Ultimate guide to accessible wheelchair friendly holidays in North Devon (for all budgets)

An accessible guide to North Devon

Do you dream of a seaside escape but you are worried about accessibility and getting around? Planning a North Devon getaway with someone who uses a wheelchair or has other accessibility requirements can feel overwhelming. Will the Park be accessible? Will there be activities and facilities for everyone?

At Woolacombe, we get it. Accessibility is important! We believe everyone, regardless of their ability, should be able to enjoy Devon’s stunning coastlines and towns. It’s why at our Twitchen House Holiday Park, you can book into a wheelchair friendly caravan. This holiday park you are interested in a relaxing woodland escape or easy access to Britain’s best beach at Twitchen House Holiday Park.

In this article we explore the best recommendations for pubs and restaurants, disabled parking, and accessible attractions to make your stay in Devon even more memorable. Find accessible outdoor activities, learn how our holiday parks are suited to wheelchair users, perfect for families after a fun holiday and couples after a cheap and relaxing getaway.

Wheelchair friendly holiday resort

Are you dreaming of a holiday break where you can unwind and explore without limitations? At Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, we say yes! We pride ourselves on our holiday parks’ accessible features, they make it a perfect holiday for wheelchair using families.

We understand that for you to relax, you need to know your stay is truly accessible for the whole family. Our holiday parks are designed to put everyone at ease:

• No worries about getting around: There is designated parking close to your caravan and ramps everywhere to help with access.
• Bathrooms that everyone can use easily: Accessible toilets and changing rooms are available in key locations across the Parks.
• A helping hand when you need it: Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help during your stay.

But accessibility is just the beginning, what about things to do and having fun? Our accessible holiday parks also have features that create a fun and inclusive place for everyone:

• Explore the beauty of North Devon together: Accessible routes lead to scenic areas, so the whole family gets to experience the breathtaking views.

Whether it's a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoying a family meal, our Parks offer something for everyone to unwind and create lasting memories. Woolacombe Bay’s Holiday Parks lets the whole family experience the fun of a carefree holiday break.

Wheelchair friendly & accessible restaurants in North Devon

Worried about finding delicious restaurants with disabled access during your North Devon stay? The Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks team believe a stress-free holiday break includes fantastic food and drinks. So, we’ve spoken to our holiday park team to give you the best recommendations about accessible and adapted pubs and restaurants to help you shake off any concerns about wheelchair access.

Wheelchair friendly restaurant in Croyde, The Manor House Inn

Fancy a classic pub experience with a modern twist? The Manor House Inn, in Croyde, is a short drive away from Twitchen House. The Manor House Inn is a traditional 16th-century pub offering a warm welcome, delicious food, and fine wine in a relaxed setting. They have a sheltered pub garden and a play area for kids. Even your dog is welcome, with fresh water and biscuits available!

Their menu features classic pub grub like burgers, fish and chips, and BBQ ribs, alongside fresh "catch of the day" and vegetarian options like dirty fries. They even have a dedicated kid's menu and offer the traditional Devon cream tea for a sweet treat. Or, if you’d rather soak up the beach, then get your food to takeaway and enjoy a delicious meal by the seaside. The pub’s menu and disabled-access friendly premises make it a stand out choice.

Wheelchair friendly restaurant in Lymouth, The Blue Ball Inn

The Blue Ball Inn, based in Lynmouth, is a 13th-century inn with low ceilings and exposed beams. The menu features delicious local specialties like their famous steak and ale pie, West Country fish and chips, and juicy Exmoor steaks. Whether you're with family (they have a dedicated kid's menu!) or seeking a romantic evening (gluten-free and gluten-avoiding options available), The Blue Ball caters to all. Plus, it's the perfect base to explore the breathtaking landscapes; you are spoilt for choice with the number of trails nearby.

Wheelchair friendly restaurant in Woolacombe, The Red Barn

Craving a taste of Devon? In the mood for a chill pub vibe? The Red Barn is right next door, the pub’s food menus features award-winning steak and ale pie, alongside fresh fish and chips and seasonal specials. Don't forget to save room for their famously indulgent puddings! Just call them beforehand to book for a smooth visit.

Accessible holiday activities in North Devon

If you plan on visiting a National Trust property in North Devon, we have chosen our favourite sites with options for those with limited mobility as well as wheelchair users and families.

Arlington Court and Carriage Museum

The grand estate at Arlington Court was home to the Chichester family for over 500 years. The Carriage Museum takes you through history with its stunning collection of horse-drawn carriages, perfect for young ones. Complete with a picturesque lake, the premises has accessible toilets, level access to the tea-room, and luscious gardens to relax in. You can rent a Tramper mobility scooter (booking recommended) and try the popular lake walk or even venture down to the bird hide.

