For many of us, being a carer brings with it a lot of stresses and strains. And living in a city can add to these stresses with the constant noise of traffic, sirens and people, so getting away from it all can be a must! Although this brings with it its own stresses as it is not always easy to take away the person you care for as most holiday homes don’t have the correct facilities for our needs. There are many companies that specialise in disabled holidays such as limitlesstravel.org and disabledholidays.com but it can be difficult to know exactly what you are getting when you book something. Sometimes it is better to have a personal recommendation to help you decide where to go.

When we decided we wanted a break I looked at many different websites and eventually plumbed for Lake District Disabled Holidays on Mitchelland Farm between Kendal and Windermere. They offer two disable equipped authentic Norwegian style Eco Log Cottages in the most beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the Lake District.

This was perfect for us as it is only two hours away from home and offers access to the south lakes area which has many attractions. Kendal is a lovely town with many easily accessible shops and places to eat. Windermere is a lovely quaint town although with many older building access can be difficult if you are in a mobility scooter although wheelchairs might manage the small steps into the shops and restaurants. We visited the Aquarium at Windermere which was accessible with the scooter and very interesting.

The two cottages were very well equipped and were well insulated from the grass and wild-flower roofs. They are very spacious and sleep four. Both have a house bathroom as well as a large wet-room en-suite to the twin bedroom (one of the single beds is a Hi-Lo adjustable, profile bed) making life easier. The open plan layout in the living area and kitchen is great for independent wheelchair users and has a partially lowered work surface and cooking area. You can also sit and enjoy the open views over farmland and fell from the comfort of luxury Electric Riser/Recliner chairs. The views across the countryside are wonderful and you can see a wide variety of birds and wild animals. While we were here we saw Woodpeckers, Birds of Prey, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Wrens, Dunnocks and Robins as well as Red Squirrels and Ducks. We even heard three Owls calling to each other one night as well as Red Deer rutting. So if you love nature like we do this is the perfect place.

Over the years I have been to many self catering cabins and cottages but I can say that this is the best equipped one I have ever stayed in. Not only is it equipped with a high level of disabled facilities but it has some lovely home from home touches too. In fact you will want for nothing, oh except a mobile signal and Wi-Fi but that’s not a bad thing. Although I understand Wi-Fi will be available next year. Jane and Stuart, who have 20 years experience running Lake District Disabled Holidays, couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. They have plans to open another holiday home in summer 2020 which will have a H – System ceiling track, which will connect to and round the large en-suite changing bench wet-room.  These facilities will cater for those who need more intensive care.

We are already planning our next visit.

Karen Lewis, Carer