Holidays brochure - Sense

SUMMER 2013

WEL
COME!
We have organised another really exciting holiday
programme, which includes familiar favourites as well as
new venues. The brochure outlines the holidays we will
be running in the summer – we hope you are as excited
by the programme as we are.
We are committed to providing a range of holidays that
are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. With plenty to choose
from this summer, we are certain you will find a number of holidays
that interest you. If you have any questions about any of the holidays
or the way we organise the programme in general, please do not
hesitate to contact the Holidays Team. We look forward to seeing you
on a holiday this year.
Sense holiday map, locations and symbols
Week 1
1. Ribby Hall A
2. Ribby Hall B
3. White Lodge Farm
4. Close Shave
5. Conygre Farm
1 2
6
Week 2
6. Bempton Holiday Villa
7. Holton Lee New Barn
8. Milton Brook
9. Laugharne Barns
Week 3
10. Butlin’s
11. Stubbers
12. Beamsley A
13. Barnstondale
Week 4
14. Beamsley B
15. Broadstairs Folk Festival
16. Chestnut Lodge
17. Oak Lodge
18. Highlands End
19. Macaroni Wood A
Week 5
20. Courtyard Cottage
21. Elveden Forest
22. Kingfisher Barn
23. Macaroni Wood B
9
13
8
20
18
7
12 14
16 17
5
19 23
22
10
4
11
21
3
15
2

Holidaymakers
We accept applications from people with
a dual-sensory impairment. We are also
occasionally able to offer a holiday place
to people with a single-sensory impairment
with an additional disability. However,
our holidays are increasingly popular and
people with a dual-sensory impairment will
have priority. In addition, within the adult
range (19 years and over), we will prioritise
applications from people living at home
with their families.
Please read the guidelines before
completing the application form and
contact the Holidays Team if you have
any questions at this stage. Please then
return your application form by Friday
15 February 2013. The first round of
allocations will take place shortly afterwards.
If you receive the application pack after
this date, it is still worth applying and
you will join our waiting list. We do still
offer places after the first round of
allocations and we have emergency places
available at shorter notice. Although we
try to allocate holidaymakers one of
their first three holiday choices, this is
not always possible and an alternative
venue may be offered.
Volunteers
For those interested in volunteering on
a Sense holiday, please see the enclosed
volunteering details or contact the
Holidays Team for further information on
how to apply. To stand the best chance
of being accepted, please return your
completed application by the end of
March 2013. However, we continue to
accept applications and allocate volunteers
throughout the summer, so it is always
worth applying at any stage.
Sense
Sense is a national charity that supports
and campaigns for children and adults
who are deafblind. We provide tailored
support, advice and information as well
as specialist services to all deafblind
people, their families, carers and the
professionals who work with them.
In addition, we support people who
have a single-sensory impairment with
additional needs.
What do the
symbols mean?
Accommodation
We have used a number of picture symbols
to give you more information about each
holiday – please use the key on this page.
However, if you require any further
information, please do not hesitate to
contact the Holidays Team.
Cottage
Holiday
Village
Activity
Centre
Camping/
Yurt
Boat
Accessibility
We have marked the venues as either
Wheelchair Access or Easy Walker.
The Wheelchair Access icon means
the venue has been adapted for someone
who is a wheelchair user. However, the
level of access varies from purpose built
accommodation to venues which offer
minor adaptations such as wider doorways
and ramps. All Easy Walker venues have
at least one downstairs bedroom and may
be suitable for occasional wheelchair users.
Age Group
Children
Young People
Location
Seaside
City/Town
Group Size
Small Group
Medium Group
Accessibility
Easy Walker
Wheelchair
Access
Age Group
The brochure also gives you an idea of the
age group for each holiday. Our children’s
holidays are for holidaymakers up to
11-years-old, young persons’ holidays are
for people aged 11 to 18 years, young
adults’ holidays are for people aged 16 years
upwards and adults’ holidays are for people
aged 19 years upwards. However, these
ranges are flexible.
Young Adults
Adults
Countryside
Large Group
3

