4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Sheilaz]

Omleteers, I need your help!

I promised my Mother that instead of going out for the day, (and she's been everywhere already!) we'd go further & stay overnight, thereby having 2 days out.

Now, the weather's changed so we need to allow for that, and some very specific requirements!

 

Mother is 85 and can only walk short distances and needs to sit down (won't use wheelchair).

Likes countryside, rivers, sheep, hens, lakes or coast, but have to think of access. Also gardens, stately homes (but been to most!) and any place of interest that is a bit unusual (or preferrably odd!)

From N.W.Herts I'd prefer not to head north on this occasion, and maybe within 100 miles? So, West country is too far.

 

Er, this is sounding impossible. Just wondered if anyone lived near somewhere very interesting but suitable, perhaps where you've taken an infirm visitor?

 

I'd thought of 2 N.T. properties near Bristol and maybe a hotel with pleasant grounds, but the houses are closed on Thurs. & Fridays the very days we're going.

 

Anyway, the more peculiar the better, (I'd like to find somewhere she didn't visit with Father, but they went all over!) but for her limited ability, and good indoor retreats & coffee & meal stops.

 

Any ideas welcome before panic sets in.

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Just a little list of requirements then TB

 

Sorry I don't know that area at all...just wanted to wish you luck in your search

 

Sha x

[craftyhunnypie]

What about Bath? Lots of places of interest there, very grand. You are better going to a city this time of year, due to the unpredictable weather. Cambridge is very nice - we were very impressed. Lovely near the river.

We weren't keen on Oxford when we went there.

 

Emma.x

[Sheilaz]

Just a little list of requirements then TB

 

Sorry I don't know that area at all...just wanted to wish you luck in your search

 

Sha x

 

I meant any area not north of here, eg W.Sussex?

Er, yes, I think I should have tried to shorten the requirements list, but realistically it's a challenge isn't it? Hence, the panic. Thanks for the support though.

 

Em, thanks for that. Bath is lovely, and although she's been, I could possibly find an area there which she missed.

 

Come on Omleteers, I've told her it's fine. all in hand, no need to worry......

[Redwing]

Is Poole too far? that is a lovely place

 

I agree with Emma that Bath is very nice, I grew up there and there are lots of interesting places to see but at the moment the downtown area is being revamped and its not the easiest place to get around as its quite crowded and car parking is hard even without the building work

 

The New Forest is lovely and a bit quirky

 

Have you considered Norfolk? there are lots of beautiful areas there

[smanners]

I'd say New Forest too! Fantastic Hotel ........Carey's Manor in Brockenhurst Very posh with luxury

sense spa, lovely rooms, service and food. Near Lymington too, Highcliffe Castle close by and so is the coast.

Swanage in the Purbecks is great too with Poole,Sandbanks close by!

Good luck, hope you find something!

[Sheilaz]

Thank you peeps, it's really helping me to focus.

Yes, possibly Norfolk or Suffolk.

Wondered about Dorset, but was thinking Swanage area may be slightly too far. Although, I don't think my parents had been there for years, so it gains points for that!

Poole is a no, simply for family reasons , but good suggestion otherwise!

 

Now, New Forest has set me thinking, plus the hotel. Will ponder that one.

 

Any more ideas? I'm thinking of specific places, rather than get to a beautiful or interesting areas & then have trouble parking, walking, etc.

Keep going, I'm really grateful (and not at all fussy ).

[Valkyrie]

I love the New Forest - my happy hunting ground when my grandparents were there - so many nooks and crannies (and there are poultry breeders not too far from there either ). I hasten to add I don't and never have "hunted" apart from seeking out new life and new civilisations in the insect world, donkeys, deer, ponies, piggies, cattle, itty bitty fishes in the streams. Watch out for adders and ticks though. The ornamental drive at Rhinefield is nice (or used to be). Lymington is interesting (nice fish and chip shop there). Burley is quite pretty - it used to have a witches shop there.

