Last year service user Kev Thompson travelled with accessible travel company ‘Limitless Travel’ here he shares the experience with us so you can get a taste of what it is like to visit the UK’s sunniest destination! Read on and watch the video here!
Jersey 2023 – with Limitless Travel
Day 1 – Travel
Jersey 2023, which was originally booked for 2020 but postponed due to COVID. Finally, we were going on holiday again! We drove down to Poole ferry terminal to meet the rest of the group. We were met by the Limitless team who helped with getting us checked in. The port had excellent wheelchair access with a spacious accessible toilet.
The group of 20 including carers was gathered, and we boarded the ferry together via an accessible bus. We had a reserved area for everyone to sit together and finally we were off! The ferry was very spacious with an accessible toilet and cafe.
When we arrived in Jersey, staff from the hotel met us at the port to introduce themselves, led us outside to waiting minibuses and loaded our cases. After 20 minutes we arrived at the hotel, Maison Des Landes and our pre booked evening meal was served as the Limitless team checked us in. The food was excellent, freshly prepared, and well presented. I had a prawn cocktail to start, followed by a beef burger and raspberry sorbet to finish.
The limitless team then checked us in, handed us the keys and escorted us to our rooms where our luggage was waiting. After a long day it was finally time to sleep!
Day 2 – Exploring Hotel
We woke up to blue sky with a beautiful view out to sea, time to relax and enjoy ourselves.
The hotel was a specialist hotel dedicated to providing holidays for those with accessibility needs.
Rooms had a ceiling track hoist, fold down shower seat or shower wheelchair, toilet rails, accessible sink, electric profiling bed and some rooms had a Closomat toilet. My bedroom and bathroom were spacious with plenty of room for my electric wheelchair. The room had a desk that I could get my wheelchair under and an accessible private patio area.
The hotel had its own accessible swimming pool with ramp and hoist. Unfortunately, the pool hoist was not working but most of the group were able to have a dip. Accessible changing rooms were also available next to the pool.
I explored the area around the hotel and found a stunning view down to the beach. It was too steep to get down to the beach and there were no pavements, but it was worth going just for the view.
In the evenings, the group gathered in the lounge for some entertainment. including local singers, karaoke, quiz, and games.
Day 3 – St Helier & Boat Trip
The group headed out in the hotels minibuses to visit the capital of the island, St Helier. We split into groups who took it in turns to go on the boat trip whilst others were free to explore the centre of St Helier.
We sat outside in the lovely sun for a drink and cake at one of the numerous cafes.
A changing places toilet was available at the town hall, and we also found a toilet in a cafe that was accessible.
The boat trip was fully accessible, and wheelchairs were safely secured down. Instead of the boat I wanted to go to the Maritime Museum which was great and was fully accessible with accessible toilet. They even allowed my carer free entry. What a lovely way to learn some history of the seas.
Day 4 – Island Tour
We explored the island in the minibuses with the first stop to see the spectacular view of La Corbiére lighthouse. It was not safe to unload wheelchairs, but it was a splendid view from the bus and carers could get out for photos.
Next, we stopped at St Catherine’s breakwater with a lovely sea view. There was an accessible cafe and toilet. Some had taken sandwiches to eat, and others had a bite to eat from the cafe, ice cream was available too!
Last stop was at St Brelade’s Bay with a gorgeous sandy beach, we visited a gift shop which was accessible from the back of the shop and accessible toilets were also available.
This was a fantastic way to see all the sights of the island, what a beautiful island it was too
Day 5 – Zoo
The group split off into smaller groups and we explored the zoo with its many animals. The zoo has two accessible cafes, one of which we stopped at for lunch where they served sandwiches, burgers and nachos, the food was all very nice. Accessible toilets were situated in the cafes and in the zoo area.
The zoo was fully wheelchair accessible with no steps, although assistance was needed for manual wheelchairs due to hills. The whole zoo was very wild looking, and the animals were treated very well. We had a very enjoyable day and we got to see Gorillas, Orangutang, Meerkats, Bears and many more.
Day 6 – War Tunnels
The tunnels were very moving, and we learnt of the history behind the occupation during World War Two. The tunnels were accessible throughout, surprisingly there was plenty of space for wheelchairs. There was an accessible cafe, toilet and gift shop situated by the ticket office. Make sure you have a jacket as the temperature in the tunnels is between 10-15 degrees C!
Day 7 – Beach
We spent the day at the beach of St Brelade’s Bay. We had the option to relax on the beach, grab a drink or lunch in one of the cafes or have a dip in the sea. Beach wheelchairs were available and free to use. I was hoisted into the beach wheelchair using the accessible changing room which had a ceiling track hoist, toilet with grab rails, sink, wet room shower and full-size changing bed. This was the highlight of the holiday for me being able to go on to the beach. I had not been on the beach for many years, so it was great to wheel along the beach. I did not go into the water due to the water being too cold for me, but those braver were able to go into the water for a dip. We then had a nice lunch with a sea view in one of the cafes.
Day 8 – Travel Home
After an exciting week packed full of wonderful memories, we set sail back to mainland.
It was so nice to get away and was great to meet some lovely people.
Here’s to the next trip, where will it be? Watch this space for my next video!
Enjoy the video!
Take Care,
Kev (Kojo Kev)
Has Kev inspired you to visit Jersey?
This June (3rd-10th) some of our MD Support Centre community have booked onto Limitless Travel’s Jersey Explorer, if you fancy joining us then here are the details:
https://www.limitlesstravel.org/disabled-holidays/jersey-explorer
Did you know?
Grant applications can be made to help with the cost of such holidays. CS Disabled Holidays in particular help those with neuromuscular conditions.
You can email them to enquire at:
or visit their website for further info:
https://www.csdisabledholidays.co.uk/
Other Useful Links:
Limitless Travel – Accessible Travel Agency
Maison Des Landes – Fully dedicated accessible hotel in Jersey
Healing Waves – Accessible surfing in Jersey
Wet Wheels Jersey – Accessible boat trips where you can take the helm!