Accessible Guide to Cornwall

ACCESSIBLE GUIDE TO

CORNWALL

Find accessible places to stay, eat, visit and explore

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

MAP: Beaches with wheelchair hire

EXPLORE: Places to shop, eat and stay

HIT THE TRAIL: Accessible routes around Cornwall

Copyright Access Cornwall CIC 2022

With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund

About this guide

Thank you for using our Guide to Accessible Cornwall. This guide is organised by geographical area, with an assortment of useful information – including contact details - and maps to help you find your way around.

Each place we’ve listed has a series of icons to indicate various features, such as wheelchair accessibility, accessible toilet, support in place for people with sight/ hearing loss, carers go free, etc.

We’ve done our best to check for accuracy before going to print, but please be aware that facilities can be closed or withdrawn unexpectedly.

Remember to check opening hours, especially during the winter season, and look out for weekend events, which you might want to attend (or avoid).

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Accessible trails

Assistance dogs

Autism aware

Café

Carers go free

Changing places

Hearing impaired aware

Dementia aware

Accessible parking

Accessible toilet

Hearing loop

Max card

Public transport

Relaxed sessions

Restaurant

Sensory map

Social/Visual story

Trained staff

Visually impaired aware/ Braille guide

Wheelchair access

Welcome to the Accessible Guide to Cornwall

We love living in beautiful Cornwall, home to a huge variety of scenery and things to do. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, our team here at Access Cornwall CIC have created this guide to share all this with you.

Famous for its dramatic coastline, historic fishing villages and rolling countryside, Cornwall is often considered inaccessible to those with challenges such as health conditions and disabilities. But many organisations and venues work hard to make sure as many people as possible are welcome and able to access their services and amenities.

Access Conrwall Team at Trevassack Lake

We understand good accessibility information is necessary to plan an enjoyable day out or holiday in advance, to ensure you can be accommodated when you get there. That’s why our team of individuals, who live with a range of accessibility challenges, seek out and share those details so as many people as possible can enjoy new experiences.

This guide covers many different types of activity, including accommodation and places to eat, to suit different budgets, tastes and group size. From theme parks to watersports, National Trust gardens, award-winning hotels, holiday parks and campsites – it’s all here, from Saltash to Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

We appreciate no two people are alike, and one person’s ‘accessible’ might be another person’s ‘impossible’, but we hope this guide will help you to plan a relaxing and enjoyable time around Cornwall.

Please give us feedback, and let us know of any gems we’ve missed so we can include them in our next edition and website.

And don’t forget to mention us at the places you visit - we can offer them additional support if they would like to be even more inclusive.

For more information about accessible places to visit in Cornwall, visit www.accesscornwall.org.uk

CORNWALL REGION MAP

BUDE

NORTH EAST CORNWALL

MID CORNWALL NORTH

WEST CORNWALL

TRURO

SOUTH EAST CORNWALL

REDRUTH

FALMOUTH

MID CORNWALL SOUTH

LIZARD PENINSULA

Bosinver Farm Cottages

Making holidays in Cornwall accessible for neurodiverse families

When it comes to accessibility, many holiday resorts might consider wheelchair access, possibly even support for those with hearing or vision impairment. But what makes a relaxing and enjoyable break for families where one or more members might be neurodiverse?

A luxury eco-friendly retreat nestled in a peaceful valley between Mevagissey and St Austell, Bosinver Farm Cottages is renowned for its child-friendly holidays, and in the light of new information around neurodiversity, team members have been working hard in collaboration with Access Cornwall to do all they can to support all families.

“It’s very clear to us that this is a team who want to go far beyond ‘box ticking’ when it comes to accessibility,” says Access Cornwall director Viki Carpenter. “We understand holidays can be really difficult for anyone who is neurodivergent, but this is a space where you can feel completely welcome, where the team will not judge but simply listen and help the whole family to enjoy time together.”

Here are a few of the things that Bosinver are doing to make the experience of staying enjoyable and relaxing for neurodiverse families.

1. Good online information

Knowing what to expect when you visit means that neurodiverse children (or parents) can prepare and feel more familiar in advance. It also helps those with any accessibility challenges to check whether the place is suitable for them. This can include photos, videos and visual stories.

2. Lots of peaceful space and outdoor play areas

Studies show that getting outside and connecting with nature is beneficial for those who have sensory processing sensitivity, and this often goes handin-hand with neurodiversity. Bosinver offers nature trails around a 30-acre site as well as beautifully crafted play equipment, from a simple tree swing to plank runs that help with vestibular sensory input. This is the kind of play which neurodiverse children love, but cleverly, all children will enjoy it, meaning they are not marked out as ‘different’ for using it.

3. Good staff training and excellent customer service

You’re more likely to have the best time on your holiday when the people who look after you from booking until you leave to go home take the time to ask you what you need, and follow your lead, non-judgementally. Bosinver staff are training with Access Cornwall to ensure a start-to-finish process of excellent customer service.

4. Adapting to individual needs

If children want to pre-book a time to have a pony ride rather than wait anxiously in a queue, or be taken around separately to feed the animals, this can be arranged with pre arrival notification.

5. Guests with accessibility needs are shown, not just told, they are welcome

Often venues will make all the right noises, but demonstrating that preparations have been made to welcome neurodiverse families can really encourage them to step out of their familiar comfort zone and confidently book a holiday they feel they will actually enjoy. At Bosinver, family members who experience sensory processing challenges themselves have put together sensory boxes that guests can use during their stay, and are creating visual stories to demonstrate to guests with neurodiverse or SEN children that they genuinely want them to enjoy their time at Bosinver.

Find out more about Bosinver’s support for those with accessibility needs at bosinver.co.uk/accessibility

If you would like information and support in how to make your business more accessible, email Access Cornwall hello@accesscornwall.org.uk

NORTH EAST CORNWALL

Gallos - King Arthur Sculpture, Tintagel Castle

Cornwall’s north-east corner is a rugged and dramatic part of the Duchy, stretching from Bude to Padstow on the coast and encompassing Bodmin Moor and the town of Bodmin inland. There are many accessible trails and attractions to discover here.

North Cornwall is famed for its wild coast and the legends around King Arthur at Tintagel Castle, as well as the more 21st-century attractions of Port Isaac, the delightful harbour that is home to the TV show Doc Martin and the Fisherman’s Friends shanty singers.

While the more adventurous can take advantage of the north coast’s excellent surfing opportunities, the Camel Trail - which repurposes an old railway line between Bodmin and Padstow - is an excellent level cycle trail suitable for wheelchair users, especially between Wadebridge and Padstow. You can hire bikes of all shapes and sizes at Bridge Bike Hire.

The main towns in this area are Launceston, Wadebridge, Padstow and Bude, with smaller towns at Boscastle, Port Isaac and Tintagel.

DAYS OUT

Bodmin Jail

Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, PL31 2NR (Sat Nav PL31 2PY)

www.bodminjail.org

Tel: 01208 76292

Find out about the history of Bodmin Jail, including spooky guided tours. Good wheelchair accessibility (up to 75cm width), and fun for all the family.

