All across Devon you’ll find that the region’s top attractions are working to make sure they are accessible as possible, so no one is left out. You can find organisations offering accessible watersports tuitions and rock climbing sessions suitable for all ages and abilities. The attractions such as theme parks and others that are family-friendly are wheelchair accessible and have everything from quiet rooms to staff that have specific disability and dementia training, like BSL.
Top Accessible Beaches in Devon
Sidmouth Beach
Sidmouth Beach is a fantastic spot for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. The beach offers a specially designed promenade that provides easy access to the sea view. The town itself is also wheelchair-friendly, with a range of cafes and shops offering accessible entrances. Sidmouth has beach wheelchairs available for free hire, allowing individuals to enjoy the sandy coastline.
Exmouth Beach
Exmouth Beach is another excellent destination for disabled visitors. The beach has a fully accessible promenade, beach matting for easier access to the sand, and beach wheelchairs available for free use. The nearby Exmouth seafront also has plenty of accessible facilities, including accessible toilets and cafes with ramps for easy access.
Seaton Beach
Seaton Beach has accessible matting allowing you to easily navigate the beach and make your way down to the seafront. The town itself is also mostly level and is a great place to visit if you use a mobility aid.
Saunton Sands Beach
Saunton Beach shop has a number of all-terrain Landeez style wheelchairs for hire, allowing wheelchair users easy access to the beach and the shallows of the sea. The beach is accessed via a sand covered concrete ramp (see image below), approximately 25m (80ft) in length.
Accessible things to do
The Tarka Trail is one of Devon's most famous walking and cycling routes. Stretching for over 180 miles, the trail follows scenic paths along the coast and through beautiful countryside. Several parts of the trail are accessible for wheelchair users, with easy access paths and rest areas designed for comfort. The path from Barnstaple to Instow is a particularly popular section for those using mobility aids.
Devon is serviced by Countryside Mobility, a not-for-profit mobility equipment hire scheme working to improve access to the countryside. Through them, you can hire a Tramper or all-terrain wheelchair/mobility scooter to explore some of the more rural areas of Devon. Some outdoor attractions, including those managed by the National Trust, have their own all-terrain wheelchairs available to hire during your visit.
Visitors can also take advantage of the Miles Without Stiles project which is working to make sure that walking routes across Dartmoor are accessible by removing obstacles to make the routes accessible to those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushchairs. The routes are level and have accessible facilities along the way. The South West Coast Path also has a range of accessible routes that are level and suitable for those with limited mobility. You can find out more by visiting their website.
We’re an inclusive and friendly bunch in Devon, so wherever you visit in the county, you’ll find accessible accommodation, attractions and more. Whatever your age or ability, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Devon has to offer!
