
Your pictures are fantastic. And it looks like an excellent place to go to. Assuming my bladder will hold up to the hour-ish drive there, we’ll look at going next Spring.
Thanks
Sue
Thank you Sue,
It is a stunning place and there are reasonable loos near the entrance. Well worth it if you can get there.
Mick