Wheelie Accessible Derbyshire

13/02/2026

Do you have or know someone with a business or premises who would benefit from an independent review from a wheelchair user? ♿️

As I go about my days, I often visit places where managers approach me and ask for feedback- whether that is how wide aisles are, how easy it is to move around, how the toilet facilities are, the list goes on. And I love giving feedback because it helps all of us. Remember, not all disabilities are visible and sensory overload is definitely a thing!

Unfortunately, many businesses don't need to seek an independent review of a disabled person visiting their premises, they can simply follow the guided measurements of widths etc in guidelines found online. But personally? I think that system is poor. We are all different and therefore, getting those opinions from those who live everyday with disabilities will truly pave the way to a more inclusive society.

So... my plan is this. I would like to visit establishments, create reviews supporting their business but also offer advice for disability improvement in order to make their venue truly accessible for all.

If you are interested or know someone who would be, please send me a DM and I will get back to you!

07/02/2026

📍 Buxton Crescent Hotel & Spa 🗺

Spa review 💆‍♀️

I was lucky enough to visit the spa a few weeks ago with some friends!

Upon arrival, there are two disabled parking bays directly outside the spa entrance on the main road. If these are taken, there are more spaces directly outside The Cavendish Arcade.

This is the only spa in Derbyshire that has a pool hoist. I don't actually have a photo of the pool hoist on this review, but I have visited previously where I did photograph it. Sadly on that occassion, I was the first person to use it so there were some teething problems. Thankfully, all ironed out now with the staff knowing more about the lift and which areas this is available for. I think this is largely down to the fact that the spa is now run by Champney's.

The spa has three pools; a rooftop pool (the hoist is not available to use up there as it is too large to transport- a hiccup we realised on my first visit!) Having said that, if you can transfer to the floor, the entranceway to the pool is shallow steps that you can shuffle down. This pool begins indoors but then moves outdoors. The pool isn't too wide or deep and there are seating areas within it that also have intermittent jets.
To reach the rooftop pool, there is a lift. It is easy to use and quite speedy for a disabled lift.

To go back down to the lower ground, there is a lift to take you there where you will find all of the steam and sauna rooms, the thermal pool with Buxton spring water- unfiltered pure spring water, just warmed up a little, as well as swimming pool under mood lighting. The pool hoist is available to use for both of these pools as they are quite deep to get into. You just need to ask a member of staff and they will get it ready for you.

There are your classic Finnish steam rooms and saunas but also an infared heat room which works using hest pads with the aim to reduce muscle tenderness. There is also an aromatherapy room. All of these have widened doorways and step free access. The only critique I would say is that some slightly lower pegs to hang up gowns and towels would be useful in order to do this independently from a wheelchair.

The changes rooms are very spacious and there is a disabled toilet that is spacious and clean.

It was really lovely to access a spa with my friends where I felt involved from start to finish and that access was a forefront thought when planning the layout and design of the spa facilities.

Champneys Resorts
Buxton Crescent

©️ Independent review written by Wheelie Accessible Derbyshire

06/02/2026

Have a dog? Please pick up the poo! 💩 Not only is it just unpleasant, imagine standing in it, knowing you can't take your shoes off when you get home. Knowing that it will go all over your home and creating a clean up job that uses more energy than you have to give that day. All for 10 seconds of picking it up! Sadly, in my village, this has happened to me on several occasions. I also have a dog. I have picked my dog's poo up in my wheelchair whilst being surrounded by three others from other dogs that owners have failed to pick up themselves. This message will unlikely reach the culprits who do leave it but hey, who knows! Has this happened to you?

Today I popped out for tea with a friend and came home with my powered wheelchair wheels covered in dog p**p.

It is not just unpleasant. It means cleaning wheels, floors and carpets and bringing that mess straight into my home.

For wheelchair users, this is a hygiene issue and an accessibility barrier.

