Destinations
I have taken photos and videos of the various local walks and weekend breaks enjoyed over the last few years.
Initially they were not taken with the purpose of sharing with the world but future images will be more relevant.
Many areas covered are Dorset based but I have also included many other places we have visited since becoming scooter reliant.
Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole
Dorset
Amazing scenery
Newbury Canal
RG14 5AP
Newbury Canal was a random visit en route to Oxfordshire. We found a pay and display car park by Newbury wharf and immediately set off for a walk along the waterways along the smooth waterside path. It was a very pretty walk with wildlife, boat moorings and associated historical buildings all the way along. On the way back we went through Victoria Park, a calming and invigorating green space.
On the other side of the town the canal continued and it was fascinating watching the locks being operated.
Swanage and Wareham area
- Blue Pool, Wareham
- Swanage
- Holme for Gardens Wareham
Dorset
Kingston Lacey - Wimborne
National Trust
Kingston Lacey (BH21 4EA) is a perfect place to use a mobile scooter
They have paths all around the grounds and gardens either tarmac or gravel.
You could also go on the grass for a smooth ride if it’s not too wet.
Sometimes is a volunteer is available they provide a buggy service for trips around the grounds, it’s a great change from having to concentrate whilst driving your scooter.
I was able to borrow one of the heavy duty National Trust mobility scooters which was ideal for navigating the grounds.
Recently I have used my own boot scooter which they allowed me to use on site. However I found it hard going on the woodland walk
The area in front of the house has smooth paths so you can scoot right up to the house and view the outer building but inside is only suitable for ground floor scooter use.
Blenheim Palace
OX20 1PP
We visited the magnificent Blenheim Palace on a busy 2022 Easter bank holiday weekend. There was plenty of car parking and after waving my blue badge we were ushered towards the relevant spaces where we were easily able to assemble my scooter.
The paths were mainly gravel but we were able to scoot along the grass verges. The vast grounds were perfect for having a picnic and we positioned ourselves under a tree In the shade within the beautiful gardens.
Arriving at the Great Court via the gardens we were met with an impressive site.
If you came directly to the palace from the car park, along the tarmac paths, you would enter the Great Court via the Eastgate.
It became apparent that the main entrance into the palace required the ability to climb steps however there was an open platform lift suitable for small mobility scooters and wheelchairs. The lift was operated by a cheerful volunteer.
Once on the top level we were able to enter the building and view all the palace state rooms on that level.
I was able to go through the back of the house to see the beautiful formal gardens. To leave the house you have to come back down via the platform lift and then you are able to look all around the paved North forecourt before going back to the car park. Look at their website for more details.
Weston-Super-Mare
We were delighted to discover Weston-super-Mare was a great place to use a scooter during our weekend break in November .
The promenade and pier had the perfect surfaces to scoot along. Grabbing a coffee and delicious cake in a restaurant at the end of the pier extended the simple stroll. The prom continued all the way along the coastline to the Marine Lake, which has been dredged recently to provide safe swimming and further along was the derelict pier joining onto Burnbeck Island .
We didn’t go any further than the island because it started to rain but I believe you could go a lot further along the coastline.
The following day we went to Clevedon which was a nice surprise. The Victorian pier was steeped in history and when I scooted to the end we could see Wales on the other side of the estuary. The pavement along the beach took us down to the park and to the swimming area and it was nice to see all the families enjoying themselves.
Bucklers Hard
New Forest, near Southampton, Hampshire
SO42 7XB
Buckler’s Hard was famous for shipbuilding throughout the 1700s and 1800s
Today it is a Tranquil haven where you can take in the view, walk round the old village and Museum or simply have a picnic on the village green.
Everyone has to pay to park in the Buckler’s Hard car park your vehicle is recognised as you enter the car park and you pay According to the number of hours you stay on the way out.
Some people park in Beaulieu village and walk to Buckler’s Hard along the riverside . I can’t comment on the suitability for mobility scooters going this way.
The main entrance is through the outside seating area for the cafe and is paved. You are then guided onwards along a gravel path by the shop and Museum. I chose to ride on the grassy area next to the path
When you turn right into the village you see two lines of cottages facing each other. They were originally homes to shipyard workers. It is a fascinating sight. You can scoot on the gravel path or on the grassy areas in front of the cottages.
Past the cottages you will see the magnificent view of Beaulieu River- a peaceful yacht haven. We had a picnic on the riverside and watched the comings and goings of the yachts and canoeists .
The paths to the riverside are quite sloped and I found going back up on the gravel path easier than going on the bumpy grassy areas.
Wells City and Cathedral, Somerset
BA5 2PA
Wells is highly suited to Mobility Scooters
Start by parking at the bottom of the High Street in Union Street car park.
Scoot all the way to the top of the High Street until you get to Market Place
In the Market Place there are two arches the one on the left takes you to the Cathedral and the one on the right takes you to the Bishop's Palace
We went through the Cathedral arch, scooted around the cathedral green and made our way to Vicker's Close - a mediaeval cobbled street which is thought to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited Street - .by going past the cathedral and turning right.
We then returned to the magnificent cathedral and went inside.
The Bishops Palace and gardens was our next stop - this was a stunning area with a moat going all the way around the outside. See my video below for more details
More information available
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