“ It is amazing and I would
recommend Sense holidays
to everyone I meet!”
WEEK 1
starting 19/ 20 July 2013
1. Ribby Hall A www.ribbyhall.co.uk – Diamond Villas
Date: Friday 19 July to Friday 26 July 2013
Where: Near Blackpool, Lancashire About the group: 4 Young People
Details: Ribby Hall is a holiday village set amongst 100 acres of countryside and
landscaped grounds, which can be explored by bike, on foot, by boat or on horseback!
There is a swimming pool on site, and other activities may include trips to Blackpool,
the nearby farm or kayaking. The villas are single storey with level access and an open
plan kitchen/living area. There are bath and shower facilities. However, there are no
special adaptations.
Holiday
Village
Easy
Walker
Seaside
Young
People
Medium
Group
2. Ribby Hall B www.ribbyhall.co.uk – Diamond Villas
Date: Friday 19 July to Friday 26 July 2013
Where: Near Blackpool, Lancashire About the group: 4 Adults
Details: Ribby Hall is a holiday village set amongst 100 acres of countryside and
landscaped grounds, which can be explored by bike, on foot, by boat or on horseback!
There is a swimming pool on site, and other activities may include trips to Blackpool,
the nearby farm or kayaking. The villas are single storey with level access and an open
plan kitchen/living area. There are bath and shower facilities. However, there are no
special adaptations.
Holiday
Village
Easy
Walker
Seaside
Adults
Medium
Group
3. White Lodge Farm www.whitelodgefarmcottages.co.uk – The Barn
Date: Friday 19 July to Friday 26 July 2013
Where: Hingham, Norfolk About the group: 3 Young People
Details: White Lodge Farm provides a luxurious rural retreat in the heart of Norfolk,
not far from the Norfolk Broads and the beautiful beaches of the North Norfolk coast.
As well as a trip to the seaside, other activities may include swimming, a trip to the zoo
and a farm visit. The barn has level access throughout the ground floor with bedrooms
and shower and bath facilities. However, there are no special adaptations.
Cottage Countryside Small
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Young
People
4

4. Close Shave www.reachoutplus.org
Date: Saturday 20 July to Saturday 27 July 2013 Where: Grand Union Canal.
Starting and finishing in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire About the group: 3 Adults
Details: This year we are pleased to be returning aboard the boat, Close Shave with
a new adventure! There will be plenty of opportunities to steer the boat and work the
locks, as well as to relax and watch the world go by! Day trips along the way may include
skiing, swimming, indoor rock climbing or visiting town centres for sightseeing
and shopping. Close Shave has a wheelchair accessible boarding ramp and hydraulic
lift; there is level access throughout the boat, as well as a wheelchair accessible toilet,
shower and a portable hoist.
Boat Town Countryside
Small
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Adults
5. Conygre Farm www.hideaways.co.uk – H129 and H130
Date: Saturday 20 July to Saturday 27 July 2013
Where: Pewsey, Wiltshire About the group: 4 Children
Details: We are delighted to be returning to Conygre Farm, situated in an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Pewsey Vale. The two single storey cottages have
been converted from Victorian buildings. There is an integral heated, indoor swimming
pool as well as a nearby games room with an arts and crafts area. Day trips may include
a visit to Longleat or the beach at Bournemouth. The cottages have level access
throughout and the bedrooms and bathrooms are suitable for a wheelchair user.
Cottage
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Children
Medium
Group
WEEK 2
starting 26/27 July 2013
6. Bempton Holiday Villa www.bemptonholidayvilla.co.uk
Date: Friday 26 July to Friday 2 August 2013
Where: Filey, North Yorkshire About the group: 3 Adults
Details: A new venue for 2013! Bempton Holiday Villa is set within a luxury complex
on the beautiful North East coast. On site facilities include a pub, brasserie and coffee
bar, private access to a beach and a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool.
As well as trips to the seaside, other activities may include a trip to the bird garden,
animal park and a coastal cruise. The villa is accessible throughout, with a lift to the
first floor. There are two fully adapted bedrooms with profile beds and ceiling track
hoists, giving access to en suite wet rooms with grab rails, shower beds and chairs.
A mobile hoist is available. The open plan living area has a small patio that backs
on to woodland with nature walks and a wildlife pond.
Holiday
Village
Wheelchair
Access
Seaside
Adults
Small
Group
“ Had a great time and
Mum had a great break too!”
5