The Camel Trail

Bodmin via Wadebridge to Padstow

you-well.co.uk/the-camel-trail

www.bridgebikehire.co.uk/

Tel: 01208 813050

An 18-mile cycle and walking trail between Bodmin and Padstow, along an old tramway. Wide and level, mostly gravelled, and not on public roads. Bridge Bike Hire has a range of different accessible bikes, including tandems, trikes, trailers, tagalongs, and a wheelchair-tandem.

Bodmin Keep

Bodmin, PL31 1EG (PL31 1DU for sat nav)

bodminkeep.org

Tel: 01208 72810

Cornwall’s regimental museum, showcasing the military history of Cornwall, with opportunities to dress up and explore. Very well set up for people with learning differences. Unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

DAYS OUT

Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Bodmin General Station,Bodmin, PL31 1AQ (PL31 1AG for Sat Nav)

bodminrailway.co.uk

Tel: 01208 73555

Cornwall’s only full size railway still operated by steam locomotives, offering a 13-mile round trip. Special events throughout the year. Disability aware, especially around autism, with some limitations for wheelchair users.

National Lobster Hatchery

South Quay, Padstow, PL28 8BL

www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk

Tel: 01841 533877

Learn about pioneering marine conservation work, supporting endangered lobsters, in this accessibility-aware attraction.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel, PL34 0HE

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ tintagel-castle

Tel: 01840 770328.

Given its location on a small headland, surrounded by steep cliffs and accessed by a small land bridge, this castle is surprisingly accessible. There is wheelchair access over the new bridge and English Heritage offer Braille guides, hearing loops and a Landrover transfer for those who are ambulant with limited mobility.

EAT OUT

Trevibban Mill restaurant

Dark Lane, Near Padstow, PL27 7SE

trevibbanmill.com

Tel: 01841 541 413

Woods Café

Cardinham Woods, Bodmin, PL30 4AL

www.woodscafé.co.uk

Tel: 01208 78111

Peaceful bar/restaurant with a ‘nibbles’, snacks and sharing platters, chosen to complement their own wines and ciders.

The Weir

Marhamchurch, Bude, EX23 0JD

weir-restaurant-bude.co.uk

Tel: 01288 362 234

Delicious local produce at this lakeside café, with a play area, and wildlife centre. Also sheepdog demonstrations, fishing, and walking trails connected to Bude Canal and Coastal Trail.

A family run independent café, with local, home-made food, and great cakes, featuring spacious outdoor seating, or a roaring log fire, as the seasons change.

Jamaica Inn Bolventor

Bodmin Moor, PL15 7TS

www.jamaicainn.co.uk

Tel: 01566 86250

A historic (haunted?) coaching house high on Bodmin Moor, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s tale of smuggling. 36 rooms, museum, and atmospheric restaurant.

Trevibban Mill

Cardinham Woods/Forestry England

PLACES TO STAY

Bodmin Jail Hotel

Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, PL31 2NR (Sat Nav PL31 2PY)

www.bodminjailhotel.com

Tel: 01208 822 822

St Moritz Hotel

Trebetherick, Wadebridge, PL27 6SD

www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01208 862242

Luxurious hotel, in the historic Bodmin Jail, with on-site restaurants. Fully accessible rooms, including wet room, with lifts to the key areas.

Mother Ivey’s Bay caravan park

Trevose Head, near Padstow, PL28 8SL

www.motheriveysbay.com

Tel: 01841 520 990

A peaceful holiday park with static caravans (including 2 that are wheelchair accessible) and space for caravans, motorhomes and tents. Great facilities and beach access.

A destination hotel with spa, pool (with hoist and disabled changing rooms), restaurant, and luxurious rooms. Very accessibility aware in several areas.

Waterloo Farm Holidays, North Petherwin, Launceston, PL15 8LL

Waterloofarmholidays.co.uk

Tel: 01566 785386

Six holiday cottages of which three are accessible, and two can be opened up to accommodate large parties including wheelchair users. En suite wet rooms.

Bodmin Jail Hotel

Exploring the Camel Trail

The Camel Trail follows a disused railway along the estuary of the River Camel, running from inland Bodmin to Padstow on the coast via the major hub of Wadebridge. The route is largely flat and level, with a well-maintained surface ideal for cycling as well as buggies and wheelchairs – and of course, dogs are welcome.

Many people start exploring the Camel Trail from Bodmin or Wadebridge, and have lunch in Padstow before returning. There is better parking along the route than in Padstow itself, which can get very busy during the summer months. The trail is almost entirely off-road, with just a small amount on a public road in the centre of Wadebridge.

The total length from Wenfordbridge (outside Bodmin) to Padstow is 18 miles, but from Wadebridge to Padstow is just 5 1/2 miles. Bike hire is available at many points along the route, as are refreshments in cafés and coffee shops, with public toilets in Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

The route wends its way through the beautiful Camel Valley, and there is striking contrast in the scenery. There is a bird hide near the trail at the Wadebridge end of the estuary, and even without it, you can’t help but see huge numbers of birds here, from wading birds looking for their next meal at low tide to many different species of woodland bird.

If you’re really lucky, you might spot some of the rarer wildlife along the trail: otters, bats, kingfishers, little egrets, marsh orchids, marsh marigolds… Try not to disturb them, and please don’t pick the flowers!

If you wish to leave the trail, there are plenty of places to explore. Padstow is a working harbour, with a vast array of places to eat from Rick Stein’s restaurant to any number of ice cream parlours. Check out the wheelchairfriendly National Lobster Hatchery, or the stately home of Prideaux Place, or take the wheelchair-accessible ferry across the Camel to Rock - hang-out of royals and celebrities! In Bodmin, the notorious Victorian jail - now a museum, hotel and restaurant - is very close to the Bodmin end of the cycle trail.

Need to hire bikes?

Bridge Cycle Hire in Wadebridge has an array of bicycles that far exceeds most cycle hire businesses, with everything from adult tricycles, tandems and bicycles with a platform on the front to accommodate a wheelchair user in their chair, as well as tag-alongs suitable for small children, dogs, older children and adults. Give them a call on 01208 813050 to discuss what you need to make your family cycling adventure happen.

In contrast to the more rugged north, south-east Cornwall (from Saltash to St Austell) is known for a more sheltered coastline, but the area here is diverse and fascinating. Discover treasures such as the Eden Project and the ‘Cornish Alps’ - spoil heaps created by the china clay mining industry - as well as the majestic Fowey Estuary and picturesque fishing villages such as Fowey and Looe.

Many of the coastal towns are hilly, sometimes with narrow or cobbled streets, which can make access difficult for those in wheelchairs or who are unsteady on their feet. However, there is beautiful countryside on the Rame Peninsula, Bodmin Moor and along the coast, and historic locations such as St Catherine’s Castle in Fowey, the stately homes of Boconnoc and Mount Edgcumbe, National Trust properties at Cotehele, Antony House, and Lanhydrock, and the Norman ruins of Restormel Castle (English Heritage).

The major towns in this area are Bodmin, St Austell, Liskeard and Saltash, with Fowey, Looe, Polperro, Lostwithiel, Mevagissey and more within easy reach. The A30 main arterial route into Cornwall passes along the northern edge of this area, while the A38 from Plymouth enters through Saltash, following the mainline railway. Take the branchline along the Tamar Valley to Gunnislake, passing over the majestic viaduct at Calstock.