If you have a dog, please scoop the p**p. 💜

26/01/2026

What a fantastic sight to behold! With a fully accessible and well equipped Changing Places UK bathroom, shopping will be a more pleasant experience for everyone on Stockport.

19/01/2026

Not a good outcome at all for us with mobility issues. I haven't been able to use Chinley station for a number of years now due to its many steps. An impossible feat for wheelchair users sadly.

‘Very disappointing’ as Chinley station loses funding for step free access after years of campaigning

16/01/2026

📍Hassop Station 🗺

Along the Monsal Trail, not far from Bakewell is Hassop Station.

There is a large carpark which is pay and display (even for disabled users although you do get an extra hour).

If you are using just the café and shop and not the trail, there are a small number of free carpark spaces closer to the building and one disabled bay right outside the building. You will be lucky if you get that one as it gets taken usually.

On site, there is a wonderfully big cafe with a ramped entranceway. There is more than ample space inside for mobility aids and it is a lovely building.

A very wide menu selection and lots of cakes and treats to choose from!

The gift shop is full of pretty homeware, fashion accessories, clothing, books at discounted prices and a gift selection for women, men and children.

The trail itself if loose gravel but is flat and accessible. I usually use a power add on for my wheelchair to help me on the trail but it is easily doable depending on whether you need assisted pushing or if you know you can self propel, the terrain is atleast as flat as it can me for a nature trail that hasn't been tarmacked.

A lovely place that deserves a visit!

01/01/2026

📍Peak Wildlife Park, Leek 🗺

We haven't been here for about a year but it has always been on our 'accessible trips' list!

When we arrived, we noticed more disabled bay parking whereas there were only three spots previously. This is great!

Not a step in sight, even terrain; some compacted gravel and the other being tarmac, you can tell Peak Wildlife Park are evolving constantly with their site and keeping accessibility at the forefront.

There is a new café situated near the polar bears which is accessible and spacious.

There are several disabled toilets on site too but sadly, no changing places as of yet (not that I could see anyway!). Hopefully this will be added soon.

When booking a ticket, an essential companion is provided free of charge providing eligibility paperwork is shown. I didn't get to ask if they accept the Access Card but I will investigate.

All attractions are suitable for wheelchair and scooter use. There are gates into some of the enclosures but if you are on your own, there are staff members to help open them or I have met many friendly members of the public. They need these to keep the animals safe so I get it.

There are some slopes which would prove more challenging for manual chair users. I use a power assist (handbike) and still need some help.

Overall, it's a fantastic day out with the family with plenty to see and with great access features too!

21/12/2025

Improvements have been made at Lyme Park, Disley regarding their disabled toilets with a new 'Changing Places' toilet. These are thankfully being installed in more and more establishments. These are different to standard disabled toilets as they are larger with a hoist and full sized bed, allowing for more dignified toilet stops and enough space for both the disabled person and carer(s). Many of these bathrooms even have adjustable sink heights. Note: a radar key is still needed to access. Well done Lyme Park! 👏

We're pleased to announce that the garden toilets are now officially open and more accessible. The toilet closure hasn't just been about a cosmetic upgrade: at the heart of the work has been the introduction of a Space to Change facility, designed to better support visitors with additional access needs.

The new facility includes an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist, more room for carers, and a peninsular toilet. These features mean that more people can enjoy our space without worrying about whether their needs will be met.

To find out more about Changing Places go to Changing Places UK .

05/12/2025

Fancy seeing Santa tomorrow? 🎅 High Peak Grotto are hosting their fantastic & FREE Sanra visit and their voluntarily run grotto. Complete with chocolates, elves, crafts, music, fun and laughter... and ofcourse Santa, this amazing team have created an inclusive event for all, including SEN sessions for those who need it. Go ahead at check it out! 🎅 🎄

04/12/2025

Today's dalliance with Stepping Hill was the 'automatic' doors that were not automatic 🤣 nobody around to help so it was down to little old me yanking these extremely heavy doors open. This was the entrance at Outpatients B. A nice new department but would be better with working doors! 🤣🥴