7. Holton Lee New Barn www.holtonlee.co.uk
Date: Friday 26 July to Friday 2 August 2013
Where: Poole, Dorset About the group: 6 Young People
Details: We are pleased to be returning to Holton Lee New Barn, set in a secluded
part of Dorset, near Poole Harbour and the world heritage Jurassic Coast. Day trips
may include Swanage steam railway, watersports at Poole Park and a visit to nearby
Sandbacks beach. The New Barn is situated on the ground floor with ramp access
to the bedrooms and is fully accessible for wheelchair users. The bedrooms have
electrically adjusted beds and an en suite shower and toilet. Each room has a ceiling
track hoist. Bed rails and a mobile hoist are also available. The sitting room veranda
opens on to a sheltered paved area, low level garden and wildlife pond.
Activity
Centre
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Young
People
Large
Group
8. Milton Brook www.miltonbrook.com – Rose and Granary Cottage
Date: Friday 26 July to Friday 2 August 2013
Where: Chester, Cheshire About the group: 4 Adults
Details: We are delighted to be returning to this popular, large, converted farmhouse.
The comfortable cottages have a large private garden and there is a heated indoor
swimming pool on site. Nearby attractions and possible day trips include the zoo,
a giant aquarium, outdoor activities in Delamere Forest, and the Wingate Centre with
its accessible trampolining and multi-sensory facilities. There is a ground floor bedroom
with an accessible shower room with a ramp to enter the property. The bath is on the
first floor. However, there are no special adaptations.
Cottage
Easy
Walker
Countryside
Adults
Medium
Group
9. Laugharne Barns www.laugharnebarns.co.uk – Cow Barn and Mill & Stable
Date: Saturday 27 July to Saturday 3 August 2013
Where: Llansadurnen, Carmarthenshire About the group: 4 Children
Details: These two converted barns near Carmarthen in South Wales are situated
in a rural village farm. Possible day trips could include nearby Pendine beach with
its soft golden sands, as well as outdoor activity centres, animal parks and a visit
to Oakwood theme park. The barns have been recently renovated to a high standard
and there are bedrooms on the ground floor with wheelchair accessible shower rooms.
Cottage Countryside Medium
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Children
“ It is such a fantastic opportunity for
our son to go on holiday without us.
He is aware that his siblings have
opportunities to go on sleepovers and
summer camps and the Sense holiday
feels like his turn. Thank you!”
6

“ It was a privilege to share a holiday
with the holidaymakers and work with
such a wonderful team of volunteers
and team leader.”
WEEK 3
starting 2/3 August 2013
10. Butlin’s www.butlins.com/bognor – Silver Apartments
Date: Friday 2 August to Friday 9 August 2013 Where: Bognor Regis, West Sussex
About the group: 3 Young People and 4 Young Adults
Details: A popular holiday destination in 2012, we are delighted to be returning
but this year we are off to Bognor! The resort is set on the South Coast and is
situated on a long sandy beach. Splash Water World is also on site and other
available activities include archery, table tennis and evening entertainment, such as
tribute acts and live bands. The groups will be staying in adjacent apartments, which
are situated on the ground floor and have shower facilities. However, there are no other
special adaptations.
Holiday
Village
Easy
Walker
Seaside
Young
People
Large
Group
Young
Adults
11. Stubbers stubbers.co.uk – Orchard Camp
Date: Friday 2 August to Friday 9 August 2013
Where: Upminster, Essex About the group: 4 Children
Details: With your sleeping bags at the ready come and stay at Stubbers Activity
Centre! If you are looking for an action-packed week this is the holiday for you!
You will spend your nights under canvas in purpose built frame tents, and your days
taking on new challenges from crate stacking and low ropes, to canoeing and climbing
with the support of instructors experienced in supporting disabled people. Adjacent
to the campsite is a building where you will cook, eat, and use the washing and toilet
facilities. The bathroom facilities are accessible for wheelchair users. However, there are
no other special adaptations.
Activity
Centre
Medium
Group
Camping
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Children
12. Beamsley A www.beamsleyproject.org.uk
Date: Friday 2 August to Friday 9 August 2013
Where: Skipton, North Yorkshire About the group: 7 Adults
Details: This former chapel is a large property on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales
National Park. The centre has level access throughout and is suitable for wheelchair
users, with a lift to the first floor. Other activities may include swimming and a trip
to SPACE multi-sensory centre. Beamsley has wheelchair accessible shower rooms,
an overhead hoist in the bathroom, wash ‘n’ dry toilet and changing table. Electrically
adjusted beds, bed rails and a mobile hoist are also available.
Cottage Countryside Large
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Adults
7