DAYS OUT

Looe Harbour Heritage Centre & Sardine Factory

The Quay, West Looe, PL13 2BX

looeharbourheritagecentre.uk

Tel: 01503 264223

A really interactive and fascinating space to learn more about the trading history of Looe and its harbour. Seasonal opening. Very accessible.

Liskeard to Looe rail

www.nationalrail.co.uk

and our guide to Looe

This beautiful train journey through the Looe Valley starts at an accessible platform in Liskeard and takes about half an hour. A lovely day trip out.

It’s helpful to book ahead but the platforms are accessible for wheelchairs and staff can help onboard. Looe itself is about a 15-minute walk along a flat, level route and you can visit the beach, harbour and shops, pubs and restaurants around Looe. See our Accessible Guide to Looe for more information.

Wheal Martyn Museum

St. Austell, PL26 8XG

www.wheal-martyn.com

Tel: 01726 850362

The UK’s only China Clay museum. Learn how china clay mining has shaped the landscape for 250 years.

Excellent accessibility.

DAYS OUT

Eden Project

Bodelva, (near St Austell), PL24 2SG

www.edenproject.com

Tel: 01726 811911

Explore the relationship between humans and plants; learn, taste, take part, and discover. For all the family. Gold standard accessibility for all.

Lost

Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan

St.Austell, PL26 6EN

www.heligan.com

Tel: 01726 845100

Visit Great Estate gardens restored to their pre-World-War-One splendour, and explore this sub-tropical paradise. Good accessibility, but some uneven ground and slopes.

Siblyback Lake Country Park

Common Moor, Liskeard, PL14 6ER

www.swlakestrust.org.uk/siblyback

Tel: 01566 771930

Watersports and fishing, together with a beautiful 5km path around the lake, with the café and campsite suitable for tents and motorhomes. A great space to explore nature, with a Tramper available to hire.

EAT OUT

Hannafore Point Hotel, Restaurant and Spa

Marine Drive, Hannafore, West Looe, PL13 2DG

hannaforepointhotel.com

Tel: 01503 263 273

Sardine Factory in Looe

The Quay, West Looe, PL13 2BX

www.thesardinefactorylooe.com

Tel: 01503 770262

A luxury hotel, with several dining options, pool, spa and extensive sea views. A new lift has recently been installed and there is wheelchair access and an accessible toilet in their main restaurant.

Talland Bay Hotel

Porthallow, Near Looe, PL13 2JB

www.tallandbayhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01503 272667

Enjoy a slow afternoon tea at this historic country home. There’s designated parking at the rear, allowing easy access, and service dogs welcome in all public areas. If you’re staying, particular rooms are allotted for guests with limited mobility and wheelchair access, with a ramp on request, and landlines in all rooms for 24/7 assistance.

Innovative and modern coastal cuisine, with award winning food and views over the harbour. Level access and a lift to the restaurant level.

Hicks Bar

St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre, St Austell Brewery, 63 Trevarthian Road St. Austell

Cornwall, PL25 4BY

staustellbrewery.co.uk

Tel: 0345 2411122

Hicks Bar at St Austell Brewery Centre offers a warm welcome and has excellent accessibility, including a low bar so wheelchair users can order in comfort and helpful details such as contrasting crockery for vision-impaired diners. The Brewery Tours are largely accessible too.

Talland Bay

Sardine Factory

PLACES TO STAY

Fowey Hall Hotel

Hanson Drive, Fowey PL23 1ET

www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01726 833 866.

Bosinver Farm Cottages

Trelowth, St Austell PL26 7DT

www.bosinver.co.uk

Tel: 01726 72128

A luxury family hotel with family friendly activities, seasonal dining, spa, and views. 2 accessible rooms, with 1 wetroom.

Rail Holidays at St Germans

Haparanda Station, St Germans, Saltash, PL12 5LU

www.railholiday.co.uk

Tel: 01503 230783

Beautifully restored and well appointed selfcatering railway carriage holiday lets, by St Germans station. 1 suitable for wheelchair users, 1 totally pet free for allergy sufferers. Great access awareness.

v20 individual detached self-catering cottages, 3 of which are wheelchair friendly, set in 30 acres of peaceful farm and woodland. Animals, pool, soft play, walks, and excellent accessibility awareness.

Tudor Lodges

Morval, Looe, PL13 1PR.

www.tudorlodges.co.uk

Tel: 01503 241290

7 purpose-built wheelchair-accessible selfcatering lodges, set in peaceful countryside, near tourist attractions.

Fowey Hall Hotel

Rail Holidays at St Germans

Accessible Guide to Looe

Access Cornwall has produced an Accessible Guide to Looe showcasing places to stay, eat, visit and explore that welcome people with disabilities. The guide was produced for Looe Town Council, East Looe Town Trust, West Looe Town Trust and Looe Harbour Commissioners.

The guide includes restaurants and cafés, places to stay, things to do and information about the beaches in Looe. There is also comprehensive information about parking, getting around town, and publicly available accessible toilets.

The information is tailored not only for wheelchair users but also for those with sight/hearing impairments and learning differences, with details of where streets might be particularly busy, or with strong smells or loud noises.

There are options to suit every budget - from fine dining to beachfront cafés, hotels and self-catering cottages to a holiday park - and for all ages.

Looe has two excellent museums, two amusement arcades, countless shops and galleries, and even a store dedicated to Harry Potter.

Getting to Looe couldn’t be easier. The town is on one of the most tranquil and scenic railway branch lines, leaving from the mainline station at Liskeardit’s well worth a visit all by itself. Keep your eyes peeled for herons!

A team of Access Cornwall reviewers visited Looe, checking out all the places included in the guide and speaking with staff or management to ensure we have the best and most up-to-date information. We think it’s a great cross-section, and would be delighted to hear your suggestions for places that actively welcome people with disabilities so we can include them on our website

www.accesscornwall.org.uk

MID CORNWALL NORTH

From Padstow to St Agnes, this area of Cornwall is statistically the most popular, centred as it is around Newquay, Cornwall’s surfing mecca and arguably party capital!

There is a wealth of adventures and attractions to be discovered here, from adaptive surfing lessons to cider-tasting tours, and accessible family attractions such as the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo to Lappa Valley miniature steam railway and the Elizabethan manor house of Trerice (National Trust).

The string of beaches along this stretch of coast is wonderful, and many are accessible, wide and flat, just waiting to be discovered. A long stretch of coastline is owned by the National Trust and has plentiful parking, well-laid paths, excellent cafés and ice cream vendors.

Newquay is the largest town here, with smaller settlements in Perranporth, St Agnes and Goonhavern, and a host of tiny villages meaning there’s always something to see. The main A30 running down the spine of Cornwall, together with Cornwall Airport Newquay and the Newquay railway branch line connecting to the mainline at Par, keep this area well connected.

DAYS OUT

Blue Reef Aquarium

Towan Promenade, Newquay, TR7 1DU

www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay

Tel: 01637 878134

A delightful aquarium, with a great selection of exhibits, plus talks and feeding time. See everything from tiny jellyfish to sharks. Good wheelchair accessibility, and lighting being upgraded 2023.

Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

Penhallow, Truro, TR4 9LW

healeyscyder.co.uk

Tel: 01872 573356

Follow the making of traditional Cornish Cyder from orchard to shop, meet some cute animals, and enjoy tasting tours. Good accessibility.

Fistral Beach Newquay

DAYS OUT

Newquay Zoo

Trenance Gardens, Newquay, TR7 2LZ

www.newquayzoo.org.uk

Tel: 01637 873342

Home to 130+ species of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals, with opportunities to learn and explore. Great wheelchair accessibility.

Lappa Valley

St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX

www.lappavalley.co.uk

Tel: 01872 510317

Small steam and diesel trains, taking visitors of all ages to a secret valley of play and adventure. Highly accessible, awardwinning family-friendly fun.

Accessible path at Porth beach near Newquay

EAT OUT

Lewinnick Lodge

Pentire Headland, Newquay, TR7 1QD lewinnicklodge.co.uk

Tel: 01637 878117

A boutique restaurant with rooms, featuring locally sourced, seasonal produce. Wheelchair-friendly rooms also available.

Plume of Feathers

Mitchell, Newquay, TR8 5AX theplumemitchell.co.uk

Tel: 01872 510387

Classic pub food with a modern twist, in this 16th century restaurant, with some wheelchair accessible rooms. Surprisingly good wheelchair accessibility for the age of the building, although the car park is sloping.

Plume of Feathers

PLACES TO STAY

Monkey Tree Holiday Park

Scotland Road, Hendra Croft, Newquay, TR8 5QR

www.monkeytreeholidaypark.co.uk

Tel: 01872 572032

Harrods Cornish Cottages

Penhallow, Truro, TR4 9LT

www.harrods-cornwall.co.uk

Tel: 07896 897209

An award winning caravan and camping holiday park offering fantastic family breaks, including holiday homes for all budgets. 1 adapted caravan, plus pools, crazy golf, skatepark and more.

Newquay Holiday Park

Parkdean Holidays

www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/location/ cornwall/newquay

Tel: 0344 3819128

Newquay Holiday Park has 3 heated pools, lots of fun activities and there are two wheelchair accessible caravans with wider doorways and wetroom style bathrooms with handrails.

A collection of self-catering cottages, some with wet rooms, and/or hot tubs, for up to 4 guests each. Comprehensive accessibility info, to help guests choose.

Watergate Bay Hotel On The Beach

Trevarrian Hill, Newquay, TR8 4AA

www.watergatebay.co.uk

Tel: 01637 860543

This chic and popular hotel overlooks the magnificent sands of Watergate Bay. Two rooms are accessible, and there is wheelchair access to all public areas. Staff have been trained in accessibility awareness.

Watergate Bay hotel On The Beach

Surfing for everyone - yes, everyone!!

Based in Perranporth, Pegleg Bennett is the owner of Peg’s Surf Coaching, a Level 2 Surf Coach and current AASP World Champion (2022-23) in his division. Peg is a 50-something year old who has used a prosthetic leg throughout his life, and does not let it hold him back.

Peg’s Surf Coaching offers a place to learn to surf with coaches who are passionate about the sport, and believe it should be accessible to anyone who wants to give it a go.

In addition to regular lessons for all, Peg and his team specialise in coaching small groups or individuals to identify and work towards their own personal goal on their surfing journey.

While many share a goal of riding a wave, individual starting points can be very different.

Inclusivity and accessibility

The term now used in disability sport is ‘adaptive’, and this truly reflects the approach to surf sessions at Peg’s Surf Coaching. To achieve the levels of support and expertise required for inclusive surf sessions, Peg has trained

himself and others in adaptive surf qualifications, as well as hiring a small team of experienced and specialist people to work alongside him, including a staff member trained in BSL.

Equipment and methods used to improve accessibility include: adapted surfboards with additional hand rails and/or wedges to lift the chest for better positioning in the water; additional support in the water; audio description and closeproximity coaching for blind and visually impaired surfers; BSL and visual communication techniques for people who are deaf, hard of hearing

or have difficulty accessing speech; improved beach access through hire of local beach wheelchairs; and specific permission from the Parish Council to use occasional vehicular access.

Peg maintains a ‘can-do’ attitude in his approach to coaching, and will work with you to overcome whatever obstacles you feel might hold you back. He has personal experience of potential ‘barriers’ - such as discrimination, pre-conceptions and non-inclusion in a range of scenarios - and as a result is determined to counteract such negativity in his own coaching.

Examples of people supported to surf

• Family sessions where one member of the family had a physical disability or learning difference, allowing them all to participate together;

• BSL translation for a deaf girl, allowing her to ask questions and communicate her fears and feelings, as well as receive tuition;

• 1:1 sessions for members of the English Adaptive Surf Team, focusing on their preparation for international competition;

• Additional ‘eyes in the water’ for a family where 2 out of 4 members have sight loss;

• Surf coaching using technique modifications for people with limb amputations;

• A private session for a surfer with PTSD, whose needs, triggers and modification approaches were discussed in advance and throughout her lesson;

• A ‘return to surf’ confidence and skill session for a stroke survivor.

MID CORNWALL SOUTH

Centred around the cathedral city of Truro, and stretching down towards Falmouth and the beautiful and tranquil Roseland peninsula, this is the heart of Cornwall. Divided by the Fal estuary (known as the Carrick Roads - the third deepest natural harbour in the world), and full of secluded creeks and coves, this is a watersports paradise.

Many Victorian landowners took advantage of the sheltered conditions to create extraordinary semi-tropical gardens, including Trebah, Glendurgan and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

In addition, Henry VIII built the defensive fort of Pendennis Castle - which was still in use during the Second World War - and its smaller sister facing it across the water in St Mawes (both English Heritage).

Falmouth is the principal town in this area, and as the location of Cornwall’s only university, a major student centre. Penryn is rich in history, while on the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes, Portscatho and a multitude of smaller villages are clustered around the river and coast.

The main railway line stops at Truro, with a branch line running to Falmouth. Halfway down the river from Truro to Falmouth, the scenic King Harry Ferry takes vehicles across the river, while the St Mawes pedestrian ferry runs between Falmouth and the yachting haven, saving time on a long drive with a good chance of seeing some wildlife along the way.

DAYS OUT

Glendurgan Gardens

Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, TR11 5JZ www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ glendurgan-garden

Tel: 01326 252020

A beautiful garden set in three valleys, with a sheltered beach, woodland, a maze and exotic plants. There is a Tramper available for hire. There are accessible route around the gardens and the café is accessible, but please note, the maze is not wheelchair accessible.

Hall for Cornwall

Back Quay, Truro, TR1 2LL. hallforcornwall.co.uk

Tel:01872 262466

The premier events venue in Cornwall, with dance, music, theatre, comedy, panto and much more. Recently reopened after a total revamp, with excellent accessibility features.

National Maritime Museum

Discovery Quay, Falmouth, TR11 3QY

nmmc.co.uk

Tel: 01326 313388

A fascinating museum exploring Cornwall’s maritime heritage, with 15 galleries across five floors. Very accessible for people with any kind of disability.

DAYS OUT

Royal Cornwall Museum

River Street, Truro, TR1 2SJ. www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk/ visiting-us/accessibility

Tel: 01872 272205 Closed Sunday/Monday.

