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.
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.
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.
Gem HubbardFavourite 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 Museum, where 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.
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.
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.
Gem HubbardIf 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.
Check out @WheelsnoHeels on Instagram and You Tube for more accessible travel advice and adventures.
