South West
IN AND AROUND BUDE WITH A WHEELCHAIR
Summerleaze Beach in Bude
Bude is a coastal town in the North of Cornwall situated approximately 5 miles from the border with Devon, consequently the attractions and accommodation featured on this page lie within both Cornwall and Devon.
The main shopping area in the town centre is on a steep gradient, however there is plenty of on-street parking throughout the town. There are also car parks and wheelchair accessible toilets near the visitor centre (Tel :- 01288 354240, RADAR keys are also available from here) at the bottom of the town and adjacent to Somerfields at the top of the town.
There are 2 sandy beaches (Summerleaze and Crooklets) within wheeling distance of Bude town centre and slightly further afield is Widemouth Bay. To allow you to explore the beaches at close quarters, a sand wheelchair is available for hire each day (May until September 10am - 4pm ). This can be collected from the office adjacent to the lifeboat centre in the Summerleaze Beach car park tel: 01288 352226. There is a nominal fee of £5 per day for hire and a deposit of a valuable item such as car keys will be required. If more convenient the wheelchair can be delivered to Crooklets beach.
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page and for a wider accommodation search for other areas of South West and the UK click here.
Bude Canal
There are some good surfaced level paths suitable for wheelchair users from the car park by the Tourist Information Centre. Across the road opposite the car park is a short section of the Bude Canal that goes down to a lock with attractive views overlooking Summerleaze beach. If you would like some refreshment after exploring the canal towpath, adjacent to the canal is the Castle Tearoom that has level access and an excellent wheelchair accessible toilet.
Nature Reserve
There is also access to the canal tow path from the corner of the car park. If you turn left and head inland along the tow path and then left over the newly built bridge and left again on to the cycle trail, it is possible to complete a circular trail around the Bude Marshes Nature Reserve. There is a small accessible bird hide overlooking the reed beds on the tow path section of the walk.
The Castle Heritage Centre
Opposite the Tourist Information Car park is a small car park and the entrance to the newly opened Castle Heritage Centre. The heritage centre is housed in 'The Castle' the former home of Victorian inventor Sir Goldsworth Gurney who was born in the town. Access throughout the centre is good with a wheelchair accessible lift to the upper floor and the restaurant (this was still being fitted out on our visit but will have level access). There is a wheelchair accessible toilet and small shop on site.
Gurney's Steam Coach
The exhibits include information about the unique Bude Canal that was built to transport sand inland. There is a wealth of information about Sir Goldsworth Gurney and his inventions including the steam coach (pictured above) that travelled on roads. The consternation of the passengers travelling on the wagon (who were seated directly on top of the boiler!) brought about the invention of a separate steam engine to pull the passenger coach, a fore runner of the steam train.
An accessible section of the South West Coastal Path
It is possible to wheel along a short section of the South West Coastal Path from Crooklets Beach to Summerleaze Beach. Wheelchair access to the path is behind the beach huts adjacent to the Crooklets beach car park. The surface of the path is good but there are some steep inclines so manual wheelchair users will need assistance from a fit/able pusher. Half way along is an accessible viewpoint over the beaches below. The pathway divides above Summerleaze beach between access to the town and down to a cafe. Please note that the path down to the Cafe/bar and seating area although accessible is very steep.
There has been a recent initiative by the South West Coast Path Team to improve accessibility to sections of the 360 mile long path for those with mobility issues and information about the most accessible sections is available on their website (linked above).
The Gnome Reserve's strange effect on visitors!
The Gnome Reserve and Wildflower garden are situated at West Putford near Bradworthy in Devon approximately 12 miles from Bude. This is a unique experience and visitors are encouraged to join in the lighthearted atmosphere of the place by donning brightly coloured gnome hats before entering the reserve. Wheelchair access to the dingle where the majority of the gnomes reside is down a short well surfaced but very steep path. Manual and motorised wheelchair users will need to be accompanied by a fit/able companion before attempting to access this area. If this proves too daunting then the conservation area and wildflower garden with over 250 labelled species has level access and a more gentle undulating circular path.
Exploring deep in the reserve
There is designated disabled parking at the side and rear of the house where the good sized accessible toilet (space for left hand transfer) is situated. A ramp is available to enter the reception area and cream teas are served to outside tables.
Some of the wealth of advertising memorabilia at Bradworthy Transport Museum
A short distance away just outside Bradworthy is the Bradworthy Transport Museum. Over 80 vehicles including lorries, vans, cars, motorcycles and tractors have been lovingly restored and displayed on site. Many smaller exhibits such as old petrol cans and blow torches are also housed at the museum. Wheelchair access into the shop and around the museum is excellent.
The Museum's innovative accessible picnic table
Access for less mobile visitors has been given careful consideration including the picnic table pictured above (comprising of old tractor seats and a wheel), close access to the vehicles, an excellent accessible toilet and the wheelchair users companion receiving free entrance. At present there is no cafe on site but there is one approximately a mile further along the road towards Thurdon at Tamar Lakes.
