Accessible toilets
Before you venture out you may want to know where there are accessible toilets. Circa have a good list of these and where to buy or borrow the radar keys which allow access to those toilets that are locked. See below:
RADAR KEYS
(Keys allowing access to Disabled Toilets, both on island & also the uk)
Keys can be purchased from the following locations:-
CIRCA, Level 2, Chester Street Car Park, Douglas
Douglas Library, 10-12 Victoria Street, Douglas
Welcome Centre, Sea Terminal Building, Douglas
Onchan District Commissioners, Main Road, Onchan
Peel Commissioners, Town Hall, Derby Road, Peel
Ramsey Town Commissioners, Town Hall, Parliament Square, Ramsey
Short term loan of keys during opening hours from:
Onchan District Commissioners. Their keys can also be picked up from Onchan Park and Onchan Library.
Access Office, Masham Court, Douglas
Disabled toilets are situated at the following locations:-
Accessible Changing Place toilet at the Manx Museum for those with multiple and complex disabilities
Andreas Ayre United Playing Field (NR)
Ballasalla, Silverdale Glen
Bride Village Car Park (NR)
Castletown Civic Centre, Town Centre Square
Costa Cafe, Castletown – opening hours
Douglas Sea Terminal Building (NR)
Loch Promenade Gardens
Opposite Jubilee Clock, Loch Promenade
Marks & Spencer Car Park
Noa (Market Hall), Douglas – step free access from the rear, opposite Spill The Beans
Nobles ParkPavillion
National Sports Centre (NSC), Douglas plus accessible changing facilities
York Road, off Broadway
Colours, Central Promenade
Port Jack, Douglas Promenade
Naadu, Wellington Street
Shaws Brow Car Park, Barrack Street
Terminus Tavern, Douglas Promenade (outside)
Kirk Michael Glen Wyllin Camp Site (SO)
Laxey The Harbour (NR) open 7am-5pm
M.E.R Station – seasonal opening
Onchan Onchan Park (2 facilities)
Peel Shore Road/Victoria Road
Market Place
Peel Camp Site (SO)
Port Erin Station Road Car Park
Shore Road
Port St Mary Golf Pavilion (NR)
Gellings Avenue
Harbour
Ramsey Market Place
Mooragh Park, Lakeside Pavilion (NR)
Coronation Park, by bus station
West Quay (NR) open 7am- 5pm
Ramsey Town Hall – office hours
Bowring Road, Ramsey
St Johns Main Road
Sulby Claddaghs (SO)
NR = no radar key needed
SO = seasonal only
Options
There is quite a range of leisure activities available on the Island and you can choose what is attractive to you, and suitable for your disability. AccessAble has an excellent website giving detailed information on accessibility in premises located in the Isle of Man and in the UK. All locations have been assessed by trained personnel and their website is well worth checking. Be aware that not all the properties listed are particularly accessible so check out the symbols on the side for suitability for your limitations. Suggestions on finding accessible properties are included in some sections below.
Hope you enjoy getting out and about! If you would like to see an activity added on our site, please use the feedback option on the home page to pass on details.
Getting there if you don’t have your own transport:
Find an accessible taxi by checking out https://www.gov.im/media/1352509/wheelchairaccessiblevehicleslist.pdf
The Lady Chaffeurs taxi service
The Lady Chauffeurs are a team of 4 kind considerate caring female drivers all police checked, all able to drive taxis so clients are fully insured. They will do what ever is needed including calling family to say clients are home and well. Please see the Fb and trip advisor sites for clients feedback. They can stay with the client and help them return to the car. They will consider all reasonable requests. The journey prices are all Gov metered prices and charge 20per hr waiting/accomained time (as of July 2016). The long wheel base cars give 2 ft of space in the rear before touching the front seat and the large doors and perfect seat heights enables easy access. The car boots will fit a folded wheel chair in . They chauffeur female and male clients it just means you will only ever get a female driver. We supply a loyalty card and offer all clients a half price journey on the tenth journey. Tel: 235577.
Sport
For those disabled people who are interested in engaging in sports, check out the Disability Sports Directory compiled by the Sports Officer for the Disabled, Zoe Crowe, to see what is available. Zoe organises this section of sport activities, is based at the National Sports Centre and is heavily involved with the Paralympics. Zoe can be contacted on tel: 688575 or email Zoe.Crowe@gov.im. This service is provided by the Isle of Man Government via the Department of Education and Children.
Check out the link: https://msr.gov.im
Active4life – run by the Alzheimer’s Society. An activity group run for people living with dementia. Includes badminton, table tennis, pickle ball and chair based exercises. Run on the first Monday of every month at the Secondary Hall, National Sports Centre at 2-3pm. ring 613181 to book a place or email isleofman@alzheimers.org.uk
Beach wheelchair loan service operates from Port Erin’s seasonal Cosy Nook pop-up close to the beach huts. Book with the commissioners at 832298. The chair has a weight restriction of 18 stone, drinks holder and fishing rod storage. Loans on a discretionary donations basis to Disability Networks. For more information check out our Beach Wheelchair page on this site. Peel commissioners are presently setting up a service there, having being gifted the chair that was in Ramsey by Disability Networks.
