Accessibility

This page is an information guide on accessibile Cornwall. Whatever your age, background or abilities, being less able doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy a visit to Cornwall any less. 
 

Using the Visit Cornwall website

  • On the right-hand side of most pages there are menus where you can tick the 'By Accessibility' boxes.  The search results will only show those products with further access information. You can also find our NAS members Here
  • In all cases we advise you check with owners or managers that your particular requirements can be met before making a reservation. We are unable to inspect all aspects of establishments included on our listings. In many cases the information is self-assessed and at times changes are made without our knowledge.
     

National Accessible Scheme (NAS) Grading

The  national tourist boards for England, Scotland and Wales operate this scheme to identify and acknowledge those places to stay that meet the needs of wheelchair users and those people with hearing and sight impairment. Choose the left-hand menu option for Gradings/Inspections, and then the filter for National Accessible Scheme and only those graded under this scheme will be displayed.
 
More info on Access for All
 

Places to visit

Cornwall has some of the most diverse and interesting places to visit, many with facilities for visitors with disabilities. Most attractions will provide access and facilities for our less mobile visitors, but it is best to check specific requirements with the attraction before your visit.
 
Easily accessible routes in Cornwall
 
There are many scenic routes in Cornwall suitable for disabled visitors where you can get out and enjoy the beautiful coast and countryside. A useful website is AccessibleCountryside, which as well as having information on access to the countryside also has links to places to eat and drink. You may also like to look at the South West Coast Path website where you can search for stretches of the path that are accessible.
 
The Walks with Wheelchairs site gives several routes in Cornwall that are accessible to those in wheelchairs or pushing buggies.
 

Beaches with disabled access

Many of the major resort beaches in Cornwall have access and facilities for our less mobile or agile visitors. A number of Cornwall's beaches have sand chairs available for hire for visitors with disabilities. 

 

Advice for visitors with disability needs

This is a user led, disabled peoples' organisation providing a range of services to empower, assist and facilitate independent living and when necessary, act as a representative voice for disabled people, their families and carers. There are lots of useful links within thier site for those on holiday in Cornwall.
Contact: disAbility Cornwall, 1G & 1H Guildford Rd Industrial Estate, Guildford Rd, Hayle, TR27 4QZ.  Tel: 01736 759500.
 
Public Toilets
Since 2016 when Cornwall Council took the decision to cut the budget to public toilets, many have been taken over by town and parish councils. A map of those still managed by the county council can be found here, but it does not necessarily means they are all accessible to all.
 
Changing Places Toilets
Across Cornwall there are now several of these toilets with additional features and more space to meet the needs of people with disabilities. More Info here.
These include:
An adult sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system or mobile hoist if this is not possible
Adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
A centrally placed toilet with room either side for the carers
A screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy
 
Mobility Equipment Suppliers
If you find yourself needing to hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair whilst on holiday, try the numbers here first.
 
Cornwall Council Car Parks and Blue Badge parking.
Please read the information on this website before coming on holiday to Cornwall if you wish to use your Blue Badge in council car aprks.
 
iSightCornwall
This is a charity offering advice and support for people with visual impairments in Cornwall. Anyone can drop into the Sight Centre on Newham Road, Truro to try out the range of tried and tested products available that make everyday tasks easier. If there is a particular item that you want demonstrated we do recommend phoning ahead of your visit to make sure that it is in stock. Other services offered by the charity include help with low vision, assistive technology advice, eye clinic support and advice on welfare entitlements.

Website

Spectrum Autistic Support

Residential care for adults and children with autism, education and outreach support. They aim to promote the health, development and well-being of each individual whilst encouraging and nurturing their specific interests.  They create person-centred environments which enable people to make their own choices and to lead fulfilling and productive lives as valued members of society.

Website

 

Useful contacts - National 

 

Tourism for All UK

(formerly Holiday Care) This is a national charity that provides holiday and travel information to older and disabled people. Thousands of people seek their advice about accessible products and services every year. Tourism for All also provide advice and support to the tourism industry when they are trying to meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act or when they wish to become more accessible to disabled visitors, by providing consultancy advice about information, training, inspections and assessments, and other options.

Tourism for All UK: Public enquiries and information: 0845 124 9971  Email: info@tourismforall.org.uk  

The National Trust - Information for Visitors with Disabilities. Website

 

Flying Guide - Useful information if you are flying into the UK to visit Cornwall. Website