Posted December 16th, 2009 in access guides, helpful information and Wheelchair Accessible Attractions

Chirck Gardens, Wales, UK
Photo by: rinhtaray (Stock Exchange)

Hello, everyone! I’m back, and that means it’s time to finish up our guide to disabled travel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Over the last few posts we’ve covered the best in access guides and handicapped travel in Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. This time, it’s on to Wales – one of the most unique and captivating destinations that’s right across the pond. A country of three million and the only place where you can find the beautiful Welsh language spoken by natives, it benefits from its close ties with Britain, but has a flavor all its own.

Travel Wales is the official online tourism bureau aimed at American visitors. At the moment, the only tour operator they recommend for handicapped travelers is Undiscovered Britain, a full-service company that offers itinerary planning, day tours, airport transfers, accessible transport and wheelchair accessible hotels throughout the UK, including Wales. Craig-y-Nos Castle is a beautiful landmark with wheelchair accessible lodgings and entertainment venues convenient to Brecon Beacons National Park. Wern Bach is another fully-accessible option, a bed and breakfast in northern Wales, adjacent to a farm that features sheep, geese, and the beauty of nature.

Speaking of Brecon Beacons, it offers a wide range of easy access routes for mobility impaired access. These include great wilderness trails as well as a variety of attractions. The Brecknock Access Group is a regional handicapped organization for people with mobility-related and sensory impairments, and reports on accessibility conditions around Brecon Beacons and the greater South Powys area. It is one of several “access groups” throughout England and Wales. These volunteer organizations work to improve wheelchair access and other forms of handicapped accessibility throughout the community and liaison with elected officials and public offices. Access Group Resources is the major Internet hub for these nonprofits, and includes a searchable database. Another good local resource is Access Association.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and like most capitals, has a variety of good access guides and information for disabled travelers. Cardiff Airport offers lots of information for visitors with reduced mobility who want to make the most of its terminal facilities. Visit Cardiff is the official website of the city’s local tourism board, and is a great place to start planning any trip through the area. It offers detailed information on accessibility of accommodations, stores, and dining venues in Cardiff. For information with a wider scope, check out DisabledGo, which aims to provide comprehensive accessibility information by region throughout the British Isles. This site is useful for handicapped travelers as well as those who might be considering a long-term stay; if you fall into the latter category, you might want to take a look at Planning Aid Wales, which helps the handicapped community get involved with land use and civic development issues.

Well, that’s the end of the line for the Disabled Travelers blog’s look at the United Kingdom. In the coming weeks we’ll be delivering more great handicapped travel resources from all around the world. Until then, enjoy your travels – and keep adventuring, wherever your journeys take you.

Si

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