Chair-based Exercises for healthy ageing – contact tel: 642668 or 650912
Riding for the disabled – contact Mrs LP McNamara on tel: 851997 or email mcnamaraiom@manx.net
Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled – a group branch of the National RDA Organisation. www.mcd4d.org , facebook ‘Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled’. We offer clients the opportunity to spend time with our therapy pony or driving a pony. We aim to adapt to the clients needs, regardless of the disability or impairment, to provide an enriching experience. Our clients are a wide range of ages(6 to 106) and they come to us with sensory, physical, behavioral, memory limitations just to name a few! Tel: 322431 email is info@MCD4D.org
The MET Centre and Manx Equitherapy
A countryside Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre in Lezayre offering solution-oriented programmes for groups and individuals using Equine Assisted Personal Development and Learning. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or contact us on 427527. For more details see what we have to offer at www.manxequitherapy.com
Sailing for the Disabled: Provides sailing opportunities for people with a wide range of disabilities on a modern large cruising yacht which has special adaptions to assist those less mobile.
Membership is available to those with disabilities and also to helpers without. Also provides sailing to organisations and groups who assist people with disabilities. For more information www.sftd-iom.com Tel. 471666 Email Membership@manx.net
Swimming:
National Sports Centre, Douglas, provides access to all pool areas for customers with disabilities, a hoist is available to gain access to both the leisure and competition pool. Please do not hesitate to ask if you require assistance. The staff are always happy to help.
Southern, Western and Ramsey Swimming Pool now offer weekly rehabilitation swimming sessions for ALL individuals with disabilities, health-related needs or recovery from injury. Northern Pool: see http://northernswimmingpool.com or contact tel: 812852
Southern Swimming Pool also has disabled access and facilities. Contact tel: 823930, email southernswimmingpool@manx.net or view www.southernswimmingpool.im for more details.
Western Swimming pool in Peel – Hoist available and a disabled shower room plus toilet, rails and plenty of room for a carer to assist. A concessionary price is offered for a disabled swimmer with their carer.
If an extra warm pool is required investigate the Pisces Swimming Club, which specialises in teaching swimming skills to children and adults with physical disabilities, learning development and behavioural issues. Less mobile members can benefit from therapeutic sessions in the heated pool and the group have an optional fitness and Aquarobics session. Pisces Swimming Club for the Disabled which uses the Glencrutchery Pool in Douglas. Contact Tiffany Crookall on tel: 825616.
The Physical Activity on Referral Programme – contact the programme coordinator on tel: 662011 or email Hannah.May@gov.im
Fishing – Anglers with a disability can now fish from a specially designed platform at the Cringle Reservoir. A fishing licence is required to fish in the reservoirs. To find out more, contact the Fishing Directorate of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on tel: 685857.
10 Pin Bowling Energyfm Bowling Alley, Queens Promenade, Ramsey not only do they have a full disabled toilet, ramp for access into the diner and a ramp for access up to the bowling lanes but they also have ramps which enable bowling for all disabilities and there is a special deal for carers and disabled adults too. The disabled adult is charged the same rate as a child and their carer is also entitled to that deal . Tel: 812444 www.energyfmbowl.co.uk
Acoustic Shooting takes place on a regular basis for the visually impaired. For more information contact tel:674727
The GoDoActive leaflet gives suggestions for suitable activites to undertake. Find these in the NSC and town halls. Email godoactive@gov.im or tel: 642645 for more information.
Powerchair Football is a sport specifically designed for adults and children with severe physical impairment. for more information tel:688575, email: zoe.crowe@gov.im
Wheelchair sports are run by organisation Wooden Spoon Isle of Man.
Walk and Talk is suitable for all ages and abilities. Tel: 688592 , email: enquiries@msr.dtl.gov.im or check out www.gov.im/sport for more information
Healthy for Life programme – if you think that being more active would benefit your health, then Healthy4Life is for you. All referrals must come from a Manx Care Health Professional i.e. GP, physio, dietician. Programme coordinator can be contacted on tel: 686852, email H4L@gov.im
Social Clubs
The Service Users Network (SUN) offers a fortnightly social club on Tuesdays for Mental Health Service users and anyone with an interest in mental health. Ring tel: 616188 or view www.serviceusersnetwork.com or email serviceusersnetwork@manx.net.
For those with a mental health illness or a learning disability, Praxis Care Group offer a Sunday lunch club on an Island-wide basis, tel: 619803, email info.adminiom@praxiscare.org.uk
Reayrt Skyal Day Centre is run by the DHSC and provides a friendly safe environment for those with a diagnosis relating to mental health. Tel: 686750
Community Mental Health Service, Manc Decaf is a support group for people suffering from dementia and provide assistance to them and their carers. Tel 642879
Autism in Mann run social events for parents and families. contact tel: 480167, email: autisminmann@manx.net
Autism Initiatives run three adult social groups. Contact Paul Ormond-Smith, Head of Service at tel: 814801 or email iom@autisminitiatives.org
The Children’s Centre offer The Inclusion Programme through The Community Farm to provide opportunities to young adults over 18 with disabilities to progress, develop skills and flourish. Contact the Inclusion Officer Llinos Ellis tel:355361/610540, email:llinosellis@thechildrenscentre.org.im or view www.thecommunityfarm.wordpress.com
1st Rainbow/scouts group has been set up specifically to support young people with disabilities and additional needs so that they can fully participate in Scouting and experience new things which enrich their lives. Check out https://www.facebook.com/1strainbowscoutgroup/ . As of November 2021 2nd Rainbow Scout Group will be set up in the south and will operate during school hours. This group will also cater for those with special needs. Visit www.scouts.im for more information
Leonard Cheshire Outreach Services offers an island wide service supporting physically disabled adults to be active in their communities and build their social networks. Referrals can be made via the Adult Disabilities Social Work Team. They will support individuals to contact them if you do not have a social worker. Contact tel: 817071 or email keith.fitton@LCdisability.org” or email michelle.ferrer@LCdisability.org
Isle of Man Health Services Retirement Fellowship hold meetings with invited speakers in the winter months for NHS retirees. For more information contact Secretary Margaret Cleator tel: 817791
Manx Heart Support Group have a monthly meeting/speaker/walk for those with heart problems and their carers. Contact tel: 611273 for more details.
