Wheelchair Accessible Leeds, England 2010

We are just back from Leeds, a Yorkshire city that is half way between where son Nick and family lives and us.

The Leeds trip started out really well. Travelling to Langwathby village station, which is about 5 miles from Penrith, we were in good time and parked the car up with ample room and no charge. The train was on time and the guard had been warned that there was a wheelchair to go on board and that was accomplished with great skill and humour.

The train was only two carriages, like a large bus on rails, and it was empty until a bus load of rail enthusiasts got an, all 50 of them. It got a little crowded but as the scenery was magnificent, no one seemed to be bothered. We arrived in Leeds to be welcomed off the train by two officials who gave June and the wheelchair an almost royal welcome. They saw us to the taxi, which had been adapted for a wheelchair.

We met up with Nick and the family who arrived about three minutes after us and all went well until we saw the alleged accessible room. The Premier Inn had said that they never had a roll-in-roll-out shower as it was one of the older hotels. What they never told us was the bath, which had a shower head, was totally impossible for a person to transfer. We had taken our own bath stool but June still found it near impossible, but that was for later It was a matter of lump it or like it. We managed as we always do. There were lots of hugs and cuddles, and we all had lunch at an attached restaurant called TGI Friday. Nothing spectacular After a couple of pints of lager, they were trendy and didn't sell beer, we walked into Leeds city centre.

The city is a mixture of old and new and we found the wheelchair travelling excellent. The roads were wide and they had made shopping malls by connecting two old buildings together and making them lovely to walk around. We ended up by the university in a huge square that had bars and restaurant's all around. There was plenty to do and we played ball with the kids, had a few drinks and then decided to go to an Italian to eat. A lovely place, but we couldn't get an outside table to accommodate the six of us.

After another wander around we ended up back in the same place and had a magnificent meal inside. The Gods must have been looking after us because half way through the meal the heavens opened and there was a magnificent cloud burst. It was almost typhoon standards. Those that were eating outside had to beat a hasty retreat inside. We all walked back to the hotel in very warm rain and June's controls were wrapped in a plastic shopping bag. It worked. We had a drink in TGIF, it was one of those times where the noise levels were quite intolerable. And I am deaf. At around 11 we called it a day or night and all went off to bed happily.

Saturday was fine so we decided on a river walk and a visit to the Royal Armouries
http://www.royalarmouries.org/visit-us/leeds/leeds-galleries

Walking along the river bank went well until we came to a gate that was locked, so we had to struggle through a small wicker gate which meant June getting off the chair, folding the chair and then June hobbling the four steps to the other side. It wasn't until later that if we had read the map properly there was a accessible route around it. My moaning about the local council was wasted. We ended up again in a large area that had cafe's and bars. We again chose an Italian for a coffee and a sit. The owner was charming and was really chatty. We decided to go back there for our evening meal. http://www.ciaobellarestaurantleeds.co.uk/


City Center Leeds		Flea Market at Leeds

Incidentally, Leeds appears to be a place for Hen Nights. There were at least ten gaggles of girls in all types of regalia roaming the streets. Never saw any fellas on tour. I just stopped them and took pictures, and then I had 10 to 15 cameras from the girls to take the momentous occasion for posterity. Great fun. Nick who is rather reserved was shaking his head in disbelief that I would approach the girls. I tried to tell him I was performing a service.

On to the Armoury, one of the best free wheelchair friendly museums anywhere. We were there for several hours and the highlight was the jousting. That cost a minimal amount of money but past a most exciting hour. Disabled toilets on every floor. You could spend days there and not see it all. The food was basic and at really exploitable prices. Take your own in from one of the nearby shops. Jen and June went looking for art galleries after the joust. They had enough of the macho machines of war. We all met up again at the Ciaobella, had a great meal, everyone was looking down their noses because I chose veal, as though I was being super cruel. I really enjoyed it. We lingered until about ten , once again playing ball with the kids and then Ella decided that she had enough and went to sleep. We got a taxi for Jen and the kids and we walked back. EMO is rather difficult to fold up in a taxi. Unless you really have to.

Nick June and I had a few drinks in the TGIF after making sure Jen had a cocktail as the family room was at the other end of the hotel. Next time we are going to book a cottage so we can all stay together.

Sunday after a breakfast, as much as you can eat, we all split up. Nick was going into school for a few hours for a final revision for the final exams for his pupils. He says it is amazing how many of the kids turn up on the Sunday. One man who enjoys his job.

June and I left early for the station and found a great bar there. We idled the time away with a couple of Southern Comforts, great conversation, people watched and then caught a virtually empty train back to Langwathby.

A most wonderful trip.