ACCESSIBLEKENT
ACCESSIBLE ABODES
WITH ITS ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE, HISTORIC TOWNS AND STUNNING COASTLINE, KENT OFFERS MANY INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES EXPLICITLY DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WITH RESTRICTED MOBILITY, INCLUDING WHEELCHAIR USERS. ACCESSIBILITY IS AT THE HEART OF KENT’ S CHARM, ENSURING THAT EVERY VISITOR, REGARDLESS OF PHYSICAL ABILITIES, CAN ENJOY AN ENRICHING BREAK WITHOUT FEELING EXCLUDED FROM PLANNED ACTIVITIES. WHETHER PLANNING A ROMANTIC GETAWAY, FAMILY GATHERING, OR PURSUING SPECIAL INTERESTS, THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND OFFERS INCREASINGLY ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS THAT CATER TO EVERYONE’ S NEEDS.
BY YOLANDA BARKER- ACADEMY OF DISABLED JOURNALISTS STUDENT & NATIONAL CAMPAIGNER FOR THE MS COMMUNITY
HEVER CASTLE
T he thought of planning a break can be challenging when you have additional needs, but Kent has some excellent accessible abodes that will go above and beyond to ensure your stay is both comfortable and fulfilling. Here’ s some inspiration.
For History Lovers: Hever Castle, Edenbridge hevercastle. co. uk
Imagine strolling the regal grounds where King Henry VIII’ s infamous second wife Anne Boleyn spent her childhood. Surrounded by glorious Kent countryside, the Grade I listed Hever Castle’ s luxury five-star bed and breakfast accommodation offers sumptuous rooms in the Tudor-style wings attached to the castle. Accessible rooms are in the Astor Wing, where you can immerse yourself in Tudor grandeur while enjoying the thoughtfully designed, accessible comforts of a well-furnished wet room with assistance rails and room for a wheelchair. The helpful staff and access to the breakfast room ensure a seamless stay and an excellent choice for all guests.
For lunch, the step-free Moat Restaurant can be accessed from the gardens. It offers takeaway and table service and a delicious menu to tempt all hearty Tudors to dine in comfort and style. Alternatively, The Waterside Bar Restaurant and Terrace at Hever Castle Golf Club is a short drive away and offers lunch or afternoon tea. Dine on the terrace overlooking the lake and enjoy views of the Kent Weald countryside. Opposite the entrance to Hever Castle sits the King Henry VIII, a truly English pub with oak beams and an open fireplace. On this site since 1597, the fully accessible watering hole offers a tempting array of excellent quality food and drinks in a quaint, traditional setting.
For Country Opulence: Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham handpickedhotels. co. uk / chilstonpark
When seeking refined elegance in the Kentish countryside, Chilston Park Hotel offers an opulent escape steeped in history. This Grade I listed Georgian country manor house boasts unique styling, historic antiques and an abundance of charm. The original features adorn each bedroom and are at the heart of the manor house.
Arriving and parking at the entrance and then being greeted by accessibilityaware staff starts your stay with a level
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