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Address : Marine Drive West, Regis Ave, Bognor Regis PO21 2FZ Location Located in Bognor Regis, Aldwick Beach is a quieter alternative to the main Bognor beach. As with all beaches in this area, the upper beach is pebbled, and as the tide goes further out you get sand. There are two cafes at this location, as well as the Marine Park Gardens , which run alongside the Marine Drive. What's there? At Aldwick Beach, you will find the Aldwick Beach Cafe, with its lunch tables overlooking the sea. When visiting the Marine Park Gardens , you will find flower beds full of colour, an 18-hole putting green, plenty of seating, and water fountains. There is also the West Park Cafe, located just off the beach. West Park is a large open green space with its own café, public toilets, children’s play area, and pay-and-display parking. Parking There is pay-and-display parking along the Marine Driv e next to the beach. There are no specified disabled parking spaces. Blue Badge users park for free. Accessibility Aldwick is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, with plentiful parking next to the beach. The Marine Park Gardens, and both cafes, are accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Aldwick Beach is not the best for wheelchair users, with only two dropped curbs located at either end of the parking, and a longer distance needed to travel to reach the Beach Cafe. The main Bognor Beach is more wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, with accessible ramps and parking. The West Park Cafe is dog friendly. Conclusion Overall, Aldwick Beach is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances and offers a quieter alternative to more popular beaches nearby.

Address : Lower St, Shere, Guildford GU5 9HT Location Shere is a picturesque village located between the towns of Guildford and Dorking. The village is home to many charming historic buildings, including the 12th-century St James Church. There are lots of small shops, cafes, and pubs, as well as a stream that runs through the centre of the village. Shere is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a short distance from Newlands Corner , one of the most popular parts of the Surrey Hills . Shere has been featured in many films and tv shows, including Silent Witness, Bridge t Jones, and The Mummy (2017). For the full list - Click Here What's there? Local shops and facilities include: The White Horse pub The Bray pub The Dabbling Duck Cafe Shere Delights ice cream shop Playground Museum Stream views Public toilets And much more Parking Shere car park is free to use, and is located a short walk from the centre of the village (about 100 metres). There are 3 blue-badge parking spaces. This car park can be busy during peak seasons. When visiting during less busy periods, you can also find parking on Lower Street, next to the stream. There are also a few places to park by St James Church. Accessibility Shere is accessible for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, due to its small size and useful parking location. There are benches facing the stream in the village centre, as well as a seating area (pictured above). Shere is wheelchair accessible, with plenty of paths with dropped curbs. There are some slight hills, particularly up to the church. Conclusion Overall, Shere has something to offer visitors of all ages and abilities. The village has lots of history and wonderful views. With a plentiful option of cafes, pubs, and shops, as well as the kids playground, Shere is a great place to visit with the family. Visiting during the holidays can be busy, but outside of busy seasons, Shere remains a very peaceful and relaxing village to visit.

Address : Herne Bay, CT6 5HZ Location Herne Bay is located on the north coast of Kent. It is 6 miles north of Canterbury and 4 miles east of Whitstable. With two miles of coastline, colourful beach huts, seafront gardens, and a pier, Herne Bay is the epitome of a traditional British seaside town. What's there? At Herne Bay, you will find: Sand and shingle beaches Herne Pier Herne Bay clock tower Waltrop Gardens Walkable breakwater Bandstand Arcades Cafes Public toilets Car park and roadside parking At Herne Pier, you will find: Fairground rides and games Small independent shops An entertainment stage Food huts Click Here for more information about the accessibility of Herne Pier. Parking There's plenty of roadside parking along the Central Parade. The roadside parking is pay-and-display. There are 12 disabled parking spaces along the Central Parade in-between the pier and clock tower. Parking is free for blue badge holders. Neptune car park The Neptune car park is large, and also has five spaces for overnight motorhome parking. The car park has barriers, and you play when you leave. There are 6 disabled parking bays. Prices: 1 hour: £2.70 Maximum fee, all day: £25.00 Overnight: £2.00 (in after 21:00 out by 07:30) You can sign up online for automatic payments, and there are 2 hours free for blue badge holders. Click Here for more info. Accessibility With the use of roadside parking and the Neptune car park, Herne Bay is accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are plenty of benches along the seaside path, as well as on the pier, making this location ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. The paths along the beach and on the pier are level and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. (Images of paths and benches are included at the bottom of the page.) The only place that lacked benches was the breakwater, so this could be a challenge for some visitors without the use of mobility aids. The public toilets are located just over 100 metres west of the pier. Conclusion Overall, Herne Bay is a wonderful place to explore, with accessible attractions for people of all ages and abilities. I have always been able to find a place to park next to the beach, usually less than 200 meters from the pier.

