Enjoy an accessible holiday in Devon this year

The last two years have made it difficult for us all to enjoy a holiday, even a staycation and even more so for those visitors with additional access needs. Now that restrictions have been lifted and the vaccine programme is in full effect, we are all starting to feel a little more confident to start returning to our usual summer holidays and if you are looking for somewhere to stay this year, there are loads of places in Devon that are committed to being as accessible as possible.

Here is a selection of accommodation options which have additional accessible facilities to help you plan an inclusive break in Devon. Whether you want a hotel, a holiday cottage by the sea or you want to enjoy a spot of glamping, there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

For those of you looking for hotels:

When it comes to additional access facilities, hotels often have ground floor rooms and communal areas with level access, as well as designated parking areas and being larger establishments, are often in bigger towns and cities and easy to find, making a stay with one of these properties convenient.

One option in the South Devon area is Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren, which is close to the popular resorts of Torquay and Paignton. The hotel is set within 19 acres of woodland, overlooking the sea and has plenty of parking and outdoor areas, ideal for enjoying the views and summery weather. The hotel features bedrooms with bathrooms suitable for wheelchair users, as well as adapted bathrooms with handrails. There is designated parking for Blue Badge users and the route from the carpark into the hotel is flat, with level access to a host of communal facilities, including the gym, lounge and pool. The hotel also features facilities for guests with hearing and visual impairments and staff have had training and are on hand to help 24 hours a day should you need them.

If you like the idea of being in South Devon, there is another option nearby at TLH Leisure Resort.  Situated in the heart of Torquay, the resort has four hotels and self catering apartments, so there is plenty to choose from here. Each of the properties have their own distinctive character and all are internally linked, allowing easy access to all the leisure facilities which are available to all guests. The hotel has designated Blue Badge parking and there is level access throughout to several bedrooms, leisure facilities and adapted bathrooms.

Image: Imperial Torquay

Also in Torquay is the Imperial Torquay, set within a 19^th century Victorian for star hotel with a cliff top position, overlooking Torbay and the beautiful Devon coast. The Imperial has a range of facilities catering for people of all abilities and the staff have had training so that they are best able to help all of their guests. There are services available for guests with visual impairments and menus available in large print, as well as contrast markings to make the whole hotel as accessible as possible. There are a collection of bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms suitable for those using wheelchairs and level access to a range of communal areas.

The Haytor Hotel is another option in the English Riviera area. All the rooms have been refurbished and are fully ensuite and come complete with luxury toiletries. There is level access to the communal areas and adapted bathrooms for those who use a wheelchair. The hotel also offers services for those with visual impairments and the staff are fully trained, so are able to help all guests during their stay.

For those of you who want to be in the countryside, where you can immerse yourself in nature, take a look at the Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel. Located just moments from the Dartmoor National Park where there are a series of Miles without Stiles routes. The hotel has accessible rooms and bathrooms with support handrails, as well as level access to the bar and the lounge.

Another option in this area is the Manor House and Ashbury Hotels,  located on the foothills of Dartmoor. The hotels offer a series of craft and sports activities and have unrivalled indoor and outdoor facilities ideal for a break away. The activity programme caters for all levels and guests can enjoy a dip in the state of the art Hydro Spa. The hotels have level access to the communal areas and the bathrooms and bedroom ensuites have shower chairs and handrails available for those that need them. There are a range of accessible rooms to choose from too, so you can pick the best room to suit you.

Image: Manor House and Ashbury Hotel

Further south in the city of Plymouth, there is the New Continental Hotel, which stands in the heart of the city, giving you an unbeatable location and easy access to the city’s public transport, including the train and bus services. With a host of leisure facilities and plenty of history, this is a wonderful place to use as a venue during your trip to Plymouth. There are a few steps to the main entrance, but the most of the hotel has level access and there are bathrooms with an emergency call system installed. There are some support handrails throughout the hotel and bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms suitable for those who use a wheelchair.

For those of you looking for holiday parks

When it comes to finding somewhere within budget with lots of facilities and comfortable accommodation, a holiday park is a good option. Many of Devon’s parks feature all the luxury you would expect to find in a hotel, while being good value for money and having lots of space and privacy.

Near Dawlish is Cofton Holidays where there are a range of accessible hard standing touring pitches and holiday homes on offer, including the Bovey Accessible Caravan, which is suitable for wheelchair users. The site also has onsite parking right next to your accommodation and a host of facilities to keep you entertained during your stay. Cofton Holidays is set within a secluded valley and is just a short journey from the Blue Flag beach at Dawlish Warren.

Nearby is Welcome Family Holiday Park which has been running for over fifty years and has a host of daily activities for all ages and abilities. The facilities are included in your stay, as is the sports ground, crazy golf and children’s play area. The site is level and there are selected accommodation options that are accessible for those using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The walk to Dawlish Warren beach is also level, making it easy to access on foot and by wheelchair.

At the other end of the county is Seafield Holiday Park, which is in Westward Ho! The park has two mobility friendly villas and is perfectly placed for exploring the North Devon region, especially the beautiful coastline. The path does have a few steps leading to the entrance, but their mobility friendly units have level access, which is also found throughout the public areas and the beach.

Image: Seafield Holiday Park

While in North Devon, why not spend a few hours visiting some of the region’s top attractions? The attractions and activities in the area are constantly making improvements to be as accessible as possible, including Combe Martin Wildlife Park, which isn’t far from Seafield. The park is accessible to wheelchair users and has designated parking for Blue Badge users, as well as accessible toilet facilities.

Several of the region’s museums are also accessible, like the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. All areas of the museum are accessible and they have a host of facilities for those with additional access needs, plus its free to visit! Find more things to do here. 

Self catering options:

Another popular option is to book a self-catering property, like an apartment or cottage, where you have a bit more freedom. Many of these properties also have more space, ideal for those that have mobility aids or addition equipment they need to bring with them.

With locations across Devon, take a look at the cottages on offer with Devon Farms. These properties give you the chance to experience a real rural retreat where you can really escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get up close and personal with a host of cute farm animals. Many of the properties are accessible for wheelchair users and each property has its own charms and facilities, so get in touch to find the best one for you.

If you want to stay in North Devon, you can book a stay at Lower Campscott Farm Holiday Cottages near Ilfracombe. With big holiday homes, cosy cottages and everything in between, there is something for everyone here and with enclosed gardens and all the top resorts being on the doorstep, this is a great option for anyone wanting a self catering holiday in North Devon. Each property offers something different, but there are fixed shower seats and chairs available as well as level access available.

Or in Torquay, there are Osborne Apartments, which has a series of accessible rooms available. The hotel also has the benefit of entrance ramps and designated parking, as well as rooms without fitted carpets, making it much easier to maneuver a wheelchair.

Alternatively, in Torquay there is the Southbank Townhouse, a B&B that is welcoming to all guests, there are a couple of steps to the front door, but once inside there are several accessible rooms and the guest lounge, terrace, dining room and bar also have level access.

Of course, this is just a small selection of accessible accommodation available in Devon, you can find more options here.