Accessible Summer Days Out in South Wales

Are you looking for a day out this summer that caters for individuals with reduced mobility? Rebecca Bennett, Associate Solicitor in our Injury Services team, shares her top 5 accessible spots to enjoy your ice cream in the sunshine (!) in South Wales this summer.

From the unspoilt Pembrokeshire coastline and the picturesque Carmarthenshire countryside, to the beautiful beaches of the Gower and the rugged Brecon Beacons, South Wales has some of the best the UK can offer when it comes to outdoor destinations for exploring and spending time outdoors over the summer months.

Having reduced mobility should be no bar to getting out and enjoying what South Wales has to offer, so here’s a roundup of some of my top picks for a summer day out accessible to all:

Please refer to the individual websites for any updates as to Covid-19 restrictions that may be in place at the time of your visit.

1. Caswell Bay, Gower

A favourite spot with families and surfers of all abilities alike, you may have recently spotted Gower’s Caswell Bay as the backdrop for the BBC’s DIY SOS team and the construction of the new Surfability surf centre.

This stunning beach has the benefit of disabled parking and accessible toilets as well as two floating beach wheelchairs which can be hired out for free. Prior booking of the wheelchairs is required and can be done by emailing Peter.Beynon@swansea.gov.uk or calling 01792 635718.

www.visitswanseabay.com/useful-information/accessibility-information/

2. Garwnant Visitor Centre, near Merthyr Tydfil

A woodland and visitor centre nestled at the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons, there is something for everyone here; trails through the forest as well as a cafe, visitor centre and play park.

There is parking for blue badge holders, wheelchair access to the visitor centre and café, accessible toilets, a changing places toilet, picnic tables with easy access for wheelchairs and an accessible Willow Walk trail. 

https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/south-east-wales/garwnant-visitor-centre/

3. Broad Haven North Beach, Pembrokeshire

A popular spot with tourists and locals alike, Broad Haven North beach is definitely a spot to enjoy an ice cream (or two) over the summer months.

There is parking nearby and the beach can be accessed from the promenade by ramp. There are public toilets with disabled access at the northern end of the beach. All-terrain wheelchair hire is available from haven Sports Surf Shop (reserve in advance) by calling 01437 781354 or by email info@havensports.co.uk.

www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-to-do/access-for-all/easy-access-beaches/

4. Afan Forest Park, Port Talbot

Situated in Neath Port Talbot in the beautiful Afan Forest, this is another one with something for everyone with forest trails, a museum and a visitor centre.

There is parking for blue badge holders, wheelchair access to the visitor centre and cafe, accessible toilets and accessible visitor centre.

www.afanforestpark.co.uk/

5. Whitmore Bay, Barry Island

One not just for fans of Gavin and Stacey, a visit to this beach is definitely “tidy” with golden sands, a promenade and plenty in the way of fish and chips and amusements to keep the whole family entertained.

There is parking, wheelchair access and disabled toilets. Barry Island Tourist Information Centre (01446 747171) has three all-terrain beach wheelchairs which they lend out for free; you just need to show some ID.

www.barry.cymru/visit/whitmore-bay/

How else can we help?

Sustaining an injury that results in mobility problems can be life-changing for the individual involved and those close to them, no matter what the cause of the injury.

However, in some instances it is the case that the injury should have been avoided, those can include cases involving accidents causing head injury or spinal injury, as well as medical negligence, including birth injury and cerebral palsy.

In these instances, the individual involved may contemplate a legal claim for compensation for the injuries suffered. It is essential that, in such circumstances, a specialist solicitor is instructed who is experienced in dealing with cases involving brain injury.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, a solicitor can ensure access to rehabilitative therapies, including private neurophysiotherapy, to help maximise and maintain an individual’s mobility and independence. A solicitor may also be able to assist with obtaining funding to purchase appropriate and specialist aids and equipment and to recruit support workers or a ‘buddy’ to assist day to day if required, that may make life a little easier and help to get the individual back outside and doing what they love.

Get in touch to see how we can help you by calling 03333 209244 or emailing law@jcpsolicitors.co.uk.