Wheelie Accessible Derbyshire

06/06/2026

Sadly a common truth across the UK, with uneven pavements with partially or no dropped curbs. Councils need to seriously look at improving this. ♿️

02/06/2026

Let's go to Norway!
♿️

So, we have just been on our first cruise to the Norwegian Fjords on the P&O Cruises Iona 🚢

We sailed to Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt & Haugesund. When I was conducting my own accessibility research, I kept coming unstuck as there just isn't alot of information out there.

So... let's talk terrain.
Whilst Norway is hilly (an understatement there!) with stunning green and snowy mountains, it is surprisingly easier than I thought to navigate.
Stavanger's old town has cobbled streets that were easier enough to navigate for me in my manual RGK Wheelchairs & Empulse R90 Sunrise Medical. I did need help on the descents of these hills but the more modern part of town is very smooth.

In Olden, we traversed up to see Briksdal glacier and waterfall. You can access these via troll cars. However, if you are like us and want a challenge and to go under your own steam, you can ascend via a compacted gravel path or take the troll road (videod). This required muscle (thank you family) and we had a laugh along the way in pouring rain.

Hellesylt is only a small port and is for the more physically able. There isn't much there to do if you're not going for a walk or hike. However, we did find a company there who were able to offer accessible rib rides down the fjords. Sadly we couldn't do this but I bet it is cool! There is a café and a couple of shops but the waterfall in the centre is the masterpiece here.

Haugesund was our last port and features wide pavements, some questionable dropped curbs so keep and eye out- where there would be one, there wasn't necessarily one on the other side! We wanted to see the Rising Tides so we went on the coastal walk. We had to get on a grassy area to start the path which was doable with assistance. The whole coastal path does require assistance if you want to do it as it is steep in places with lots of stones. We managed it but it was tough. Alternatively, taxis do take you right to the Tides and I would be lying if I said I wasn't tempted for the way back! 🤣

Public transport- we went on the public bus and they have a disabled doorway in the middle of the bus and the driver unlocks the ramp. You are then positions and clamped in. I do wonder what would happen with more than one wheelchair user on the bus as it seemed they had one station. Buses aren't very regular but it is doable. We were able to get the 10:30am ish bus to the glacier and the 1:30pm one back, just to give you an idea. This was directly outside where the ship docked.

Regarding the ship- make sure you do all of your embarkation paperwork properly beforehand such as your health questionnaire. The check in system was clear and simple for disabled people and very quick.
Assistance was there for me on and off every port, they seemed to pop out of nowhere!

The accessible cabin was huge with automatic doors and bathroom door, shower stool, plenty of turning space.

All in all, a fantastic trip!

If you have any questions, pop them below! ⬇️

©️ Independent review written by Wheelie Accessible Derbyshire

(Not an AD)

17/05/2026

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the condition that I have and will continue to raise awareness for. My life has changed dramatically since my diagnosis. Being just 22 at the time of my diagnosis, there wasn't as much out there in terms of awareness and knowledge for younger people in the infancy of their condition. Now, people are talking about it and that's great.

Do you know anyone with MS? 🧡

17/05/2026

Please share with your family and friends 🧡

Accessibility is not a given. Yes, our society has become the most accepting of disabilities than it has ever been, with some fantastic accessible venues out there, who take their time and do their research to look at their facility in it's entirity with a holistic view of all disabilities, choosing to cater for all. Access is more than 'just' physical. There are visual, auditory and sensory needs that need to be met, alongside physical requirements.

Access is also about how it makes the disabled person feel. Do they feel confident in this space? Do they feel valued and accepted? Do they feel as independent as possible?

These statistics below are the harsh reality of how far we as a society have to keep on pushing, striving to be inclusive for all, no matter the disability or condition.

I set up this page to help others who perhaps don't feel empowered to go out there, to socialise and meet others and my purpose is to arm them with knowledge that isn't readily available (no matter how many times you look on the website or ask the reception desk).

These reviews are real life experiences from the eyes of a disabled person just trying to live her life in a world that isn't quite there yet.

If you know of anyone in your life who could benefit from this page, please share. It might just make all the difference.

16/05/2026

Accessibility is not a given. Yes, our society has become the most accepting of disabilities than it has ever been, with some fantastic accessible venues out there, who take their time and do their research to look at their facility in it's entirity with a holistic view of all disabilities, choosing to cater for all. Access is more than 'just' physical. There are visual, auditory and sensory needs that need to be met, alongside physical requirements.

Access is also about how it makes the disabled person feel. Do they feel confident in this space? Do they feel valued and accepted? Do they feel as independent as possible?

These statistics below are the harsh reality of how far we as a society have to keep on pushing, striving to be inclusive for all, no matter the disability or condition.

I set up this page to help others who perhaps don't feel empowered to go out there, to socialise and meet others and my purpose is to arm them with knowledge that isn't readily available (no matter how many times you look on the website or ask the reception desk).

These reviews are real life experiences from the eyes of a disabled person just trying to live her life in a world that isn't quite there yet.

If you know of anyone in your life who could benefit from this page, please share. It might just make all the difference.

15/05/2026

📍Barnsley Metrodome 🗺
Ok, ok, not Derbyshire.... but, hear me out!

I visited this place recently with my boys. We wanted to treat them to a day at a waterpark and we thought we'd try this place out!

