Fancy a trip to Wales? Well I have just found a perfect destination for your stay. Last weekend, I stayed in an accessible glamping pod and omg it was amazing and such an incredible experience. Also another bonus it was dog friendly. My dog had the time of his life. He had all this open space to run around and explore in and there were so many dog friendly places to visit. I booked this holiday back in February. You see I have always wanted to go Glamping ive had it on my bucket list for a long time and let me tell you it did not disappoint. The accessibility around Wales was amazing and every single person that we met were so friendly. I booked through a company called Wigwam Holidays which was owned by a guy called Peter and his wife Angela. Once booked you’ll receive a little Ebook all about the history of Aberystwyth and what things are near by. I am going to tell you all about what I got up to on my long weekend away in Aberystwyth.
Once we arrived I was completely exhausted. It took 5 hours just to get to the campsite but of course it was so worth it. We stayed in a pod called the Y ridel. Very welsh name. My parents and I unpacked all our luggage. But the only downside was that there was bo wardrobe to store our stuff in. Only draws which was a shame because when we go away we have to take a lot of clothes and medical supplies. It was just a little Bit of a challenge to get everything stored. But there was a huge double bed a single bed and a sofa bed, a kitchen which had a kettle and sink, plates and utensils and then were all packed neatly. The wet room was huge and my chair had enoug A small TV hung on the wall which had Netflix prime all the channels that were on there. If you needed someone the owners will give you there phone numbers in there email. There was a hot tub outside but unfortunately it wasn’t suitable for my needs as it was very high snd there was no hoists. So if you need a hot tub but you need to be hoisted, unfortunately thus wouldn’t be suitable for you. But outside it was absolutely amazing. The view was breathtaking. Cows were roaming around at the bottom of the hill. It was just the perfect place to stay for my birthday weekend. I couldn’t be happier. We were right in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature and mountains it was just perfect.
That evening we headed to the promenade and as soon as I got there, the first thing I noticed was how loud the waves were compared to England. They were so violent. The beach was completely accessible. Wide paths easy access. no challenges. It was one of thee most accessible beaches ive been too.
Nearby, there was a Tescos which had lifts to get up to. My mum and I did get lost a few times because the Tescos there were not like the ones in England.
The next day, We went on a stream train. I have never been on a steam train before and I didn’t even think it would be possible but surprisingly it was. The conductor was so so nice he showed us where the ramp was and the the door was wide enough to fit my wheelchair through and there was so much space to Manuovre but I actually did learnt my lesson. Do not move while the trains moving because it made me feel awful. So Do not do the same as me. trust me you’ll regret it after. The train ride took at least and hour to arrive at Devils bridge. It was really funny because as the smoke wafted through the engine, all of the soot landed on my tray and all down my jumper I was covered. Unfortunately Devils Bridge wasn’t wheelchair accessible as there was a lot of stairs and narrow passages but there was a chocolate shop and my mum got a toasty which was so good apparently we took some photos by the steam engine while they ate and we had at least 45 minutes to explore which was plenty of time. At first, I was really nervous about going on the steam train but once I saw it it was like a proper adventure. All trains should be accessible and this just proves it. As well as accessibility this trip is amazing for children and there families too. As the train was moving it really reminded me of The railway children because everyone was waving outside and we were right in the countryside so there were loads of cows and sheep and horses on the way. My dog loved it. He’s never been om a steam train before and hr was very fascinated by it. There were quite a lot of dogs there too and they were all very friendly. It was a gorgeous day to do it on so bright and sunny.
There was also a gift shop and of course I had to buy a post card of the railway. Every where we visit its like a tradition I always have to buy a postcard. Just so that I reMEMBER where I went and that I won’t forget that part of my life.
I think that the train was one of the most favourite places that I have been to through out this whole trip and if you ever visit Aberystwyth I would 100% recommend going to the railway it is worth it. An experience you cannot miss otherwise you will regret it.
