Accessible Somerset

Getting out and about, taking part in activities and events is a great way to do things together as a family.

Introduction

Getting out in the countryside is a healthy, enjoyable thing to do. But if you use a wheelchair, and want somewhere where it’s easy to push a buggy or to take small children, it isn’t always easy.

Get outside in Somerset

The Get Outside in Somerset website provides tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active outdoors whatever your ability. Covering a wide variety of activities, events and challenges, as well as information on a wide range of topics across health and wellbeing, the website will be regularly updated with new activities to inspire the Somerset community.

Sensory walks

Sensory walks help people with complex disabilities to connect with nature and get active. They use their senses to connect with their surroundings and have meaningful experiences. Sense has created a toolkit to help those who support those with disabilities and additional needs, to create sensory walks in their area.

Walking challenges

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) has produced some inclusive challenges while out on walks in Somerset. From gathering pieces of nature to creating artwork to identifying colours and ‘Country Walks Bingo’, there is something for everyone. Visit the website for more details on how to get started.

Caving

‘Learn to Cave’ is a company experienced in taking people of all abilities into the cases of the Mendip Hills. Led by caving experts you’ll descend into hidden caves to explore life underground. With years of experience of working with people of different abilities, they can tailor caving routes to the group, so everyone can have their own slice of adventure.

Accessible countryside

If you use a wheelchair or have trouble walking you can still enjoy the countryside. Look out for sites that offer tramper hire. At the National Trust’s Brean Down site, you can use these all-terrain mobility scooters to go off-road and explore the Down and fort. The tramper is for use by anyone who struggles with walking distances or up hills, or who has limited mobility of any kind. You don’t have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use it. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or for details of more accessible walks in Somerset visit www.accessiblecountryside.org.uk/somerset

Adventure on land and water

For those that fancy something a little more adventurous, Adventure Therapy offers free outdoor activities to children and adults with unique health conditions, impairments or limitations. From rock climbing and mountain biking to surfing and coasteering, they have a whole host of adventures to take part in, with specific project funding in Somerset.

Visit Somerset

The Visit Somerset website gives you information about Shopmobility schemes, accessible toilets and other useful links and contacts.

Accessibility in South Somerset

ACE

There is information about access to the Somerset countryside on the Accessible Somerset Countryside for everyone ACE website.

Walks with wheelchairs

Walks with wheelchairs is the only UK website dedicated to providing free information about routes that are suitable for people who use a wheelchair.

Walks with buggies

Walks with buggies is the only UK website dedicated to providing free information about routes that are suitable for parents with buggies and children.

Hippocampe

Head for the surf and get as wet as you like in the innovative Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchair. You can find out more on their website.

Accessible toilets and changing places

Find a map of accessible toilets and changing places here 

The RADAR National Key Scheme (NKS) provides special keys for registered disabled people to access locked public toilets around the UK.

Your district council will sell or give you a RADAR key or you can buy one online. Find out more about Radar keys here

Last reviewed: May 26, 2023 by Jenny

Next review due: November 26, 2023

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