Then Salisbury - pretty cathedral and the water meadows.

If you go around Poole, pop across on the ferry at Sandbanks (all those millionaire monstrosities) to see Swanage and Studland - bit of a microclimate there - see Bournemouth get deluged with rain while you are nice and dry across the water. Corfe Castle - bit steep, but the NT restaurant used to be really nice. Or a nice walk around Brownsea Island - lots of red squirrels - and perhaps scout camps on the odd occasion! There is an old deserted village near Kimmeridge, kept exactly the same as when all the residents had to vacate due to army range - it is open when the army aren't doing exercises there) Lulworth is nice too - seen the artillery shells land in the water there - whhhhooooosh. Lyme Regis I like, but is quite steep, and can be a little too touristy, but plenty of other nice things to see - like little alleyways among the houses, dinosaur museum (great for kiddies though if anyone interested).

My folks liked to walk around Stourhead - should be pretty with the leaves changing colour now. Mum went with my brother the other week. Then there's Montecute, but I can't remember how far away that is - I know it was a stopping point (dive for the loos) in our journey to the west country.

Bath is great - spent ages there with the Canadian side of the family.

[sadietoo]

I love Salisbury too, and absolutely adore Lyme Regis, but I'm going to put in a plug for West Sussex...Chichester is flat which is easy for an elderly person to negotiate. There are coastal towns with good proms also flat (eg Littlehampton) just across the border in Hants Emsworth is very pretty with again some good flat walks suitable for a wheelchair or buggy. Then around the area we have great views for good days accessible by car ( top of the Trundle at Goodwood for example) there is a car park with great views. At Arundel (in itself hilly but very picturesque) there is a Wildfowls and Wetlands Trust, next to a pretty pub on the River Arun. Also (here's another plug) we do seem to get a bit more sunshine than many other adjoining countries (protected by the Isle of Wight to the South and the Downs to the North)...I'm really not employed by the tourist board honest.

Wherever you go I'm sure you'll enjoy it. If you choose the New Forest there are some lovely gardens there called Exbury ( actually full of Rhododendrons and Azaleas so better in Spring) but there is a small train that runs all round it so that those who are not so able can get around and we spent a great day there last autumn with my elderly dad.

 

But wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a fab time.

[bigmommasally]

How about Rye on the East Sussex coast, loads of Antique & Bric a Brac shops to wander round, an interesting church, lovely fish n chippie. I haven't been there for a few years so it may have changed but use to be lovely.

 

http://www.visitrye.co.uk/pages/wheretostay.aspx

 

[Valkyrie]

Loved Rye - went there recently and yes to the chippy - tried and tested - well if you are near the sea you have to have fishy dinner. Very nice old beamed pub (popular) but it is up a bit of a slope though. Faversham is very quaint - and fairly flat. I like Chichester too (not so fond of Brighton though). Battle is good - there's an Abbey there and nice eating places.

[majorbloodnock]

Well, following on from SadieToo's suggestions, there are certainly some more ideas just outside Chichester.

 

• Singleton has the Open Air museum, and that's right next to West Dean College with its gardens.
  
• If you go a little South of Chichester, you can get to Fishbourne Roman Palace

 

Separate to that, do you think she might like a nostalgic journey by steam train? If so, this map should help you find a suitable one.

 

As for gardens themselves, how about RHS Wisley? Certainly easy to get to, and the've got plenty of pitstops and seats for those wanting a rest.

[Cinnamon]

I am useless at maps & distances,but Henley is nice

 

We have the river,the countryside,& are very close to Turville, where the Vicar of Dibley was filmed,& that also has the windmill from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on the hill.

As for stately homes, CLIVEDEN,the house from the Profumo Affair, is very near & is also now a smart hotel. There is also Greys Court just outside of Henley,which is small but really nice.

