Accessible Holiday Cottages In Devon

Accessible Holidays in Devon: Guide to a Memorable Break

Beyond your holiday cottage, Devon offers a wealth of sensory delights and practical facilities to make your stay stress-free. The region is home to a double coastline, the north facing the Atlantic and the south sheltering the English Riviera, along with two National Parks (Exmoor and Dartmoor) that are increasingly accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.

Devon Scenery and Sensory Highlights

From dramatic coastlines to tranquil estuaries the area is rich with sensory delights.

Public parks and gardens across the county often have sensory planting, accessible picnic areas and level paths that suit wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and those who prefer gentler walking routes. Many National Trust sites and countryside attractions offer all terrain wheelchairs or shuttle services to help visitors access the grounds.

The English Riviera is full of charming coastal scenes. Fishing boats in Brixham Harbour, pastel-coloured cottages reflected in the water, and the wide open bays of Torquay and Paignton make it a photographer’s paradise. Watching the sun set over Woolacombe Bay or along the cliffs of North Devon is a memorable experience. Sensory highlights range from the sound of waves rolling over shingle, the scent of salty air, and the vibrant colours of beach huts and wildflowers along the coast path.

Wheelchair Friendly Beaches in Devon

Devon’s coastline is famous, and many beaches now offer beach wheelchairs and sand-friendly matting.

• South Devon: Exmouth Beach is a highlight, featuring a flat promenade and the Exmouth Beach Wheelchair Hire service (including hoists). Sidmouth offers a level esplanade and accessible town centre, while Bigbury-on-Sea provides beach wheelchairs at the Venus Café.

• North Devon: Famous for its vast dunes, Saunton Sands offers step-free access via a concrete ramp and hireable Landeez all-terrain wheelchairs. Westward Ho! and Woolacombe also provide excellent access for families and visitors with limited mobility.

Accessible National Parks: Dartmoor & Exmoor

You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy the moors. Both parks have dedicated accessible programs.

• Dartmoor: Look for "Miles Without Stiles" routes, gentle, barrier-free trails suitable for mobility scooters and pushchairs. You can hire off-road electric Trampers at locations like Parke and enjoy the Tramper Trail through Bellever Forest.

• Exmoor: The rugged beauty of Exmoor is accessible via the "Exmoor Experts" at visitor centres who can guide you to suitable trails. Tramper hire is also available for exploring the dramatic landscapes.

Top Accessible Devon Attractions

• Heritage & Nature: National Trust properties like Saltram House (Plymouth) and Arlington Court offer accessible routes and sensory gardens. RHS Garden Rosemoor and Donkey Sanctuary (Sidmouth) are also noted for their excellent accessibility.

• Family Days Out: Paignton Zoo and The Big Sheep offer extensive ramped access. For a unique experience, the Dartmouth Steam Railway provides ramped access for wheelchair users to enjoy the scenic coast from Paignton to Kingswear.

• On The Water: Disability doesn't stop at the shoreline. Wetwheels Torbay offers accessible powerboating (where you can take the helm!), and the Wave Project in Croyde runs an adaptive surfing hub.

City Breaks: Plymouth & Exeter

• Plymouth: The iconic Hoe Promenade offers a flat, paved surface with stunning views of the Sound, suitable for wheelchair users. Nearby Royal William Yard provides accessible dining and gentle waterfront strolls.

• Exeter: A vibrant city where the Quayside offers level paths and accessible water sports. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a fantastic accessible indoor attraction.

Essential Facilities: Changing Places Toilets

For visitors requiring specialist facilities, the Changing Places campaign has seen toilets with hoists and changing benches installed across the county. You can currently find these facilities in major hubs including:

• Ilfracombe

• Barnstable

• Croyde

• Biddeford

• Tavistock

• Plymouth

• Totnes

• Paignton

• Torquay

• Newton Abbott

• Exeter

• Honiton

• Tiverton

• Dawlish

• Brixham

• Cullompton 

All have these vital facilities. These facilities are a good indication of being able to enjoy and spend more time in a location.