Manx Deaf Society provide a social environment for members at headquarters, church services for deaf signing people, social gatherings, outings, and holidays in the UK and abroad. Contact tel: 852988 or email manxdeafsociety.org.im
Age Isle of Man has day centres, lunch clubs and activity clubs. The Ace Place is their new addition in Ramsey, next door to the Age Concern charity shop in Parliament Street, Ramsey. Contact tel: 631740 email info@ageconcerniom.com or view https://www.ageconcern.im/
Live At Home Schemes aim to help older members of our society to live at home as long as they wish. One of its services is to provide social gatherings and trips out e.g. coffee groups, lunch groups, Sulby Seniors and Northern Men in Sheds. This charity runs a number of district offices: Onchan tel: 6251570, Northern tel: 818015, Western tel: 843012, North Douglas tel: 627778, South Douglas tel: 625157
Manx Gateway operates a social club for people with learning disabilities. Contact Secretary Jane Fox on Tel: 424731 or email: Jane_fox@manx.net for more details
The Southern Community Initiative (SCI) Hub Club holds a number of social activities in Thie Rosen, Port St Mary which has level access, a disabled toilet and a lift to activities held upstairs. Contact jbridle@manx.net or ring tel: 838180/427710 for more information.
ME Support (IOM) offers social support meetings to those touched by ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For more information view www.mesupportiom.info or email mesupportiom@manx.net
Autism in Mann offers the chance to get together and swap tips on coping with autism, tel 480167.
Northern Carers Social Group provides support for carers of older people with dementia. They organise social events and talks for members. Tel: 686182 for more information.
Phab Youth Club aims to offer a fun, safe environment for all. Contact tel: 478180 or email:v.kennaugh@doe.gov.im
The Manx ASC Support Group for families and professionals working with ASC (Aspergers Syndrome condition) provide just somewhere to come and chat at Close Woirrey, Ramsey (diagonally opposite the bus station). They often have Health and Education professionals dropping in for informal chats in a relaxed environment. For more information contact Estelle on 211400.
Epilepsy Action provide a coffee and chat group based at the Manx Legion Club, Market Hill, Douglas IM1 2BQ. These are held on the third Monday of the month between 6-7.30pm. Tel: 352193
Walk and Talk is suitable for all ages and abilities. Tel: 688592 , email: enquiries@msr.dtl.gov.im or check out www.gov.im/sport for more information.
Bingo at Kerroo Glass, Ramsey is open to all on Mondays 10-12 noon . Tel: 816207.
Knit and Natter is based at Cooil ny Marrey, Ramsey on Fridays 10-12 noon in Approach House. All welcome.
Jurby Craft Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the parish Hall 2-4pm. Tel 451645
Outdoors
Manx Wildlife Trust provide wheelchair access to parts of their Earystane site in Colby. Grid re: SC235715
Manx Wildlife Trust provide boardwalks suitable for easy access including wheelchairs at their Close Sartfield site in Ballaugh. Grid ref: SC358955:
Walk and Talk is suitable for all ages and abilities. Tel: 688592 , email: enquiries@msr.dtl.gov.im or check out www.gov.im/sport for more information
Sponsorship by the Celton Manx Recognition Awards scheme enabled Disability Networks to purchase a beach wheelchair. This service operates from Outdoors Ramsey during shop hours on a discretionary donations basis. Booking ahead is essential so that they can prepare it for you. Ring 819082
Sailing for the Disabled: Sailing for the Disabled offers adults and children with conditions that affects their day to day life, whether it is physical mental or emotional the opportunity of sailing on our own boat Pride of Mann III. You do not need any previous experience of sailing – some have never been in a yacht before. It is a sport that may be tried at any age and with virtually any disability, including people in wheelchairs and those with visual and hearing impairment. email membership@sftd-iom.com Tel. 471666 Email Membership@manx.net
The Childrens Centre – The Children’s Centre Farm provides a nurturing and educational environment, helping children, young people (birth-18) to grow whilst reconnecting with the countryside. We also offer services to families who may require extra support. The Children’s Centre farm remains the focus of all the work we do. Carers can self refer using our charitableservicessupport@thechildrenscentr.org.im
The Farm has new accessibility points. For more information please visit The Childrens Centre website on: www.thechildrenscentre.org.im Tel: 676076 email: info@thechildrenscentre.org.im
The Island’s promenades provide level walking sites
Access to the Manx National Glens
Access Information for the Manx National Glens.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) is presently responsible for our lovely Manx National Glens and is keen to make them more accessible. Improvement works are in progress though some glens will never be fully accessible due to their terrain. As part of that initiative, access information has been included in this book. We hope this will help you decide which glen may be suitable for you. Note that everyone’s needs are unique according to their limitations and also the equipment at their disposal and any information given is merely a rough guide. However we hope the access information contained will encourage residents and tourists alike to venture out and enjoy these beautiful spaces.