The next day it was my birthday but the weather wouldn’t cooperate because it was pouting down with rain but I didn’t care because I loved the rain.and I decided to go to a nature reserve. The nature reserve had accessible parking lots of blue badge parking. I had to put on my waterproof coat on because it was absolutely pouring down.The paths were so smooth which were going down towards the lake. Luckily there was a shelter so I hid under there for a few minutes allowing to let the showers past. The reserve was great for wildlife lovers This place was where you could discover red kites.there were loads. I bought my binoculars with me so that it would be easier to spot them. This was perfect for a lovely chilled afternoon. Maybe not when it’s raining though. Because of the rain, the wind was blowing so strong that I ended up having a really bad hair day it was all over my face and it was the most annoying thing ever so I was so glad to finally get inside in the warm afterwards.
After having enough of the cold, I knew I wanted to do something inside. So I googled and came across a butterfly house and if you know me I love butterflies. Dogs were allowed but I didn’t trust him one bit. I knew that once we got inside, he would have chas4d them. SO my mum went inside with me and my dad waited outside with Winston. Once inside, I warmed up instantly. mum got in for free. The staff handed us this booklet on how to identify the different types of butterflies and wow it was stunning. So many butterflies flew around you and some even fell on you. The only thing is it was very tight for my wheelchair to fit around so I had to drive really careful.and it was boiling in there. I only lasted about a minute when I wanted to come out again. But I also went inside with dad to so he got to experience iy. He didn’t really like it. But I managed to scoop a few into my hand. A yellow one wouldn’t let. go of it. Even When I was driving. It still hang on to my finger like it didn’t want to leave.
As well as the butterfly houses, they also had caterpillars growing inn the other house inside nets. But that was really narrow I could barely turn my chair without knocking into something. So we wasn’t in there for that long.
I love a historic building. I love learning about them and everything so we headed towards Aberystwyth castle. The castle was on top of the hill so the wind was fierce. It was a little scary but the paths were all smooth and easy to navigate. It was more of the remains of the castle that was left behind. Old turrets and stones steps could be seen. It was a proper old ruin. The castle was open for everyone so you didn’t need to pay for anything. It was located right by the promenade and the beach so when you looked over you could see the beach and the pier going on for miles.
In the evening we went to the local pub called the Halfway Inn. It was about 5 minutes away from our campsite. I have never been somewhere that was so friendly before. All the staff offered to help get me inside. Everytime people help I always get embarrassed I don’t know why. I just get that awkwardness feeling. I had my go to drinks of course. Pink gin with lemonade. It was a very nice pub. very spacious and Victorian style. Appa4antly it dates back from the 19th century. 140 to 150 years old. The landlord was very chatty and welcoming to us which was really nice. I would definitely go here again if I lived locally. As well as indoors they had a sating area out the front with a canopy overhead and twinkling lights. They do food there but not on a Sunday so my parents just had a packet of crisps instead.
That evening, when we got back from the pub, My dad set up the. log fire outside and once everything got started it was like a proper bonfire. It was freezing cold so I wrapped myself up in my fluffy blanket and slippers so I was all nice and cosy. It was so weird how quiet and silence everything was. In the distance you could hear owls hooting. My dog kept growling because he could hear rabbits rustling nearby it was so funny. Of course we kept him well away from the fire just in case he got hurt and he sat on my dads lap the entire time because if he wondered of, he would’ve got lost.
That night, the sky was so clear and so many stars were in the sky and while we were watching the fire we also stargaze.especially with the binoculous it felt amazing. it felt like we were proper camping.
Final thoughts
My birthday trip to Aberystwyth was one I’ll remember for a long time. From the beautiful Welsh coast to the cosy accessible glamping pod, it was a brilliant combination of relaxation, adventure and celebrating another year.If you’re looking for a different kind of getaway and want to try glamping, My parents and I we defiantly needed that breakaway from all the stress we have been getting at home recently. I’d definitely recommend looking into accessible glamping pods. Being able to enjoy the outdoors while still having somewhere comfortable and accessible to stay made all the difference to my trip.And as birthday trips go, waking up in beautiful Wales isn’t a bad way to celebrate!
Until the next adventure…
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