Accessible Holiday Cottages In Cornwall

Accessible Holidays in Cornwall: Guide to a Memorable Break

Accessible holiday cottages in Cornwall make it easier to enjoy everything from St Ives Bay and the Roseland Peninsula to Bude, Looe and the Lizard, without compromising on comfort, independence or memorable days out. With wheelchair friendly self-catering accommodation spread across coastal towns, countryside villages and near major attractions such as the Eden Project, Newquay Zoo and Tintagel Castle, visitors can choose a base that truly suits their access needs.

The county is increasingly recognised as an inclusive destination, with accessible beaches, adaptive outdoor activities, trained staff and rich sensory experiences that work well for multi-generational groups and visitors with a range of access requirements. Visitors are still advised to contact individual attractions and accommodation owners directly to confirm suitability, equipment and up-to-date accessibility information for their specific needs.

Accessible regions of Cornwall

• West Cornwall, stretching to Land’s End and St Ives, blends tin mining heritage, coastal scenery and a cluster of accessible attractions, including Tate St Ives, the Minack Theatre, Paradise Park and Tehidy Woods Country Park. The area is well connected by rail and offers wheelchair friendly routes to seaside promenades, harbourside restaurants and level-access viewpoints over sweeping bays.

• The Lizard Peninsula offers one of Cornwall’s quietest and most peaceful accessible escapes, with wildlife-rich coves, gentle trails such as the Penrose estate and inclusive experiences at Trevassack Lakes and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Its calmer environment, reduced traffic and open countryside can be particularly helpful for autistic visitors or those who prefer less crowded settings.

• Mid Cornwall North around Newquay combines sandy beaches, surf culture and some of the county’s leading accessible water sports, including The Wave Project, adaptive surf sessions and accessible coastal paths. Family-friendly attractions such as Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium and Lappa Valley Steam Railway offer step-free routes, dedicated parking and accessible facilities to support days out.

• Mid Cornwall South, centred on Truro and Falmouth, mixes maritime heritage, accessible gardens and busy cultural venues such as Hall for Cornwall Theatre, the National Maritime Museum and Trebah Gardens with Tramper hire. Scenic estuaries, accessible boat trips and level, waterfront promenades make this area particularly appealing for travellers looking for gentle terrain and accessible dining near the water.

• North East Cornwall, from Padstow and Wadebridge to Bude and Bodmin Moor, offers a blend of coastal villages, countryside trails and iconic heritage sites. Highlights with accessibility features include the Camel Trail with adaptive bikes from Bridge Bike Hire, Tintagel Castle with assisted transport options, Bude Canal and Marshes, and family attractions such as Camel Creek Adventure Park and the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow.

• South East Cornwall, including Looe, Liskeard and the Tamar Valley, is quieter but rich in accessible experiences, from scenic rail journeys on the Tamar Valley Line to step-free harbourside strolls around Looe. Major attractions such as the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Wheal Martyn and Siblyback Lake offer accessible paths, adapted facilities and inclusive activities set within dramatic landscapes.

Accessible and wheelchair friendly beaches

Cornwall features a growing network of accessible beaches, many with level access from nearby car parks, disabled toilets and beach wheelchairs or sand chairs available to hire. Popular options for wheelchair users and families include Fistral, Maenporth, Gyllyngvase, Perranporth, Watergate Bay, Summerleaze in Bude, East Looe Beach, Seaton and several sheltered coves along the Roseland Peninsula and south coast.

Some locations, such as Summerleaze and Watergate Bay, offer sand chairs or beach wheelchairs through local offices or hotels, while others provide ramped access across the sand and accessible facilities close to the shoreline. Where terrain can change with tides and weather, it is recommended to check current access conditions and equipment availability before travelling.

Changing Places toilets and facilities

Changing Places toilets are available across Cornwall in town centres, leisure hubs, hospitals and key visitor destinations, enabling longer and more comfortable days out for visitors with complex needs. Locations include communities such as Newquay, Wadebridge, St Austell, Truro, Redruth and Penrose, as well as major attractions like the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Camel Trail hubs and Trevassack Lake.

Availability of these essential facilities continue to expand, and visitors are encouraged to check Access Cornwall for up-to-date listings.

Transport, mobility hire and equipment

Cornwall is served by low-floor buses on most routes and a network of rail services linking key towns including Penzance, St Ives, Newquay, Falmouth, Truro, Liskeard and Looe, with step-free access and staff assistance available on many services.

Cornwall Airport Newquay offers assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities, with trained staff to support check-in, security and boarding. For equipment, organisations such as Access Cornwall, Cornwall Mobility, Shopmobility Falmouth and Countryside Mobility provide hire of beach wheelchairs, Tramper mobility scooters, rollators and other aids at locations across the county, including some National Trust sites.

Visitors are encouraged to contact property owners, attractions and transport providers directly to discuss specific requirements, such as hoists, profiling beds, shower chairs or vehicle access, so that arrangements can be confirmed before travelling. As accessibility features and availability can change, calling or emailing ahead helps ensure that the cottage, beach or attraction will meet individual needs on the day of the visit.