Team work has given us the information included. Shirley Huyton and Beth Martin, volunteers from Disability Networks, reviewed the more accessible glens with a wheelchair. Husband and wife team Ian and Kerry Sharp (MLC) have kindly done on-site research for access including information for the visually impaired in the remainder of the glens. Author Susan Jellis and husband Graham also walked the glens with access in mind for the book. Access icons are included in the book but more detailed information is available online at www.disabilitynetworks.info, giving further insight for suitability.
Remember that this feedback related to one visit one day and circumstances can change, such as path slippage or path improvements by DEFA, cafes opening and closing etc. Our reviewers have tried to take into consideration all of the concerns and questions you may have but a quick call ahead to check on current conditions for any facilities is always a good idea. Many cafes are seasonal. If there is no cafe onsite, we have suggested the nearest facility.
Some glens have only one path but others have options. Our reviewers have tried to give you some idea of walking distance but it is only an approximate figure. All the glens welcome dog walkers including assistance dogs. Seats are available in most of the glens. These can be basic but provide a perching point designed to rest your legs and lungs. Others are very comfortable. Many have a good view from them. We hope that you are inspired to get out and start exploring our glens.
Ballaglass Glen Access Review
Car parking – Yes
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No, lot of tree roots
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – No, Maughold village public toilets are the nearest
Toilets – No, same as above
Playground – No
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – Top part of glen from the car park is fairly flat with a wide pathway. This is a great location to enjoy being among the trees. We don’t think it would be suitable for wheelchair access as there’s an incline from the entrance gate up to the path. The rest of the glen is very steep with narrow path and definitely not accessible although accessible for the adventurous person with limited sight.
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Large print menu – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Dhoon cafe, Ramsey
Ballure Glen Access Review
Car parking – No
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – No
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – No
Toilets – No
Playground – No but there is a recreational area to the south of the top of the glen with space to kick a football round, benches and views
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – Fairly steep climb. Not accessible for wheelchairs. Fine for adventurous partially-sighted people with guide.
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Plenty in Ramsey
Distance – approx 400 metres return
Bishopscourt Glen Access Review
Car Park – Layby gives a wide space for two vehicles on the busy main road. Another layby further on gives more
Accessible Parking – No
Assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Unassisted wheelchair access – beware of tree roots and stones
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – Yes
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Toilets – No
Accessible toilets – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
General Comments – Stick to the left hand path. This path is reasonably even, just the odd tree root and stone. However the camber can be a little challenging at times for a wheelchair. The assister needs to be reasonably fit or rest regularly to tackle the slight incline. However just before the pond (our target destination), the incline increases considerably and the camber twists the chair to the right). It took one at the front of the chair to correct the steering and pull, plus one behind the chair to push. Once we got up the short slope it was a pleasure to sit and watch the ducks together, watch the light dance on the arching tree leaves above and small fish jump in the pond.
The nearest cafe is The Dovecote Tea Rooms in Kirk Michael. Ring 878534 to inquire about accessibility. A large print menu is available on request.
The right hand path has a flight of steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Distance approximately 1.5 miles return
Bradda Glen Access Review
Car parking – Yes, plenty in restaurant car park
Accessible car parking – Yes.
Assisted wheelchair access – No, not to the glen but is an excellent level viewing platform by the cafe overlooking the bay
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No, as above
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – Yes, hand rail throughout the glen. Excellent surface to path.
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – one
Toilets – Yes
Accessible toilet – in cafe
Toilets – in cafe
Playground – Yes, small area by cafe
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – beginning at the arched entrance with an adult in a wheelchair, difficult to control chair down the slope, too steep a drop to return. Not recommended. Left my passenger at a picnic table outside the restaurant and walked back to drive the car round to the restaurant car park to collect her
Cafe/refreshments on site – Yes. Building is accessible. Tel: 837713
Restaurant on site – Yes
Large print menu – Ask ahead
Distance – 1000 metres return
Silverdale Glen Access Review
Car Park at both ends.
Accessible car parking – Yes, in bottom car park
Assisted wheelchair access – part of the glen
Non-assisted wheelchair access – part of the glen
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – Yes
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Toilets – yes
Accessible toilets – Yes, outside at cafe, radar key required
Playground – Yes
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – started at the top car park. Turned a corner in the path and realised that the slope was too steep for a wheelchair with passenger to go down or return that way. Turned round, back in car and went to other end of the glen where the playground and cafe are based. This area is reasonably level and accessible. The path up the glen from this end is more accessible but fresh loose gravel had been put down in two places, making pushing the chair difficult. I expect these will consolidate in future. Then we came to a muddy spot and my passenger decreed it was time to go back for an ice cream. By this time I was tired of the challenge and happily agreed.
