Meet Breda: winner Access City Award
Blog
The 2019 Access City Award goes to the city of Breda. This city is continuously making improvements to make life easier for people with accessibility needs. Breda is a beautiful and historic city in the southern part of Holland, bordering Belgium. Breda also won the prize for the best city centre in the Netherlands in 2017. Visit the historic monuments dating from the Nassau era, visit the Great Church or relax in Park Valkenberg. Discover accessible Breda and surroundings during a trip in the Netherlands!
Platform ‘Breda for everyone’ is an organisation that represents different institutions that support people with disabilities. Breda became a more accessible city, because of initiatives by ‘Breda for everyone’. Amongst other highlights, the Great Church is accessible for people with mobility scooters or wheelchairs. The shopping district, one of the best in the Netherlands, is also accessible. Located in the city centre as well, the shopping centre the Barones is also accessible, as there are no steps. A good cup of coffee can be enjoyed at ‘’Koffie bij Teun’’ in the Barones.
The culture of Breda
Would you like to learn about the culture during your visit to Breda? The City Museum is the perfect place. This museum has a focusses on the heritage and history of Breda. The ‘‘From Castle to Station’’ exhibition shows how Breda developed from the Middle Ages right up to the present day. Additionally, contemporary exhibitions are shown here as well. The City Museum has an elevator, a charging point for mobility scooters and the possibility to borrow wheelchairs.
View on the city from the canals
Breda is known for the canals in the city. Breda’s harbor is lined with numerous restaurants and outdoor terraces where you can enjoy the relaxing vibes of the water. It is also possible to enjoy this beautiful city from the canals. The company ‘Aan Boord Breda!’ offers a wheelchair-friendly cruise. The cruise takes about two hours in which you can admire different sides of Breda!
Bouvigne castle in the nature
Do you want to get out of the centre, the characteristic estate Bouvigne castle in the nature park Mastbos is the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and architecture to its fullest. The gardens are opened daily for public and on monument days you can take a look inside of the castle. The garden has a paved pathway. From the entry, the garden can be reached with a platform elevator, there are ramps available by the entrance of the castle to enter easily. One accessible toilet is available. Beautiful nature surrounds the castle. On the side of the Burgemeester Kerstenslaan and the Duivelsbruglaan streets there is a walking route of 2 to 3 kilometres, created especially for people in a wheelchair and for those using a walker. Escape the bustling city by visiting this peaceful place.
Stay and Dine
During your time in Breda you can stay at Merlinde Hotel. The hotel is located in the center of Breda and is a ancient building, which is descended from the 19th century, Merlinde Hotel has 49 comfortable rooms which are fully adjusted to disabled guests or guests with a health care need. After a long day in the city center enjoy a good diner in Bistro Merlinde, relax in the wellness area or read a book in their library.
Breda offers more than 300 restaurants, clubs, cafes, bars and entertainment venues. The city offers green spaces, such as Park Valkenberg, where you can clear your mind after a day in the busy centre for a good lunch or a Friday night diner, visit lunchroom JanenAlleman. The place is accessible for people using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, through the backdoor. For a ‘wine and dine’, visit wheelchair accessible restaurant Colins. The restaurant is located in the cosy area Ginneken, where a lot of little unknown shops are situated.
Whether you want to go shopping, learn more about the culture or just relax. Breda’s variety makes this city interesting and worth visiting during your trip in the Netherlands.