Since my diagnosis of post-COVID dysautonomia in 2021, finding ways to get outside and exercise has been difficult. After some online research, I realised an e-bike could help me travel further without the worry of straining myself or needing to rely on a wheelchair. In this blog post, I'll share my experience of using an e-bike while living with dysautonomia, highlighting its benefits as well as some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of trying one yourself. My experience In the months since getting my e-bike, I've been able to visit places I didn't think I would see again. I've spent more time outside, riding along woodland trails and seaside paths, reaching places that would be impossible for me to access on foot. I have also been able to spend more time with my family, even taking the dog for a walk for the first time since getting sick. Riding the bike has been the most accessible form of exercise for me due to its flexibility. With the use of the throttle, I can control the amount of exercise I do, depending on how I'm feeling that day. I now have more options when planning outings, as I don't have to worry about walking distances or the risk of straining myself. Being able to go out without relying on a wheelchair has restored some of my independence. Things to keep in mind It's important to take things slowly when you try your bike for the first time. In the months since buying the bike, I have been gradually going on longer rides, learning to trust the bike's battery and my physical tolerance to exercise. You don't want to wear yourself out and trigger unwanted symptoms. E-bikes are heavy due to their large batteries. If you plan on lifting the bike into your car, make sure it's not too heavy before making your purchase. In England, e-bikes are currently limited to 250w motors, which will struggle up hills without additional pedaling. I have to plan my routes to avoid larger hills on my outings. There are more powerful options that can be ordered online, if you don't mind breaking the rules. Also, there have recently been proposed changes to the government regulation to raise the motor limit to 500w. Conclusion Overall, I would highly encourage people living with a form of dysautonomia to try an e-bike. The benefits of light exercise and being outside can greatly improve the mental and physical wellbeing of people living with long-term health conditions. Click the image above to read my review of the Fiido D3, where I share my first impressions and information on the bikes specifications.

