WINTER SUN

Be it in Britain, on the continent or a little further afield, there are many places that can help you leave the seasonal blues behind.

While traditional winter weather might have a certain romantic appeal, these days it’s somewhat spoiled by the fact that snow is rarely to be found in Britain – let alone lying deep, or crisp, or even. The short grey days seem at odds with our sentimental images of a winter wonderland. What’s more, they tend to lose their charm quite quickly, particularly once the excitement of Christmas and New Year have drained away.

But fear not, because there are still plenty of alternatives to the dull, short days of winter. Take your cue from the animal kingdom and head south for the winter in search of that elusive gold sphere in the sky.

CLOSE TO HOME
You probably won’t need to pack your sun cream, hat or even your Hawaiian shirt to travel to any part of Britain at this time of year, you can still enjoy a bit of seasonal escapism without leaving these shores. An expedition to our island’s southwestern extremity could prove just the tonic and perhaps even leave you feeling like you’ve been abroad.

Much of Cornwall feels like a different country and, thanks to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream which allows the fertile soil to push up palm trees, the county has some verdant and almost tropical terrain. As a result of this mild climate, Cornwall is blessed with some of the most remarkable gardens in Britain, many of which are also incredibly accessible and, as an added bonus, attached to stately houses which are also well worth a tour. However, the jewel in the crown is a garden that, remarkably, remains unaffected by the elements. Whatever the weather, the giant domes of the Eden Project offer an accessible venue within which you can sample a taster of many places in the planet, all within a single day.

Visitors less interested in vegetation might be drawn to another major attraction of England’s southwestern protrusion – the long, dramatic and extremely varied coastline. This writhes and wriggles its way right down to the tip of the Lizard’s tail until it terminates abruptly at Land’s End. While some of Cornwall’s more hardy surfers can be seen braving the winter waves, the less radical among us should avoid too much amphibious activity and be content to stay on dry ground. Staying out of the water doesn’t confine you to a holiday of inactivity, however, there is some fantastic scenery to enjoy from the vantage point of the area’s many accessible coastal routes (01392 838 560, www.southwestcoastpath.com).

Should the sea air be a little too bracing then at least you’ll have an excellent excuse to settle in to one of the numerous pubs dotted along the coastline, many of which are reminiscent of the days when this was a county of wreckers, smugglers and pirates. Many of these serve up the delicious fresh seafood from which Cornwall’s culinary reputation is famously forged, and more still offer the pasty that is now synonymous with the county, a treat that tastes all the better when washed down with a few local ales.

THE MEDITERRANEAN
Spain’s reputation as a holiday destination has suffered a little in recent times from an influx of unsavoury Brits – rarely a day goes by without the media reporting the sort of incidents that do little to enhance the reputation of Brits abroad. However, there is fortunately a great deal more to the Iberian Peninsula than sunburnt skin. One of the areas unsullied by this particular problem is the Costa Brava, which runs down the country’s northeastern flank.

This stretch of the Mediterranean still offers a flavour of on older Iberia, as well as beautiful and comparatively undeveloped beaches. While by no means roasting, winter temperatures can reach a very pleasant 20°C in the daytime – the perfect temperature for exploring the numerous cultural sights. What’s more, according to Stephen Pritchard of holiday company Access at Last, visiting these attractions is remarkably easy for wheelchair users.

On a trip to Reus, hometown of the great Catalan architect Gaudi, Pritchard was amazed by the number of options available to people with all levels of mobility. His hotel, the four star Marvel Coma-Ruga, was equipped with accessible balconies overlooking the sea, a gym with sauna and wonderful restaurants. Staff could even arrange a trip to see Catalonian giants Barcelona play football at their stadium – the legendary arena of the Nou Camp.

One of the highlights of Stephen’s stay in this cosmopolitan part of Spain was a wine-tasting trip with a difference, which took him to the monastery and vineyards of Santa Maria de Poblet. The monks still produce Torres wine, their own special brew, in the area surrounding these beautiful 12th century Cistercian buildings, so a tour of the monastery can be as refreshing as it is enlightening.

THE CARIBBEAN
While southern Europe and even the south of the UK may offer options for a respite from winter, you’ll need to head closer to the Equator if you feel that suntans and swimming are an essential element of holidays away. If so, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean could be the answer, as they’ve long been a favoured destination for sunseekers.

Although many of its innumerable islands can be quite expensive – both to get to and once you’re there – the eastern coast of Mexico can prove a relatively economical alternative, yet one that shares the same climactic and geographical advantages of the likes of St Lucia or St Kitts. According to Michael Davis of Disabled Access Holidays, the Caribbean coastline of Mexico is sprinkled with some excellent access-friendly resorts. Although such largely self-contained resorts might not be the ideal destination for the culturally curious, they can offer a huge range of inclusive activities – from diving to deep sea fishing – to keep even the most hyperactive of holidaymakers entertained.

On the other hand, those who want to relax should find the combination of warm white sand and clear blue waters a welcome break from the drabness of winter at home. What’s more, the hotels within the resorts – such as those run by Occidental – tend to be “palatial and of a very high standard,” says Michael. “They cater wonderfully for those with all levels of mobility, making your stay incredibly comfortable and remarkably stress-free” – and leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your beach-side tequila – cocktail umbrella and all!

FURTHER INFORMATION

CORNWALL
Cornwall Tourist Board
01872 322 900
www.cornwalltouristboard.co.uk

Disability Cornwall
01736 756655
www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk

South West Tourism
01392 353 222
www.accessiblesouthwest.co.uk

THE MEDITERRANEAN
Access at Last
01772 814 555
visit www.accessatlast.com

THE CARIBBEAN
Disabled Access Holidays
0845 257 0113
www.disabledaccessholidays.com

January/February 2008.