Cornwall’s diverse landscape, from rolling countryside to sandy beaches, is increasingly well equipped to welcome wheelchair users and visitors with a range of access requirements. 

In this guide, when identifying places as accessible, we focus primarily on the landscape, layout, and facilities available for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. We recognise, however, that accessibility encompasses a wide range of needs and experiences. Where information is available, we will also highlight places that may be particularly suitable for visitors with sensory needs, learning disabilities, hearing or sight loss, medical needs, or other access requirements. 

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed activity, a relaxed day exploring Cornwall’s culture and heritage, or a fun-filled family day out, we’ve put together a selection of places to visit across Cornwall that aim to be welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. 

Days out and attractions  

Amazing Animals 

Animal lovers will be delighted by the fantastic range of wildlife sanctuaries across Cornwall, where you can experience everything from viewing sea life underwater to feeding farm animals! 

Blue Reef Aquarium 

Situated right next to the sea at Towan beach in Newquay, Blue Reef Aquarium is a centre for conservation and education that offers visitors a glimpse into life below the waves.   

Due to the position of the aquarium, accessible parking is limited and is first-come, first-served. However, it is possible to drop off right outside the aquarium (the nearest car park is a five-minute walk away). With ramps throughout, multi-level viewing, and a lift to the first floor, almost all of the attraction is accessible (only the nursery tanks are inaccessible). There is one accessible toilet located on the first floor. 

Paradise Park 

Home to over 1,200 birds and a selection of mammals, including endangered species, Paradise Park is involved with a range of conservation projects and campaigns. By visiting Paradise Park, you will also be supporting their efforts in helping the survival of species across the world.  

Set in and around the grounds of a Victorian walled garden, most of the park is wheelchair-friendly, with gravel and tarmac paths to follow, though it's worth noting that the gardens have a natural slope. Wheelchair users can enjoy feeding the farm animals as the fences have gaps at a low level, so the sheep and goats can feed from your hand. The large car park, which is right outside the entrance, has 13 wide spaces reserved for blue badge holders. Mobility scooters can be reserved should you like to borrow one. 

The indoor play area, The Jungle Barn, has wheelchair access to the seating area, along with an accessible toilet. 

The Seal Sanctuary 

Located close to the estuary in Gweek, The Seal Sanctuary is a registered charity with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and (where possible) release injured seals, while also educating the public.  

Due to the nature of the location, access to the main area of the park is via a steep hill (exceeding 16°), which may not be suitable for self-propelled wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, or mobility scooters. There are four accessible parking spaces available in the main area, on a first-come, first-served basis, for those who cannot manage the hill. 

The main accessible parking area is located right outside the reception for those who can manage the hill. The accessible toilets are in the reception area, but unfortunately, there are no accessible toilets down in the main area of the park. Once at the main part of the site, you will find the tarmacked paths wheelchair friendly, with low level viewing areas available for watching the seals in their pools.  

The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre 

The non-profit bird and animal rescue centre, The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre, is a Community Interest Company passionate about caring for unwanted, injured or neglected birds and other animals. The centre provides a permanent haven for birds in their care, while also educating the public.  

The centre is accessible for wheelchair users, with a smooth and level entrance and generally smooth and flat pathways throughout the park. The fences are positioned at a good height with even gaps so that viewing is not restricted and visitors can feed the animals with ease. The only area of the park that is not suitable for wheelchairs/scooters is the nature trail, lake, and moorland walk.  An accessible toilet can be found in the cafe building.  

Newquay Zoo  

Opened in 1969, Newquay Zoo is Cornwall’s largest zoo and plays a key role in global conservation efforts, helping to protect a range of threatened species for the future.  Set within 13 acres of subtropical gardens, the zoo is mostly accessible by wheelchair, with smooth, flat pathways to follow. However, a few areas of the park have steep inclines and/or a rough pathway that may not be easy to navigate in a wheelchair. A small section of the zoo, notably The Tarzan Trail, is not suitable for wheelchairs orf mobility scooters.  

Newquay Zoo is proudly fully registered with Changing Places, meaning that in addition to their standard accessible toilets, they also have a large Changing Places toilet, which includes a hoist, adult-sized changing bed, adjustable sink and privacy screen. The Changing Places toilet is located just inside the entrance, along with a standard accessible toilet, and an additional accessible toilet can be found at the top of the site near the meerkats.  

