ACCESSIBLE ISLAND

People, families and groups with a person who has a disability want to be able to use hotels, restaurants and other amenities just like anyone else. But confidence in how suitable their choice of venue is can be the stop/go factor in planning their outing. Here are some useful tips for visiting the Isle of Wight.

Please note that all suggestions may not be accessible for people with every disability. You are advised to check the Access Guides before booking or visiting.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

THE ISLAND RIDING CENTRE

islandriding.com This popular riding facility is also a Riding for the Disabled centre. It has a hoist to lift people onto a horse and has a Changing Places toilet.

ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY

iwsteamrailway.co.uk You can enjoy a trip on the steam railway using the accessible carriage. Booking is essential.

ROBIN HILL COUNTRY PARK AND BLACKGANG CHINE

robin-hill.com / blackgangchine.com Both attractions are great venues for children, with plenty to do. They are in hilly environments, but Robin Hill has a ‘train’ to help people get up and down the slope. PLACES TO VISIT

BRADING ROMAN VILLA

bradingromanvilla.org.uk This is a great place to take children as the museum has many tactile activities for them to explore. From dressing up to making a mosaic, it’s a worthwhile visit, particularly on a rainy day.

WILDHEART ANIMAL SANCTUARY

wildheartanimalsanctuary.org See rescued and threatened wildlife such as tigers, lions, monkeys, lemurs and lynx.

OSBORNE HOUSE

english-heritage.org.uk/Osborne The holiday home of Queen Victoria. Explore the house and the acres of gardens. A good day out for all the family.

Further ideas for accessible activities can be found at isleaccess.co.uk

PLACES TO STAY

THE MILKING PARLOUR AT THE GARLIC FARM (SELF-CATERING)

thegarlicfarm.co.uk This lovely cottage is part of the popular Garlic Farm, situated in a rural setting. The farm has a restaurant serving from breakfast to evening meals, just in case you want a break from cooking your own meals.

THE HARTLANDS (SELF-CATERING)

spectrumbreaks.co.uk The Hartlands is a hotel specifically designed for families where a member has autism. It has self-catering apartments and leisure facilities. ENTERTAINMENT

CINEWORLD

cineworld.co.uk A great choice of films in an accessible building. Some screenings are sensory-friendly, please enquire at the cinema.

WEST WIGHT SPORTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

westwight.org.uk This charity-run facility has an accessible pool with changing facilities. Some of their fitness classes and activities are also accessible.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Changing Places Toilets: isleaccess.co.uk Accessible Taxis: Ryde taxis (Ryde) – 01983 811111 Alpha taxis (Newport) – 01983 280280 B&B taxis (Ventnor) – 01983 852579 Southern Vectis Bus Company: islandbuses.info All buses ‘kneel’ and have a wheelchair space Blue Badges are valid on the Island

ISLE ACCESS

Isle Access is an Isle of Wight charity helping to improve life for disabled people on the Island. Their aim is to support disabled people by removing barriers to access, enabling disabled people to enjoy a better quality of life and achieve new skills and experiences. They do this by: • Informing, assisting and promoting businesses, organisations, individuals and local government initiatives to welcome everyone to our beautiful Island. • Providing some accessible services, such as adapted cycling. • Contributing to the improved health and well-being of the people they support, as well as people who work or volunteer for them.