Histor y, hills and hearing loops Your guide to accessible countryside breaks in England Make planning a getaway much an ‘accessible reinvention.’ easier with our guide to some The result is welcome news of the most accessible English to the disabled traveller; warm, breaks in the countryside. Thanks disability-savvy staff, mobility, to VisitEngland’s Access For All hearing and visual impairment project a diverse selection of ratings for accommodation and attractions and accommodation improved accessibility to the across the Peak District and rural best attractions in the area. Northumberland have undergone Enjoy the alfresco ride… Trust Chatsworth House Photo: Advertisement Feature The Peak District’s roots lie in history and nobility, Grand, but but its verdant open spaces and most iconic stately home are both grounded inclusive and welcoming Derwent Edge, Peak District National Park here’s something distinctly founded in 1951, today it’s one of walkers and hikers, no problem. regal about the Peak Europe’s most popular. It also packs in There is a real focus on accessibility Need to know District and Derbyshire. serious amounts of dramatic natural in the Peak District and Derbyshire With stately homes as features spanning valleys, gorges, at the moment, with the charity Under VisitEngland’s Access for standard, prolific literary lakes and wild moorland. And the best Accessible Derbyshire also running All campaign key staff members connections and eminent English news is that it never feels crowded, their ‘Big Push’ campaign to make have completed disability historyT fused with rolling stretches of thanks to its vast 555 square miles life easier for disabled people, their awareness training. lush green space, it’s quintessentially scale, so you won’t be short of space. families and carers. Whether you are Accommodation and attractions ‘English’. And, as you’d expect from Get away from it all in this breathtaking looking for a level stroll around a pretty have been audited by a a place where beauty and tradition landscape and its parks and forests, village followed by afternoon tea in a professional access advisor, blend seamlessly with hospitality and they’re the perfect place for strolling, quaint café or a sumptuous meal in and many have received a innovation, a trip here is the perfect hiking, cycling, riding or climbing. a local pub, businesses are working mystery visit from guests with balance of heritage meets homely. If you’re a wheelchair user or hard to offer a friendly welcome to all. accessibility requirements. At the north of the county, sitting have an accessibility requirement, The county’s iconic historic address All venues listed display access on the southerly hills of the Pennines, don’t dismiss climbing the hills and is Chatsworth. Known as “the palace statements on their websites is the jewel in the Derbyshire crown; traversing the valleys. Hire a Boma of the peak”, this baroque style stately giving detailed information the Peak District National Park. As 7 all terrain wheelchair and you can home is in the heart of the Peak on their accessibility. the country’s original national park, explore the terrain alongside the District. The house itself has over WHAT TO DO IN THE PEAK DISTRICT Crich Tramway Village Pavilion Gardens 30 rooms including the magnificent Store is a mecca for the green Painted Hall. And the art collection fingered. To make your shopping Parsley Hay is one of Europe’s finest; spanning experience even easier, complimentary Cycle Hire the old masters, Egyptian artefacts wheelchairs are available on request. and modern sculpture. Outside, 105 For a unique taste of working acres of beautiful gardens abound. history, Crich Tramway Village is Trail routes help you navigate around the place to go. This museum and the best water features such as village tracks the story of the tram, the Squirting Willow Tree Fountain propelling it out of the history books and the maze, rockery, rose and and offering first-hand experiences kitchen gardens. Chatsworth has a for visitors. Wander around the dedicated team to assist guests with authentic Edwardian street and enjoy any accessibility requirements. Eight a pint at The Red Lion pub or buy wheelchairs and three scooters can a quarter of humbugs at Barnett’s be booked in advance, and with a Sweet Shop. You can watch a live Sensory Garden on site, it’s clear the restoration of the working tram fleet, estate is serious about accessibility. or take a woodland walk through to For retail therapy with a distinctive the Sculpture Trail. The designated Derbyshire twist, there’s Peak Access Tram is a 1969 Berlin model, Shopping Village in Rowsley. Relaxed adapted for wheelchair users. Stock up your panniers with local and set in a stunning rural area here After all that history, it’s time to handmade cakes, waterproofs and CHATSWORTH you can shop, wander round the art feel the wind in your hair. Parsley guidebooks from the onsite