Crossing the dam at Upper Tamar Lake
There are two lakes here firstly the Upper Tamar Lake with a small visitor centre, a cafe and an accessible toilet. You can enjoy beautiful views across the lake from the car park or wheel down and across the dam which marks the border between Devon and Cornwall. Unfortunately the lakeside walks here are not accessible.
The trail to the bird hide at Lower Tamar Lake
The Lower Tamar Lake is a short drive away and has a car park, accessible toilet and a level grass covered trail to an accessible bird hide. It is possible to wheel down from the upper lake across the road and through a gate to the lower lake bird hide but assistance will be needed to negotiate the gate, a short inclined section of the path and the steepish incline on the return to the upper lake car park.
Wheelchair access to the gardens at Rosemoor
The RHS garden Rosemoor is situated at Great Torrington in Devon approximately 25 miles north east of Bude. There are 65 acres of garden to explore including the formal garden, extensive herbaceous borders, a herb garden and a winter garden. Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible (apart from the woodland and lakeside walks). Manual wheelchair users however will need the assistance of a fit /able companion (accompanying carers have free entrance) as some of the paths have long fairly steep inclines. There are designated spaces in the car park adjacent to the entrance and the shop, plant centre and restaurant all have level access. Rosemoor has 8 manual wheelchairs available for visitors use and these can be pre-booked if required. From the 3rd of April 2008 a mobility scooter will be available for hire on Thursdays each week.
One of the many 'rooms' in the formal garden
There is an extremely good accessible toilet near the entrance and another (with smaller dimensions) behind the Wisteria Tea Rooms in the oldest part of Rosemoor now known as Lady Annes garden. Signage for alternative more accessible routes (avoiding steps) is good throughout the site. Visitors can also use the well stocked botanical library. This is a garden for all seasons and when we visited in late September the autumn tints and late flowering herbaceous borders were a riot of colour.
Examples of glass engraving at Dartington Crystal
Dartington Crystal is approximately 3 miles from Rosemoor at Torrington. Designated parking is available adjacent to the visitor centre entrance. It is important to note that wheelchair users cannot access the factory tour. There is an admission fee into the visitor centre where visitors can see studio glass making, glass engraving (if the engraver is on site), an audio visual tour and exhibition.
The entrance to the shop and restaurant at Dartington
Also on site there is a restaurant and a factory shopping area with level access. Wheelchair access to the lower floor of the shops however is around the exterior of the building. There is also designated parking opposite the Edinburgh Woollen Mill which also has an excellent accessible toilet off the changing rooms (no signage).
Sheep racing at the Big Sheep
The Big Sheep is approximately eight miles north of Rosemoor on the outskirts of Bideford. This is a fun day out whatever the weather with a daily programme of events including sheep racing, duck and dog trials, sheep shearing and lamb feeding. There are designated spaces in the car park and level access into the entrance. Wheelchair users (who receive a concessionary admission fee) can access the majority of the site including the cafe, shop and the Ewetopia indoor play area. The latter has some equipment that is only accessible for able bodied children but the small ball pool and soft rocking toys could be suitable for all abilities. It is also possible to join in with the interactive events such as the lamb feeding.
The Duck Trials
The train has a wheelchair accessible rear carriage that can be boarded via a ramp. There are several steep inclines within the site that manual wheelchair users will require assistance to negotiate. If children can transfer, they can be accompanied by an adult to operate the tractors on the tractor track. There is an accessible toilet adjacent to the restaurant and one (with better dimensions) in the Ewetopia play area. Although this is primarily aimed at younger visitors, events such as the duck trials and sheep racing are great fun to watch for all ages. Wheelchair loan is available on site.
Tamar Otter Centre
Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre is situated at North Petherwin approximately 15 miles south east of Bude. There are designated spaces in the car park and an inclined path down to the entrance, gift shop and cafe. Please note the site has a naturally hilly terrain and some of the paths are steeply inclined with rough surfaces or grass, so manual wheelchair users will need the assistance of a fit/able companion. There is an accessible toilet at the rear of the cafe and accessible tables in the picnic area. Visitors can also handle the eagle owl displayed on site.
The Asian Short Clawed Otters at Tamar
Feeding times for the otters are at 12 midday and 3 p.m. and are accompanied by an extremely informative talk. The Asian otters pictured above are housed in a newly designed pen with good viewing access for wheelchair users. There is easy access to the first part of the nature trail ( the remainder is too steep) and visitors can feed the Muntjac and Fallow deer in the woodland enclosure. This is a great way to get to know more about these fascinating animals.
This area on the Devon and Cornwall border is a great place to stay. You can use it as a base to explore the wide variety of accessible visitor attractions and the beautiful coast and countryside locations on offer. We have only featured attractions in a 25 mile radius of Bude but there is lots more to see slightly further afield such as The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
PLACES TO STAY
All accommodation included has been assessed by one of our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most wheelchair users needs we strongly advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements. For accommodation inspection gradings e.g. Diamond ratings, follow the links to each providers own website.
