Gem Hubbard, of WheelsnoHeels, has travelled across the world, discovering all sorts of exciting places and adventures. Join Gem and her husband Shaun on their first ever holiday in Wales, as she shares her experiences exploring a range of attractions, adrenaline activities and accommodation suitable for wheelchair users.
Day 1 - Conwy and Caernarfon
Gem and Shaun's holiday begins in Conwy, an historic town with a bustling quay and marina. After exploring The Smallest House in Great Britain, they head off to find something to eat. Dylan's, in the High Street, fitted the bill perfectly, offering tasty local produce. They spend the night at Caernarfon's Black Boy Inn.
The Black Boy Inn offers an easy access room in Ty Dre, a building 200 yards away on the High Street. Please contact the hotel for more accessibility info.
Day 2 - Scaling the heights of Yr Wyddfa and Castell Caernarfon (Caernarfon castle)
The day's first adventure was a trip up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. With nearby parking, an accessible station building and a wheelchair-friendly carriage, Gem enjoyed getting around and travelling on the train. The hour-long journey was well worth it for the scenic views. The summit station has an accessible viewing platform, which Gem made full use of to see the breath-taking views from Wales' highest mountain!
For more info about planning a trip, please check out the Snowdon Mountain Railway's accessibility statement.
Gem HubbardIt's stunning. It's easy to see why this is one of the world's most scenic railways."
Gem and Shaun spent the afternoon exploring the mighty Castell Caernarfon (Caernarfon Castle). It's recently had a massive refurbishment, with a focus on making the castle more accessible to all. Gem was able to enjoy the grounds, but the best bit was being able to access the upper floors using the new lift.
Head to the Cadw website for their Castell Caernarfon (Caernarfon Castle) access guide.
Day 3 - Zip World and Lake Vyrnwy
Last day of their holiday. The plan to fly down the world's fastest zip line at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry was sadly scuppered by high winds. However, Gem really wanted an exhilarating adrenaline experience, and so she got one! A short drive to Betws-y-Coed and Zip World Fforest was the answer. With assistance from Shaun and the team on site, Gem enjoyed whizzing through the woods on the breath-taking, scream-inducing Fforest Coaster ride.
Due to the nature of the activities offered, if you have any medical or access requirements, please contact the Zip World team before booking on accessibility@zipworld.co.uk.
Gem HubbardThe guys let me stay on the toboggan so I didn't have to keep getting on and off"
What's the best way to finish off an exciting day? Chilling out in a relaxing spa of course! Gem and Shaun headed south to spend their last night in Wales at the idyllic Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa in Mid Wales. The hotel has incredible views of the lake and countryside, and it's the perfect place to wind down after a busy short break. After a couple of hours in the spa, Gem and Shaun finished off the evening enjoying a fabulous meal in the restaurant overlooking the lake.
The hotel has three adapted rooms available, with wet rooms suitable for wheelchair users. Please visit the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa website for more info on accessibility.
Check out @WheelsnoHeels on Instagram for more accessible travel advice and adventures.
Gem HubbardWe've had such an amazing time here in Wales, it's really got my heart."