“ My favourite thing about my holiday
was having people around me who
understood me and what I liked to do.
They made my holiday fun and spent
lots of time with me which I loved.
The activities were great and I felt
that my preferences were listened to,
and the days planned around all my
favourite things.”
13. Barnstondale www.barnstondale.org – Meadow Cabin
Date: Saturday 3 August to Saturday 10 August 2013
Where: Barnston, Wirral About the group: 4 Children
Details: New to 2013, Barnstondale is a truly inclusive adventure and activity centre,
with a range of outdoor pursuits and variety of sports to enjoy. Set in 15 acres of
beautiful Wirral countryside, only minutes away from the whole of Merseyside.
Meadow cabin is an accessible log cabin, which is wheelchair friendly and has lifts
to upper floors. There is a soft play area and sensory equipment on the ground floor.
Rooms are twin bedded with en suite shower rooms. An adjustable bed, changing
table, ceiling hoists and a portable hoist are available.
Activity
Centre
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Children
Medium
Group
WEEK 4
starting 9/10 August 2013
14. Beamsley B www.beamsleyproject.org.uk
Date: Friday 9 August to Friday 16 August 2013
Where: Skipton, North Yorkshire About the group: 7 Young People
Details: This former chapel is a large property on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales
National Park. The centre has level access throughout and is suitable for wheelchair
users, with a lift to the first floor. Other activities may include swimming and a trip
to SPACE multi-sensory centre. Beamsley has wheelchair accessible shower rooms,
an overhead hoist in the bathroom, wash ‘n’ dry toilet and changing table. Electrically
adjusted beds, bed rails and a mobile hoist are also available.
Cottage Countryside Large
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Young
People
8

15. Broadstairs Folk Festival www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Date: Friday 9 August to Friday 16 August 2013
Where: Broadstairs, Kent About the group: 6 Adults
Details: It is the ever popular Broadstairs Folk Week, where life is set to folk music!
Headline acts are in a concert marquee, with gigs in almost every pub, cafe and
restaurant in town. We will be right at the heart of the action, staying at a nearby
campsite in a yurt. The Sense group is always made to feel very welcome and we
are looking forward to being part of the festival for another year. The campsite is level,
with mobile showers and toilets. Camp beds will be provided. However, there are no
special adaptations.
Yurt
Large
Group
Town
Easy
Walker
Seaside
Adults
16. Chestnut Lodge www.roslistonforestlodges.co.uk
Date: Friday 9 August to Friday 16 August 2013
Where: Swadlincote, Derbyshire About the group: 3 Children
Details: Chestnut Lodge is situated within Rosliston Forestry Centre. The woodland
site offers a wealth of opportunity, from quiet places to enjoy the countryside,
to a range of outdoor activities including wheelchair accessible orienteering routes!
A variety of excursions are available in the local area and may include a visit to
Alton Towers, a ride on a steam train and swimming. The lodge is single storey with
level access, which is suitable for wheelchair users. There are wheelchair accessible
shower rooms with vertical and horizontal rails around the shower, bath and toilet area.
The kitchen/living area is open plan.
Cottage
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Children
Small
Group
17. Oak Lodge www.roslistonforestlodges.co.uk
Date: Friday 9 August to Friday 16 August 2013
Where: Swadlincote, Derbyshire About the group: 3 Young People
Details: Oak Lodge is situated within Rosliston Forestry Centre. The woodland site
offers a wealth of opportunity, from quiet places to enjoy the countryside, to a range
of outdoor activities including wheelchair accessible orienteering routes! A variety
of excursions are available in the local area and may include a visit to Alton Towers,
a ride on a steam train and swimming. The lodge is single storey with level access,
which is suitable for wheelchair users. There are wheelchair accessible shower rooms
with vertical and horizontal rails around the shower, bath and toilet area. The kitchen/
living area is open plan.
Cottage Countryside Small
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Young
People
“ Breaks from caring are rare.
We were able to relax, knowing
that our daughter was being
well cared for and was enjoying
her holiday.”
9

