When it comes to having additional access needs, it can be difficult to find places to stay and things to do that are comfortable and suitable. In Devon, we’re committed to being as inclusive as possible, with many accommodation providers offering adapted rooms and additional equipment and attractions being wheelchair friendly and having quiet areas and sensory displays. Here are a selection of Devon businesses that have additional accessible facilities so you can plan a day out or short break in Devon without the stress.
Firstly, no trip to Devon is complete without a visit to the beach and there are several in the county that have good accessibility ratings. Seaton and Beer in East Devon have both been fitted with tracks to make them more accessible to people using mobility aids like scooters and wheelchairs. Elsewhere in the county, Saunton Sands in North Devon is known for being accessible, as is Torre Abbey Sands in the English Riviera. Many beaches have all-terrain wheelchairs or specially adapted chairs that are suitable for use on sand available to hire too – so there are plenty of places in the county to enjoy a day at the beach!
If you’re not up to a beach day, there are still plenty of options for a day out. Seaton Tramway has accessible trams and accessible facilities at Colyton Station. Their accessible trams have bays and ramps suitable for wheelchair users and run at least once an hour.
Not far from the tramway in Exmouth is World of Country Life, where you can make friends with a host of cute animals and get involved with several activities throughout the day. You can hire mobility aids and use a portable hearing loop during your visit, carers receive complimentary tickets and there are accessible facilities.
That’s not the only place you can meet animals, Devon has several zoos, all of which have level access and accessibility facilities, including Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Located in North Devon, wheelchair users and their carers receive free entry due to some of the terrain, however, there is full access at the T Rex and Dinosaur show, the playzone and at certain animal enclosures, while Paignton Zoo has a registered Changing Places facility and are welcoming of assistance dogs.
For places to stay, there are a host of choices from holiday parks to hotels, self catering cottages and B&Bs, so you can easily find something that suits your needs and budget.
One great option is North Hayne Farm Cottages in South Molton. Having won awards for being autism friendly and regularly being acknowledged for their inclusivity, this is a wonderful self catering place for those travelling as a family. Each of the cottages are designed with kids and access in mind and who doesn’t love the idea of getting involved in feeding the animals of a morning?!
Another self catering option is Saunton Beach Villa’s accessible bungalow. It has been designed for those with limited mobility in mind and features adjustable beds, a wet room and an accessible walk in bath, as well as sensitively designed kitchens and laundry areas. It’s just a short trip from Saunton Beach which is also known for being accessible and is well placed for exploring the North Devon coastline.
For a holiday park option, check out Castle Brake near Exeter where you can find a holiday home that has been specially adapted to accommodate a wide range of disabilities. The park has level access, so you can easily navigate to all the amenities and activities, as well as having an accessible shower room.
Want to find out more about accessible things to do and places to stay in Devon? Click the boxes below.