Cafe/refreshments on site – Yes, at the bottom entrance. Ice cream parlour is on the level but there is a set of steps up into the cafe with a hand rail. Picnic tables outside by the mill pond provide an alternative to eat your ice cream or ask in the cafe if they could bring food out to you. Tel: 823474
Restaurant on site – No
Distance – not sure, failed to get the whole length
Dhoon Glen Access Review
Car parking – yes, across the main road
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – No
Toilets – Yes
Playground – No
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – Need good legs to negotiate this glen. Upper pathway (known as Fisherman’s Path) is wide, grassy and muddy at times. Not accessible for wheelchair but fine for adventurous partially sighted people. Tricky but possible. The very tricky bit is at the bottom of this path where it meets the beach. Some careful climbing down rocks is needed. Partially-sighted people are advised to come down this path and walk back up the steep glen, past the waterfalls. This path has lots of steps and handrails
Cafe/refreshments on site – Seasonal Cafe
Restaurant on site – No
Large print menu – promised to produce one
Elfin Glen and Claughbane Woods Access Review
Car parking – No, but there is a car park at the Hairpin on the Mountain Road
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – No
Toilets – No
Playground – Adventure area
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – The paths in this Glen are steep, often with steps. However, they are accessible to the adventurous partially sighted or blind person if they have an experienced guide. Overhanging branches and exposed roots on the pathways. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Plenty in Ramsey
Glen Helen Access Review
Car parking – Yes, plenty
Accessible parking – No
Assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Non-assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – Yes
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes, plenty
Toilets – Yes
Accessible toilets – Yes
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Cafe/refreshments on site – Yes, seasonal
Large print menu – ******
Inclines and comments – The left side of the Glen, out to the waterfall has a good, accessible footpath. It is a wide path, no overhanging trees, just a few tree roots. The wooden platform area at the end, by the waterfall, has been especially designed to be fully accessible and has a wide ‘turning circle’ for wheelchairs. A reasonable level of fitness is required for the assistant pushing a wheelchair if you are to reach the waterfall (or a second assistant). On crossing the bridge near the waterfall, the path steeply ascends to the top of the Glen. This path is not suitable for wheelchairs. There are steps and some boardwalks. The top path is wide and flat. There are a few exposed tree roots. The path then descends quite steeply down a narrow road, back to the main road and car park. Fine for adventurous partially sighted/blind with guide.
The cafe has a ramp for access and a WC for the disabled. It also has tables and benches outside. There are glamping pods to hire at the bottom of the glen.
Distance – approx two miles return to the waterfall.
Glen Wyllin Access Review
Parking – Yes, plenty
Accessible Parking – No
Assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Non-assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – Yes
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Toilets – Yes
Accessible toilets – Yes
Assistance dogs allowed – yes
Cafe/refreshments on site – Yes
Picnic Table – Yes
General comments – The path has a tarmac surface which helps to easily push a wheelchair but when going from the beach towards the cafe/shop, the last 50 yards is more effort to push uphill. After the cafe the incline evens out again. The cafe serving the campsite has a talking door bell placed at the exit door to allow you to ask for assistance. If the warden is some distance away they can tell you when they will return. Recommend that wheelchairs avoid the one-way system through the shop.
Both the cafe and toilets will only be open when the campsite is open.
Distance approximately 1 mile return.
Groudle Glen Access Review
Car parking – No but there is parking on main road by the old Groudle Glen Hotel or at the bottom of the Glen, past the Groudle Glen Holiday Cottages.
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – No
Toilets – No
Playground – No
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – From Old Groudle Hotel, the path descends steeply. Not accessible for wheelchairs. Fine for adventurous partially sighted/blind with guide. Lower path is flat, along river bank. Path is uneven but fairly wide and leads along to Groudle Beach. There is another entrance on the Groudle Coast Road. Path here is grassy/muddy and follows river before descending steeply. Not accessible for wheelchairs
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Onchan
Laxey Glen Access Review
Car parking – Yes
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible car parking – Yes
Accessible toilets – Yes but only in the Pavilion Cafe
Toilets – Yes in the glen itself but not accessible
Playground – Yes
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments – If you want the flattest and easiest route, I would suggest that when you drive in you take the immediate turn on the left. Drive down to the bottom car park. This gives you a gentle incline up the glen and a flat run to the playground. If rain has been persistent the path can get muddy.
If you want to go to the cafe, drive back to the entrance and take the road that rises to the right at the entrance. Once up there the tarmac surface is reasonably flat to the cafe. The Pavilion Café has indoor facilities plus benches and picnic tables outside where you can soak up any sun and admire the trees while you enjoy refreshments.
Cafe/refreshments on site – Yes – but phone them as opening hours may be sporadic. Tel: 862121
Lhergy Frissel Access Review
Car parking – Nearest car park is at the Hairpin on the Mountain Road
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – No
Toilets – No
Playground – No
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – Very steep paths up from Hair Pin, involving steps. Some paths are very narrow and there are lots of exposed roots and overhanging branches. Not accessible for wheelchairs. Fine for adventurous partially sighted/blind with experienced guide. Path leads up to the Albert Tower.