The zoo does not have a private car park, but the council car park adjacent to the zoo has five accessible spaces (charges apply).  

Gardens  

It’s not surprising that Cornwall has so many beautiful gardens to visit, thanks to its milder climate and sheltered valleys where warmer temperatures encourage sub-tropical plants to flourish.  

Trebah Garden  

Set in a luscious valley near Mawnan Smith, Trebah is a stunning sub-tropical garden, featuring dazzling exotic plants and a private, secluded beach. Despite being a valleyed garden with steep sections and steps, there is a step-free, circular route that is accessible for mobility scooters (although it is advised that the gradients will be challenging for manual wheelchairs). Two motorised Tramper mobility scooters are also available to hire free of charge.  

There is step-free access from the car park and throughout the visitor centre, including the shop and cafe (with step-free access to the outside seating area). The entrance desk and shops also have lowered counters, and a wheelchair accessible toilet is available at the visitor centre.  

Eden Project 

Perhaps one of Cornwall's most well-known attractions is the Eden Project, recognisable for its impressive biomes set in a former clay pit. Inside each dome, a garden like no other in Cornwall awaits, where you'll find a giant indoor rainforest and Mediterranean garden.  

As one of Cornwall's leading attractions, it's not surprising that the Eden Project has won awards for accessibility and inclusivity. Featuring accessible parking, drop-off points, accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet, you can enjoy your day out knowing these elements are in place.  

Despite the nature of the former clay mining site, zig-zag tarmacked paths ensure the gradients are kept to a minimum, making the route easier for everyone. The paths throughout the biomes, and the rainforest Walkway, are all accessible by wheelchair, except for the Canopy Rope Bridge and the Lookout Tower. Self-propelled wheelchairs can be borrowed, while electric wheelchairs can be hired for a cost. Hearing loops and ADI toilets are also available.  

Lost Gardens of Heligan 

Located close to the coastal village of Mevagissey, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a paradise for wildlife and plant lovers. Explore woodland, farmland, Victorian gardens, pleasure grounds, sculptures and more in this 200-acre estate.  

Despite the landscape of the gardens, the even pathway around the estate means that many areas are accessible to wheelchair users, including the Productive Gardens, Pleasure Grounds, Home Farm and Steward’s House. Unfortunately, The Jungle and wider estate are not accessible to all, due to uneven ground, steps, and wooden board walks. Tramper mobility scooters are available to hire at a cost; these robust scooters make exploring the gardens a breeze.  

There are ample toilet facilities here, including left and right hand transfer accessible toilets, complete with RoomMate. You’ll also find a Changing Places toilet here, located next to the main set of toilets, featuring a height-adjustable changing bench, an adjustable sink, and a hoist.  

Glendurgen Gardens 

Leading down to the Helford River near Falmouth, Glendurgen Gardens (owned by the National Trust) is a subtropical garden paradise. Despite the sloping landscape, an accessible route has been created to ensure a step free (and less steep) option is available for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Tramper mobility scooters can also be hired (for a fee) for those who may find the slightly steeper sections and ramps more challenging.  

On arrival at Glendurgen, designated blue badge parking is available, along with a dedicated drop-off point. Within the visitor reception, you’ll find accessible toilets.  

History & Culture 

Cornwall is a place proud of its history and identity and boasts a selection of attractions that explore this rich past.  

National Trust Properties   

The National Trust has a handful of elegant historic houses across Cornwall, including Lanhydrock House, Cotehele House, Trelissick House and Trerice House.  

Each of these impressive sites offers accessible parking, accessible toilets, wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire, level access and ramps, and where necessary, transfers from the car park to the house.  

While all efforts have been made to make the houses as accessible as possible, due to the age of the properties, it is worth remembering that you may encounter narrow corridors, some steps, and uneven terrain.  

Cornwall Gold 

Located on an entirely flat site, Cornwall Gold, near Porthtowan, is a fantastic choice for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Free onsite parking is located close to the entrance with access across tarmac and paved surfaces. The large showroom, spacious cafe, interactive exhibitions and crafting activities have ample space, even during busier times.  

Accessible toilets are available and there is no fixed seating, making access to tables easier and more comfortable.  

Cornwall Museum and Gallery 

Cornwall Museum and Gallery in Truro aims to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, beginning with the sloped entrance (with handrail) and automatic doors into the museum. From the entrance, you can enjoy level access to all the ground floor galleries, accessible toilets, and the lift to the upper galleries.  