The Royal Cornwall Museum hosts visiting exhibitions as well as resident treasures including an Egyptian mummy. The first Monday of the month offers relaxed opening from 10am until noon for those who prefer a calmer visit.

Pendennis Castle

Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ pendennis-castle

Tel: 01326 316594

Set on a headland with breathtaking views out to sea, Pendennis Castle is one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses. The picturesque castle has defended Cornwall since Tudor times and played a vital role during the two World Wars.

Mylor Sailing School

Falmouth, TR11 5UF

mylorsailingschool.co.uk

Tel: 01326 377633

This sailing school has won Gold awards for accessibility and offers dinghy, keelboat and powerboat sessions. The school also has a wheely boat and offers social stories and great support for those with Special Educational Needs.

EAT OUT

County Arms

Highertown, Truro, TR1 3PY

countyarmstruro.co.uk

Tel: 01872 273972

Truro Lounge

12 Princes Street, Truro, TR1 2ES

thelounges.co.uk/truro

Tel: 01872 264378

Part of the St Austell Brewery group, offering accessible rooms and dining, including carvery, outdoor seating and excellent burgers.

The Shed / The Shack

The Ranch, 3-9 Tidemill House, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, TR11 3XP

theshedfalmouth.co.uk

Tel: 01326 318502

A trio of restaurants opposite the Maritime Museum, offering seafood, steak and delicious local produce in an informal setting. Friendly and helpful, covering a variety of tastes across the three sites. (The Ranch currently closed Spring ‘23)

Meudon Restaurant

Hotel Meudon, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5HT

www.meudon.co.uk

Tel: 01326 250541

Located on the tranquil and beautiful northern shores of the Helford River this is a wonderful place to stop for a luxurious afternoon tea or a meal. The restaurant and Bridge room are accessible and there is an accessible toilet and parking.

Quirky, laidback café/bar in the heart of Truro, including tapas and burgers. Very family friendly, but not always peaceful!

Excellent for food allergies. There are also Lounges in Newquay, Falmouth and St Ives.

The Pandora Inn

Restronguet Creek, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth, TR11 5ST

www.pandorainn.com

Tel: 01326 372678

This thatched riverside pub is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque, and every effort has been made to ensure the Pandora is as accessible as possible, from staff training in differing mobility requirements to large-format and Braille menus.

The Pandora Inn

PLACES TO STAY

Sara’s Cottage

Carrine Farm, Kea, Truro, TR3 6EB

www.sarascottage.co.uk

Tel: 01872 279608

Treworgans Farm

Ladock, Truro, TR2 4QD

treworgans.co.uk

Tel: 01726 883240

Award-winning accessible holiday cottage, in peaceful countryside just outside Truro. Full wet room. Sleeps 6.

Budock Vean Hotel

near Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5LG

www.budockvean.co.uk

Tel: 01326 252100

Luxurious hotel on the river, with restaurant and spa. Not fully accessible for full-time wheelchair users, but well-thought-out accessibility.

A pair of specially converted self-catering cottages, near Truro. Fully wheelchair accessible, with wet rooms, and accessible decks.

St Michaels Resort

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, TR11 4NB

www.stmichaelsresort.com

Tel: 01326 312707

All front-of-house staff are trained to assist guests with access requirements. Double doors leading from the car park to the wheelchair-accessible Arrival Lounge entrance make entry and exit effortless for all guests. Lift access to all East Wing rooms and most Beach House rooms; alternatively request ground floor. External access to gym, pool and spa; wheelchair-accessible treatment rooms.

Mannings Hotel

Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall. TR1 2QB

www.manningshotels.co.uk

Tel: 01872 247900

Chic hotel in the heart of Truro. Hotel and restaurant accessible via a ramp for wheelchair users. For those with vision or mobility impairment, there is 1 ground-floor wheelchair-adapted apartment available (including wheelchair-adapted fitted kitchen). Another ground-floor apartment is ideal for anyone with limited mobility.

Budock Vean Hotel

Mylor Sailing School

Mylor Sailing and Powerboat School is an independent training centre based in Mylor yacht harbour, near Falmouth. It offers sailing lessons and powerboat courses for everyone from complete beginners to experienced sailors, including people with disabilities via its charitable arm, Mylor Sailability.

Accessible and adapted sailing and powerboats enable the school to accommodate physical disabilities and learning differences from age 6+. Scheduled sessions run every week and one-to-one private lessons are available. Those who like to be prepared can find storyboards (social stories) and pictures to show what sessions are like.

A new project called the Good Day Promise offers free sessions for people with terminal or serious illnesses and their loved ones, to experience sailing together for free.

The sailing boats at Mylor take up to five participants plus an instructor. You can be as involved as you wish: get hands-on and learn to sail, or sit back and enjoy the sensation of sailing.

The team has clearly put a lot of effort into accessibility arrangements. A support seat brings sailing to those who cannot sit unaided, and a sling is available to hoist people across from the harbourside into the boats. There’s also an accessible powerboat with a ramp for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues - the interior can be rearranged so a wheelchair user can drive this boat.

A new adapted boat features Sipand-Puff electronic technology: the disabled sailor can control the boat through a series of straws, sucking or blowing to move the rudder.

Mylor harbour is situated on the Carrick Roads, with access to beautiful scenery in all directions. Sailors might see the twin castles of St Mawes and Pendennis, built by Henry VIII to protect the waterway and access to Falmouth and Truro; Falmouth itself, with Navy ships in the dock for repairs; and if you’re lucky, maybe even some wildlife.

Extensive information on how the school’s accessibility programme works, including full details of timings and how to book, can be found on the website mylorsailingschool.co.uk

LIZARD PENINSULA

Kynance Cove

The Lizard Peninsula is famed for its wild beauty, quiet coves and stunning coastline, stretching down towards the UK’s most southerly point. The main town is Helston, renowned for its Flora Dance in May; followed by Porthleven, where a three-day food and music festival attracts big names and crowds in April. Then there’s Mullion, and a host of small fishing communities including Coverack and Cadgwith.

Local landmarks include Goonhilly Earth Station, with its huge satellite dishes, and you can also find National Trust woodland and a freshwater lake at Penrose.

To the north there is the beautiful Helford River and tranquil havens such as Frenchman’s Creek made famous by Daphne du Maurier. There is also glorious coastline with popular beaches including Poldhu Cove, Church Cove and Kynance Cove attracting crowds in the summer.

Famous local wildlife includes the seals at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, and the Cornish national bird: the chough, with its red beak and legs. But at Flambards theme park, it’s the children who run wild!

DAYS OUT

Flambards

Near Helston, TR13 0QA

www.flambards.co.uk

Tel: 01326 573404

A theme park and attraction with a fun mix of rides, indoor attractions and entertainment. Rollercoaster, Victorian village, World War 2 air raid, and more.

Access Lizard Adventure

Mullion Cove, Hayle Harbour, and Clowance

Estate near Camborne

www.accesslizardadventure.co.uk

Tel: 07845 204040

A CIC offering subsidised kayaking, from one-off sessions right up to qualification courses, for any disabilities.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Gweek, TR12 6UG

sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en

Tel: 01326 221 361

A charity that rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline, and provides a home for other animals such as penguins, beavers and sea lions. Steep hill, but every effort is made to include everyone.

