Overview

I enjoyed the holiday overall and would recommend it to able-bodied friends. The lodge was lovely and was wheelchair accessible. I loved the hot tub with hoist, particularly that it had a remote so I could exit on my own if I wanted to. The hob and kitchen sink were lowered and had space underneath so worked well. The oven was a bit tricky, the door opened to the left which blocked you from putting it straight on the worksurface. Also they have tea towels but no oven gloves. The master bedroom’s ensuite is not wheelchair accessible but the central wet-room is. The wet-room had plenty of rails, a fold down shower stool, everything you expect from a hotel or lodge bathroom. I loved my stay as it was so peaceful and quiet in the woods and the scenery is lovely. It worked well for me because I’m someone who loves staying at the lodge almost all day but you aren’t able to really do much if you don’t have access to a car (and we didn’t). The park, however, is not accessible at all. Minus the area surrounding your lodge and a little bit around the Reception, all paths/roads are uneven terrain made up of mud and rocks. You have to basically wheelie the whole way if using a wheelchair. And if your balance is unsteady on crutches good luck. There are also some steep slopes to accompany this. I expected the forest trails to be like this but I was disappointed there wasn't an accessible path from the wheelchair accessible lodge to reception. I would only go back with an all terrain wheelchair/power assist. We tried an archery session which was a nightmare to get to because of the terrain but the actual activity was fun. We also did some pottery painting at reception (this wasn’t a class, the stuff needed is just all available at reception if/when you wish to do it) but this was definitely geared more towards kids than adults. The shop had a bit of a weird selection but had the basics and I like knick-knacks.

Transport & Parking

If you drive that's great and there's space outside your lodge for parking. Public transport is just not an option as it's very remote. We tried to get a wheelchair taxi while there and it was a nightmare, no one wanted to 'go that far'. I think it would be possible if you booked in advance but we ended up just staying in because of that.

Access

4.5 - 5 stars for the Lodge which was plenty accessible. 1 star for the site as it was really bad access.

Toilets

Lodge wet-room and reception disabled loo both suitable for most wheelchair users. Plenty of grab rails, clean and tidy, room to manoeuvre. But neither had a changing places station or a hoist.

Staff

I didn’t get the chance to leave the lodge much but my able-bodied friend/informal carer regularly went to the main reception/shop/restaurant area. We also got a loaf of freshly baked bread one day. If you like coffee I would recommend getting the reusable cup and going each day. The huge majority of the staff she dealt with were lovely and friendly but I think she dealt with one person who was a little grouchy. They didn’t have any knowledge of wheelchair taxis in the area.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The website photos for the 'Silver Birch Wheelchair Accessible' lodge at Blackwood are all accurate. Sorry I didn't get more photos, I damaged my phone in the hot tub!

Photos