 

The town is good for wheelchairs as its part pedestrianised, & the riverside is lovely.

[henriette]

RHS Wisley is really lovely- I used to take my Mum & Dad there. We used to live not too far away at that time. Also nearby is Claremont. Pretty lake and ducks and a cafe. Then just a bit further away is Clandon Park (nr Guildford). There is a good restaurant there. With regard to a hotel, I am not sure now as it is some years since I have been back. Probably a choice in and around Guildford, Ripley, Cobham etc. Good luck

[P&P]

Is Minehead too far away for you? We have had a few short breaks here (its at Blue Anchor, not far from Minehead) http://www.langbury.co.uk with my elderly mother - they have a ground floor room for infirm/disable visitors, and are lovely people who always make a great fuss of Mum and go out of their way to make her stay comfortable. They also have a nice garden for guests to use. The West Somerset Railway is just down the road, so we have taken the steam train to Minehead. Dunster is also nearby - pretty village and NT castle to visit (its open on Fridays!).

[Guest]

Rye is gorgeous - has castle and famous pottery as well as church, but parts are very steep. Scotney Castle garden, Sissinghurst (Vita Sackville-West's white garden), and Bodiam Castle nearby

Wisley has a lovely garden centre and shop and you could do just part of the garden, or go from bench to bench. There are cafes and toilets all the way around and you could get in a golf cart if necessary.

Just a little way from Wisley is Painshill Park. It is a landscaped garden, so there is walking involved, but it is unusual in that it has a folly, a grotto, a hermitage and a turkish tent. Not sure if it would be accessible enough for your Mum. There is also Loseley nearby - where the ice-cream is made.

Near Chichester is Uppark, a National Trust property which is fairly compact to visit. It suffered a very bad fire some time ago, but has been restored. You have to book to go round though.

Weald and Downland is vast and built on the Downs - hiking involved. West Dean Gardens has various festivals, so you could see what is going on.

I went to school in Chichester, and my (nearly 89 year old) Mum lives on the coast nearby. It is a lovely city and quite compact again. There is a walk along the walls, and through the twiterns. The Pallant House Gallery is very nice, with an architectural - award winning modern extension. Chi is famous for its Georgian architecture, and separate bell tower to the Cathedral. Denman's garden is at nearby Fontwell.

Bosham is nearby (had wedding night in Millstream Hotel there) where Canute tried to hold back the tide. There is a lovely church there where they found what they think is the body of Canute's little daughter who drowned in the creek. When they opened the grave, for a few minutes the corpse was perfectly preserved and they could see every detail.

Church Norton, near Selsey, has a rich ecclesiastical history - its where St Wilfrid landed to convert the South Saxons. There is the most peaceful chapel there (but no facilities).

Hope that is helpful.

Edited October 4, 2009 by Guest

[Woodcat]

hey

 

Slight side issue here. I know you've said that she won't use a wheelchair but would she use one of those mobility scooters? The only reason i mention it is my grandmother is set against wheelchairs but will use the scooters and loves them. I belive there are places you can higher them relativly cheaply.

[earthmam1]

Hi

 

I agree about Rye it is lovely and quaint (i grew up on the Romney Marsh so know it well).

 

I now live on the borders of the New Forest and can say that it is beautiful at the moment - lovely colours. Lyndhurst has the New Forest museum, a reptillary(ugh) and Bournemouth is not too far.

 

Winchest is perhaps another place that is quirky and full of different shops and an interesting cathedral.

 

Also down this way (but may be a bit too far) is the Isle of Wight. My mum loves Osborne House (and she is 85 - reasonable on her feet though).

 

In Romsey we have the Hillier Gardens which is beautiful at this time of year. If not too good on feet you can hire a motor scootery thing (cost about £3.00 for 4 hours).

 

Hope this helps

 

sue

 

meant to say Winchester

[Sheilaz]

Wow, Omleteers are truly amazing! Now I'm hoping we can have several short breaks, not just this one!

