We have always believed that the key to a good holiday is the ability to relax. We have always adopted the philosophy that holidays are for the whole family, for the whole group, not just the person with special needs.
However as parents ourselves, we know how important it is to be realistic. Not all of the mainstream facilities can be accessed easily by those in our care. In some instances it is simply not worth trying to stretch the boundaries too far. Set the bar low and make sure you can get over it is sometimes the best strategy for a successful holiday!
As parents and carers, we spend most of the time discussing the needs of the young person or adult with autistic tendencies or epilepsy, ADHD, Aspergers or other forms of complex needs. Holidays should provide the chance to have a break from the humdrum of the routine of life, a break from discussing the specific needs of one member of the party. We hope that Thomas Centre will encourage the whole family, the whole group to relax, to enjoy fantastic facilities and thereby help everyone to recharge their batteries.
For these reasons, we have put together lots of facilities on site and there is no obligation go off site during your stay here.
However, as this is a facility for the whole family, for the whole group, there will be days when you might chose to be entertained and to be able to relax as you are being entertained. Here is a small sample of some of the resources in our neighbourhood.
Cinemas and Theatres
Perhaps there is the occasional rainy day and you fancy taking in the latest blockbuster, or maybe you just fancy switching off for a few hours and enjoy a good film? Thomas just loves Harry Potter (who does not!) and now more recently, James Bond and he can always tell you when the next release is due.
There are two cinemas nearby. In Louth, we have a lovely, traditional “picture house”, providing a 60’s style ambience in which to view the latest releases. Big bucket seats, with fairly small screens and with disabled parking just opposite, this cinema is located in the centre of the town. Ideal for a big bag of fish and chips afterwards or a wander into one of the small restaurants or pubs nearby. What is more, an ice-cream interval break is always guaranteed at the Louth cinema! It does not matter at what point the film as got to, it will stop at the midway point of the film and the ice cream hostess will appear! Chocolate or strawberry Häagen Dazs … just sheer indulgence, but sadly not so good for the dairy free folk, and it is the old adage, that you cannot keep all of the people happy all of the time!
The nearest multi screen cinema complex can be found in the seaside town of Cleethorpes. With ten screens, including the latest technology in 3D projectors, this provides a very modern viewing environment. In fact, we often just turn up, not knowing what we wish to see, as there is always a film that is worth seeing! So if a wide range of films to chose from and mega buckets of pop-corn are your thing, then you cannot beat Cleethorpes.
Afterwards, the leisure park at Cleethorpes is surrounded by the usual culprits of McDonalds, KFC etc, so this is ideal for a good trip out. What is more, the whole park is on the other side of the road from the beach at Cleethorpes so a trip to the cinema can form the perfect end to a day by the coast.
For the thespians among us we have Louth Playgoers produces good quality local theatre productions to a remarkably high standard for local theatre. They produce a full programme throughout the year with a variety of musicals, drama and classics alike.
We also have Grimsby Auditorium a good sized theatre and concert hall with a very diverse programme. For the older generation, touring shows such as Dad’s Army whilst for the younger generation, Noddy has been seen in town! We regularly have the top comedians of the day in town, with the likes of Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle and John Bishop appearing to sell out audiences. If you are thinking of going to any of these shows during your holiday here, do please book in advance as they are nearly always sell-outs.
A little further afield we have The Skegness Embassy which this season will host the likes of Jane McDonald, Joe Pasquale, Strictly Come Dancing and Snow White on Ice. Again, if you want to take in a show, do book in advance by visiting their website.
And finally, what about a little ten pin bowling? There is a great Bowling Alley in Cleethorpes (regrettably without a website) which we regularly use. With ten lanes and a café bar facilities it is great fun and we find the staff here very helpful.
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