Written by Jon Fletcher for Wheelie Jon’s Blog, April 16, 2024
Cornwall is one of the most popular places in Britain for holidaymakers to visit whatever their ability level. The best time to visit this beautiful county is spring and early summer before the peak holiday season or autumn is also a great time to visit. There is a wide range of accomodation types from holiday parks through to luxury hotels. Despite it’s popularity Cornwall has some amazing off the beaten path attractions that can give the visitor a sense of the tranquility of this unique county and there is of course the attraction of a traditional Cornish cream tea with real clotted cream.
So here are five accessible things to do on a holiday in Cornwall.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is probably on of Cornwall’s most iconic visitor attractions. It is certainly one of the most photographed and instantly recognisable places in the county. Whilst it is not possible to reach the summit of the mount in a wheelchair because of the steep cobbled paths and sheer drops which sometimes do not have handrails or walls, it is still possible to visit the lovely village at its base. The National Trust have a Tramper all terrain scooter that is available to hire for a nominal charge and there is a route that visitors using the tramper can use.
There are 2 car parks a short stay and long stay. Both car parks do have disabled parking spaces. However, even with a blue badge you will have to pay for parking. There is a public footpath from the car park along the beach to the start of the causeway. But wheelchair users should be aware that the path does cross some areas that are soft sand. It is important to be aware that whilst it may be possible for some all terrain power chairs to cross the causeway it is cobbled and can be slippy when wet.
A ramp is available to get into the café and the shops on the island.
There are accessible toilets on the island.
Wheelchair uses gain free entry to the island and assistance dogs are welcomed.
Go Fishing at Whiteacres Holiday Park near Newquay.
If you are an angler, then a visit to the fishing lakes at Whiteacres holiday park is a a must. The holiday park is owned by Parkdean Resorts. There are 13 fishing lakes in 184 acres of countryside and have a tackle shop as well. The lakes are wheelchair accessible and well stocked. Whiteacres is one of best fishing venues in the UK. If you want to visit and fish the lakes you will need a permit and it is best to buy these in advance.
Visit Trevibban Mill Vineyard and Orchards
Have you ever wondered how wine and cider are produced? Then a visit to Trevibban vineyard and orchards will show you how. Set in the heart of the Cornish countryside close to the dramatic Cornish coastline near the county’s culinary capital Padstow. You will find the mill tucked away down a country lane. The owners Engin & Liz Mumcuoglu, established the Vineyard in 2008 and they produce produce high quality sparkling & still wine and a very delicious cider. This is one of the best places to see the complete process from harvesting through to bottling. There are plenty of things to see and do on a visit, including tours of the orchards and vineyards and sampling their products in their tasting room. There is wheelchair accessibility and accessible toilets and dogs are welcome.
A Day on the Beach
The Cornish coast is known worldwide for it’s beautiful beaches and the good news is there are a good selection of them that are accessible to disabled visitors. Among the best of these are:
Crooklets Beach
This small sandy beach is close to Bude and has been awarded Blue Flag status. There is a car park close to the beach and there are toilets, shops and an outdoor swimming pool. One of the big advantages of this beach is that there is a sand hair available by telephoning the Summerleaze Beach Office in advance on 01288 352226. There is a dog ban on most Cornish beaches between May and September so it is advisable to check regarding each beach via their website.
Fistral Beach
This is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the World and is close to Newquay. One of the great things about this beach is that unlike many beaches in Cornwall it is a dog friendly beach all year round. The beach is easily accessed by wheelchair from the nearby carpark. There are accessible toilets and a sand chair is available from Fistral Surf Hire Shop call 01637 850584.
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is a lovely dog friendly sandy beach with level access from the car park. During July and August dogs must be kept on lead between 9.00am and 5.00pm. There are accessible toilets close by and a sand chair is available to hire by calling 07591 935222 or 01637 831383.
These are just a few of the best accessible beaches in the county, there are others so it is worth looking up others too.
photo credit: Eden Project
A Day at the Eden Project.
One of the most popular attractions in Cornwall is the world famous Eden Project. The attraction is an imaginative repurposing of a former China clay quarry, near St Austell. It’s futuristic looking biodomes are iconic glass houses that provide a home to one of the best plant collections in the world. As you explore the biodomes you will experience different types of environment and eco-systems including desert and rainforest environments.
The Eden Project is a great day out for visitors of all ages and all abilities. The attraction has been well designed with access in mind. There is disabled parking and there accessible pathways, ramps and lifts throughout the site. The attraction also has a range of mobility equipment including manual wheelchairs, powerchairs (there is a weight limit for the powerchairs of 21 stone. They also have a partnership with Countryside Mobility to provide an all-terrain mobility scooter for hire. It is essential to book the scooter in advance as they only have the one. To book you need to email boxoffice@edenproject.com or call 01726 811911.
For visitors with a visual impairment the Eden Project offers a Braille guide to the site and also a text reader is available.
If you are taking a carer or personal assistant then they will get free admission.
Assistance dogs are welcomed throughout the site including the biodomes but must be kept on a lead at all times. There are dog waste bins are around the site and there are water stations too.
Cornwall is a beautiful county with much to offer the disabled visitor and their family. There is certainly something for all ages and all abilities. This is just a small selection of the many things to see and do in the county.