Address : Stovell Rd, Windsor SL4 5BZ Location Baths Island got its name from its use as a public outdoor swimming bath during the 1860s. The grounds are located in Windsor alongside the River Thames and offer a calm, peaceful atmosphere, ideal for picnics. Windsor Palace can be seen from the island and is located about 1 km from the park. Baths Island and Pleasure Grounds are located next to Alexandra Gardens , which can be accessed by following the riverside path. What's there? At Baths Island and Pleasure Grounds, you will find: Picnic areas Riverside views Edwards Coffee House Sydney Camm Memorial Walking through the grounds, you will find well-kept gardens and plenty of places to stop and take in the views. With a large number of trees running alongside the river, the island and its grounds have plenty of cool, shaded areas during the summer months. Edwards Coffee House offers a quiet place to sit with a view of the river. They serve freshly baked pastries as well as sandwiches, tea, coffee, and ice cream. Parking The Windsor Leisure Centre car park is very large, with 249 spaces, including 9 disabled parking bays. The car park is located right next to Baths Island and its grounds. Parking Prices: 9am-9pm Up to 1 hour –  £1.80 Up to 2 hours – £2.80 Up to 3 hours – £5.40 Up to 4 hours – £15.40 Up to 5 hours – £17.80 Over 5 hours –  £23.60 Payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, or by RingGo (Location Code: 37561) You could also park at the Alexandra Gardens Car Park , which is located between Baths Island and Alexandra Gardens. This car park is a bit more expensive and requires a slightly longer walk to reach Bath Island. Parking Prices:  9am-9pm Up to 1 hour – £2.30 1 to 2 hours – £4.60 2 to 3 hours – £7.00 3 to 4 hours – £9.30 4 to 5 hours – £14.70 Over 5 hours – £18.60 Like the Windsor Leisure Centre parking, payment can be made by cash, credit/debit card, or by RingGo - (Location Code: 62401) There are three di sabled parking bays. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders in both car parks. Accessibility There's a less than 50-metre walk from the car park to the first set of benches in the park grounds. Before you get to the island, there are frequent benches throughout the park. On the island, benches are less frequent, about every 100 metres or so. There are lunch tables on the farthest side of the island, which can be seen while crossing the bridge. The island and the grounds are accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. There are smooth paths that give access to all of the park and a large section of the island. The bridge to the island is accessed by a ramp; the slope is a little steep but shouldn't be an issue for most visitors. Conclusion In conclusion, Baths Island is a great location for visitors looking to relax with a view over the River Thames and Windsor Castle. With the cafe and plentiful picnic areas, the island is an ideal location to stop for a picturesque lunch. With plenty of benches and level paths, Baths Island & Pleasure Grounds are accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Introduction Guildford is a town in Surrey, England; Known for its cobbled high street and historic buildings. Key landmarks include, a medieval castle, Cathedral and town hall clock. Despite its hilly location, there are plenty of accessible places to visit in Guildford. In this blog post I will share some local attractions, suitable for visitors with POTS or other forms of dysautonomia. The pages linked will contain all the information you will for your visit, such as parking, walking distances and places to stop and rest along the way. Guildford Castle Address : Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX Guildford Castle is located near the top of Guildford high-street, and is only 50 metres away from the nearest car park. It is thought to have been built by William the Conqueror, or one of his barons, shortly after the 1066 invasion of England. This is a great place to visit for people who struggle to walk long distances, with Tunsgtate car park, just across the road. There are plenty of benches around the Castle grounds, so you don't have to worry about walking too far without having place to stop and rest. There is a short, but steep slope to the castle with a great view from the top. Surrounding the Castle, there are gardens, a bandstand and a bowling green. The paths around the castle grounds are wheelchair accessible. For more info, visit our Guildford Castle Post Stoke Park Address : Nightingale Rd, Guildford GU1 1ER With a play area, mini golf and paddling pools, Stoke Park is the ideal location for a day out with your family. There's also the rose garden, as well as a quiet Japanese style garden/pond which are enjoyable for people of all ages. During the summer, Stoke Park is busy with lots of visitors, but outside of peak holidays, it tends to be a quiet and peaceful place. Stoke Park is a great place to visit for people with POTS, with plenty of benches located around its grounds. The car park, primarily used by Guildford College, is free to use outside of college hours. For more info, visit our Stoke Park Post Guildford Cathedral Address : Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP Guildford Cathedral is free to enter and has a café on site. It stands at the top of Stag Hill, one of the highest points in Guildford. Parking is free for two hours and is right next to the Cathedral. Around the cathedral grounds you will find various gardens, as well as a view over the surrounding town. The cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp at the west entrance and a lift on the north door. For more info, visit our Guildford Cathedral Post Newlands Corner Address : Drove Rd, Newland's Corner, Albury, Guildford GU4 8SE Located 4 miles east of Guildford, Newlands Corner is right in the heart of the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While it's known for its many walking and cycling trails, there is also a lot to see for less-able visitors as well, with great views from the top of the hill without even needing to leave your car. There's a café, with a good selection of cooked food and warm drinks, adjacent to the car park. For more info, visit our Newlands Corner Post Millmead Lock Address : Guildford GU2 4BB Millmead Lock is located along the River Wey, just outside Guildford town centre. It's a quiet place, with open green areas great for picnics. With plenty of benches and places to rest, Millmead Lock is a great place to visit for people with POTS. The car park is right next to the river, so there is very little distance needed to travel. For more info, visit our Millmead Lock Post Conclusion Overall, Guildford has a lot to offer, with a rich history and award winning parks. There is lots to see, and plenty of POTS accessible locations. As someone with POTS, I would highly recommend a visit. The Complete Guide to Traveling with POTS/Dysautonomia Click the image above to learn some useful tips and trick on traveling with POTS/Dysautonomia.