Heddon Valley

If a breath of coastal air is more your cup of tea, then soak up the beauty of the Heddon Valley, with a scenic Tramper ride (booking recommended). Choose from two accessible routes, a shorter 2-mile loop or a longer 5-mile adventure. Perfect for families with different abilities, these all-terrain Tramper routes are also perfect for pushchairs. Heddon Valley is an accessible friendly day out, where everyone can enjoy the breathtaking clifftop views and natural woodland.

Disabled friendly attractions

The Big Sheep

The Big Sheep is an amusement farm park based in Abbotsham, Devon. Originally called Barton Farm, this family-owned business turned the farm into an attraction over 30 years ago. The farm park is a great place for families regardless of the weather.

What you need to know about accessibility at The Big Sheep

The Farm Park’s main areas are level access, the main entrance, reception, cafes, toilets, shops, most show arenas (with dedicated viewing areas), Animal Barn (with some limitations), train ride station, giant jumping pillows. The accessible route width is at least 1,115mm. Gravel paths and steps lead to the Rampage Rollercoaster and Swan Pedalos.

Watermouth Castle

Worth a visit, wheelchair users go free! At Watermouth Castle, there are lots of activities to keep children of all ages entertained. If you are registered disabled, then you are eligible for a yearly membership at a discounted price. Just share proof when you purchase. Find the famous Watermouth Castle Crocodile, do you find it creepy or does it make you giggle?!

The Milky Way

The amusement park was originally a family-run farm in the 1980s. The park has grown exponentially, winning awards for Devon's Large Attractions and 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award for the 8th year running. The park offers a discount for disabled guests and carers, if you want to secure this discount, you will need to show proof of disability.

What you need to know about accessibility at The Milky Way

Most of the park is based on one level, both inside and outside areas of the park. Most of the doors in the park are automatic or have low level handles. There is priority access available for those who cannot wait in regular queues. There are also a number of free wheelchairs and scooters available for loan. However, these are on a first come first served basis. We recommend calling ahead to reserve if you plan to use one.

Outdoor accessible holiday activities in North Devon

You or your loved one may encounter obstacles, building without the right access for you, narrow doorways and awkward public transport. You may be frustrated with the lack of active activities available to your limited access or wheelchair users. This lack of inclusivity can be isolating at times. There's a common misconception that if you are disabled or have limitations that you take things a bit easier than most. But at Woolacombe, the team have found activities that use assisted technology.

Accessible cycling

North Devon’s coastal routes are a great place for cycling. You get to see the sea, sandy beaches and cliff faces. In Devon, there is accessible cycling near the Wistlandpound Reservoir that offers a cycling experience for everyone regardless of their ability.

For wheelchair users, specially designed cycles feature rear handles, saddles, and pedals, with front seats or platforms. Tricycles provide stability with three wheels, while handcycles offer pedalling and steering by hand. Recumbents let riders sit comfortably in a chair close to the ground with pedals at the front, and tandems enable two riders to cycle side by side. This immersive and accessible way to explore Devon's natural beauty, means everyone can cycle along the sea side and no one is left behind.

Adaptive surfing in Devon

Adaptive surfing lessons are available to book on Croyde Bay in Devon. They are an exciting holiday experience for individuals with disabilities. The Surf South West team have joined with  The Wave Project's Adaptive Team to train and collaborate to create a team of instructors equipped with the skills to handle a range of various disability levels. They have lots of equipment to make your session as accessible as possible, such as beach access wheelchairs, a transfer sling and a couple of adapted surfboards including a seated board. The sessions are available in groups as well as on-on-one sessions.

Accessible holiday tips

• Plan ahead - If you’ve arranged for an electric access vehicle, always mention the dominant hand for controls.  Whether it's a scooter, wheelchair, or other assistive device, call ahead to find out which side the controls are on. You don't want a right handed joystick when you are left handed!
• When booking an accessible room in a hotel or holiday park (or anywhere!), don't assume all doorways are created equal. Standard wheelchair width is around 26 inches, but some doorways may be narrower.

Wheelchair friendly caravans

At Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, we are a family-run business that have been making holidays happen for over 45 years! We know how much fun a holiday away in the North of Devon can be. Our wheelchair-friendly caravans are designed to provide a comfortable base for your North Devon adventure. Find out more about accessibility at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks.

We want everyone to experience the joy of a holiday to the South West, regardless of their ability. Come explore the beauty of North Devon with us, and relax knowing you're getting a good deal and in good hands.