DAYS OUT

Roskilly’s Farm & Ice Cream Parlour

Barton Farm, Tregellast Close, St Keverne, Helston TR12 6NX

www.roskillys.co.uk

Tel: 01326 281924

A real, working, organic Cornish dairy farm. Meet the animals, stroll around the meadows, enjoy the tranquillity by the ponds and sample delicious ice cream.

Mullion Meadows Chocolate Factory

TR12 7HB

www.the-chocolatefactory.co.uk

Tel: 01326 241311

Discover a chocolate factory, craft shops, gift shops and llamas at this little centre in Mullion. It’s also a short hop from beautiful Mullion Cove.

Trevassack Lake, Children’s Sailing Trust

Learning Centre, Trevassack Lake, Helston TR12 6LH

www.childrenssailingtrust.org.uk

Tel: 01326 702326

High-quality, accessible watersports activities for all, with outstanding disabled facilities and a wide range of specialist equipment including wide, stable pontoons with ramp access and personal hoists to help those with limited mobility onto adapted watercraft.

The Access Cornwall team trying out new water friendly Hippocampe wheelchairs at Trevassack Lake

EAT OUT

Lakeside Café

Coronation Park, Helston, TR13 0SR

www.nautibutice.co.uk/lakeside-helston

Tel: 01326 569969

Top House Inn

Lizard, Helston, TR12 7NQ

https://thetophouseinn.co.uk

Tel: 01326 450098

This café enjoys views over the lake and you can also let children play in the play area nearby and enjoy walks or pedaloes on the lake. Level access with an accessible toilet.

Croust House, Roskilly’s Farm

Tregellast Barton, St Keverne, TR12 6NX www.roskillys.co.uk/Visit_The_Farm/ Croust_House_Restaurant

Tel: 01326 280479

Delicious homemade food, with a roaring log fire and a sunny courtyard, to suit the weather. Fresh local produce, including salads, pizzas, burgers and cakes, and their own famous ice cream. Also live music events over the summer. A vital part of Roskilly’s Farm!

Traditional pub food, well made with great local ingredients. Theme nights and exciting specials on offer. Also has accommodation, with an accessible room with walk-in shower. Friendly and disability-aware staff.

Gwella Dairy

Tregevis Farm, St Martin, TR12 6DN gwelladairy.co.uk

Tel: 07597 981967

A new addition tucked away on the South Helford River. Enjoy a delicious new ice cream in a very accessible undercover area right on the farm where the milk for the ice cream comes from. Wheelchair accessible, peaceful with good access and parking.

Polurrian Hotel

Polurrian Rd, Mullion, Helston, TR12 7EN

www.polurrianhotel.com

Tel: 01326 240421

Discover a beautiful restaurant / bar with spectacular views. There is a lift from entrance level down to lower area, it is spacious and light and staff are trained in accessibility.

Polurrian Hotel

PLACES TO STAY

Trevassack Lake Watersports Centre

childrenssailingtrust.org.uk/abouttrevassack-lake

https://trevassackholidays.com

Tel: 01326 702326

As well as watersports there are some beautiful and highly accessible luxury lodges and cabins where you can enjoy a peaceful stay at Trevassack Lake. In the centre Cornwall Food Hub offer wonderful food with waterside views.

Mullion Cove Hotel

Mullion, TR12 7EP

www.mullion-cove.co.uk

Tel: 01326 240328

A spectacular luxury hotel and spa above the cliffs, with dramatic views from many rooms and the various restaurant and bar areas. Very dog friendly and wheelchair accessible, with trained and helpful staff.

YHA Lizard Point

Polbrean House, Lighthouse Road, The Lizard, TR12 7NT

www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-lizard-point

Tel: 0345 371 9550

A former Victorian hotel, with 7 family rooms for between 2 and 6, in bunk beds. It is possible to book the entire hostel, sleeping 27. Self catering accommodation, with unrivalled views, and large shared living areas on the ground floor, where there are also 2 accessible en-suite rooms.

Penrose Estate Trail

Penrose, near Helston, is a National Trust property on the edge of Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest natural lake. A beautiful trail starts at Coronation Park in Helston and winds along the edge of the River Cober.

The pathway from the accessible parking spaces at Coronation Park is smooth and level and offers good access for most wheelchair users all the way to the Stables Café. Do be aware that some of the path is gravel, and it can get muddy after rain.

While Penrose House itself is private, there is a beautiful walled garden as well as mining ruins

and a Tudor Gothic style bathhouse with a slate lined bath, built in 1840. There are also seven benches and outdoor gym equipment along the trail. Dogs are very welcome.

And did we mention the lovely café? The Stables Café serves takeaway hot drinks and light snacks, with seating available in the courtyard in good weather.

The café is open from 10am to 3pm, and there is level access and a disabled toilet when you arrive. The nearest car park is at Penrose Hill (although the gradient is quite steep from this car park).

At the other end, there’s a choice of parking. Helston fairground car park is closest to the official start of the trail, and is large and surfaced with hard-packed gravel, but has lots of potholes.

For a smoother car park with accessible spaces, park near the Lakeside Café and Helston Cattle Market – there is also an accessible toilet here. To get to the start of the trail from this car park, follow the pleasant path along the edge of the lake away from the café and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. Turn right and continue over the bridge and you will see the sign at the start of the Penrose Trail on your left after you have crossed the river.

Penrose, Helston, TR13 0RD

Tel: 01326222170 Email: penrose@nationaltrust.org.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/penrose

WEST CORNWALL

West Cornwall is famous for its rugged beauty and wild coastline, dotted with engine houses that belie its past as the heart of a thriving tin-mining industry. There are also many fishing communities along the coast, with quaint harbours and excellent seafood to be found.

Beloved by artists, St Ives is home to a thriving artistic scene, with galleries large and small to be found throughout the area. You can also see the astonishing St Michael’s Mount rising from a tidal island in Mounts Bay opposite Penzance; you can walk across the causeway to it, but don’t get caught by the tide!

Land’s End, meanwhile, is the most westerly point in mainland Britain, along with the extraordinary cliff-face and surprisingly accessible Minack Theatre and the fascinating Museum of Global Communications at Porthcurno.

The main towns in the area are Penzance, St Ives, Camborne and Redruth, with a number of smaller towns and villages including Portreath, Porthtowan, Carbis Bay, Sennen, Zennor, Hayle, Newlyn, and more. The main railway line comes through this entire area, terminating at Penzance, with a very picturesque branch line to St Ives.

DAYS OUT

Heartlands

Dudnance Lane, Pool, TR25 3QY

www.heartlandscornwall.com

Tel: 01209 722320

Trengwainton Garden

Madron, Near Penzance, TR20 8RZ

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/ trengwainton-garden

Tel: 01736 363148

A 19-acre Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Heartlands is a family-friendly visitor attraction that embodies Cornish culture, with a museum, gardens, soft play and adventure playground. Good accessibility.

Paradise Park

Trelissick Road, Hayle, TR27 4HB paradisepark.org.uk

Tel: 01736 753365

Home to over 130 different species of rare and endangered birds and animals, plus a huge indoor soft play area, and a petting zoo. Very accessibility aware.

Tate St Ives

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, TR26 1TG

www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives

Tel: 01736 791177.

