Disabled access and access for those with special needs is claimed by many, but is often poorly delivered. The best thing about this part of Lincolnshire is that for the most part it is very flat, so we start from a good place in terms of accessibility!
First things first. This is a very peaceful rural location and just because you are caring for a child or an adult with special needs does not mean that you do not have the right to some relaxation yourself!
Whether you are here to relax in the safe surroundings of The Thomas Centre or whether you and your group are looking to improve life skills in a safe and secure environment, you simply have to slow down to a new pace of life during you holiday here!
Given that we are situated a third of a mile from the nearest main road, every journey will need to be planned. There are no “restaurant quarters” or “bar districts” for miles around, so you might like some good local advice as to where best to go to make sure that your social trips out are good experiences for the whole family or the whole group.
Where better to start than some “relaxation” or some “life skills” at some of our local favourites starting with ….. TheLivesey Arms at Ludborough . For Camra fans, Bass and Black Sheep are always on tap together with a regular guest ale. Thomas enjoys the occasional pint of shandy with the boys and always looks forward to nipping out with Dad for a “quick pint”!
When this defunct pub changed hands a few years ago, the new owners helped bring the pub back into the centre of village activities. Events such as hosting the Bonfire Night party and providing an impressive Village Christmas Tree have all contributed to a real sense of community among the locals. There is a great restaurant with affordable specials and there have been a very successful series of events including the outrageous Bottoms Up calendar (featuring many of the best male bottoms in the village!). The previous owner Lee was also brave enough to climb Kilimanjaro for Bottoms Up (a prostrate cancer charity) and even took our publicity machine all the way up the mountain!
We have recently achieved a major “life skill” marker in Thomas’s life. He now knows the importance of “buying your round” a very important achievement in any young mans life, I am sure you will agree!
Within the village of Covenham, we have 2 very good restaurants.
The Mill House – at the end of our drive, Lee and Sally are our nearest neighbours! Ideal for a short walk on a Summers evening with no reason to drive, what could be better? Providing good quality food in a contemporary environment and famous for flamboyant Christmas decorations. With lots of different seating area’s including an outdoor garden area, there is always a friendly welcome and the dessert menu is to die for!
The New Plough – As with many village pubs, this one has changed hands on several occasions. Previously an Award Winning Pub and Restaurant the new owners provide traditional home cooked food with daily specials in a friendly atmosphere selling a variety of cask ales.
The Jug and Bottle at Holton le Clay, about five miles away. A large "themed pub" with a self serve carvery restaurant for those who want easy dining and a lively atmosphere. Limited menu and fantastic value for money, running an all day service with excellent wheelchair access and very helpful staff.
At Cleethorpes we can recommend
The best fish and chips in the region are to be found at Steels Corner House (or at least Jan and Richard think so!). Their menu claims that the typical years shopping includes 6,500 stone of haddock fillets and 100 tons of potatoes! Absolutely fantastic, but sadly not good for wheelchair access.
We have also enjoyed the quality of food at Figs Restaurant on the sea-front at Cleethorpes. The menu is innovative and fairly priced and in the evenings they have an excellent and ever changing fish menu, fresh from the local docks. For warmer days and casual snacks and lunches, Figs also has some outdoor tables, and generally this restaurant is very accessible to all.
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