Our ultimate aim is to provide cottages that enable every possible guest to enjoy their time in an independent manner here at Top Farm and to get the very most out of their holiday in Chipping Campden and this delightful part of the Cotswolds, be they able bodied or disabled in one way or another, a wheelchair user or partially sighted, etc.

The new cottages have been designed to assist & support those with quite a wide range of disabilities. Although as an above-knee amputee Michael has some experience of wheelchair use, we continue to learn on a daily basis about the additional requirements needed to support and help those with a wide range of disabilities.

An indication of the facilties that we provide can be found below and at the bottom, you will also find a number of useful links to suppliers of supportive care & equipment and even holidays (home or abroad).  On a more local basis, talk to Anne Bartlett (Tour & Explore) in advance of your arrival here in Chipping Campden,  she may be able to help you to get the most out of your trip; it may be a guided tour on an organised coach or your own vehicle, or even a wheelchair walk.

We have also started just out on a comprehensive Accessiblity Audit of shops, resturants & attractions in Chipping Campden and the surrounding villages which, we hope to incorporate in this website.  Please bear with us as we expect that this will take several months rather than weeks to complete and install.

One possible problem for wheelchair travelers from abroad, is obtaining suitable transport to get to and move around the Cotswolds.  Wheelchair Travel Ltd provide a number of sensible options, are based at Guildford and therefore within easy reach of Gatwick and Heathrow airports - see below for details.

At this stage of our development we have tried to provide a basic resource and it has unfortunately, not been possible to cover all of the aspects that we would like to in the longer term. For example, our aim is that Barn Cottage should support those with sight and hearing difficulties, it has level access, a ground floor bedroom and we have installed tactile paving from Blind Lane, but the required colour contrasts, etc. will not be incorporated until we redecorate it over the coming autumn/winter and hearing loops may possibly be added at a later date.

Rick Cottage has level access and the ground floor (including conservatory) is completely wheelchair accessible with plenty of space to get around the furniture.

Its large farmhouse style kitchen was designed by a wheelchair user Adam Thomas and has an electric "rise & fall" worktop incorporating an induction hob and sink that can be adjusted to suit all users. Alongside it is the oven with a pull-out shelf to assist the transfer of hot pots & pans and to the other side can be found the pull-out drawer of the dishwasher.

This is one of their simpler kitchens, if you are interested in this or an even more suportive design, please click on the Design Matters logo and have a look at their website.

Its groundfloor bedroom is equipped with twin electric beds that can be zip & linked together to form a super king sized doubled bed (unfortunately, the electric adjustment is lost) from which you can watch a large colour television incorporating video and DVD. The ensuite wet-room, has a non-slip floor, hand operated shower chair, the necessary supports around the toilet and an alarm system. Provision has also been made to install a body-drier as soon as our finances allow it.

Allergen/asthmatic problems are reduced in both of these cottages through a Villavent Heap Recovery system that filters both incoming and recycled air, and a central vacuum cleaner unit that voids to the outside of the building and hence greatly lowers the level of allergens & dust/fibre particles. 

Karndene flooring instead of carpets on the groundfloor also reduces allergen and dust levels and at the same time, provides a warm to the foot surface, that is easy to manoveure a wheelchair on.

For similar reasons, we do not allow smoking inside any of our cottages and with the exception of guide dogs and similar caring animals, we do not allow pets either on the property or the adjoining farm land. 

The Ewe Pen has been constructed to a similar specification. This split level bungalow's main rooms are on three sides of an open court with level access from the driveway to a wheelchair ramp and there will be a sloped/graded approach to its lower courtyard garden and parking area.

Those with particular requirements regarding beds and/or lifts/hoists or other special needs are asked to discuss the matter with us.

Huntleigh Health Carr (0845 734 2000) can provide a 7-day rental service for a wide range of products and will visit and assess the customer to make sure that the equipment is suitable for the individual and identify if any training is needed. Click on the logo to go to their website, then the map of Eaurope, select UNITED KINGDOM, click on PRODUCTS,then PATIENT HANDLING & TRANSPORTATION and finally MOVING & HANDLING to bring up the listing of appropriate items.

Premier Healthcare's Jessica Fairhurst (0780 055 1752) can provide a similar local service from their Gloucester base.

Should you need some assistance during your stay we can offer support from Helping Hands Home Care (0845 734 2000). Awell established care provider, they are able to provide hourly support (e.g. bedtime, bathtime or mealtimers) or live in care (for those needing more permanent support). From companionship through to full personal care, they work with the objective of enabling your independence whether at home or on holiday.

Stockwell Care Services Ltd (01386 840691) are based in Chipping Campden and offer domiciliary care throughout the North Cotswolds with clients varying from the elderly & frail to young disabled people.  They offer personal care, companionship and domestic help and will do their best to enhance your stay in this beautiful part of the Cotswolds.  Their brochure is available, please do not hesitate to give them a call if you need some assistance whilst staying in a Cotswold Charm holiday cottage.

Wheel-ability (Colette & Phillip Kilminster) from Gloucester on 01452 414968 can provide on-site servicing and/or repairs for wheelchairs, etc.

One of the biggest problems for those wheelchair users wishing to come to the Cotswolds from abroad is obtaining a suitable vehicle for transport in this country. Wheelchair Travel Ltd are based in Guildford, Surrey and within easy reach of Gatwick, Heathrow and Standstead airports.  They can provide cars with hand controls, etc. that will suit many disabled drivers or say a Mercedes Sprinter van/mini bus adapted to carry a wheelchair whilst being driven by an able-bodied driver. Click on the logo to reach their website

Tour and Explore - before you have arrive here in Chipping Campden, why not get in touch with Anne Bartlett and talk to her about your own interests because, she may be able to help you to get the most out of your trip.  It may be a guided tour on an organised coach or your own vehicle, or even a wheelchair walk. To find out more about the exciting opportunities that she can offer, click on the logo.

If you are interesting in a holiday other than here in the Cotswolds, we are delighted to provide links with the following operators who have provided us with valuable assistance in one way or another during the development of this project here at Top Farm.

accessatlast are committed to helping business & organisations make their services "Accessible to All".  Contact Stephen Pritchard on 0845 890 2120 or +44 1772 814555 For travel insurance call Travelbility on +44 (0) 1992 566919 Winners of the Travel Trade Gazette - Best Innovative Agency 2006

Disabled Access Holidays in partnership with "Clydegrove Travel" - Retail Agents for the Global Travel Group Plc, ATOL 3973 ATOL holders - offer holidays thatare accessible to disabled traveller.  Contact Mike Davis on 0141 270 7577

 

Good Access Guide, the Uk's leading directory of services for disabled people, seniors, and anyone whose life is made easier by better access to goods, services and amenities.  VAT Registration No. 850353443, Company Registration no. 4680265