WINTER ESCAPES

Winter

ESCAPES

BY ROSALIND TULLOCH

As the weather cools and the crisp, fresh mornings sneak their way back into our lives after a hot summer, it could be the perfect time to plan a winter break. Escaping your daily routine for a long weekend or a mid-week break in the winter months can be restorative, romantic, adventurous or relaxing, whatever you want it to be really. There is nothing sweeter than curling up in a cosy lodge with a cup of hot chocolate, reading a good book or getting the board games out when it’s raining, and countryside strolls in the fresh winter air can do wonders for your health and wellbeing, just make sure you are all wrapped up to enjoy it. We take a look at just some of the accessible options out there for you to cosy up in this winter.

HOE GRANGE HOLIDAYS

Based in the stunning Derbyshire Peak District, Hoe Grange has to be one of the top choices when it comes to accessible accommodation. These beautifully tailored log cabins have been designed specifically for disabled people, and their understanding of accessibility has won them numerous awards and accolades over the years. The cabins are set on a working family farm, which offers little ones the chance to meet the farm animals, collect eggs from the chickens and learn about country life. The surroundings are breath-taking and you will find lots to do across the countryside, from walking and cycling routes, to parks, villages and tourist attractions.

The cabins themselves offer an incredibly cosy and relaxing retreat for a winter break, the living area has a log effect fire, the open-plan kitchen is well-equipped and the large double doors open out onto a superb decking area that also boasts a hot tub (available on request). The cabins are also eco-friendly as they are heated using renewable technologies, so you will leave a lighter carbon footprint when you stay there too.

Bedroom space is generous and the beds look inviting and comfortable. The accessible wet rooms are very well equipped and any mobility equipment you might need for your stay is available free of charge with your booking, the hosts simply ask that you book it in advance to avoid disappointment. Lovely touches like home baking on arrival, just add to the magic of staying at Hoe Grange, and the welcome you will receive here will be second to none.

Find out more at HoeGrangeHolidays.co.uk.

MOUNTAIN VIEW LODGE

If you are looking for a large, luxurious space to relax in for a cosy winter break with the extended family or a group of friends, this could be the place for you. Mountain View Lodge is located in the stunning Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, and it offers guests stunning panoramic views across the rolling countryside. The secluded setting, just one mile from the village of Insh, ensures absolute tranquillity and peace, perfect for a winter escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The lodge sleeps up to eight people and states that it is accessible to wheelchair users. There is a ramp leading to a side door entrance, level access throughout the spacious lodge, and two wet rooms, as well as a shower chair for use and a free-standing toilet frame for use if needed. In the fully equipped kitchen you will also find that the cooking hob has been lowered to wheelchair height. The open plan living and dining area boasts a high cathedral ceiling and large comfortable sofas that will allow the whole family to sprawl out in comfort. The large dining table will accommodate large gatherings, perfect for feasts and party games after dinner, or you can make your way to the games room for a game of pool. The two bedrooms are beautifully appointed, one has two king size beds and the other has a king size bed, comfortable sofa bed and an en suite wet room.

Outside you will find a hot tub, a barrel sauna, outdoor seating and a large garden in the most picturesque setting. Find out more at MountainViewLodge.co.uk.

KNAP MILL POD

Looking for somewhere a little different? This accessible glamping pod in the Devonshire countryside could be right up your street. What could be cosier than snuggling up on a romantic break in the confines of a snug glamping pod? Nestled on a hill in the countryside, guests are treated to spectacular views from the comfort of this romantic bolthole. The pod is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users and has an openplan, studio style layout with a queen size bed in the bedroom area, a sofa (that turns into a sofa bed) and dining table in the living area, and a well kitted out kitchen with everything you need. The wet room has a level access shower, shower seat, grab rails, toilet and wash basin, and the pod enjoys under floor heating throughout. You can while your nights away under the duvet watching your favourite movie on the smart TV and eating popcorn in bed, or venture out to the local village of Loddiswell to enjoy some heart-warming pub food. You will also find the historic town of Kingsbridge just a short drive away and if you are looking for some locally sourced ingredients to whip up a meal in your pod, you can pop up to the nearby Aune Valley farm shop. The pod is dog-friendly too, so you can bring your furry friend along as well. Find out more at CoastAndCountry. co.uk/Cottage/Devon-Knap-Mill.

WOODCOMBE LODGES

Exmoor is home to this small family-run site of six lodges and two cottages. Set in three acres of beautifully maintained gardens, you will be spoiled with views over Exmoor National Park and plenty of space to roam around. The lodges are just a five minute drive or a 20 minute walk from Minehead where you will find shops, pubs and restaurants. All of the lodges are single storey and three of the lodges are accessible, the Laburnum, Cherry and Holly. These lodges have level access throughout, wet rooms with shower chairs and grab rails. You will find plenty of images on the website and a 360 degree video tour of the properties as well, so you can see for yourself what the lodge is like. The lodges are traditional and cosy, the perfect space for snuggling up with a good book on a cold day, and the proximity of the coastal town of Minehead means you can pop in for some lunch or a hearty and delicious pub dinner with a glass of wine before heading back for a good night’s sleep in your peaceful countryside retreat. The owner’s live onsite and will be there to welcome you on arrival and are available for anything you need during your stay. Find out more at WoodcombeLodges.co.uk.

IRTON HOUSE FARM

Accessibility is a top priority for these tastefully renovated cottages based on a working farm in the North Lake District. The enviable location offers uninterrupted views of Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite Lake and the Northern Lake District fells, and outdoor pursuits on your doorstep with accessible walking and cycling routes within easy reach. You will find five unique cottages based on this farm, each designed thoughtfully and tastefully with stylish touches and functional living spaces for all. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could need, including wheel-under sinks and hobs. The living rooms are open and spacious with comfortable seating and flat screen TVs. Each cottage allows the guests to operate the central heating to ensure they are at their optimum temperature for their comfort and the doorways and hallways have been widened for access.

The bathrooms have roll-in showers, shower chairs, grab rails, lowered vanities and mirrors. The bedrooms are stylish and inviting, the perfect place to unwind and recharge. These cottages are ideal for couples or families and kids will love meeting the resident farm animals.

Keswick and Cockermouth are only a 20 minute drive from the farm, so you can also venture into town to explore everything on offer there too. To find out more visit IrtonHouseFarm.co.uk.