When planning what to do on a weekend, it’s always important to make sure that any activities you do are accessible for all those coming with you to take part. So we spoke to our social media followers to see where is best in Devon for any disability-friendly activities, and they did not disappoint!
We had absolutely loads of suggestions, but sadly we could only include ten! If we’ve forgotten any obvious ones, let us know in the comments.
Calvert Trust, Exmoor
Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities to experience exciting, challenging and enjoyable outdoor activities. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of Exmoor National Park and a short distance from the North Devon Coast, their award winning centre welcomes guests of all ages and levels of ability, together with their families & friends.
https://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor/exmoor
Countryside Mobility, various locations in Devon
Countryside Mobility are all about enabling easy access to the South West’s beauty spots, so no matter your ability you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery too! From places like Glen Lyn Gorge, Castle Drogo and hundreds more, Countryside Mobility have supplied these beautiful areas with disability equipment so they are accessible to all.
Their sister project – Heritage Ability – also do some fantastic work! They are making heritage sites at over 20 destinations across Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Somerset and Gloucester accessible so that disabled people and British Sign Language users can have engaging experiences with the places that we love.
Check out their full list of accessible-areas in Devon here: https://www.countrysidemobility.org/locations/list?county=2
CEDA, Exeter
CEDA works with disabled adults and children in ways which make sense for them, always keeping the individual at the centre of the service. They run a number of different opportunities each day from IT to Tai Chi, either in their fully accessible building or in the community. The programme changes quarterly in full consultation with the users, some of their most popular sessions include sport, cookery and current affairs.
Find out more here: https://www.cedaonline.org.uk/
The Milky Way, Bideford
The Milky Way Adventure Park have undertaken significant work to ensure that a visit to The Milky Way is an accessible, fun and safe experience for all of their guests, regardless of their particular needs. They have implemented a number of different things to make the park more accessible, including free loanee wheelchairs and priority ride access.
Find out more here: https://www.themilkyway.co.uk/
The Weir Restaurant and Wildlife Centre, Bude
There’s so much to see and do at The Weir Restaurant and Wildlife Centre, it would be a shame if it wasn’t accessible to all parties. Luckily, The Weir has mobility scooter hire for those family members who have limited mobility. The tramper can be used in the immediate vicinity and also on the Tow Path to Bude and on the multifunctional pathway on the Whalesborough grounds, which reaches to the main Widemouth Road.
https://www.weir-restaurant-bude.co.uk/
River Dart Country Park, Dartmoor
Set in 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart Country Park has been one of Devon’s best-loved family tourist attractions and campsites for over 20 years. The park is packed with attractions, and the whole park caters to those of all abilities, so everyone can join in on the fun!
Crealy, Exeter
Crealy is an award winning family theme park in Devon and boasts over 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular live entertainment shows and animals galore, it’s no wonder that Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is regularly voted the best day out in Devon. Crealy Great Adventure Park has been designed with the needs of those guests with disabilities and with additional access needs firmly in mind, so all of their team are trained and enabled to recognise the individual needs of their guests, and will do everything possible to ensure all guests with additional needs have a safe and memorable visit.
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh
The multi-award winning South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s and the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the south west.
The SDR is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. They run steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages.
https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/
Ultimate Adventure, Bideford
At the Ultimate Adventure Centre, making their site accessible for people from all walks of life has been integral to their performance as both instructors and general human beings. Every building on their site has disabled access & many are designed specifically with accessibility in mind. Although you may imagine an adventure centre is not the number one location for people living with disabilities, their previous clients have thoroughly enjoyed their stay with them. Their activities can be tailored perfectly (with enough notice) to suit both your ability and desires, and their instructors will be by your side to make sure you keep a smile on your face the whole time!
https://www.ultimateadventurecentre.com/
Living Coasts, Torquay
Welcome to Living Coasts, an all weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon, where there’s plenty to see and do: mingle with the playful penguins, get up close to the otters, octopus and seals, and much more. Visit Penguin Beach to walk with the African and macaroni penguins and catch their entertaining feeding time talks!
It has a gentle slope, accessible toilets and a car park with blue badge parking.