Upon arrival, there are plenty of disabled parking spaces and a push button disabled access door. The pool is located downstairs which is accessible via a lift and you pass some disabled toilets before doing so.

Going down to the water area, staff members are very helpful and they signposted me to where the accessible changing facilities were and the pool chair which was very easy to use.

The pool was easy to get in and there are plenty of staff members there to assist.

I loved the facilities on offer here and it meant that I could enjoy the family day out!

*edited to add, the staff were amazing and let me store my chair behind the reception desk which is constantly supervised, giving extra piece of mind that my equipment was stored safely. They did also say that equipment can be on poolside if that is what you need.

To book, here is the link ➡️ https://www.barnsleymetrodome.com/

(Not sponsored, just my own experience)

©️ Independent review created by Wheelie Accessible Derbyshire

21/04/2026

📍Matlock Farm Park 🗺

Over the Easter Holidays, we went to Matlock Farm Park. We have been a few times and I love this place for accessibility!

When booking, Matlock Farm Park do not offer a complimentary carer but they offer a carer ticket at s reduced rate.

Upon arrival, there is disabled parking at the front near the entrance. Just shoe your blue badge to the employee directing the cars and they will guide you down. Terrain here is compacted stone.

In the park, it is tarmaced with toilet facilities just at the entranceway, including a Changing Places UK toilet (this is pictured below). I love all venues that can accommodate a huge toilet space like this as it will be so beneficial to many disabled people.
I believe that toilets are being installed at the bottom of the park, around the sand and pebble play area. I do hope they consider the dimensions of the disabled toilet down there too. I am hopeful!

The park is easily accessible and not hilly. Just the central walkway has a slight incline.
There are ramps into the small animal holding and I love this addition. You can tell that they have thought about the space and accommodating for all.

The café and soft play are a little more snug and I always find it challenging to get in and to find a table. I think mobility scooters would struggle with this space. Matlock Farm Park instruct buggies to stay outside and this does help.

As well as the café, there are food and drink stalls outside too.

I was able to access all parts of this park with my children so it has become a firm favourite.

There is something for everyone and those who are disabled visitors will feel included and comfortable here.

P.s. always wrap up, it is a brisk wind up there and can happen even on the warmest of days! 😃

08/04/2026

📍 Carsington Water, Ashbourne 🗺

Looking for an accessible day out with some fantastic scenery, a good icecream and well needed fresh air? You will find all of that at Carsington Water.

Upon arrival, you can hire one of two trampers (as seen in my photos). These are on a first come, first served basis and during busy periods, they are hireable for 2 hours at a time. I had hired it previously during a quieter spell and was given more time but on a sunny bank holiday Monday, it was busy! We had to wait for the tramper to come back so we went up to the café. Set over two floors, there is plenty of seating. We wanted to get a good view of the water so headed upstairs via the lift. Again, very spacious and lots of food, cakes and drinks on offer. After that, we went into the information area on the ground floor which my children enjoyed.

We then headed out on the tramper when it became available. You have to fill in a quick form, have a quick tutorial and then you're free to go and explore. The terrain is perfect for the tramper but it isn't necessary, especially if you have a motorised chair or scooter or would be happy to be pushed manually. I saw many people using the space with all different equipment.
The surface itself is heavily compacted stones with a dust path. It is very easy to use and you can get a map at the visitors centre with an accessible route on it. However, I have been all the way around which is roughly 8 miles.

There is a good play park for children and a large grass area for picnics and ball games.

Near the visitors centre is where you will find the courtyard. There are some shops and an ice cream parlour as well as toilets. I saw two disabled toilets and unfortunately, one of these was out of order when I visited. They were also pretty tight to get into and I didn't spot a changing places sadly. I think it would be a great addition to have some larger toileting facilities. I was able to access the toilet in my manual wheelchair but it would be a tighter squeeze for a motorised wheelchair.

There are plenty of disabled parking bays, however, you do have to pay when you're leaving.

All in all, a very good day out! 🌞

26/03/2026

Yesterday, I spent the day at Naidex, the largest disability convention. Showcasing everything from dementia and alzheimers care, neurodivergency, lifestyle adaptations, PIP help and benefits advice to many wheelchairs, add on equipment and mobility scooters. Not to mention state of the art, ground breaking technology still being developed for the disabled community.

Yesterday was day one of a two day event. It was so busy! Way busier than last year and it was lovely to see companies who had smaller stands last year, having larger stands this year and it still being so busy. It was great to see so many people support the event.

Hosted at the NEC in Birmingham and always being in March, check it out next year!


Naidex International

RGK Wheelchairs

24/03/2026

📍Naidex 2026, NEC Birmingham ♿️

Tomorrow, I will be heading to Naidex for their annual, huge disability convention. With over 200 exhibitors, talks and advice, it is a huge event within the disabled community.

Last year was my first time visiting and it was great! You can get free tickets on their website: https://www.naidex.co.uk/whats-on-at-naidex-2026?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=naidex_brd&utm_content=discover_ad&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23549324043&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7IjOBhDyARIsAFzrWQwbspyZU3ol_oZ9vZy8mCgbOte7A1LBEZreqpFt3ucrctFdcHkI-cQaAt-XEALw_wcB

Honestly, it such a positive day out with some many companies there who specialise in adaptations and specialist equipment, it is a great day to try out anything you feel may help you live your life.

Are you going to Naidex this year?