Norfolk attractions praised for disabled

The Bure Valley Railway

Several of Norfolk's top attractions have been praised for meeting the needs of disabled visitors.

A new edition of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain features details of 18 attractions and days out from the east of England which are ideally suited to holidaymakers with mobility problems.

Those recognised include the Bure Valley Railway, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and Blickling Hall.

Today, tourism bosses said they were pleased to be featured in the guide and highlighted the importance of ensuring their attractions are accessible to all visitors.

Andrew Barnes, one of the directors of the Bure Valley Railway (BVR), said: "The railway is designed to be fully accessible. We thought it was important to have equal opportunities and quality for all. It was something that was important to us and we did it before the legislation came in.

"We didn't do it for the recognition, we did it for the people who come here, but we are pleased that the Rough Guide has seen fit to recognise us. There are two guides that everyone knows and to get recognised by one of them is fantastic."

Both Aylsham and Wroxham stations are all on the one level, including shops, toilets, café, platforms and even the workshops at Aylsham.

Blickling Hall

There are six specially designed coaches which can carry wheelchairs and each has a special seating arrangement plus double doors on both sides and detachable ramps.

Meanwhile, many attractions nationwide came in for criticism for failing to provide for disabled users.

Researchers said they were forced to rule out a host of potential sites simply because they under-delivered in a number of areas, including poor signage and badly thought-out design.

Those faring badly included Blackpool Pleasure Beach but none came from Norfolk.

Delia Ray, one of the writers of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, said: "It looks as though 2009 is going to be a record year for days out in the UK, and we are keen to ensure there is the right information for disabled people to make the most out of this experience.

"All attractions have been assessed by disabled people and so readers can have the confidence to enjoy more of the best days out."

The new guide has been updated and expanded to include more than 175 attractions and ideas for days out, readers reviews, top five attractions in categories such as free, heritage, hidden, families and outdoors and listings of useful organisations to make getting out and about even easier.

 

Evening News 24, 10th April 2009

 

 

Please Note:  You can buy a copy of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britian here.

                       If you are a Blue Badge holder you can apply for a FREE copy!