Explore 100 years of modern art at this beautiful building on the beach at St Ives, with both fixed and changing exhibitions. Very disabled aware, and welcoming.

A sheltered woodland garden with walled kitchen garden and stunning sea views. Offroad Tramper available for hire, and Silent Spaces provided in the garden. Great accessibility awareness.

PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications

Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JX pkporthcurno.com

Tel: 01736 810966

Discover a museum experience that explores the amazing story of our connected world, and how a tranquil valley in Cornwall became host to the past, present and future of worldwide communications.

PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications

DAYS OUT

Minack Theatre

Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JU

Tehidy Woods

Tehidy Country Park, Camborne, TR14 0EZ

www.cornwall.gov.uk/parks-leisure-andculture/parks-and-open-spaces/countryparks/tehidy-country-park

Tel: 01209 610094

www.minack.com/minack-theatre

Tel: 1736 810181

Despite being cut into the steep cliff edge, this outdoor theatre has an accessible balcony, café and accessible exhibitions with VR tour. There is lots of support for all areas of accessibility on AC website

Lands End

Sennen, Cornwall, TR19 7AA

landsend-landmark.co.uk

Phone: 01736 871 501

The westernmost tip of the British mainland offers a few accessible attractions. There are cafés and a lovely accessible restaurant with wonderful views. There are also wheelchairs for hire here and much of the site can be accessed.

Beautiful woodland with some quiet, accessible trails alongside streams and a lake. There’s a lovely cafe with some accessible seating.

Stithians Lake, Menherion, Redruth, TR16 6NW

www.swlakestrust.org.uk/stithians

Tel: 01209 860301

The perfect setting for your next family adventure, with walks, water-based adventures, and camping - accessible for all, including Wheelybooats and RYA Sailability.

Minack Theatre

Tehidy Woods

EAT OUT

Trevaskis Farm, Shop and Restaurant

Connor Downs, Hayle, TR27 5QJ

www.trevaskisfarm.co.uk

Restaurant: 01209 713931

Shop: 01209 714009

Godolphin Arms

West End, Marazion, TR17 0EN

www.thegodolphin.com

Tel: 01736 888510

Home to pick-your-own strawberries and other fruit and veg in season, as well as pigs, sheep and other livestock, a famously generous restaurant, and farm shop.

On The Bay Restaurant

Unit 6 Wharfside Shopping Centre, Penzance, TR18 2GB

www.wharfsideshopping.co.uk/food-drink/ on-the-bay

Tel: 01736 331388

Lovely quiet café, cheerful with friendly staff and lovely views across to St Michael’s Mount from the upper level of the Wharfside Shopping centre.

Beach Club Restaurant

Carbis Bay Estate, St Ives, TR26 2NP

www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk/dine-with-us/thebeach-club-restaurant

Tel: 01736 795311

A casual but smart restaurant on the edge of Carbis Bay beach, part of the Carbis Bay Hotel. Featuring fresh seafood and handmade pizza.

Thanks to recent upgrades there is now enhanced accessibility at this beautiful eatery which offers truly spectacular views over St Michael’s Mount.

Tremenheere Sculpture Garden

Near Gulval, Penzance, TR20 8YL

www.tremenheere.co.uk

Tel: 01736 448089

While only a few parts of this beautiful sculpture garden near Penzance are accessible, the café and garden shop is a beautiful space to enjoy which is largely accessible to all.

Godolphin Arms

PLACES TO STAY

Gwel

an Mor Resort

Feadon Lane, Portreath, TR16 4PE

www.gwelanmor.com

Tel: 01209 842354

Riviere

Sands Holiday Park

Riviere Towans, Hayle, TR27 5AX

www.haven.com/parks/cornwall/ riviere-sands

Tel: 01736 752 132

Luxury holiday resort, with activities, farm, excellent restaurant, spa and pool. Five star lodges, including some purpose built for disabled guests, and great overall accessibility. Also worth noting is the accessible spa and swimming pool which has a hoist.

A beautiful holiday park overlooking St Ives Bay, with static caravans, waterpark and activities for all the family. Two types of adapted caravans, or bring your own tent, caravan or motorhome.

Gwel an Mor Resort

Riviere Sands Holiday Park

Accessible experiences in Penzance

Through the early months of 2023, the Access Cornwall team has been supporting a new project - Experience Penzance and Marazion - to find out about the many accessible experiences to be enjoyed in the Penzance area through the winter months.

There is a wealth of opportunity for accessible adventures here, from wine-tasting at Polgoon Vineyard to riding experiences with Cornwall Swimming Horses, and lessons at the famous Newlyn Art School and also discovering

Hidden in Mount’s Bay lies Cornwall’s largest submerged forest. Local artist Emma Smith has created the fascinating Gwellen Arts Trail, with artwork installed along the coastal path from Penzance to Marazion, allowing passers-by to imagine what the forest would have looked like.

Access Cornwall has been working with the artist and the Love Penzance team to make new signage, helping people to learn more about the

artwork as accessibly as possible. There are interactive interpretation panels alongside each piece of sculpture, and will allowing people with vision impairments to appreciate the sculptures, and helping everyone to understand what they mean and why they are there.

To find inspiration for days out, workshops or guided tours around Penzance, visit www.lovepenzance.co.uk/ experience-pz/experiences-inpenzance

Isles of Scilly

Located 28 miles south west of the mainland, these beautiful islands are best described as the tops of moorland peeking out of seas which, when the sun is kind, are crystal-clear and tropical azure. The archipelago is awash with history and stories; many shipwrecks lie offshore, including famous treasure wrecks, and one hotel has a dungeon which hosted famous prisoners from the Civil War. This is a haven for wildlife and utterly tranquil. Accessibility can be an issue; transport to St Mary’s and Tresco is incredibly slick, but travelling between the “off-islands” has its limitations. But with planning, many things are possible!

Getting There

The Isles of Scilly Travel company has been working with Access Cornwall to improve accessibility information available and carry out staff training. Here is some helpful information to help you plan your trip.

Skybus

You have to go up some steps and you cannot be carried, so those with mobility challenges should enquire and check if they can board safely. Wheelchairs can be carried onboard.

Scillonian III

Those using manual wheelchairs can go on the boat; if you use an electric wheelchair you will need to have it stored (a free service) and use a manual one. You need to book at least 48 hours ahead.

Do be aware that the gradient to get on board can be steep, but assistance is available from the crew. When the ship is berthed, a Windrush platform chair lift can give wheelchair users access between the Bridge Deck and Upper Deck, and can carry up to 250kg (39st 5lbs). There is no stair lift or accessible route to the Main Deck and Lower Saloon, and no hearing loop is installed for public announcements. Please be aware that if sea conditions are poor, it may be necessary to secure wheelchairs, or even cancel sailings for safety.

Subtitles are available for the onscreen safety guidance as are Braille/large print versions of safety announcements if required. All staff have accessibility training, including autism and dementia training.

Day trips are from £35 return on the Scillonian III or £127 on the Skybus. www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

Penzance Helicopters

A helicopter service is available and you are asked to get in touch if you have accessibility needs. Daytrips cost from £129 return. Call 01736 780828 or email info@penzancehelicopters.co.uk www.penzancehelicopters.co.uk

Assistance dogs are allowed and for those with vision or hearing challenges, you can see the text or watch the video via your own device from links on the accessibility page (below). It’s also worth noting that the IoS Travel company ask you to request accessibility support at least 48 hours before travelling.

