Wheelchair accessible Dorset

[WinterCarlisle]

We’re off on holiday to Bridport in Dorset soon and could do with some good suggestions for wheelchair accessible places please. I can manage short, distances including a couple of steps on crutches but will otherwise be in a wheelchair. I can easily transfer to a chair and I’m independent with going to the loo as long as it’s on the same floor etc.

We will have a dog (not a a therapy one) with us plus 2 children aged 7 and 10. I don’t mind being left in a cafe mumsnetting while they go for a walk or explore.

We like being outdoors, love the beach. Needing a wheelchair is all a bit new. When we booked the holiday it was all very exciting, now it’s all a bit daunting!

Oh and we don’t have a blue badge as it’s unknown currently if this is going to be a temporary or permanent issue (traumatic injuries). Happy to drive (at least DP is…..).

Thank you all so much!

Swannery abbotsbury
Brownsea island (book a buggy)
Sealife centre Weymouth
Jurassic coast Boat tour
Swannage railway

Also the tropical gardens if you dont mind being left for a bit

I use a wheelchair but I don’t know Dorset. Good websites for access information about places in general are
EuansGuide.com and AccessAble.co.uk.

I also recently got told about www.accessiblecountryside.org.uk/ but I don’t think it’s regularly updated and haven’t had a chance to test it for accuracy.

Etches Collection Kimmeridge (sea dinosaurs)

My message was a quick put together but for more clarity I've done dorset with one in a wheelchair and one time the other DC was on crutches (dont ask)

Brownsea island the ferry is not wheelchair accessible. The first time we went DS (walks short distances) walked on and they lifted his wheelchair on) the second time we booked ahead and they offered us a golf buggy ride which was incredible. We actually didnt take the wheelchair that time.

The swannery is completely accessible and an absolute gem. The tropical garden has a very accessible short route. The longer routes are not very accessible but the cafe/seating area was lovely. The swannery farm was doable and the kids will like it.

Sealife very easy and very flat

I cant remember on the boat tour if we wheeled down to the boat or used the car park on the quay and just did the short walk to the boat. I think it was the former but you might need to double check.

I seem to remember the railway having a ramp

Moors Valley is also lovely with that age. The wetlands and play park area are flat and completely accessible. The forest was a tough push that I wouldn't attempt now DS is older

This is SO helpful! Thank you so much! Oh wow @Caramellatteplease, one in a wheelchair and one on crutches must have been REALLY tough! DP did his back in a couple of weeks ago and was hobbling round in loads of pain. I was terrified we’d both end up out of action and the boys would take over in some awful domestic coup

Make sure you have thought about where you're staying and toilet and shower facilities, my husband has traumatic injuries (3 yes ago) and on 2 holidays we have failed to take into account how much harder it was without out bath seat, toilet rail etc.

@Ouchyhurt this is one of my concerns. Luckily there’s a downstairs shower / wet room and we’re bringing a shower stool plus perching stool for the kitchen. Thankfully my sister is coming to give DP a hand and the kids are pretty easy famous last words. Tbh I don’t mind being left at the house, we had considered cancelling but DP and the DC have had a tough year so could do with a break!

I love Bridport. You need to go to Felicities farm shop. I really can't remember if it is wheelchair accessable but the view from the carpark is amazing and there is outdoor seating so they could bring out food!

I found this website recently which lists accessible walks by region
walkswithwheelchairs.com/

Abbotsbury Swannery and barn is good, also the gardens I think has a wheelchair path
West Bay has the harbour and is flat, cafes to go in if the kids want to do the beach but don’t go near the cliffs
Symondsbury, nice cafe to sit while others walk,
Swanage is miles away
Weymouth is a good shout for a day
Lyme Regis is hilly but along the front is flat and you can see if you can book into a fossil hunting session

Take a cheap bath mat too, rarely provided but can help. Totally get why you're still going. We did the same and the children really needed it. We managed, 3rd year now and we are still learning.

Hi everyone, just want to say a MASSIVE thank you for all your help. We’ve had a great time in Dorset thanks to your advice.

We went to the subtropical gardens (amazing), the staff were so helpful and let us park in a disabled bay despite not having a blue badge.

Weymouth was also great and very easy with a wheelchair. Parking was not a problem. The DC and DH went to the aquarium while I sat by the beach in my wheelchair with Ddog and dicked about on MN

Poole Park was another good place and v accessible. They had screened live music from the BSO and some ukele players which was fun. The playground was excellent for the DC.

It has had its tricky moments and I’m exhausted but I’m SO glad we did it.

I knew I’d get so much great advice on here (@Ouchyhurt is a genius suggesting a bath mat!).

Thank you!!