Inclusive days out ,the good and the bad

07/03/2024

https://www.accesscard.online/ Drayton manor only accept nimbus cards as well as many other attractions. You can get a free card for one attraction but for £15 you can access lots of different attractions for three years. I think it's most definitely worth it as your not having to remember lots of paperwork.
So many attractions are changing policies all the time so please check there website at least a week before 😊

01/07/2023

We have just bought annual tickets to Ironbridge museum. It works out cheaper buying an annual pass by direct debit (you get 10%off by direct debit ) for 1 adult and 3 children as carers are free then by paying for a single ticket for one of their attractions .
I will let you know how it goes when we visit 😊
https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/plan/access-information/

07/02/2023

West Midlands safari park
We live literally minutes away and have had annual passes in the past . We decided that we would buy them for brodies birthday this year as he loves car car rides .
Carers are now free with proof of dla or pip .
We went Sunday but just to drive round the animals . Usually when we go all the animals hide but they were all out to be seen . Brodie loved the zebras and my daughter loves giraffes. There was a bit of a traffic jam by the giraffes so we got to see lots of them.
One tip make sure your kids go to the toilet first or you hear the dreaded I need the toilet half way round and there is no where to go and if you get stuck behind cars it can take 2 hours plus to get round .
This is the link to the accessibility page https://wmspsupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/categories/115000454651-Accessibility

07/02/2023

WARNING -DRAYTON MANOR
drayton Manor have changed their ride access . Great news is carers can now go free . Bad news you need to apply for a card either a free card just with them or pay £15 for 3 years for a nimbus card that is accepted at over 2000 places so its weighing up how often you will vist certain places .
https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/essential-companion this is their link that explains it all . I'm so glad I checked again as we are planning to go in the Easter holidays. I only checked as we have a West Midlands safari park annual pass and I know they are owned by the same company now so wondered if carers would be free .

We are pleased to be able to offer an Essential Companion ticket for those guests who require additional assistance to enjoy all that Drayton Manor has to offer.

28/10/2022

Alton towers - we have annual passes so we turned up at 2pm as I had had an awful night with brodie and lochlan . It was scarefest so full to capacity again . There was a very small queue to get our ride access pass . We weren't planning on a full day out . They rode on 5 rides their favourite ones and we went after 3 hours . I was expecting rap queues to be really busy but I think we got to the rides at the right time . Staff were really friendly and the kids loved the decorations.

28/10/2022

Legoland - we visited legoland on Tuesday it was at full capacity so very very busy . We had already signed up to rap and used it before so we logged in on my phone and I booked out first ride from the carpark . It took us around 10 minutes to get in and then we headed straight for the first ride .
We saw on the app that they were doing an additional needs slot for the trick ot treat street so we joined that as soon as it opened at 1.15 . They got some chocolate a pop badge and a lego set that made a pumpkin not bad for free .
We tried to watch one of the shows but it was just to busy so went on another ride .
They went on 4 or 5 rides but we were only there for 4.5 hours as they got tired . It was a long journey. We left happy and they were happy .
The good thing with legoland is there is plenty to see with mini land shows and the lego statues so rides are not the main priority for us . We did have to wait longer to re book a ride as it was so busy but I feel that's only fair when queues were at 90 minutes or longer .

30/09/2022

LEGO LAND
it's another place that you need to apply 7 days before for ride access pass . It's all on their website and straight forward . Carers go free with pip dla letters or blue badge . You need to select this when buying tickets . You won't get a code for these so you need to go to the ticket office on your right hand side when you vote through the gates and they give you your tickets . No need to re queue as it comes out at the front of the queue so they let you through after a few people .
Ride access is on a website . You can get help at customer services or they had a desk on the left hand side near the toilets .
We had already registered with alton towers so they took our email address and set it up quite quickly luckily cause brodie was screaming .
You choose a ride on the app and it tells you the waiting time . The only one that was a pain to book was the new flight of the sky lion . Its new its busy so only a few places get released at one time .
My kids did 7 rides altogether on quite a busy day so not bad . For rides that had wait times we were able to walk around mini land and have lunch . There is plenty to see and do .
When they went on one of the rides I took brodie to the sensory room . It gave him time out of his stroller and he loved the different lights .
It's a big place and can get over stimulating bit is split into sections so if one part is really busy another area might not be . There are lots of seating too .
Unfortunately lego land is situated at the bottom of a really steep hill . There is a train to take you up and down this hill but if this is not walking prepare for a big hike up the hill .
We had a great day . I know some people hate the digital rap and the virtual queuing but with lego land there is so much to do other than rides and things to see that my kids coped well .