 

Wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry reading your suggestions;

 

1. Won't use scooter or wheelchair, but I still like to point out how useful and what fun it would be whever I can.

2. Can't go to antique shops, it used to be her hobby until she was burgled. It's very sad, not her fault.

3. Doesn't like motorways...er, it's likely to be at least the M25 plus another...

4. Has been to most places with Father.

5. Probably can't manage steam trains.

6. Really dislikes rhododendrons! I'm serious!

 

However, although Lyme Regis is too far, and a couple too near, in that she's been there, every where else sounds like a possibility. Several to choose from. These are good ideas for travels with LSH & ED too, we must do a few of them, but I definitely use one of them for this outing.

 

Thank you so much, I'm very grateful, I just didn't know where to start. Any other posts most welcome while I decide. I'm so appreciative of the interesting details & ideas you've all added.

I'll report back!

[Rhapsody]

RHS Wisley is really lovely- I used to take my Mum & Dad there. We used to live not too far away at that time. Also nearby is Claremont. Pretty lake and ducks and a cafe. Then just a bit further away is Clandon Park (nr Guildford). There is a good restaurant there. With regard to a hotel, I am not sure now as it is some years since I have been back. Probably a choice in and around Guildford, Ripley, Cobham etc. Good luck

 

I was going to mention Wisley. Also The Black Swan gastropub nearby which does city-quality cooking. And if you come down the A3 to my hood you have the very pretty town of Haslemere with its surprisingly good museum, complete with Egyptian mummy. Plus pavement cafes and locally owned shops (and a farm with goats ponies and chooks if you give me a call ) and all the history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at Hindhead. The Devi's Punch Bowl is an SSI and the cafe there is fab.

[Willow]

Another vote for Henley here

 

We're actually very close to Windsor as well (although that is steep and I'm sure your mother has been).

 

Eton is the other side of the river and is often overlooked, it has quite a few coffee shops and it's quite interesting seeing a village devoted to one school. The boys have to wander all around the village to get to classes and whilst the uniform has been updated some it still feels like you've stepped back in time. You can do a tour of the school which is worthwhile it is the most amazing place.

[hillfamily]

Well of course Bognor Regis is the height of elegance and sophistication

 

But seriously...Chichester is lovely :D Lots of lovely shops, cafes, restaurants. The Cathedral is beautiful and a walk through the cloisters is a must. If you are lucky, you can sometimes listen to the choir rehearsing.

 

West Dean, just north of Chichester is a favourite haunt of mine :D Lovely restaurant serving homemade food and the grounds are beautiful for a gentle stroll

 

Bosham just south of Chichester is a lovely little harbour village, although watch for the tide as it can cut you off

 

Hope you find a good solution for your mini break and manage to have a nice time :D

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Well of course Bognor Regis is the height of elegance and sophistication

 

 

***runs off to get cloth to wipe the screen clear of tea again!!!!***

 

Pray do tell Pam, which bit ...apart from your house & garden of course

 

Teabag, come to Chichester & surrounding area, we can all meet up for tea & cake at the Millstream in Bosham (not sure what your budget is but the rooms, food & service are wonderful )............there's a lovely little craft centre along the road too, thought the stairs are a bit of a bind

 

Whatever you do though, don't park your car on the Quay....we have many a tale to tell of flooded cars.................

 

I really should do a "grockle tour" of the area & refresh my memory...

 

Sha x

[Chickendoodle]

I live in Eastbourne - if she hasn't already visited with your Dad I can highly recommend it (don't believe everything you read in the press - we are not full of oldies!)

Beautiful promenade to walk along with plenty of seating, 3 good theatres, good shops, bus trips to Beachy Head, old fashioned pier and the most sunshine on the south coast!

[Chook n Boo Mum]

Oooh yes, we've forgotten the theatre in our raves about Chichester........

 

Sha x