Disability: ‘I just want to get home to my family,' says wheelchair user
According to Welsh Paralympic gold medallist David Smith, the way people with a disability get on and off a plane, and the problems they experience, "hasn't changed in the last 20 years". The Civil Aviation Authority, the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator, said investment from airports and airlines had resulted in "significant improvements" for disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, but admitted there was "much more" to do.Last week former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson published a set of recommendations after leading a UK government-commissioned review looking at how airline and airport staff support disabled passengers.Disability Rights UK has called for urgent action, and said disabled people have been made to feel like "second-class citizens".
Katie has been a wheelchair user most of her life after a cancerous tumour damaged her spine when she was 10 months old.She became a regular in the skies 15 years ago when she started a long-distance relationship and now frequently flies for work.For the most part the flying process was "smooth", she said, but when Covid hit, the 37-year-old noticed a difference in the service."Staffing levels are much lower. When I flew from Hamburg the assistance didn't turn up and the plane got delayed by an hour," Katie said. "It was so embarrassing because everyone on the plane knew why their flight was delayed."The mother-of-one said she often felt like a burden when flying and that staff and passengers are not happy when there is a delay. "I think it adds an extra layer. It's already stressful worrying if your chair is going to be in one piece when you arrive and on top of that you feel like they hate you as a passenger."Katie added she has needed to "argue" her case to use her personal wheelchair when checking in at airports, as staff had previously insisted she use a porters chair without the correct support which had to be pushed by someone else.She said: "Where's the dignity? Where's the autonomy?"
Karen Beattie, 64, had a motorbike accident in 1994 leaving her with a spinal injury.For many years she did not fly after hearing about the "hassle" of getting on and off a plane and the worry of equipment being broken.She now tries to get abroad at least once a year, but dreads flying because she does not know what assistance she will receive from the airport and airline.Karen, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, said to get on to a plane she needs to use an aisle chair rather than her own manual chair, with staff helping by lifting under her arms and legs."They didn't work together and didn't lift me high enough causing the aisle chair to fall over," she said, recalling one experience. "They had to try and put me back on my chair and it was then that I was nearly dropped. I was concerned that I would have bruises and even a pressure sore."Another time, Karen said she was left "mortified" when a pilot blamed loading her wheelchair as the reason for a delayed take off. "You're just hoping that the ground could open up and swallow you because you become the spectacle, you become the entertainment before the fight takes off."I complain to the airport every year but there hasn't been any improvements," she said.
Paralympic gold medallist David Smith said the process for him to get on to a plane was "quite soul-destroying" and had not changed in the last 20 years."I don't think we've made any progress," said David, from Swansea, who has cerebral palsy."I find a lot of the assistance staff aren't suitable for the job. People who can't help with moving and handling where their job is to literally lift me from one point to another."Recently, David said he had noticed more care taken by the ground staff when handling his wheelchairs.The 36-year-old said: "I think there's less damage nowadays than there used to be back in the day. So that's good."David added he understood some logistical problems cannot be helped, but said employing the right staff and providing the correct training could prevent bad experiences for future flyers with a disability.In the findings led by Baroness Grey-Thompson, last week's review said airline and airport staff were receiving "inconsistent" training, providing 19 recommendations, including disability awareness training being rolled out for all aviation roles, such as crew, ground services and hospitality.
A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said it "regularly" set standards on accessibility at the UK's main airports and reported on how these are met, resulting in "significant improvements" for disabled passengers."We strongly believe that everyone should have access to air travel and expect all passengers from the UK to be able to enjoy the best possible flight," they said.The authority acknowledged "there is still much more to do" following Baroness Grey-Thompson's report, adding: "We continue to hold airlines to account in meeting their obligations to disabled and less mobile passengers across all parts of their journey."Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK, said: "Flying is not a luxury. It's a fundamental freedom that should be accessible to everyone. For too many disabled people air travel is marked by stress, anxiety, indignity and exclusion. "Airlines, airports and regulators must recognise that disabled people have the right to fly with the same independence, safety and dignity as everyone else. Anything less is unacceptable."