30/09/2022

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30/09/2022

Iv been trying to find somewhere to visit santa , yes I know its September but I like a plan .
Iv found most places are offering santa experiences. These don't work for us . We have tried . Brodie screams the place down while they try to read their story or explain how to make raindeer food . We need the good old fashioned just sew santa get a present .
After 3 hours of searching last night , iv come across a garden centre https://www.cherry-lane.co.uk/?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=580847-Yahoo%21&awc=15368_1664524714_81af5d0050a82cb773a05b496cd0b829
You get a 30 minute slot bonus . You get a present but no story craft ect that upsets brodie and it doesn't cost a fortune.
Iv promised the older two cake and hot chocolate in the cafe after as they don't get a present and neither really want to visit santa anymore .
Iv looked on their website and they sell fish so depending on brodies mood we might visit the fish as he loves fish .

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30/09/2022

26/08/2022

https://paultonspark.co.uk/help/guests-with-access-requirements paultons park is now doing free carers tickets . It's a shame it's come in to late for us bit I hope this helps a lot of people 😊

We welcome visits from guests with access requirements and will do everything possible to ensure they have a safe and pleasurable visit. Find out more here.

12/08/2022

PAULTONS PARK - PEPPA PIG WORLD
Since we last went which was 4 years ago their policies have changed so it was good I read up on them before we went as you need to register online 7 days before you go for a ride access pass . They DO NOT EXCEPT DLA OR PIP FORMS .They do except letters from professionals such as physio paediatrician or gp stating what your diagnosis is or why you would struggle to queue .
It was really easy and I got an email to say I had registered and then an email to say it had been approved with a qr code for each of the kids that needed it .
There is no free carers passes but
Wheelchair or mobility scooter dependent guests are admitted free of charge and are not required to pre-book a ticket.
When we got there we went straight to first aid which is signposted and saw someone straight away they scanned the qr codes and explained how it worked . There are some rides listed that you will get a time given after for your next ride if its on the list . Other rides not on the list you can go on straight after . The rides listed get busy so it's to be fair to everyone.
There is lots to do other than rides like watching shows going through their small zoo, splash parks and gardens .
We were also given the code to their changing room /disability toilet which they do have a disabled toilet that suited our needs in the main toilets and large baby changing units .
The park is quite flat no huge hills so easy to push our son round. We went on a very hot day and it wasn't over crowded and plenty of shaded areas . Our kids lasted almost 5 hours . We alternated rides and sitting in the shade . The longest queue was peppa meet and greet which the lady organising it let my husband queue and we stood away from it then when he was at the front we joined him. We did get some looks but there was no way my youngest would of coped being in a crowed full of people for that long it was about 20 minutes .
We did have to make a complaint about one member of staff that was stood at the top of the ride where our family and another behind us where queuing for ride access at the bottom of the exit and instead of coming down to ask how many or look at our cards she started shouting at us and the other family . My son had pulled his band off and she almost didn't let him on . We went back to first aid who let my husband wear the band and got a manager down for us to explain what happened . The other family left instead of going on the ride . The lady that was shouting was also chatting away to who she was working with and just kept glaring at us as we waited . We felt uncomfortable. The manager was lovely and he said he would go and sort it . I really hope he did as its hard enough queuing in a different location and having people stare at you or tell you it's the exit and then we're having to explain to them why we are there .
The nurse in first aid was lovely and we did see people shouting at the nurses because they assumed they could take their child's dla letter . It's an easy mistake but it's their policies and not the nurses fault .
My kids loved the revolving globe that had water running over it and would of probably spent all day there .
It's a lovely park and very clean . I would definitely go back if I was staying near by again .
https://paultonspark.co.uk/help/guests-with-access-requirements