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Plenty in Ramsey
Distance – depends which path you take. Lots of options
Molly Quirk’s Glen and Bibaloe Walk Access Review
Car parking – No, but there is a layby on the main road at Whitebridge and parking in Ballachrink Estate for another access point
Accessible car parking – No
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – No
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Toilets – No
Accessible toilets – No
Playground – No but plenty of tiny fairy houses to hunt down
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – Both the Whitebridge and the Ballachrink entrances lead down steep paths. There are tree roots in places but generally, there are few over-hanging branches. Not wheelchair accessible but fine for adventurous partially-sighted/blind person with guide. Bibaloe Walk is on the north side of Molly Quirk’s Glen and accessed via Molly Quirk’s Glen. Path is narrow in places with exposed tree roots. Not wheelchair accessible. Fine for adventurous partially-sighted/blind person with guide
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Onchan
Distance – depends which path you take. Check the map on site
Port Soderick Glen Review
Car parking – Yes. Near the beach, take the car park on the right which places you close to the bottom entrance of the glen and is on the level
Accessible car parking – No.
Assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Non-assisted wheelchair access – Yes
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – Yes
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Yes
Accessible toilets – No
Toilets – No
Playground – No but there are a few rope swings over the shallow river and across slopes
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – we took the fork in the path on the right to avoid slopes and this took us up to the Glen sign at the top. The path is gravel but is well bedded in, so okay for wheelchair access
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – take a picnic or go to Douglas
Distance – approx 1200 metres return up to the bench by the bridge and river and back
Tholt y Will Glen Access Review
Car parking – Yes
Assisted wheelchair access – No
Non-assisted wheelchair access – It would be difficult to get from the car park to the grassy area by the bridge as there’s no pathway. It would be easy, I think, to put a sloping path in. This would then take the person to the picnic table by the river.
Facilities for the mobility impaired (walking stick, frame) – No
Rest seats for the mobility impaired – Picnic bench, rest bench half way up the glen and at the top
Accessible car parking – No
Accessible toilets – the accessible toilet in the old cafe is locked
Toilets – No
Playground – No
Facilities for blind and visually impaired people – No
Assistance dogs allowed – Yes
Comments on inclines – Steep climb up the Glen – zig zag paths. Pathway surface good for adventurous partially sighted person with experienced guide. Partially sighted people are advised to climb up the Glen and walk back down along the road. Alternatively, walk down and turn off left to the Reservoir, across the reservoir then turn right along a footpath which brings you back to the main carpark. This path does have a fairly steep incline however it is manageable with a guide.
Cafe/refreshments on site – No
Restaurant on site – No
Nearest cafe if none on site – Sulby Hotel or The Ginger public house
Computer
Free computer and internet access with disabled access available at::
Age IOM classes, Ramsey Town Hall in the library, Parliament Square, Ramsey, Tel: 810146, Ramsey Library
Leonard Cheshire Drop-in Centre, Main Road, Onchan – Monday to Friday 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. The drop in has eight computers, two printers and some height adjustable desks for wheelchair users, facilities for hot drinks and a disabled toilet.
For over 50’s Age Isle of Man run computer Lifelong Learning Centres at their Douglas Head Office; Douglas iMuseum; Ramsey Library on the first floor (accessible lift available);House of Mannanan in Peel and Southlands Resource Centre. For more information call 631740 or call in at the office at 19 Drinkwater Street, Douglas or check out https://www.ageconcern.im/
Shopping
Circa Shopmobility provide assistance with shopping in Douglas for those whose physical mobility is impaired by providing aids such as wheelchairs and other equipment. See www.circa.org.im or tel: 613713 or email enquiries@circa.org.im. The office is located on Level 2, Chester Street car park, Market Street, Douglas, IM1 2PG.
Red Cross lends out equipment eg wheelchairs in lieu of donations if your disability is temporary or you have a disabled guest coming to visit and you want to take them out, tel: 639310.
Tynwald Mills Shopping Centre at St Johns has good level access, wheelchairs to borrow at the front door and a disabled toilet available.
Art/Arts
The Manx Stroke Foundation offers an Art Group for those affected by stroke. Contact tel: 616885, email info@manxstrokefoundation.org or view www.manxstrokefoundation.org
Peel Centenary Centre also offers an Art Group and the building has disabled access, see www.centenarycentre.com or tel: 843480 to speak to Norman Teare Director/Art Group).
The Gaiety Theatre now has a rolling subtitles facility which is visible from a number of points in the auditorium, useful for the deaf and partially hearing impaired. Ring the Villa Marine Complex on tel: 600555 for more information about which dates this facility operates.
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ESSENTIAL COMPANION SCHEME
Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre (VillaGaiety) in conjunction with Isle of Man Government is committed to enabling all our patrons to participate in our events equally with dignity and respect.
VillaGaiety would like everyone to enjoy all the services and facilities on offer and in order to further this commitment, have adopted the Essential Companion scheme. For the purposes of this policy, a person with disability is understood, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 2006(section 1(1), as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
VillaGaiety operates the Essential Companion Scheme for those who need somebody to be present, in order to assist them to readily access the theatre and its services, by the means of mobility or guidance. This is open to both individual and organisations and the correct form should be completed in each case.
The Essential Companion should familiarise themselves with the layout of the venue and the location of services. They should liaise with staff if the person with a disability requires assistance, and take instructions should there be a need to evacuate the building. The Essential Companion is required to attend to the needs of the person with a disability at all times whilst on the premises.
