The Bimblers describe themselves as the UK’s most unlikely travel bloggers. Rob, together with his partner Bridget, travel in a wheelchair, reviewing access as they go. Driven by the mantra ‘access for all’ Rob has joined us to share his thoughts, observations and ideas to make travel easier for people of all abilities. In today’s post… accessible holiday accommodation at Lane End Farm in Derbyshire.
Travelling around, I get frustrated staying in nondescript hotel rooms. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful we are able to stay in hotels, but they do all get a bit samey!
So, continuing the theme of staying in alternative accessible accommodation, and following on from last month’s post about Hannah’s in Devon, I’d like to introduce you to Lane End Farm and The Room for All Seasons in Derbyshire.
Back in April, we teamed up with Accessible Derbyshire to visit the Lane End Farm Trust. Our visit gave us the opportunity to try out their wheelchair friendly accommodation “The Room for All Seasons” and I’m happy to say we loved it and I’m sure you will too.
What is Lane End Farm Trust?
First and foremost, Lane End Farm is a working hill farm. The trust side of Lane End was set up to provide a safe and inclusive environment where disabled and disadvantaged young people can immerse themselves in nature and farm life.
The team at Lane End Farm have developed a range of activities, both indoor and outdoor. These activities are suitable for people with varying disabilities and include:
- Vegetable and Herb Gardening
- Horse Riding and Pony Trekking
- Horse Drawn Wheelchair Carriage
- Cooking Lessons in the Farmhouse Kitchen
- An Introduction to Animal Care
- Countryside Conservation Work
- Seasonal Logging
- Sheepdog Training
- Wool Spinning and Knitting
Many of these activities are ideal for visiting groups. That said, if you visit as an individual, you should be able to participate with prior arrangement. For a complete list of activities and participation requirements, visit the Lane End Farm Trust website.
Where is it?
Situated in Abney, Hope Valley in Derbyshire, the farm is a perfect base for exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty. There are few places in the UK as pretty as the Peak District National Park, and Lane End is smack bang in the middle of it.
During our short trip, we were able to visit Bakewell, the Monsal Trail and the Derwent Dams of Dam buster fame. If you have a car, the Peak District is full of quaint villages to explore, and scenic drives with views comparable to many of the world’s tourist hotspots.
To make the most of your visit to Derbyshire, I would recommend spending some time on the Accessible Derbyshire website.
The room for all seasons
[masterslider id=”10″] In my opinion, the jewel in the crown is the farms accessible accommodation – The Room for All Seasons. I was expecting it to be good and it didn’t disappoint, if anything, it by far surpassed my expectations.You can read a full review of the accommodation on our blog “The Bimblers” but for now, here are the highlights:
#1 – The Room for All Seasons is a converted barn benefitting from spectacular views over the Hope Valley. You are able to park outside the front door and there is step free access to the barn. There is also ramped access to the farmyard should you wish to explore the farm.
#2 – Tastefully created and maintaining its rustic feel, the ground floor accommodation has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. It includes a large open plan living area, a low-level kitchen, a full wet room and an accessible bedroom with a ceiling hoist. Additionally, there is a pull-down double bed and separate toilet for carers or larger families.
#3 – The barn has free Wi-Fi, Sky television, a rise and recline chair, under floor heating and every conceivable kitchen gadget you could imagine. Helpfully, there is an information system with details of medical facilities in the area, public transport, places of interest and of course the all-important where to eat and drink.
Given the level of accessibility available, it doesn’t feel sterile, it feels homely and it was an absolute pleasure to spend a couple of days in the accommodation. In fact, I can’t speak highly enough of The Room for All Seasons and it will definitely be our accommodation of choice when we return to the area.
Why you should visit
Lane End Farm is an accessible, affordable holiday accommodation, set in the stunning surroundings of the Peak District National Park. But there is another reason I would encourage you to visit.
By staying in The Room for All Seasons, you are contributing to the important work the trust does. Your fees are reinvested into the activities and contribute towards helping young people experience and enjoy all that Lane End Farm has to offer – a worthy cause indeed!
By Robert Obey
We’d love to hear about your recent holiday. Tweet us @DHorizons using the hashtag #DHaccessibletravel.
