Cape Canaveral in Miniland2 Unusual BreaksA change of scenery can be a hugely rewarding experience. With summer definitely here, we highlight some of our favourite ideas for an accessible, day out!

WORDS: TOM JAMISON

GET AFLOAT!

‘Picture yourself on a boat on a river…’, as the song goes. These days you can do more than just sing from the river bank. The Canal Boat Project – based on the lovely River Stort in Harlow, Essex – enables disabled people to experience the gentle joy of being on the water. It’s an experience that can be as active or passive as you like, with a chance to steer the boat, help with the canal locks, or just enjoy time with friends.

“It’s the peace and quiet that I like,” said Brian, a wheelchair user who comes back time and again to drift off down the waterways on the charity’s specially adapted canal boat. “It’s the way the banks gliding past, calms you down, and the friendliness of the other river folk. It’s brilliant.

“And the crew are just about tolerable!” he adds with a grin, winking at Roger the Skipper.

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