How The Scheme Works
Our Essential Companion scheme allows members a complementary ticket, so that they can bring along a companion with them, at no additional cost. To join, the person with the disability, or their appointed representative, must complete and sign the application form, and return it to the address at the bottom of the Application Form. The contact details on the form should be those of the person with a disability, not of the Essential Companion. The scheme is not open to, or intended, for those who simply require a companion/ friend to assist them with transportation to and from the venue. The scheme is not offered to anyone who can cope independently in a public venue.
Enjoyable Visit
The information that you provide us with will help to ensure that we provide the best service for you. There is a space on the form to tell us about your particular needs. For example is your mobility equipment of an unusual size or shape Is it motorised This information enables us to allocate the correct amount of space for you. All information is protected by the Data Protection Act 2002 and it will only be used for the purpose set out in this document.
VillaGaiety cannot provide unlimited access for its shows and events. The allocation of complimentary places will be determined by the capacity for each event and provided on a first come, first served basis. Please note that hire shows may not wish to be part of the scheme or offer a limited number of places. All shows, promoted through VillaGaiety will offer this scheme.
Important
It is accepted that a wheelchair may be used to assist in access to and around the venue and we accept that it may be preferred for you to transfer to a theatre seat. However, if you are transferring to a theatre seat, you will need to be independently capable of leaving the venue in the event of an evacuation, without access to your wheelchair. If you are unable to fulfil this, in line with Risk Assessments, Health and Safety and the Fire Safety Officer, you will need to remain in your wheelchair and if available we will relocate you to a wheelchair position.
Play
Safe Hands Play Therapy uses play and creative arts to help children address their difficulties. There is a charge for sessions. Play therapist Jan Watson can be contacted on tel: 456931.
Relaxation
Brahma Kumaris offer meditation and relaxation opportunities without charge at 20, Appledene Court, Woodlands View, IM2 2BU. See www.brahmakumaris.org/uk/whatson and put Isle of Man in the location choice to find the programme of courses.
Manx National Heritage
On Manx National Heritage sites, carers accompanying disabled visitors enter free. They also offer some good value tickets for multiple sites. Find details at Visitor Information sites, Manx National Heritage sites or ring 648000. They have the Island’s only changing place in the museum which is fully accessible and have up-graded the accessibility on the ground floor of Castle Rushen
For MNH accessibility information visit www.manxnationalheritage.im then go to Visit, click on Historic Attractions, and select a site. At the bottom of the page under Related Documents find the Access Guide as a document of a PDF to decide if a location would be suitable for your needs. Castle Rushen has ground floor access for wheelchairs.
Mobile Services
Hairdressers
Amanda Caroline Dawson tel: 465475
Hairdressing at Home by Andrew, all-island coverage tel:490920
Liz Thompson tel:459263
Beauticians
Keira Corteen of Mannin Nails and Beauty tel: 350878
Podiatrists
Feet First – Emma Gelling tel:07624 421578
Misc
Manx Natural Healing Centre provides a drop-in situation regarding natural healing and complementary therapies. Find it at Manx Natural Healing Centre, CENTRE 21, (first right off) GREENFIELD ROAD (the road leading from TT Grandstand up to Isle of Man College), DOUGLAS. Contact tel: 673824.
The Gaiety Theatre now has a rolling subtitles facility which is visible from a number of points in the auditorium, useful for the deaf and partially hearing impaired. Ring the Villa Marine Complex on tel: 600555 for more information about which dates this facility operates.
Audio loops for the hearing impaired are found at Peel Centenary Centre, Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre, Douglas. The Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin has a Sennheiser Infrared Hearing System for people with impaired hearing.
The Institute at Laxey has nearly completed building fully accessible facilities, tel:414299 or check out www.theinstitute.im.
Suitable public leisure venues for visits for those in wheelchairs include Douglas Promenade, Villa Marina Complex in Douglas, Mooragh Park, St Paul’s Shopping Mall in Ramsey, Tynwald Mills Shopping Complex in St Johns, Peel Promenade including over the footbridge and round the harbour and Port Erin Promenade.
If you know of more please give feedback using the feedback option on the home page or by emailing disabilitynetworks@manx.net.
Leonard Cheshire Foundation Isle of Man offer Outreach Services to the physically disabled, supporting individuals in a wide range of activities to ensure that individual potential and maximum independence is achieved, tel:817071.
The Island’s mobile library service carries over 4,000 books and takes 10 different routes over a 2 week period. For more details tel: 640650 email: mobile@familylibrary.im or view www.familylibrary.im
The Isle of Man Motor Museum in Jurby is fully accessible and has a large selection of vintage bikes and other interesting vehicles. Check out www.isleofmanmotormuseum.com tel:888333 or email info@isleofmanmotormuseum.com for more information.
Eating Out
The link below will take you to the DisabledGo site where 1200 plus Island properties have been assessed and listed. Not all are appropriate for some disabilities so read the information given carefully.
http://www.disabledgo.com/organisations/isle-of-man-government/main-2
Some of our Island’s licensed victuallers have worked hard and got together to compile a list of accessible pubs. See http://www.inapub.co.uk/pubs/facilities/Isle-of-Man/Disabled-Access
Please let us know if you find/run any more suitable cafes/restaurants for these pages using the feedback tab. Many thanks!