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an hour ago
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The 21 best things to do in Northern Ireland
It doesn't matter how you like to spend your time – birdwatching on a rugged island, pottering around a food market or getting active on a coastal hike – chances are, there's something that'll fit the bill in Northern Ireland. There are art galleries and unique museums, points of historical interest and a gorgeous coastline peppered with interesting landmarks. And alongside the more visited sights, there are the quirkier activities, like food tours and peaceful lake districts, as well as the attractions that don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon – the Game of Thrones filming locations. Here are some activities to add to your list. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best for being outdoors Best free things to do Best for culture Best for food and drink experiences Best for families Titanic Belfast Step back in time Set on the very spot where the famous ship was built, this museum is a flashy, high-tech ode to all things Titanic. You walk through the journey of the liner, from construction to the sinking; the stories told both through interactive exhibits and personal stories. And it's all suitable for kids. Insider tip: If you're up anyway, book the early riser ticket, which offers a discount for the first time slot of the day. This includes entry to the restored SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last remaining ship from the White Star Line. The MAC Let their imaginations run wild At The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), you'll find a rotating series of exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, but there is also a whole heap of theatre performances, workshops and a schedule of specialised family activities, like baby time, drawing and crafts. These activities are mainly in the school holidays, but outside of those periods there are creativity stations and activity sheets for kids. Insider tip: While some of the specialised workshops are free and available on a drop-in basis, others have a fee and should be booked in advance – check the schedule ahead of time. Giant's Causeway Uncover mythical landscapes and wild climbs Depending on whose story you believe, the hexagonal basalt columns on the County Antrim shore were created by volcanic activity or an angry giant. But either way, these rock formations – perfectly symmetrical shapes stacked up against the wild coastline – are almost beggar belief. While you're free to roam the columns, you'll need to keep a close eye on the kids, as rogue waves are far from a rarity. Insider tip: If your kids aren't averse to a longer walk, the hike along the two-mile Red Trail gives you a great vantage point of the Unesco World Heritage site from the cliffs above. Crawfordsburn Country Park Explore a fairytale woodland There's a definite fairytale feel to this park, with thick woodland, winding pathways and a huge waterfall. It's an easy stroll with little kids, plus there's a picnic area and a woodland café. Walk the full trail and you'll end up at the beach, or you can stick to the wildflower meadows closer to the village. Insider tip: Pop into the thatched Old Inn afterwards, right by the entrance to the park – it dates back to 1614 and has plenty of cosy tables next to roaring fireplaces, and a bigger restaurant if you're looking for lunch. Best for being outdoors Rathlin Island Take a boat trip to a rugged island It's only a short hop from Ballycastle over to Rathlin and, as there are residents on the island, the ferry runs throughout the year. However, if you can time a visit to fall between April to July, you can see the resident colony of puffins. Stop by the seabird centre in the working lighthouse between April and August, while at other times, you hike around the island or pop into the craft shop. Insider tip: During the summer, there are minibus tours of the island available, if you'd rather not hike. Alternatively, you can rent a bike 15 minutes' walk from the ferry port. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Get a shot of adrenaline Gently swinging almost 100 feet above the sea, this rope bridge over to Carrick-a-Rede Island was first built back in 1755 – but don't worry, it's been upgraded since. The crossing itself doesn't take too long, but it's a thrill ride even for those who aren't scared of heights, with the waves crashing into the craggy, rocky shore below. Insider tip: You need to pre-book your tickets online, but bear in mind the bridge can close at short notice due to weather conditions, so don't be disappointed if your slot is cancelled. The Gobbins Walk a Victorian cliff-side trail Forget about your average walk by the sea. This trail clings to the edge of the cliffs on the Causeway Coast, taking you along a suspension bridge, through tunnels and under sections carved from the rock, with the sea to your side. The only way you could get closer to the cliffs is if you were rock climbing. Be warned that The Gobbins is periodically closed after storms or rockfall; check the website for more information. Insider tip: There are usually a few pairs of binoculars shared with your tour group, but bring your own if you want to get a closer glimpse at the seabirds. Fermanagh Lakelands Visit a romantic lake district This understated region to the west doesn't get too much attention, but that means you have more space to explore the calm, reed-lined lakes and tiny islands. Take a boat trip out on Lough Erne to see the 6th-century monastic ruins on Devenish Island, or walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, a raised pathway known as the Stairway to Heaven. Insider tip: Book a night in one of the swish bubble domes in Finn Lough, where you can drink in the night skies from a four-poster bed or a roll-top bath. Strangford Lough Explore the lakeside mansions Considering it's so close to Belfast, Strangford Lough feels like a secluded paradise. There's plenty of interesting birdlife, but also two historic National Trust estates on its shoreline – Mount Stewart has impressive gardens and lavish interiors, and Castle Ward (better known by many as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) has a beautiful estate for walking. Insider