We sponsored an episode of The Skies We’re Under podcast in 2024, a ‘refreshing and relatable podcast that focuses on the realities of parenting children with disabilities’, a media outlet of popular SEND resource, Born At The Right Time. Joanna Holmes works for BATRT and has holidayed with us on several occasions. Here she shares her recommended Things To Do and Places to Visit for families with complex needs staying at Trevassack.
Same S*!t, Better Location!
‘Same S*!t Different Location’ is the title of an episode of ‘The Skies We’re Under’ podcast, a podcast by and for families of children with complex disabilities.
And it’s true… as parent carers, wherever we go as a family the routines of daily care don’t stop because we’re on holiday. Feeds need making, syringes need washing, food needs blending, moving needs to be done safely… and many other things.
These things are as true at Trevassack as much as anywhere BUT when it comes to holidays at Trevassack I would say, ‘Same S*!t, Better Location’!
Firstly, a purpose built accessible holiday home is in many ways much easier to be in than a 1940s semi-detached house adapted in the best way a disabled facilities grant can manage. At Trevassack there’s just so much space! We can move around the house without constantly having to say ‘excuse me Lucy’ as we move her chair yet again to manoeuvre between the dining table and clothes airer. The other thing is the view from the accommodation.
Here it is… not bad in spite of the rain eh?
As you can see, there’s a hoist over the hot tub… oh yes, did I mention that there’s a hot tub? (Another way Claire Milne House is better than our house)
Claire Milne House, one of three, purpose-built holiday houses at Trevassack Lake (along with three wheelchair-friendly cabins), is equipped with an electric profiling bed and integrated electric ceiling track, hoisting through from bedroom to bathroom. There’s also shower seat/commode and a whole host of available aids on request (all free of charge).
This year was our third visit to Trevassack and the 7 hour drive was totally worth it. Of course, the drive is not easy but over the years we’ve honed our ‘Premier Inn one night stay’ procedure pretty well. There’s also great information about motorway services with Changing Places Toilets at https://motorwayservices.uk/Changing_Places – invaluable for planning a long journey. (Although we learned from experience this time to check that the CPT is available on the side of the carriageway you’re on.)
Over the last three years we’ve managed to check out quite a lot of what the area has to offer and can definitely pick highlights, so here are our top tips of what to do while you’re here:
1. Get out on the water with Children's Sailing Trust
As you can see from the pictures, there’s a lake on site. This is where Children’s Sailing Trust provides watersports for all ages and abilities through their CST Experiences. The first year we came we were happy to watch and scope out what was available. I was very nervous about booking anything for Lucy until I’d seen for myself what the situation was. After I’d seen that the set up was in fact just as accessible and well supported as I’d been told by the staff and the website, in year two I picked up the courage for Lucy and I to have a go. This year we tried taking Lucy out sailing but the wind was too calm and she nodded off so our little thrill seeker had a spin in the speedboat instead, again set up for her to be able to be comfortable and access the experience.
Note from TH: you can chat to the watersports team in advance of your holiday to organise bespoke sessions adapted to your individual needs. All guests get 15% discount on activities, too!
2. Wet Wheels South West (Falmouth)
Lucy has loved the wind in her face since she was a tiny baby, which is why a trip out on Wet Wheels has become a holiday staple for us while we’re in Cornwall. Based out of Falmouth, Wet Wheels South West provide sea trips on wheelchair accessible boats. Our tip if you want a trip with Wet Wheels is to book it for close to the beginning of your holiday. They have to cancel if the weather isn’t safe and so if you book for the beginning of your holidays there’s a chance you’ll get to reschedule due to bad weather – I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out. We had two very special bonuses this year. First, Falmouth now has a public Changing Places Toilet near the marina. Second, we saw DOLPHINS!!! Lucy found the dolphins very boring and, once again, going slow sent her to sleep but, as ever, she perked up when the speed got up. The skipper Dave is terrific and makes sure everyone has a great trip.
3. The Eden Project
We’ve been to the Eden Project a couple of times; once before Lucy was born and once on our first visit to Trevassack in 2022. It’s a really special experience and if you’re travelling a long way to Cornwall then it’s one not to miss. Personally I’m a big fan of the lovely warm domes and the rich sensory experience they provide – although summer months it can be a very busy wander around. Access is good around the site for wheelchairs and the design of the domes mean it’s possible to get close to things to see them. It’s a very large site though and there’s only one Changing Places Toilet which is in the visitor centre as you arrive – a long way from the domes, so that’s worth bearing in mind.
4. Cornish Seal Sanctuary
This is only at Gweek, just down the road from Trevassack. We had two visits here last year as your ticket lets you visit for a whole year and we’re from Yorkshire so we like to get our money’s worth. Access around the site is great and there’s a little land train to get around too. No Changing Places though which was a shame and limited the time we could spend there. They’re doing lovely work caring for injured seal pups and releasing them and caring for seals who wouldn’t survive in the wild. You can see the seals close up and they’re easy to see from a wheelchair.
5. Just driving and exploring the coast
Trevassack is on the Lizard peninsula and surrounded by beautiful coastline and fishing villages. Access is not so great in some of these spots as the sea isn’t thinking of ramps when it erodes the coast. We’ve used our 3-wheel buggy and managed to explore which has been a lot of fun. I think it’s good to venture out of your comfort zone sometimes and see what’s possible and each trip we’ve been able to do so knowing we have a safe accessible base to come back to at the end of the day. If you don’t fancy seeing if you can just make it down an ancient slipway (and who could blame you) then there are plenty of coastal roads and well placed car parks to appreciate the beautiful coastline.
Note from TH: Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow on site, if suitable.
Places to eat near Trevassack
The Trevassack Lake Cafe, onsite is a delight. This year a delicious roast on the first full day was a great start to our holiday.
My favourite pasty is an Ann’s Pasty – this may be controversial for some as I know locally Gear Farm is considered the best, but for me Ann’s flaky pastry and peppery filling combo can’t be beaten. Saffron buns are a lovely local treat with butter and cheese but there’s so much delicious food in Cornwall worth exploring.
TLC roast:
The Lizard is one of my favourite places on earth and has been since a terrific trip my husband and I had before we had Lucy. I’m so glad we found Trevassack and have a place we can go to share it with her.
So yes, to a degree any holiday involves the same s*!t in a different location, as wherever we go we have to pack loads of things other families don’t have to think about, but having places like Trevassack to spend time in provides us not just the physical but the mental space to take time out together as a family.
WRITTEN BY: Joanna Holmes
Jo is a parent/ carer. She lives in west Yorkshire with her husband Drew and daughter Lucy.
She is a Trainer and Partnership Development Officer at Born at the Right Time.
To find out more about Born at the Right Time and listen to The Skies We’re Under Podcast go to https://www.bornattherighttime.com