The Department of Economic Development has a list of eating places included in the Taste Isle of Man Scheme with accessibility symbols. These premises have been inspected and have qualified to be included in this quality eatery guide regarding their food, service and premises. Please note that the accessibility information has been provided by the owners and has not been graded by qualified inspectors. For more details tel: 685965.
Below are some observations of our own:
North
Milntown restaurant has level access, a disabled toilet, plenty of room to move around, is light and spacious with good views of the walled garden. However the acoustics are not great for the hard of hearing when the restaurant is busy. The disabled parking has a walk of about 50yds to the restaurant, tel:812321.
Lakeside Centre in the Mooragh Park, Ramsey has level access, a disabled toilet, indoor and outdoor tables and a good view of the lake. Disabled Parking can be found about 40 yards away, tel: 812985.
Ramsey Park Hotel has level access, and a disabled toilet on the ground floor available to anyone visiting the restaurant. The view here is of the lake and mountains. Parking close by tel: 818123.
Northern Swimming Pool Cafe has level access and a disabled toilet and overlooks the harbour and mountains. Disabled parking close by, tel: 812852.
Costa in Ramsey offers a small step from the Parliament Street entry, a disabled toilet and overlooks the paved Courthouse area, where you can enjoy your purchase inside or outside if desired. However beware of the floor as you enter if there has been any rain, it gets slippy, tel: 819141.
South
The Sound Restaurant, Cregneish has level access, a disabled toilet at the side of the building, disabled parking just outside and a spectacular view over the Sound and the Calf of Man, tel: 838123.
Costa in Castletown has level access and an accessible toilet. Great views over the harbour too.
Bradda Cafe has a level viewing platform outside nearby with picnic tables, one suitable for a wheelchair, The site overlooks Port Erin bay, The cafe has an accessible toilet.
East
Costa in the Sea Terminal Douglas has level access and a disabled toilet available. Disabled parking available outside, tel: 679227, serves coffee, tea and cakes.
Noa Bakehouse, Douglas has level access and a spacious disabled/family toilet. tel: 618063. Great soda bread and croissants.
Davisons Ice Cream Parlour on the Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas has level access. A disabled toilet is available within the Arcade. Tables are available to sit outside, however the traffic is noisy for those who are hard of hearing. Check out https://davisons.co.im/ or tel: 665000 for more information.Disabled parking is available through the main gates of the Villa Marina or can be accessed in Chester Street car park, both about 100 yards away.
The Italian Job on the Villa Marina Arcade, Douglas had level access but appear to have closed the level access door and are now using one with a small step as their main door. A disabled toilet is available within the Arcade. Disabled parking is available through the main gates of the Villa Marina or can be accessed in Chester Street car park, both about 100 yards away, tel: 676905.
Cornmill Cafe, Laxey has a disabled toilet accessed from outside and has level access at the front of the building, tel: 863616.
West
The House of Manannan offers level access and a disabled toilet for cafe users or exhibition visitors. Disabled parking is past the building in the parking area, about 60 yards.
The Boatyard Cafe, Peel has level access and a disabled toilet. The cafe overlooks the marina and Peel Hill. Parking is available on the quayside outside, but there is no designated disabled parking at present here, tel: 845470
Niarbyl Bay Cafe has level access, a disabled toilet accessed from outside the building, (so that other visitors can access it too), disabled parking just outside and a breathtaking view of the Western coastline, tel:843300 for more specific information.
Holidays and Short Breaks
If travelling away just seems too much trouble, the Isle of Man has a number of high quality accessible places to relax in. Choose between the serviced or self-catering sectors, whichever suits your needs best. All Island holiday accommodation is independently quality graded so you can rest assured that your chosen location does not disappoint.
The National Accessible Scheme has been introduced on the Island in 2014 to give you information about properties that have to be accessible to be included – for the accessible properties page visit www.visitisleofman.com/accommodation/accessible.xml
These properties have been independently inspected to comply with the UK National Accessibility Scheme (NAS). Alternatively check out www.visitisleofman.com then click on the Accommodation Search option, click on Accessibility Options, opt for the appropriate type, click search then scroll down to find what is available for the dates required on-Island.
Enjoy your Manx break!
Heritage Venues
Motability scooters at Milntown House and Gardens are available for the less able who wish to visit. Book ahead so they are freshly charged up, tel:812321, email milntown@manx.net or view www.milntown.org.
Jurby Transport Museum has level access.
Isle of Man Motor Museum has level access and accessible toilets.
Castle Rushen – The very nature of the best preserved medieval castle in Britain makes it tricky to improve accessibility but now the ground floor is accessible to wheelchairs. Manx National Heritage have put wireless buttons in to open glass doors. These keep in the new heating so you are warm in the shop and the ground floor rooms. There is a new and less steep ramp with good handrails through the portcullis to the inner castle. From there you will find another wheelchair ramp and handrail into the ground floor rooms. The interpretation exhibition has been refreshed and the lighting is excellent in here. There are interactive displays so that those who cannot access the remainder of the castle can explore the castle virtually, using the 3D photography utilised. This has proved very popular with youngsters. Not refreshed but available is an accessible toilet in the grounds. Costa Cafe is near to the entrance, by the harbour, and has level access and an accessible toilet.