18. Highlands End www.westdorsetapartments.co.uk – Thorncombe and Ryecombe
Date: Saturday 10 August to Saturday 17 August 2013
Where: Bridport, Dorset About the group: 3 Children
Details: New for 2013! Highlands End Holiday Park is located in the delightful small
village of Eype, situated just outside the busy market town of Bridport and close to
the sandy beaches of Weymouth, Dorset. The park has an indoor heated swimming
pool, a large adventure children’s playground, tennis court and nine-hole pitch and
putt. The Thorncombe is a ground floor apartment with a large open plan living room
and kitchen. All bedrooms have en suites with a bath or shower. There is an adapted
bedroom with an en suite that has grab rails and a bath.
Cottage
Easy
Walker
Seaside
Children
Small
Group
19. Macaroni Wood A www.macaroniwood.org.uk – Castree House
Date: Saturday 10 August to Saturday 17 August 2013
Where: Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire About the group: 5 Children
Details: Macaroni Wood is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds. The venue has
a host of animals to meet including chickens, rabbits and pigs, as well as an on site
sensory room and trampoline. Other activities may include a trip to the hydrotherapy
pool and snow tubing! This two storey accommodation has level access on the
ground floor and is suitable for wheelchair users. There are ground floor wheelchair
accessible bedrooms and a shower room with a free-standing bath. An electric hoist
and changing table are also available.
Cottage
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Children
Medium
Group
WEEK 5
starting 16/17 August 2013
20. Courtyard Cottage www.hopyardcourtyardcottage.co.uk
Date: Friday 16 August to Friday 23 August 2013
Where: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire About the group: 4 Young People
Details: A new venue for 2013! This large holiday cottage is situated in the Brecon
Beacons National Park. As well as enjoying the beautiful countryside, day trips may
include swimming, cycling, horse riding or trips along the local canal. This two storey
accommodation has level access on the ground floor. There are ground floor bedrooms
with an accessible shower room. There is also a large indoor games room on site and
separate gym.
Cottage
Easy
Walker
Countryside
Young
People
Medium
Group
“ The whole holiday was fantastic,
as usual. The preparation, thought,
understanding and effort from
everyone was overwhelming.”
10

“ It is an amazing break and true
respite to hand over responsibility,
whilst feeling confident that your
child is not only cared for and safe,
but also having lots of fun!”
21. Elveden Forest www.centerparcs.co.uk – Woodland Lodge
Date: Friday 16 August to Friday 23 August 2013
Where: Elveden, Suffolk About the group: 5 Children
Details: This holiday village lies at the heart of the Suffolk countryside and there
is so much on site, it will be difficult to know where to start! Activities may include
horse and carriage rides, going out on pedalos or cycling around the park. There is
also a large swimming pool on site, with jacuzzis, fountains and wave machines.
The villas are single storey with bath and shower facilities. There is an open plan
kitchen/living area.
Holiday
Village
Easy
Walker
Countryside
Children
Medium
Group
22. Kingfisher Barns www.kingfisherbarn.com – Kestrel Lodge
Date: Friday 16 August to Friday 23 August 2013
Where: Abingdon, Oxfordshire About the group: 3 Adults
Details: This beautiful converted barn is situated in the heart of Oxfordshire. There is
plenty of outside space and a heated indoor swimming pool on site. Other activities
may include bowling, pottery painting and a boat trip on the River Thames. The barn
has level access throughout the ground floor and is suitable for wheelchair users.
There is a ceiling track in all ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms. There is an open
plan kitchen/dining area.
Cottage
Wheelchair
Access
Countryside
Adults
Small
Group
23. Macaroni Wood B
www.macaroniwood.org.uk – Castree House
Date: Saturday 17 August to Saturday 24 August 2013
Where: Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire About the group: 5 Young People
Details: Macaroni Wood is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds. The venue has
a host of animals to meet including chickens, rabbits and pigs, as well as an on site
sensory room and trampoline. Other activities may include a trip to the hydrotherapy
pool and snow tubing! This two storey accommodation has level access on the
ground floor and is suitable for wheelchair users. There are ground floor wheelchair
accessible bedrooms and a shower room with a free-standing bath. An electric hoist
and changing table are also available.
Cottage Countryside Medium
Group
Wheelchair
Access
Young
People
11

Other formats
If you would like a copy of this brochure
in any other format, for example,
braille or audio CD, please contact the
Holidays Team:
Tel: 0845 127 0060
Fax: 0845 127 0061
Textphone: 0845 127 0062
Email: holidays@sense.org.uk
Website: www.sense.org.uk/holidays
Sense, 101 Pentonville Road, London N1 9LG Charity number: 289868 Company number: 1825301