shop. chatsworth.org, gallery or visit an antique auctioneers, Hay Cycle Hire is an excellent option The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, 01246 565 300 a far cry from your local outlet or mall. if you’re looking to explore the Peak contains 23 acres of beautiful Parking is free for four hours, with District on a bike. You can hire hand manicured lawns and parkland. And CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE plenty of places to park, including 16 crank cycles, tandem trikes, trikes, don’t be daunted by its extensive tramway.co.uk, accessible spaces. National names trampers and wheelchair accessible grounds - level access direct from 01773 854 321 such as Pavers Shoes, Field and Trek bikes. Situated eight miles south of the car park to the promenade and The Gift Company sit alongside Buxton, it’s a hub for the High Peak and throughout The Conservatory, PARSLEY HAY local independents. Authentic Furniture and Tissington Trails giving access Café, Shop, Art Café and Octagon CYCLE CENTRE stocks hand-crafted sofas and re- to over 30 miles of flat, traffic- Hall mean it’s easy to get around. peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/ claimed baker’s benches among lots free cycling. You can also join up The Conservatory houses botanical cycle/cycle-hire-centres, more, and The Old Station Country with the White Peak Cycle routes. treasures from all over the globe, 0129 884 493 and, as a Grade II listed property, there’s a tranquil, timeless quality PAVILION GARDENS to the ambience here. Relax with a paviliongardens.co.uk, FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO picnic listening to a brass band play a 0129 823 114 nostalgic tune from the bandstand. Or VisitPeakDistrict.com/ immerse yourself in one of the eclectic PEAK SHOppING VILLAGE events hosted here; from farmers peakshoppingvillage.com, accessibility markets to dances and fetes, classic 01629 735 326 car auctions, circuses or live music. WHAT TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND Ancient Roots Vast open spaces, a rugged national park and eminent history lend Northumberland its diverse cultural identity rom walls and walking to Empire couldn’t venture, it stretches coasts and castles, this 73 miles from coast to coast. And region’s remote land and today, it’s dotted with intriguing seascapes remain gloriously archaeological sites and museums. uncrowded. Home to The fauna here is world-class too. England’s most northerly national park, Northumberland National Park is home Roman Army Fit’s also steeped in natural beauty, so to many rare species such as red Museum if you’re lucky, you may just have a squirrels, otters and black grouse. stunning sandy bay, mountain valley At night the skies come alive in or lakeside lawn all to yourself. the Northumberland International for wheelchair access, designated geocaching, canoeing, abseiling, History is also a huge part of the Dark Sky Park. The largest dark sky spaces, accessible toilets, colour archery and laser clay shooting. lifeblood here, with more castles than park in Europe is one of the best contrast and audible announcements. The equipment lets you embrace any other British county, it’s a hotbed places to enjoy the stellar wonders Calvert Trust Kielder is one new challenges and with many for film producers looking to shoot of the astronomical world. of the standout highlights of options available to reserve before the next period drama or fantasy The county is fully committed Northumberland’s accessibility story. you check in, you won’t miss out on adventure - both Harry Potter and to making the diverse countryside This outdoor adventure centre is the new adventures. Climbers can benefit Downton Abbey were filmed here. terrain as accessible as possible. place to go if you want high-octane from climbing supports and adaptive 2000 year old Hadrian’s Wall is The local tourist information centres fun and don’t want to be restricted by equipment, plus paddle grips and arguably one of England’s greatest provide accessibility information when your impairment. Expert instructors archer’s arm supports are readily historic landmarks. Once the boundary you’re out and about. Plus, all the will guide you through activities available. The ten three bedroom point, marking where the Roman trains in the county run with ramps spanning kayaking, sailing, zip wiring, log style self-catering chalets can be adapted to suit many accessibility requirements. There are two further Need to know Kielder Water luxury chalets and the unique Sky & Forest Park Den - a tree house with a spectacular Under VisitEngland’s Access Milkyway sliding roof, featured on CH4’s for All campaign key staff George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. members have completed If you prefer adventures of the disability awareness training. historic kind then the Roman Army Accommodation and attractions Museum is one to add to your have been audited by Northumbrian wish list.