Finding an exercise that won't trigger unwanted symptoms can be a challenge for people living with a form of dysautonomia. In this blog post, we will look at the positive effects of spending time in water, as well as some useful things to consider before you take the plunge. Why is water so good? Studies have shown ( 1 / 2 ) that spending time in water stimulates the autonomic nervous system , which plays a key role in dysautonomia. The full-body sensation of swimming promotes mindfulness and causes slower, deeper breathing patterns. This is especially important for people with the POTS, as a 2020 study found that 80 to 90% of people with the condition had dysfunctional breathing. When standing in 4 ft deep water, the compression on your body is 91.92 mmhg. That's about three times the amount you receive while wearing the doctor recommended level 2 compression stockings . While you are swimming, the water pressure compresses the blood vessels in your legs. This increases the blood flow back to your heart. If you find it challenging to exercise or stand for long periods of time, being in the water could offer the extra support you need. Overall, the cool water and its pressure on your body create ideal environment for people who struggle with symptoms such as low blood pressure, feeling faint, heat intolerance, or fatigue. Things to consider before you go When planning your first dip, look for an accessible pool that has steps to enter rather than a ladder to avoid any unnecessary strain. While you are there, avoid saunas and hot tubs due to the increased risk of fainting. You should also make sure the pool has a lifeguard if you are concerned about your reaction to the water, or alternatively, bring a friend. While it is likely that the environment of the swimming pool will calm your dysautonomia symptoms , it is important to avoid pushing yourself too hard while you are in t he water. It 's easy to overdo it, as the usual warning signs will be less severe than if you were above water. If it's your first time getting visiting a pool since your diagnosis , keep any actual swimming to a minimum. Just feel the effect the water has on your body, and then see how you feel in a few days. If all goes well, slowly increase your activity each time you visit the pool. Conclusion Going swimming is a great way to try something new and get out of the house, which I know can be a challenge for many people living with POTS or other forms of dysautonomia. After looking at the benefits of swimming, I hope readers feel encouraged to take a dip in their local pool.

Address : 7B Y, Whitchurch Rd, Pangbourne, Reading Location Pangbourne Meadow is located just outside Reading in Berkshire. The meadows run alongside the River Thames and have a view of the Whitechurch Bridge. Throughout the summer it is a popular spot for picnics, and hosts the annual Village fete in June. Parking Pangbourne River Meadow Car Park has 27 spaces, with two reserved for Blue Badge holders . You can pay with cash or by phone. The  Pay-by-Phone  parking code is 7182. Prices: Up to one hour £0.80 Up to two hours £1.30 Up to three hours £1.70 Up to four hours £2 Up to eight hours £2.50 Over eight hours £5.50 Parking is free for Blue Badge holders. Parking is free on Bank Holidays. You can also park at the Pangbourne Recreation Ground car park, with a little further needed to walk. Accessibility Pangbourne Meadow is ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances, with benches every 10-15 metres along the river. The distance from the car park to the meadow is about 50 metres. There are a few lunch tables located throughout the meadows. The ground is fairly level but there are no paved paths at this location. The nearest public toilets are located at the nearby Pangbourne Recreation Ground. Conclusion Overall, Pangbourne Meadow is an ideal location for people looking for a relaxing break from the busy town of Reading.

Address : Esplanade, Seaford BN25 1JT Location Seaford is a pebble beach that stretches from Newhaven harbour to Seaford head. It's a quiet, relaxed beach and is less crowded than others nearby, such as Brighton. There's a small café, museum and ice cream store located along the beach. Parking There is free parking all along the beach. The Esplanade car park,next to the café and public toilets, has two Blue Badge parking spaces . There are two Blue Badge parking spaces at the far end of the car park, next to the cliffs. Accessibility There is a level path suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters that will take you along the beach. At the far end of the beach the path reaches the start of the cliff face. From there, you can access the jetty for a better view. There are frequent benches along the path and on the jetty, making this location accessible for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. You can park less than 50 metres from the jetty and there have always been plenty of parking spaces during my visits. There is a short but steep incline to the top of the cliff with a good view of the coastline, town and lighthouse for the more able visitors. Conclusion Overall, I would recommend Seaford to people of all ages and abilities. With beachside parking, museum, and the local café, seaford will have something for everyone.