Find out more at

www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/plan-your-trip/special-assistance-and-accessibility

DAYS OUT EAT OUT

St Mary’s Scilly Carts

Porthmellon Enterprise Centre, Porthmellon Business Park, St Mary’s, TR21 0JY

www.scillycarts.com

Tel: 01720 422121

Tour St Mary’s in a two-, four- or six-seater buggy. From £55/day for a two-seater.

Tresco Abbey Gardens

Tresco, TR24 0QQ

www.tresco.co.uk/enjoying/abbey-garden

Tel: 01720 424108

There are some steps but some paths, and the Valhalla Figurehead museum which is also found here, are largely wheelchair accessible.

Holy Vale Vineyard and Winery

Holy Vale, Maypole, St Mary’s, TR21 0NT

star-castle.co.uk/holyvale-vineyard

Tel: 01720 422333

Enjoy tastings and guided tours.

Star Castle Hotel Conservatory Restaurant

St Mary’s, TR21 OJA

star-castle.co.uk/restaurant-bar

Tel: 01720 422317

A level restaurant in the hotel gardens. Warning: the hill up to the hotel is steep, but taxis are available from the harbour at the bottom of the hill nearby.

Dibble & Grub

Porthcressa Beach, St Mary’s, TR21 0JQ

dibbleandgrub.com

Tel: 01720 423719

Delicious food and drink sourced as locally as possible. Accessed via flat-level concrete.

Ruin Café, Tresco

Tresco, Isles of Scilly, TR24 0PU

www.tresco.co.uk/eating/ruin-café

Tel: 01720 424849

A light, spacious restaurant on the beach with great food. Very popular so book ahead.

Tresco Abbey Gardens

St Mary’s Scilly Carts

PLACES TO STAY

The Star Castle Hotel

Garrison Walls, St Mary’s, TR21 0JA

www.star-castle.co.uk

Tel: 01720 422317,

This fort has a fascinating history dating back to the Civil War, and is wonderfully accessible. There are accessible garden rooms and an accessible restaurant. Dogs are very welcome.

St Mary’s Hall Hotel

Church Street, Hugh Town, St Mary’s, TR21 0JR

stmaryshallhotel.co.uk

Tel: 01720 422316

Level access and ground floor rooms, and handrails.

Tresco

www.tresco.co.uk

Tel: 01720 422849

From a room in the New Inn, a Sea Garden apartment or a self-catering cottage, there’s plenty to choose from. Contact the team for advice on how best to cater for your needs.

Dibble & Grub

The Star Castle Hotel

Penzance Helicopters over St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly

BEACHES WITH SAND CHAIR HIRE AND CHANGING PLACES TOILETS IN CORNWALL

1. Summerleaze, Bude

Summerleaze Beach Office, 01288 352226

Changing Places Toilet 01288 262800

2. Mawgan Porth, Newquay

Betty’s News, 01637 860240

Kingsurf Surf School, 07917 054551

3. Watergate Bay Watergate Bay Hotel, 01637 860543

4. Towan, Newquay

Blue Reef Aquarium, 01637 878134

Changing Places toilet near Towan beach 01637 878388

5. Fistral, Newquay

Fistral Beach Surf Hire, 01637 850584

5. Perranporth Beach, Perranporth Perranporth Garden Charities, 07881 521730

Please check when the chairs are available.

6. Porthminster, St Ives Porthminster Beach Café, 01736 795352

Changing Places toilet near Porthmeor beach 01736 796226

7. Porthcressa, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly Town Hall, 01720 422537

8. Marazion & St Michael’s Mount, Penzance St Michael’s Mount, 01736 710265

9. Gyllyngvase, Falmouth Gylly Beach Café, 01326 312884

10. Polkerris Beach

Polkerris Beach Co, 01726 813306

11. Seaton Beach, Looe Seaton Beach Café 01503 250621

Useful Resources and Services

Equipment hire

• Enable Accessibility offers Hippocampe wheelchairs, which are suitable for sea swimming and beaches as well as rough terrain. They also offer portable hoists. www.enableaccessibility.co.uk

• Visiting on holiday? Mobility Scooter & Wheelchair Hire Cornwall is a local family-run service with a fleet of scooters and wheelchairs available for hire.

www.hireamobilityscooter.co.uk

• Alternatively try national company Mobility Hire for long or short-term for mobility equipment hire: mobilityhire.com

• Countryside Mobility South West is a not-for-profit mobility equipment hire scheme working to improve access to the countryside for people with limited mobility. You can find a full list of Trampers, including at National Trust properties and other Cornish landmarks, at www.countrysidemobility.org

Accessible toilets

• Find Changing Places toilets in Cornwall here: www.changing-places.org/find

• Mobiloo hires out mobile, fullyaccessible toilets. Check their calendar for where they’ll be, or book one for your event:

www.mobiloo.org.uk

Support organisations:

• Disability Cornwall. Umbrella organisation for people living with a long-term health condition or disability, their families and carers in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly. Information and advice line 01736 759500; Textphone (SMS Only): 07522 970336;

www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk

• Hearing Loss Cornwall. Supporting deaf and hard of hearing people in Cornwall. Tel 01872 225868; text relay: 18001 01872 225868; www.hearinglosscornwall.org

• iSight Cornwall. Supporting people with sight loss in Cornwall Tel 01872 261110, www.isightcornwall.org.uk

• National Autistic Society Cornwall. Supporting people with autism and their families. www.autism.org.uk/ what-we-do/branches/cornwall

• Cornwall People First. User-led service for people with learning disabilities, offering easy-read guides, advocacy and more. www.cornwallpeoplefirst.com

• Cornwall Accessible Activities Programme (CAAP). Activities for children with additional needs and their families during school holidays. www.caapuk.co.uk

• Dementia Friends. Trained staff in shops or other venues who know how to support people with dementia. Look out for the logo on badges or stickers. www.dementiafriends.org.uk

• Cornwall Rolling Ramblers. Social group for people who use wheelchairs, power chairs and mobility scooters on accessible routes in the countryside. Join the Facebook group to find out more about their routes.

www.cornwallrr.org.uk

• Safe Places. A scheme giving training in learning disability awareness to shops and venues across Cornwall. Approved locations will have a sticker. Find out more at www.cornwall.gov.uk/safeplaces

Accessible Bude. This page on the tourist information website offers advice, locations and contacts, from level paths and pitches with fantastic views to accessible toilets and mobility solutions including Trampers and sandchairs.

www.visitbude.info/accessible-bude

Blue badge parking

In order to use disabled parking spaces in Cornwall, you need to have a valid Blue Badge, which can be issued elsewhere in the UK. Find out more here:

www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-andsocial-care/blue-badge-disabledparking-permits

And finally… Access Cornwall

You can find more detailed information and lots more places to visit at the Access Cornwall website. Our team, who live with accessibility challenges, go out and check information so they can share it with as many people as possible so that everyone can enjoy what Cornwall has to offer. Visit www.accesscornwall.org.uk