Hop, Skip and Jump

There is a place in Bristol called Hop, Skip and Jump which is just the BEST place for children with special needs. We have been to visit twice, once when it was fairly quiet, and once when it was completely packed with people, and both my girls had a fantastic time both times. They bill themselves as 'A special plae for special children', and they meet that billing brilliantly. They provide a safe environment both indoor and out, with a wide variety of toys, games and activities that the children can access. They also have 2 sensory rooms, a soft play room, a computer room, and a craft room.

Outside, there is a wheelchair accessible swing and roundabout, as well as a zip line, climbing frame, slides and swings. They also have a large tarmaced area for riding bikes and ride on toys, and a smaller area for more little people to use climbing equipment (think Little Tikes outdoor toys).
Not only is the place accessible, it is also staffed, so although you are responsible at all times for your child, there is also plenty of people available to listen to you if you are having a bad day, or to help inspire you with new ways to play with your child.
The web site for this fantastic place is http://www.hopskipandjump.org.uk

I only wish there was something similar to this closer to my home.....

Seaquarium

Lisa Oakley wrote:

One of the worst places would have to be the Seaquarium at Weston-Super-Mare. The only disabled parking there is, is on the sea front. The spaces ... See moreare short, so when you park, it can be tricky to get a wheelchair out of the boot. The spaces are about 7-8 mins fast walk from the site. You have 1 hour free parking with a blue badge, but if you are there any longer, there is a charge. The shop is crowded with goods, making it tricky to get round.

@ bristol

Lisa Oakley said.

I love the Explore @ Bristol. Spacious enough for my daughters buggy, and loads for the kids to do. Plus carers get in free (I think, would need to double check that). Could do with some parking though.

Slimbridge Wildlife Trust

This was fantasticlally wheelchair friendly. Not only is there disabled access all around the Trust, there is plenty to see and keep everyone happy and occupied.

The restaurant was spacious too and Carer's get in free.

Is it really wheelchair friendly?

The amount of Leisure Centres, shops, that say there are wheelchair friendly and often this just means there is a disabled toilet. Have you been anywhere that was particularly "friendly" or "unfriendly". I will start to go to different foodstores, facilities etc. and put down my thoughts.

Please, please put down yours. If you think somewhere is excpetional then put it down, if you think somewhere is terrible, also put that down. I am going to ring the organisers of different establishments to see if I/We can make a differenc to disabled facilities.