Devon

Well-known among surfers and holiday-makers alike, the beaches in North Devon are considered part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The beach pictured is called Woolacombe Bay, which not only has ‘Easy Disabled Access’ but also has an all-terrain and beach wheelchair available for hire.

Other beautiful beaches worth visiting (* means accessible and may have specialist beach wheelchairs on offer – contact them directly for details):

• Croyde Bay* – home of The Wave Project, who offer accessible surfing
• Westward Ho!*
• Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe*
• Putsborough Sands*
• Saunton Sands*

We love Exmoor Zoo. So much so, they come to visit us every so often, bringing animals along for our guests to see and sometimes hold too. You can read more about this on our Evening Entertainment page.

Home of the Exmoor Beast (the only black leopard on exhibit in the UK) and housing a huge variety of other animals, with events and daily activities, you won’t get bored.

They not only have accessibility as an important aspect of their business, but they hire out mobility scooters, give concessions to carers and have easy access parking too.

North Devon is considered an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a reason. Whether it’s the frosty depths of winter or the blue-skied hazy summer, the valleys, woodlands, moors and rivers are breathtaking.

Some key locations worth checking out during your time here (those with a * show that they are accessible):

• Tarr Steps – beautiful riverside walk with a bit of history too
• Valley of Rocks* – note that this is accessible for those with mobility impairments but sadly, due to lack of passing places, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users
• Arlington Court* – a National Trust house and gardens, with an accessible shuttle buggy and trampers available for hire
• Heddon Valley* – a stunning valley leading to the river mouth and the sea. Accessible toilets and two trampers available to hire, with a moderately level gravel path that is maintained for trampers and pushchairs, so may not be ideal for all wheelchair users

When in Devon, do as the Devonians do… This means cream first!

We know our stuff when it comes to scones, so head to these places to get the best of the best in cream or afternoon teas:

• Sandy Cove Hotel, Combe Martin – without a doubt, one of the most stunning views of the cliffs known as Little and Great Hangman from the garden space here. Book in advance!
• Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room – a hidden gem which caters to allergies too, so book in advance for a gluten free option!
• Saunton Sands Hotel – for a slightly ‘fancier’ option, head to the hotel for a gorgeous view of Saunton Sands while devouring your delicious scones
• Hunters Inn, Heddon Valley – just 15 minutes away from Calvert is the Hunters Inn, a National Trust owned pub that also serves delectable cream teas!

Devon boasts a bustling and vibrant music and theatre scene, with a huge variety of local talent.

• Junction 27, Barnstaple – from rock to electric swing, these guys host all sorts of events to cater for a variety of tastes
• Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – a selection of both productions and live music
• The Landmark, Ilfracombe – again, both productions and live music at this beautiful seaside venue
• The Grampus Inn, Lee Bay – every Friday night they host an open mic with some of the highest quality local talent. If you play an instrument, take it along and get yourself involved!
• The Dolphin Inn, Combe Martin
• Freshwell Camping, Croyde – on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the summer season, there’s live music between 6 and 8pm with the most delicious food being served from a few different food trucks, all with a stunning backdrop of Croyde Beach

It’s no secret that Devon does village life pretty well. We’ve put together a list of places that we think you might like to visit and some listed highlights of each place.

• Ilfracombe – fish and chips, gorgeous beaches, live music and the Damien Hirst statue called ‘Verity’
• Combe Martin – kayak and paddle-board hire, cafes, stunning beaches and one of the best fish and chip shops in the area: Black and White Fish and Chips
• Porlock – tea rooms, shops, walks, Porlock Weir, National Trust Holnicote Estate
• Simonsbath – river exploration, sawmill, Boevey’s tearooms
• Lynmouth – funicular railway, river walks, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, museum, Lynton cinema, Valley of Rocks

Come rain or shine, North Devon has so much to offer for families. Have a look at our suggested list of places to visit with the kids:

• Quince Honey Farm, South Molton – a working honey farm and great day out for all the family
• Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park – an exciting adventure for the whole family and only a 10 minute drive from Calvert Exmoor
• The Big Sheep – adventure play, rollercoasters and even a brewery, there’s something for everyone
• North Devon Wake Park – just next door to The Milkyway (see ‘Rainy day excursions’) is the Wake Park, where you can learn to wakeboard/kneeboard, play on their adventure inflatable water park or even go for a cold water dip followed by sitting in a sauna
• RHS Garden Rosemoor – captivating blooms and ornamental gardens to explore, and, of course, a tea room!

It’s sometimes inevitable that you’ll have a rainy day or two, but not to worry, here are some places you can go come rain or shine:

• The Milkyway, Bideford – another one for the whole family and absolutely bursting at the seams with fun for all
• Woolley Animal Farm Park, Winkleigh – a great day out where you can meet animals, groom ponies and feed new arrivals in the spring
• Lynton and Barnstaple Railway – a steam railway with carriages designed as early as the 1890s. Wheelchair users are encouraged to get in touch in advance to discuss arrangements for using the train
• Woolacombe Hotel Neo Cinema – a beautiful cosy cinema with sofa seating and an old-fashioned bar with popcorn
• Exmoor Distillery,  Dulverton – a tour of the facility with a cozy bar/shop and explore the artistry of gin and rum production (over 18s)