Blagdon Farm Holiday Cottages
Blagdon Farm is situated at Ashwater near Beaworthy approximately 15 miles from Bude. There are 8 purpose built accessible self catering cottages set in 12 acres of grounds overlooking a 2.5 acre coarse fishing lake. Amongst the facilities also on site are a hydrotherapy pool, a games room, a play area equipped with supported swings, a wheelchair accessible woodland walk and a restaurant/bar.
Mallard Cottage Four Poster
All the cottages have ramped access, wooden verandahs overlooking the lake and fully equipped spacious wet rooms. Two of the cottages have the luxury of four poster beds in the master bedroom. The bedrooms have sufficient floor space to allow the use of a portable hoist if needed and left or right hand transfer. An electrically adjustable bed or beds can be provided if required.
Mallard Cottage wet room
The wet rooms have sliding doors, contain a wheeled shower chair, have plenty of room for a carer/carers to assist if needed and have sufficient room to side transfer to the toilet. In addition there is a wide range of additional mobility aids available for hire on site.
Wagtail Cottage M3( i )
Wagtail is a one bedroomed cottage that has been specifically designed for independent wheelchair users with low level kitchen units. It has good internal dimensions allowing plenty of wheelchair turning space in the living area and the bedroom. As with all the cottages it has its own level car parking space adjacent to the front door.
Freddies Bar and Restaurant
An additional feature of Blagdon is Freddies where you can enjoy an evening drink and/or a meal (additional tables on the verandah in the summer). If you prefer to relax in your cottage a takeaway menu is available. Next door is the (90 plus degree) hydrotherapy pool, that has an electric ceiling hoist, wide easy access steps and a balcony with sun loungers.
This is a larger feature for one accommodation provider that we normally include in our pages. However having visited numerous accessible accommodations during our countrywide research over the last 6 years we feel it fully reflects that in our opinion Blagdon Farm has successfully combined many accessible features and on-site facilities with high specification and friendly hospitality to produce a really great holiday experience.
This could be suitable for accompanied or unaccompanied wheelchair users. more info
For further details telephone 01409 211509 or check out their website.
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Buttermoor Farm
Buttermoor Farm offers bed and breakfast in a beautifully converted barn on a working farm on the edge of the peaceful village of Milton Damerel near Holsworthy approximately 16 miles from Bude. There is adjacent parking and ramped access to a separate entrance for the B&B. The double divan bedroom can be arranged as a twin (allowing right or left hand transfer) if preferred by prior request. Evening meals made with local or home grown produce are also available.
The en-suite wet room
There is a wheeled shower chair for the level access shower which allows room for carers if required and right hand transfer to the toilet. (N.B. Visitors might need to bring a shaver plug for the bedroom as the one in the en-suite is rather high). Wheelchair users can access a patio area with seating in the garden and a power point is available for visitors with mobility scooters.
This could be suitable for accompanied or unaccompanied wheelchair users. moreinfo
For further details telephone 01409 261314 or check out their website.
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The bedroom at Rosecare
Rosecare Villa Farm is situated on the A39 at St Genny's approximately 8 miles south of Bude. It offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a converted stable block set around a courtyard. There is level access from the parking area to a separate entrance to the ground floor wheelchair accessible double room. There is sufficient wheelchair access around the room and the double bed (right and left hand transfer) has underneath clearance for a portable hoist (N.B. The furniture can be rearranged to provide twin beds with prior notice). There is a connecting door to a twin room for a companion/carer if required.
The kitchen area
There is also an adjoining kitchen area with underneath clearance for wheelchair users to the sink and hob that would allow visitors to self cater should they prefer. The level access shower and toilet is off the kitchen and has room to left hand transfer to the toilet and to allow a carer to assist if required. Breakfast is taken in the wooden beamed dining room across the courtyard. This could be suitable for accompanied or unaccompanied wheelchair users. more info
For further details telephone 01840 230474 or check out their website.
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The Stables self catering cottage at Country Ways Holidays.
Country Ways have a selection of cottages in a peaceful farm setting at Umberleigh in Devon just off the A377 approximately 25 miles from Bude. One of which, the Stables, is an accessible self catering cottage with a ramp into the front entrance and designated parking nearby. It has a double and a single bedroom (with an additional single bed in the galleried hayloft). There is good wheelchair access around the single room (with underneath clearance for a portable hoist). Additional room allowing right or left hand transfer can be made in the double with removal of the bedside table (by prior arrangement). In the shower room there is a level access shower (fixed shower head), a portable shower chair (not wheeled), room for carer/carers and to left hand transfer to the toilet. Wheelchair access around the kitchen/living area is good and there are french doors leading on to an attractive balcony overlooking the garden. A small range of additional mobility aids are available on request. more info
This could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users.
For further details telephone 01769 560503 or check out their website.
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Forda Stables
There is also Forda Lodges and Cottages at Kilkhampton, 6 miles from Bude and which we have not yet visited. Amongst the range of lodges and cottages on site they have an accessible cottage called Forda Stables.
For more detailed information on Forda's accessibility click here or visit their website.