Visitors will find benches placed throughout the museum, and folding seats can also be borrowed from reception for anyone who needs to sit regularly. A wheelchair is also available for use.  

While the gallery does not yet have a Changing Places toilet, one is available at the nearby Hall for Cornwall.  

The museum also supplies sensory bags at the welcome desk and offers quieter time slots for those with sensory needs.  

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Built in 2002, this modern building was designed with access in mind and therefore is usually fully accessible to wheelchair users. There is level access to the main entrance with lifts to all floors, and accessible toilets on the first and second floors. Unfortunately, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall doesn’t yet have a Changing Places toilet, however, the nearest one is just 0.1 miles away by the public car park. There is a manual wheelchair available for visitors to borrow. Visitors will find various hearing loops throughout the building, subtitles on films, and large print maps are available at the front desk.  

The museum has also taken into consideration the needs of those with sensory issues; sensory bags are at the front desk, and during school holidays and at other times throughout the year, the Quiet Space can be used by anyone who needs a break from intense sensory stimulation, and features dimmed lighting, comfortable seating, books and mindful activities.  

Hall for Cornwall 

Located in the heart of Cornwall's city centre, Hall for Cornwall brings live theatre, music, comedy and more to the county. Following a major refurbishment, the venue, home to Cornwall Playhouse, has been created with accessibility in mind.  

You'll find step-free access to every level of the Hall for Cornwall and accessible/wheelchair spaces across the auditorium. The venue features several accessible toilets, a Space to Change toilet with a wheelchair-accessible toilet, an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist and ADI RoomMate. It is also worth noting that, in the case of an emergency, lifts will be unavailable, so Evac-Chairs are in place for evacuation.  

Furthermore, British Sign Language Interpreted, Audio Described, Captioned, Relaxed and Chilled performances are also available to book for certain shows.  

PK Porthcurno 

While an old telegraph station in the coastal village of Porthcurno may not seem like the most accessible place to visit, thanks to a major refurbishment, PK Porthcurno embraces inclusivity. 

A tarmacked path from the car park leads up to the museum, with level access into the entrance. Two lifts offer access to the first floor and from there a ramp gives easy access to the escape tunnels. Unfortunately, the escape stairs, which were cut through the solid granite hillside during WW2 to provide an escape route in the event of an enemy attack, are not accessible to all, but a live stream video shows the view from the top.  

You'll find one accessible toilet in the reception area, and for those with sensory needs, a lovely breakout sensory room is situated at the end of the main gallery, before the escape tunnels.  

Accessible activities 

If you’re visiting Cornwall and seeking an adventurous day out, be sure to check out one of the following adrenaline-filled, action-packed places specialising in inclusive activities.  

Cornwall Sailing Trust at Trevasack Lake  

In an old serpentine quarry on the Lizard Peninsula, now naturally filled via freshwater springs, you'll find a centre of excellence for sailing and watersports, with a focus on accessibility for all.  Offering a range of watersports, the team at Cornwall Sailing Trust is specially trained in teaching young people and adults with special educational needs and physical disabilities. Whether you want to try sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or tour the lake on 'Floaty' (a solar-powered floating classroom designed for wheelchairs), there's something for everyone!  

Adsurf Bude 

Established in 2022 with the aim of making surfing available to all, so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of the sea and surfing, Adsurf offers adaptive and accessible surfing for people with learning disabilities, limited mobility, physical disabilities and neurological conditions. 

Wetwheels South West 

Providing powerboat and sea fishing experiences from their base in Falmouth, Wetwheels South West aims to bring these fantastic experiences to people with physical and learning disabilities. Their boat features wheelchair access with a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls to suit people with reduced mobility. 

Walks  

Cornwall is a wonderful landscape to explore with beautiful walking routes, ranging from coast paths to woodland trails, many of which are accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.  

We’d recommend the following places for easy, level access routes suitable for those with limited mobility and manual and electric wheelchairs: 

- The Camel Trail, Wadebridge

- King Geroge’s Walk, Hayle 

- The Marazion to Penzance section of the South West Coast Path (newly refurbished, flat, and well-maintained). 

- The Tolgus Trail, Redruth (pair this with a visit to Cornwall Gold!) 

- Penrose Estate, Helston to Porthleven

- Tamar Lakes circular walk, Bude

Find out about the most accessible beaches in Cornwall on our blog.

Tags: Family | Watersports | Museum | Animals | Attractions |