tip: If you want to pop from one side of the lake to the other, take the ferry between Portaferry and Strangford to save driving all the way around. Best free things to do The Causeway Coast Embark on a road trip of epic proportions The Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way may get more attention, but the Causeway Coast, stretching 120 miles from Belfast over to Derry-Londonderry, is every bit as impressive. There are wild, wind-battered cliffs, sweeping white sand beaches and pretty harbours, and you don't need to drive the whole thing to get the full effect – just pick a section and follow the coastal road. Insider tip: If you want to see the coastline from a different perspective, book in for a kayaking tour with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, which runs trips from Ballintoy and under the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Belfast's street art Walk between impressive murals There are incredible pieces of street art around Belfast, with some of the best-known works found in and around the Cathedral Quarter. These range from giant, lifelike portraits that look like large-scale sketches, to multi-colour three-dimensional pieces reminiscent of the old Magic Eye books. There's even an annual street art festival, Hit the North, held each May. Insider tip: If you want a little more insight, take a guided street art walking tour with Seedhead Arts, whose artist guides know the stories behind each piece. Mourne Mountains Hike the peaks that inspired CS Lewis Whether you want to take a scenic road trip or lace up your hiking boots, the Mournes are home to some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The roads around the foothills are winding and narrow, and the gentle curve of the peaks is romantic, whatever the weather. Insider tip: The hiking trails in Tollymore Forest Park are ideal on more inclement days, as the majority of the walking is sheltered by the ancient trees. When you emerge, you get a killer view of the mountain range and the old Mourne Wall. Slieve Gullion Scenic Forest Drive Tick off some epic scenery on a quick spin It may only take you 20 minutes, but this linear, narrow mountain drive is one of the most scenic in the country. In the summer months, the undulating plains are thick with purple heather, and you get a great view down to Carlingford Lough, too. Plus, there are plenty of lookout points along the way where you can pull over to take in the views. Insider tip: If you don't want to see all the sights cooped up in the car, you can also cycle or walk the forest drive – it's just over six miles one way and a steep climb in places. Best for culture Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Overlook the sea from a clifftop landmark It's one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, despite the fact you can't even go inside. Modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, this domed temple is right on the edge of the cliffs, built as a library for the Earl Bishop – or his niece, if you believe the scandalous rumours. It's occasionally open to the public for events, and is just as striking on the inside. Insider tip: There are plenty of walking trails on site and a great coffee shack in the car park, where you can pick up a flat white and a slice of Guinness cake. Game of Thrones Discover all the filming locations from the hit show You can't swing a dire wolf in Northern Ireland without hitting a Game of Thrones filming location. From tiny harbours and forests to coastal caves and the tree-lined Dark Hedges, numerous places doubled up as Westeros, particularly in the early seasons of the show. Take a self-guided drive using the free Game of Thrones Locations app, or go on a guided bus tour that departs from Belfast. Insider tip: Real fans will want to pay a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you can see the sets, costumes and props up close. Traditional Music Trail Drift between pubs on a musical pub crawl There's loads of live music around Northern Ireland, but if you want a guided experience, then the Traditional Music Trail is a great option. You'll be led between traditional pubs in the pretty village of Ballycastle, catching various musicians playing the fiddle, tin whistle and Uilleann pipe in each cosy, fire-warmed space. Insider tip: Wherever you are, remember that an Irish trad session is something of a sacred space, so resist the urge to join in, unless asked, and avoid loudly chatting near a musicians' circle. Dunluce Castle Visit a striking clifftop ruin Sitting precariously on the edge of the cliffs, Dunluce Castle is a skeletal ruin but impressive nonetheless. Walk around what remains of this medieval structure and you can see remnants of its former life, like giant fireplaces and tall arched windows, as the waves batter below. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the tiny wildflowers that grow in the grasses and around the old stone – there are several rare varieties, including the 'blue flower of Dunluce', which only grows between Dunluce and Ballintoy. Black Cab Tour Hear the stories of Belfast from the people who know it best The best way to get a handle on Belfast's history is to take a tour led by a chatty cabbie who knows the stories inside and out – because they lived through them. These casual tours take you around the city sights, the geographic tales peppered with snippets of gossip and historical tidbits, before ending up at the Peace Wall. Insider tip: You can fit up to six people in a cab, but most tours are based on a per person rate, so it's not that much more to go as a twosome. Return to index Best for food and drink experiences Old Bushmills Distillery Go behind the scenes at a historic distillery The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, this riverside spot is home to one of the best-known whiskeys on the planet. On a guided tour, you'll learn about how the whiskey is made, but the best part comes in the cosy old tasting room, where you'll get a taste of three of their single malts – book the premium tour for a taste of the good stuff. Insider tip: Head for a drink (or stay the night) at the nearby, but not affiliated, Bushmills Inn – the bar is lit by gas lamps and, unsurprisingly, there's a great selection of Bushmills on offer. St George's Market Wander around a historic