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| Discover how to explore Cornwall if you have mobility access needs |
Collaborative post by another author.
Starting with the outdoor attractions, the Cornish seal sanctuary,at Gweek, offers a heart-warming glimpse into a world created to provide a safe home for seals that need short term care to recover from injuries or illness as well as a forever home for those seals that cannot be released back into the wild.
While it is suitable for visiting if you have reduced mobility needs keep in mind that the hills leading down to the pools are exceptionally steep and exceed 16 degrees in places (which may not be suitable for some mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs). They have 4 parking spaces available near the seal pools which are available on a first come first served basis for those who need them. The main accessible parking area is by the main reception at the top of the hill. You can also contact the sanctuary to discuss your access needs and how they can be accommodated. Disabled toilets are located by the front reception and by the seal hospital. The toilets by the cafe and seal pools (at the bottom of the slope) are not currently accessible so it is best to plan ahead.
Nearby Trebah Garden is a spectacular valley garden and provides a step-free route to enjoy the seasonal flora of the time you visit. Because it is a valley, the paths are quite steep gravel and are unsuitable for manual wheelchairs. To make exploring easier two motorised Tramper mobility scooters are free of charge here to help with your navigation around the gardens. These scooters provided in partnership with the Countryside Mobility Scheme can be booked by contacting Trebah. They recommend booking a week ahead at peak times to avoid disappointment.
At Falmouth, the registered charity Wetwheels South West offers accessible, high-speed powerboating activities for those with disabilities. Options include: tours of the estuary, fishing charters and wildlife trips. Depending on the preference and needs you may have a chance to drive the boat, have opportunities to photograph the native and visiting wildlife or use electric reels for fishing.
On the Northern coast of Cornwall the beautiful beach at Perranporth has a number of sand wheelchairs for getting around on the beach and shallow water (less than 6 inches), if the sand is proving to be difficult to manoeuvre on. These are free to hire, but require ID and a deposit. They also ask for a donation towards maintenance if possible. The town itself is relatively flat and certain cafes, bars and restaurants offer wonderful vistas out to sea so they are suitable for normal wheelchair use.
Also in North Cornwall you can find Cornwall popular cycle route; the Camel Cycle Path offers a great opportunity to take in the view, even if you have reduced mobility needs. The trail is flat so perfect for cycling and there are a number of independent cycle hire shops at Wadebridge. Bridge Bike Hire have the widest range of bikes to meet different mobility and accessibility needs. These include tandem bikes, tricycles (the extra wheel providing more stability), recumbent trikes and wheelchair tandem bikes where a manual wheelchair is secured onto a platform at the front. You can call them to discuss your specific needs and book ahead on 01208 813050.
The Camel Cycle Path is split into three sections with the flat five mile stretch from Padstow to Wadebridge the most popular section. From Wadebridge to Bodmin and then Bodmin to Wenfordbridge finishes off the 18-mile recreational route.
If you are looking for an indoor accessible attraction it's worth looking at the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth. The museum is set over five levels which are all accessible by lift or ramp making them easy to explore in a wheelchair or mobility aid. They also have a manual wheelchair available to borrow if needed as well as disabled choices. They are currently seeking funding for a Changing Places space. This is a great option for a rainy day and your understanding of the sea and Cornwall will be enriched along the way.
Carers of those with accessibility issues are admitted free of charge with a paying visitor. The nearest parking is 100 metres away in Falmouth town centre where you will find disability parking spaces, but square between the parking and museum is cobbled.
Near St. Austell you can discover the Eden Project, a fascinating insight into the life of plants, the expression of sculpture and the design of futuristic architecture. Accessible parking spaces and toilets are available. They also have free hire of manual wheelchairs available which don't need booking. If you prefer a self-propelled chair or mobility scooter these can be pre-booked. The 6 mobility scooters available can each be hired for £20 a day.
St. Ives itself can be an uneven and steep town to navigate but once you have arrived at the harbour, Tate St Ives is right on the beachfront. The gallery is fully accessible and offers a great opportunity to examine the inspired art, sculpture and wonderful textures while the view out to the Atlantic Ocean can be breathtaking as well.
These are just some of the accessible sights, features and activities that Cornwall has to offer if you or a family member you are visiting with have mobility issues. A little bit of planning and research means you can all enjoy some of the best parts of Cornwall despite the sometimes difficult terrain.
At Falmouth, the registered charity Wetwheels South West offers accessible, high-speed powerboating activities for those with disabilities. Options include: tours of the estuary, fishing charters and wildlife trips. Depending on the preference and needs you may have a chance to drive the boat, have opportunities to photograph the native and visiting wildlife or use electric reels for fishing.
On the Northern coast of Cornwall the beautiful beach at Perranporth has a number of sand wheelchairs for getting around on the beach and shallow water (less than 6 inches), if the sand is proving to be difficult to manoeuvre on. These are free to hire, but require ID and a deposit. They also ask for a donation towards maintenance if possible. The town itself is relatively flat and certain cafes, bars and restaurants offer wonderful vistas out to sea so they are suitable for normal wheelchair use.
Also in North Cornwall you can find Cornwall popular cycle route; the Camel Cycle Path offers a great opportunity to take in the view, even if you have reduced mobility needs. The trail is flat so perfect for cycling and there are a number of independent cycle hire shops at Wadebridge. Bridge Bike Hire have the widest range of bikes to meet different mobility and accessibility needs. These include tandem bikes, tricycles (the extra wheel providing more stability), recumbent trikes and wheelchair tandem bikes where a manual wheelchair is secured onto a platform at the front. You can call them to discuss your specific needs and book ahead on 01208 813050.
The Camel Cycle Path is split into three sections with the flat five mile stretch from Padstow to Wadebridge the most popular section. From Wadebridge to Bodmin and then Bodmin to Wenfordbridge finishes off the 18-mile recreational route.
If you are looking for an indoor accessible attraction it's worth looking at the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth. The museum is set over five levels which are all accessible by lift or ramp making them easy to explore in a wheelchair or mobility aid. They also have a manual wheelchair available to borrow if needed as well as disabled choices. They are currently seeking funding for a Changing Places space. This is a great option for a rainy day and your understanding of the sea and Cornwall will be enriched along the way.
Carers of those with accessibility issues are admitted free of charge with a paying visitor. The nearest parking is 100 metres away in Falmouth town centre where you will find disability parking spaces, but square between the parking and museum is cobbled.
Near St. Austell you can discover the Eden Project, a fascinating insight into the life of plants, the expression of sculpture and the design of futuristic architecture. Accessible parking spaces and toilets are available. They also have free hire of manual wheelchairs available which don't need booking. If you prefer a self-propelled chair or mobility scooter these can be pre-booked. The 6 mobility scooters available can each be hired for £20 a day.
St. Ives itself can be an uneven and steep town to navigate but once you have arrived at the harbour, Tate St Ives is right on the beachfront. The gallery is fully accessible and offers a great opportunity to examine the inspired art, sculpture and wonderful textures while the view out to the Atlantic Ocean can be breathtaking as well.
These are just some of the accessible sights, features and activities that Cornwall has to offer if you or a family member you are visiting with have mobility issues. A little bit of planning and research means you can all enjoy some of the best parts of Cornwall despite the sometimes difficult terrain.
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