Gem Hubbard, the face behind WheelsnoHeels, has travelled to all four corners of the world, experiencing an exciting range of accessible adventures. Gem has already explored North Wales, and returned recently for a taste of what the south has to offer, along with her husband Shaun and their teenage daughter Daisy.

Join Gem as she shares her experiences visiting a range of attractions and adrenaline fuelled activities, staying in accommodation tailored for accessibility.

South Wales Accessible Adventures with @Wheelsnoheels

 

Day 1 - The Royal Mint Experience

The adventure starts at The Royal Mint Experience where they enjoy an informative tour which is both accessible and engaging. The tour is full of facts about global currencies, and includes an unique opportunity to mint your own coin! Later the family enjoys a delightful dinner at Caesars Arms, indulging in hearty dishes crafted from Welsh ingredients and a restful stay at Canada Lodge & Lake in Creigiau, Cardiff.

girl stood and woman in wheelchair by sheep sculpture.
case full of coins
family having meal.

The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant and dinner at Caesars Arms, Creigiau, Cardiff, South Wales

Day 2 - up on a zip wire and down in a mine

The day begins at ZipWorld Tower, Aberdare, with a thrilling ride of the Phoenix, the world's fastest seated zip line, with excellent accessibility provision.

Favourite experience... it’s got to be the zip line. It’s such an amazing experience and a memory that we can have forever.

After lunch on site at the Cegin Glo Bar and Bistro, the trio then visit A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museumwhere they're taken on an award-winning tour led by a former coal miner. They then enjoy a quick break from their adventure and some delicious, homemade cakes at the museum's Chocolate House cafe.

Overnight accommodation and dinner at nearby The Vale Resort brings the second day to a close, with spacious, accessible rooms available at the 4-star hotel situated in the Vale of Glamorgan, just outside Cardiff.

man, girl with woman in wheelchair, all wearing harnesses.
woman in wheelchair in mine.
people in coal mine, including woman in wheelchair.

ZipWorld Tower, Aberdare and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, South Wales

 

 

Day 3 - Exploring St Fagans

Day three starts with a visit to the famous, award-winning Sain Ffagan Amgueddfa Werin Cymru - St Fagans National Museum of History where Welsh heritage comes alive through stories, buildings and beautiful landscapes. Entry to the museum is free for all, and there's an accessible guide dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience for all visitors.

woman in wheelchair and girl stood by sign Sain Ffagan.
family including woman in beach wheelchair inside colourful church.

St Fagans National Museum of History, South Wales

Following a full day's exploring, they enjoy a special family meal at the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin. The award-winning pub serves the very best produce from the Vale of Glamorgan, and friendly staff can reserve parking spaces for anyone with limited mobility.

Day 4 - Barry Island

The final day of their Welsh trip starts at the iconic Barry Island, visiting some of the filming locations from the beloved TV series Gavin & Stacey Then it's down to Whitmore Beach, where Gem experienced some of the all-terrain beach wheelchairs available to hire from the promenade.

If you fancy a quick dip, beach wheelchairs are available to hire.

The visit ends with a trip to the vibrant Goodsheds in Barry to explore some of the independent shops selling handcrafted goods and delicious food venues, all accessible by lifts and ramps. 

woman in wheelchair by large photo of Gavin & Stacey characters.
family including woman in beach wheelchair on sandy beach with words @WheelsnoHeels written in sand.

Barry Island, South Wales

Check out @WheelsnoHeels on Instagram and You Tube for more accessible travel advice and adventures.

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