Address : Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BF Location Located at the centre of Henley, Mill Meadows are an open green space that runs alongside the River Thames. Henley is located just 30 minutes from Reading, and the meadows offer a peaceful environment suitable for all ages. What's there? Park facilities include: Mill Meadows Adventure Playground Junior Adventure Playground Henley Adventure Golf Open green space Henley Piazza Cafe Bandstand River views Public toilets The Henley Piazza is open 9:30 AM–5:55 PM every day of the week. The building is wheelchair accessible; for more information, visit their website . The toilets are open from 8 AM–5 PM in summer and 8 AM–3 PM in winter. There are facilities for ladies and gentlemen, as well as a toilet for disabled visitors and a family room. Parking The car park stretches the length of the meadows and is open all day. Prices: 1 Hour £2.00 2 Hours £3.85 4 Hours £7.70 Max £10.00 Blue Badge users park for free. The disabled parking spaces are spread throughout the car park. For more info visit their website . Accessibility The Mill Meadows are ideal for those who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of benches along the riverside path and next to the car park. There are level paths located at either end of the car park that lead to the river. There are frequent benches around the kids play areas, making this location ideal for parents. The toilets are wheelchair-accessible. Conclusion Overall, this location is accessible for visitors of all abilities. The facilities make Mill Meadows a perfect place to visit for young families or visitors looking to relax with a view over the river.

Address : Cowey sale, Shepperton, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1QP Location With riverside parking, a café, and picturesque views, Walton Bridge is perfect for visitors looking for a relaxing place to stop for lunch or a picnic. The riverside path attracts plenty of foot traffic, yet maintains a calm atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation. What's There? When visiting Walton Bridge, you will find numerous benches with views over the River Thames. Finding a place to stop and take in the views won't be a problem at this location, and there are always plenty of swans, ducks, and geese along the riverbank, so don't forget your duck food. Behind the car park, you will find Walton Marina Park, this is an open green space, ideal for short dog walks, ball games, and picnics. Wild Brunch Cafe The Wild Brunch Cafe offers freshly baked croissants, giant jam doughnuts, grilled bacon baps, local butcher sausages, fish N chips, as well as teas, coffees, and ice cream. The café is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day of the week. For more information, visit their website: https://www.wildebrunch.com/ Parking Walton Bridge car park is around 200 metres in length and runs alongside the river. Parking is free and open at all hours. There are entrances at either end of the car park. There's a height limit of 2.1 metres. There are 4 Blue Badge parking spaces, two at each end of the car park. Accessibility This location is ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances, with frequent benches along the riverside path (every 10-15 metres). The gravel path is suitable for wheelchair users, with level but bumpy surfaces. There are multiple places to cross from the car park to the river, all of which are accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. If you plan to visit the café, I would recommend parking further up in the car park so there is less distance needed to travel, as the car park is fairly large. Images of the paths and benches are included at the bottom of the page. Conclusion Overall, Walton Bridge and the Wild Brunch Cafe are accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are always plenty of ducks, geese, and swans to feed, and a steady stream of boats to watch passing by. The green space, next to the car park, is an ideal place to stop during the summer, with tables placed under the shade of the trees. Check out our posts on Coxes Loc k and Truss's Island for more riverside locations in surrey.

A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers - Written by Toni Bernhard. Wisdom Publications, U.S. (1 Oct. 2010) Toni Bernhard opens "How to Be Sick" by sharing her personal journey of becoming chronically ill, beginning from the flu she caught during a holiday in Paris. She describes her efforts to continue work as a law teacher at the University of California and her difficult realisation that her illness may be long-term. From here, Toni goes on to describe the useful practices she has learned; beginning with her studies and visits to Buddhist retreats, and then her continued research post Parisian Flu. How to Be Sick is written with understanding and compassion for the reader. Toni covers the wide spectrum of social, emotional, and physical challenges a long term health condition can bring an ill person, as well as their caregivers. Toni Bernhard's understanding of chronic illness, from her first-hand experience, is clear. Throughout the book, Toni offers coping strategies and new ways of thinking about illness, all through a Buddhist lens. Some topics I found useful in How to Be Sick include: Facing the ups and downs that chronic illness brings Managing frequent doctors visits The social effects of illness The feeling of loss, and learning self-compassion At the end of the book, Toni included "A guide to using the practices to help with specific challenges"- A compilation of the lessons learned through the book, and scenarios where they could be useful. This can also be useful to refer back to for inspiration during difficult times, with the references to the relevant chapters included. Overall, I think "How to Be Sick" can be a very useful book for those struggling with a long-term illness, as well as their carers. I personally found it useful during the first year of being sick, after my Dysautonomia diagnosis. As long as you are open to the strong theme of Buddhism, I would highly recommend. You can find How to Be Sick on Amazon and most major bookstores. It's also available as an audiobook on Audible. Health Buddhism Self Help Spirituality Disability Psychology Memoir Philosophy Religion How to be Sick Book Review