05/08/2022

CROOME COURT , NATIONAL TRUST
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome %20and%20access
We love national trust places most have accessible trails and this had quite a long one .
If you become members you get 1 carers pass free per member so we paid for the kids which was £10 a year and we got a free carers pass for each child https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us?intcmp=Join_Central_summer22_homepage_CTA -individual
There is disabled parking next to the entrance and accessible toilets we didn't use the toilets so I don't know how good they are .
We managed to walk over 3 miles thanks to andrew for getting us lost . The ground was either gravely or paved so wasn't to bad but there is a hill on the way back . The main building and some of the smaller ones have steps so aren't very accessible but the grounds where lovely and beautiful views . There are plenty of benches dotted around and shady areas to sit which was great .
Tramper mobility scooter bookings are available by contacting the Visitor Reception team in advance of your visit. These looked great and by the end of our walk I wish I had had one .
There is a small raf museum and a park . We didn't get time to go to the park , I think the walk was enough for my kids today .

03/08/2022

Warning paultons park - you need to request a ride access pass 7 days before you go . They don't accept pip dla letters or blue badge you need a medical letter stating a diagnosis so a report from a paediatrician a gp or salt anything that states their diagnosis and they accept a disability card . We go in 7 days and I'm so glad I checked today as the last time we went about 4 years ago they accepted dla letters on the day . So please please check before you go anywhere what their policies are .

02/08/2022

BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM -
https://bclm.com/accesstours/
Really lovely place to visit with kids or without .
It's free for carers with dla/pip paperwork and parking is free for blue badge holders, you just ask a staff member for a token on the way out .
The only thing I would say which is awkward is some of the building have narrow passage ways to get in so you need to wait for that part to clear so you can navigate safely if your in a wheelchair. There are ramps avaliable to make them more accessible but be prepared for some bumpiness of the cobbles but most places have pathways that are smooth .
There is water as you can walk by the canal so if you have runners just be aware of this also plenty of hiding spaces.
There are accessible toilets and no key needed .
My oldest goes to the glass house college so does iron mongering and bronze casting . He loved watching a man making nails and telling the story of his Job back then and how he was paid . I think as he's 17 and likes visual history he got so much out of our visit where as the younger ones really liked the sweets from the sweet shop and playing with the old toys .
Our ticket includes a free pass so we can go back again which we will do .

29/07/2022

https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2022-07-23/the-seafront-swimming-lake-thats-the-uks-first-disability-friendly-tidal-pool iv not been but looks fantastic.

The lake now has a wheelchair hoist and disability changing rooms, thanks to a grant from the Great Lakes fund | ITV News West Country

27/07/2022

FORGE MILL FARM
Sandwell Valley- we only visited the farm today as we had an awful night with the two younger ones so we didn't have the energy for a big walk .
Carers go free , usual pip /dla / carers letters but we weren't asked for them and there are a few disabled car parking spaces which are free .
The way in if the gate is closed is through the shop and the way out , so be prepared to have to buy ice creams /toys/ drinks or take a blindfold.
The animals are in barns and enclosures . Animal food is 80p a bag . My oldest works with goats a lot at his college so it was lovely to see him feeding them .
There is a sandpit and go karts which were really busy so we bypassed it .
There is a nice trail around the paddocks which have pigs goats horses and llamas. The trail was easy to push the maclaren on and not to steep either .
Toilets were at the entrance. We didn't use them though and their was a play park but it was literally a large slide which was sutible for 5-13 year olds and I honestly think even my 13 year old would break her neck . There wasn't any swings or anything so we bypassed that bit too.
We stayed about 1.5 hours which is great for my kids usually they rush through everything .
This is there website where you can book tickets -
https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200341/sandwell_valley/742/forge_mill_farm