marketplace This redbrick building is a cornerstone of Belfast life, and one of the last Victorian covered markets left in the country. There are stalls selling classic local fare like 'fifteens' (dense, sweet tray bakes made with 15 of each ingredient) and baps filled with all the components of an Ulster Fry. You can pick up fantastic regional produce, too. Insider tip: You can take a guided tour of the market every weekend to learn more about the history of the building, including its use as a morgue during the Second World War. Bear in mind the market is only open Friday to Sunday. Taste and Tour Delve into the Belfast food (and drink) scene Food tours can be hit or miss, but when you get good guides then you're onto a winner. The folks leading these Belfast and Holywood tours know every inch of the city and its food scene, with general tours leading you to all the best places to eat, with a few pubs thrown in the mix too. Insider tip: If you're more about drink than food, they also run specialised gin, craft beer and whiskey tours (not all at once), where you'll sample the best Irish artisanal tipples in different bars. Return to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
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Pictured: Prince of Wales and Charlotte watch Lionesses at Euros final
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3 hours ago
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Why cruising is the most accessible way to travel overseas
It was day one of our week-long cruise to the Norwegian fjords, and barely 90 minutes since we'd handed over our passports at P&O Britannia's accessible check-in quarters, we were already in our cabin. 'How fast was that?' I enthused to my partner, Paul, a wheelchair user since a spinal injury at the age of 21. He nodded enthusiastically, still thrilled that he'd been able to bring a second back-up chair, and by the generously sized wet room which had greeted us. We cracked open our bottle of champagne – part of the 'one bottle of wine per person' we were permitted to bring with us – and settled into our accessible cabin on deck 11, preparing to spend the following day at sea cruising along the inky blue waters off North West England. We used this day to explore the ship, finding that it was – on the whole – wonderfully easy to get around, with plenty of other wheelchair- and scooter-users amongst our fellow passengers, and specific tables at the buffet and lifts between floors reserved for wheelchair users (though not everyone observed these rules). Satisfied that our on-board experience would be a pleasant and easily navigable one, our attentions – and anxieties – turned to whether the same would be true of the various shore excursions ahead. We needn't have worried. P&O had clearly given much forethought to the ports which would prove most accessible for disabled passengers, with each destination offering step-free and (mostly) flat roadways and paths, allowing us to explore each without incident. Amongst our stops were the cities of Stavanger and Kristiansand – both delightful and very scenic – but it was the small farming village of Skjolden which really stood out. Gliding up the calm, crystal clear Sognefjord, we passed tumbling waterfalls and hillsides dotted with pretty wooden homes – then, as we neared the shore, we heard the bells of mountain sheep ringing as farmers toiled their lands nearby. Having disembarked, we followed a beautiful accessible tarmac road which wound around the feet of rugged, snow-capped mountains – a stunning place, and everything we'd hoped a cruise around Norway would offer. We stopped for a picnic at a little bench by the water, taking it all in as other cruisers – on foot, in wheelchairs or on scooters – passed by, deciding which of the various pathways ahead took their fancy as mountain goats and highland cows watched from the nearby fields with interest. That evening, we returned to the ship and watched the sun set from the rear deck, the sky and still waters streaked with the same deep hues of burnt orange and bruised purple. But it wasn't all plain sailing. As we'd been supping our champagne on that very first day, a wheelchair disaster of sorts had been unfolding below us on deck seven. Fellow passenger Alan Rogers, who has multiple sclerosis, had gone for some fresh air on the rear deck in his P&O-approved chair. While rolling himself down a too-steep ramp, he had come crashing out of it and was left lying on deck, helpless and in pain. Paul had tried to access the rear deck via this same ramp some days later, and also found it much too steep, saying that he'd needed two strong men 'to lift up the wheelchair and get me out'. When asked, P&O told us that their safety officer has no issues with the ramp, having recently been aboard the Britannia and found it all in order and within their specifications. 'But why don't they consult the wheelchair users who need these facilities?' says Alan. 'And if the ramps can't be fixed, what about a buzzer to call staff to hold open doors and to hold the wheelchair as you go through them?' P&O's newer ships, he told us, are better on this score. 'My first trip with my wife, Rachel, was on the Iona,' he says of another of the line's ships, launched in 2020. 'It was brilliant, with a decent-sized wetroom and electric buttons to press for the doors and balcony. I don't fly any more, and though cruises are definitely more accessible than a flight, I'm still limited in what I can go on.' He hopes that by speaking out, P&O might be prompted to adjust the ramps on the older ships to ensure the safety of other passengers. Nevertheless, overall Paul and I were impressed. Thanks to the all-encompassing nature of a cruise, this was the first holiday I had successfully organised myself, and the price – £899 per person, including all meals – had been manageable on my part-time salary. This approach also meant that we had been able to entirely avoid flying (which, with Paul's wheelchair and my own mental illness, which makes me claustrophobic in airports, is often an ordeal) or renting a car, but still get right into the heart of the rugged fjords and snowy mountains in all their beauty. Cruising is still a welcome lifeline for many wheelchair users who want to travel – but with just a few small tweaks, it could be even better.
