Leisure FAQs

Activities

Can you give me suggestions of any leisure activities I could enjoy now I have started to lose my sight?

There are many leisure pursuits which are accessible to people with sight loss. We produce an information pack "Leisure Ideas for people with a sight problem", which gives suggestions and contact details of helpful organisations, on a variety of topics including arts and crafts, gardening, days out, further study and sporting activities.

Find out more about leisure activities.

Holidays

What holidays are available for blind and partially sighted people?

Our Holidays - Planning and ideas fact sheet has all the information you need including specialist hotels and holiday ideas such as activity and special interest holidays.

How can I find someone to accompany me on holiday, or help to get there alone?

We offer suggestions on organisations to contact, including local societies and the British Red Cross, who can sometimes provide an escort service. There are also companies who can assist with travel plans.

Find out more about taking a holiday.

Audio description

How can I find out about cinemas /theatres /sports venues etc offering audio description in my area?

Our Audio Description section gives detailed information about leisure venues which offer this service.

What sort of services might museums and art galleries offer a blind or partially sighted visitor?

Services offered might include an audio guide, a personal guide to take you around the venue, touch tours, raised images, or information in large print, tape or braille. It is always worth contacting the venue concerned to enquire about what they can offer if you are blind or partially sighted.

Find out more about services for blind and partially sighted museum visitors.

Reading and Talking Books

Who can join the RNIB Talking Book Service?

Membership is open to anyone in the United Kingdom or Eire who cannot read standard typescript (N12 or less) at normal reading distance with the best possible spectacles. Or, more simply, if you cannot recognise a friend across the road whilst wearing your glasses, you would be eligible to join the service.

How long can I borrow a Talking Book for?

There is no time limit, as long as you are still a subscriber to the service.

What magazines do you have, what format do they come in and how much do they cost?

We have an extensive choice of magazines covering many different topics. These are available in braille, large print, by email, on tape or disk. Our magazines catalogue has a complete list including price.

Find out more about Talking Books.

Last updated: 1 March 2013

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Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

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