Holidays

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Does anyone have any recommendations of places they've been on breaks or holidays with their children which cater well for everyone's needs? I'm trying to provide the information for an event in Disability Awareness Week in Warrington.

Many thanks in advance

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2002

Answers

Hi Cathy

Although at first glance it seemed expensive (although much cheaper and much less crowded in term time), Centre Parcs catered for all my and my daughters needs. The site (I went to Sherwood but there are 2 others in the UK) was fully accessible, I was allowed to use my car on the site so that I could get around and there were loads of activities both for myself (archery, bird of prey flying, painting etc) and my daughter (horse riding, sailing,wildlife walks, cycling treasure hunt etc). She was able to join in with activities that I could not do, while I was confident that she was being well looked after while I had a break. It was so good that we went every year for 5 years!

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2002


just to echo what Ali Saunders said, we've been to Sherwood Forrest Center Parcs a couple of times, and found it very good. 2 of my children have the same illness as me, and we really struggled to find somewhere sutiable for a holiday. We had a really good time at CP and went for a week this year. Wheelchair access is pretty good, though not complete. I'm meaning to get around to writing to them about wheelchair access to the swimming pool which is difficult. However we'd like somewhere different next time, so will watch this thread !

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2002

I am a disabled parent myself, and my parents (who are French and live near Cahors in the Lot, France) have just finished creating a fully accessible gite for me and my family. They are now starting to open it for rental for the times I am not there (that's most of the time but generally not August).

So if you are into going on an adventure to France, it is 1.5 hours from Toulouse airport, 2 hours from Bordeaux and Carcassonne. Fly- drive is easy therefore.

There is a swimming pool on site (you can get to it but there is no hoist into the pool. shallow steps into the pool). The pool has a safety enclosure to ensure it is safe for children, who can only access it with an adult. Part of the enclosure can be undone for wheelchair access (this needs some strength and dexterity).

The gite sleeps 6 to 10 (two families can share easily) and is fully wheelchair accessible throughout. There is a lift to all 3 floors, and both bathrooms have a wheel-in shower, height adjustable wash basins, rails by WC. The kitchen has height adjustable working and cooking surfaces, dish washer and there is a washing mashine. No hoist fitted, but mobile hoist can be rented locally.

For little kids, there is a big sand pit with a little slide and climbing area, which you can supervise from the gite or just outside. There are lots of activities in the area (a lake nearby, poney rides, an adventure activity park in a large wood with lots of games for all ages, a theme park an hour away etc.). It is a great place for chilling out but you do need the car for anything but the swimming pool or local walks in the paths locally (there is an electric scooter available).

You can drive your car to the door of the gite. Terrain around the gite is a bit bumpy and hilly. No problem for electric wheelchairs/scooters, but manual wheelchair users are likely to need assistance for getting to the pool and going on walks.

If this you are interested and want to discuss, please don't hesitate to call me on 020 8674 8761.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002


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