Crowne Plaza - Heathrow

Heathrow for the weekend?!?! We aren’t plane spotters and people thought us mad. But we found the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow pretty well positioned for visiting places to the west of London like Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Legoland, Windsor Safari Park ,Chessington and Thorpe Park. There are also lots of places along the River Thames like Eton, Twickenham and Richmond. We also surprisingly didn’t hear any planes when we were inside the hotel. The hotel staff were all very friendly and extremely helpful.

On our first evening we went about half an hour, into the country near Maidenhead, to Paley Street and the Royal Oak which is owned by Michael Parkinson and run by his son Nick. We had heard one of Michael Parkinson’s guests talk of it in glowing terms on his show and went to sample the food which was wonderful, and seasonal, and the chips (if you could call them that) certainly were to die for. The Royal Oak also has a reputation for holding music nights with acts such as Jamie Cullum, Chris Rea, Katie Melua, Lemar, Amy Winehouse and James Morrison all having played at the pub. But sadly not the night we were there!

Next day, after a leisurely breakfast, for which I was seamlessly provided with lightweight cutlery and cups, we headed out towards Kew. Although autumn is here it was lovely walking round the Royal Gardens and visiting the splendid glasshouses all of which have level or ramped access. We then went to Surbiton (of Good Life fame) to have supper with friends.
While we were out and about my PA explored the transport connections in to London. Sadly the tube, although level to the platform isn’t yet level on to the train but we anticipate it will be shortly. London buses are all accessible and so a ride in to London should be possible on the Heathrow Express. Transport for London have a website journey planner

If you are flying in to the UK and want to hire an accessible vehicle to get around Brotherwood Automotive hire vehicles.

Our final day we headed north and within the hour were at Whipsnade Zoo, part of London Zoo on the downs at Dunstable. A brilliant day out for children and animal lovers, and marvellous views across the English countryside.

SMC Oct 07