26/07/2022

DRAYTON MANOR
We love it here , we had annual passes last year so we visited a lot and as its only an hour away so it didn't matter if we only spent a few hours here .
One and I think its the only one negative is no free carers passes so it can get pricey. There are only a few places I know that don't do free carers passes .
They do however do ride access passes and that entitles one carer to go on with the disabled person . They have however let me on with two of the children one that didn't have a ride access pass so I think they will use discretion but are trying to limited the queues in the access line . The access pass allows 10 rides and to be honest some rides have had no queue so we have just walked straight on .
You queue in the area that people leave the ride and to get the access band you go to guest services which is past Thomas land on your right hand side opposite the pirate ship .
The staff are lovely and if there not busy always make time to talk to the kids .
It's the usual evidence of pip letter, dla letter , blue badge or drs letter stating condition and why you can't queue .
Toilets there is 1 disabled toilet with a hoist and other disabled toilets dotted around.
It's not a huge park it's smaller than alton towers . Out of all our visits the only time we found it really busy was when they opened the new viking section . That was madness but usually its not overly busy and after a few hours they have done around 7 rides and want to go home .
Thomas land is lovely and caters for little kids and bigger kids . The train is great and takes you to the zoo part of the park .
If you need to find a quiter area the zoo is mainly quiter and a nice little walk to help re regulate . There are a two play parks but we mainly avoid these as they always seem busy .
It's generally quite a flat park no huge hills just a slight graduation here and there so pushing a pram or wheelchair doesn't feel like a huge effort .
We take a picnic so can't comment on the food but there are lots of bench's around the park to sit at .
There is almost always some kind of entertainment going on which my husband lives because he's an entertainer and likes to steal their juggling clubs or juggling balls , it always embarrasses the kids .
My 6 year old can't stand still at all he's always jigging about or dancing luckily there are spaces between rides and little areas I can stand with him while he dances and we wait for the others to come off a ride .
My kids can be sound sensitive but I think they have used their ear defenders once or twice here .I think they have got used to the noises over time so they know what to expect . They also have an app so you can see the map and what rides there are . I found maps helps my oldest to focus on where we are and where he wants to go next . It also helps to see which areas are busiest due to queue times .
I was sad that our annual passes expired but we will go back at some point in the year .
This is the link to their accessibility page on their website https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility

25/07/2022

CADBURY WORLD
On the website it sounds great , free carers passes ,social stories before you go . Access wristband , disabled toilets , lifts and free chocolate . What more could you want , right ?
The reality we weren't offered a wristband despite having the relevant paperwork but from what I saw it wouldn't of benefited us anyway as nobody was manning any queues .
Their where lots and lots and lots of queues for my 2 year old and 6 year old this was the worst thing in the world . 2 year old screamed in every queue and literally pulled my husbands hair out . My 6 year old was covering his ears and clinging to me . Our biggest mistake was we forgot the ear defenders.
For someone without sensory issues it was hard going from hot to cold light to dark in many different areas . The corridors you queue in are mainly bright but narrow and very stuffy .
I think my 2 year old defened quite a few people and we did get quite a few dirty looks and even a staff member commented about the screaming child that I did freely admit was my child .
It might of been a different story if the lift was working but as it wasn't we had to leave his maclearn downstairs and carry him up the stairs and this caused quite a lot of upset. He hates being carried . He has cerebral palsy but can walk a bit but at 2 he thinks he can do everything and it resulted in him laying down on the floor at one point .
There is a 4d cinema and a few short films to watch we luckily found someone and bypassed this as we forgot the ear defenders .
Near the end there is a great room with interactive lights and floor patterns this was the best room for my kids .
PARKING , we had a 1pm slot when we got there the main car park was full so we had to use the lower car park. All disabled spaces where took and was about a 2-3 minute walk so not to bad .
I would say if your child can cope with queues it's great . If not maybe try during term time when it's quiter if you can . Unfortunately not everyone can .
The lift is a major accessibility point and people in wheelchairs only saw a quarter of the attraction they had paid for which isn't good enough . These customers could of been contacted that morning and I did hear that they had a goods lift so maybe that could of been an option instead of saying its out of order that's it .
This is their accessibility page https://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility unfortunately reality is not so great on busy days .

25/07/2022

Hi iv decided to start this page up to help parents like me .
Iv got 4 children ranging from 2 to 17 years old .
All with different needs and diagnoses. In our family we have autism ,adhd ,pda , hypermobility ,cerebral palsy and global development delay .
Some of our days out are great. Others despite researching and planning can be awful and no matter what we do one or all of our kids don't cope . All children are different no matter what their diagnosis but sometimes it's great to hear from other parents what their experience was of somewhere.
We go to lots of places so I'm going to try really hard to document where we go and give as much information as I can as well as how our kids coped .

25/07/2022