Wheelchair Accessible Self Catering Lodges on Exmoor

Planning a holiday when you or someone in your family uses a wheelchair can take a lot of extra thought. You may be looking for level access, accessible bathrooms, easy parking and quiet surroundings, without feeling “boxed in” or limited in what you can do.

Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages sits on the edge of Minehead with Exmoor National Park on the boundary. It is a long-established, four star self catering site with three lodges that are designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests. This guide is here to help you decide whether Woodcombe is a good base for your disabled friendly holiday on Exmoor and to give you a taste of accessible things to do nearby.

Woodcombe works well for disabled friendly holidays

Woodcombe is set down a small lane on a gentle slope just outside Minehead. It is peaceful and surrounded by views of the Exmoor hills, yet still close enough to town and the seafront for practical day to day needs.

A few points that matter if you are travelling with a wheelchair user or someone with reduced mobility:

Three wheelchair accessible lodges
Holly, Laburnum and Cherry are all designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests and those who find steps difficult.
Quiet and uncrowded site 
With six lodges and two cottages in about three acres of gardens, Woodcombe feels spacious and calm. It suits guests who prefer quieter family holidays and breaks away from busy resorts.
Experienced on site owners 
Woodcombe has been welcoming guests for over 40 years. The current owners have lived on site for around 25 years and have many loyal returning guests. They understand that every disabled guest has different needs and are happy to talk through what will work for you.
Exmoor and the coast on the doorstep 
From the site you can head into Exmoor’s lanes and paths or drop down into Minehead for the seafront, shops and West Somerset Railway. That mix of coast and country is ideal if you have a mixed ability group.

For detailed measurements, gradients and layouts, you would still use the full access statement. This article is a friendly overview to help you see what is possible.

Our wheelchair accessible lodges Holly, Laburnum, and Cherry

All three accessible lodges are fully equipped four star self catering properties with electric heating, good kitchens and covered verandas so you can sit out in shade or shelter and enjoy the view.

Holly Lodge

Holly is the largest lodge at Woodcombe and is ideal for extended families or small groups who need accessible sleeping on the ground floor. It sleeps up to ten people across several bedrooms and has multiple bathrooms, which is helpful if you are travelling with carers or a mixed age group.

Key benefits if you are planning a disabled friendly holiday:

Single main living level with easy access from the parking area
Spacious living and dining area that works well with mobility aids
Covered veranda to enjoy the view in all weathers
Well suited to multi generational stays where one or two guests have reduced mobility

Holly is often chosen by larger family groups who want to spend time together in a quiet setting, rather than in a busy holiday park.

Laburnum Lodge

Laburnum is a single storey lodge and is particularly popular with wheelchair users and guests who prefer not to deal with steps.

This lodge benefits from:

Single level living throughout
Wet room style shower with space to manoeuvre and a shower wheelchair available
Gated veranda, which can feel more secure for both wheelchair users and anyone who prefers a defined outdoor space
Positioned towards the edge of the site, which many guests find especially peaceful

Laburnum is well suited to couples or smaller families where accessibility is a priority but you still want a homely, comfortable space.

Cherry Lodge

Cherry is the third lodge that is designed to be accessible for wheelchair user guests. It gives you another option if Holly and Laburnum are already booked or if the layout of Cherry simply works better for your group.

As with the other two lodges, Cherry offers:

Step free style access into the main living area
Practical layout for guests using wheelchairs or walking aids
Fully equipped kitchen for self catering
Covered veranda for outdoor sitting with a view

Because each guest’s needs are different, it is always worth getting in touch to check the latest details and to confirm which lodge is likely to suit you best.

Getting around the site

Woodcombe is set on a gentle slope but is arranged to make life easier for guests with reduced mobility.

Parking – There is parking close to the lodges, so you are not walking long distances with luggage or mobility equipment.
Paths and access – Paths around the lodges are laid out to keep access as straightforward as possible. Some parts of the gardens are on a slope, but there are also level sitting areas and plenty of places simply to enjoy the view.
On site facilities – There is a games room, putting green and play area. Access varies by facility, so it is worth checking what is practical for your particular needs. Some guests simply enjoy the peace, the gardens and watching the changing light over Exmoor.

If you need more detailed information about gradients, surface types or door widths, the access statement and speaking directly with the owners will give you that level of detail.

Accessible friendly walks and easy routes nearby

One of the big advantages of staying on the edge of Exmoor is that you can still enjoy the landscape even if you or someone in your party has limited mobility. There are several short, relatively level routes and viewpoints that work well for wheelchair users, older relatives and families with buggies.

Good options to explore include:

Minehead promenade – Wide, level seafront from the golf course to the old harbour, with benches, cafés and accessible facilities along the way.
Bossington Hill accessible trails – Two short, graded routes with firm surfaces and big coastal views.
Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom – A smooth, waymarked loop through giant and exotic trees, including England’s tallest tree.
Webbers Post – A fairly level circular path with benches and views towards Dunkery Beacon and Horner Wood.
Wimbleball Lake – Lakeside paths with good surfaces and Tramper (all-terrain mobility scooter) hire available via South West Lakes Trust.

For more detailed route maps, gradients and up-to-date accessibility information, visit Exmoor National Park’s and Visit Exmoor’s websites.

Practical tips and FAQs for disabled guests

Can I park close to the lodge? 

Yes. There is parking close to the lodges, which keeps distances short when you are unloading or getting in and out of the car.

Are there fully step free lodges? 

Holly, Laburnum and Cherry have been designed to work for wheelchair user guests and those with reduced mobility. Laburnum is single storey and includes a wet room style shower. The owners can explain which lodge will suit you best.

Are there accessible walks without stiles or rough ground? 

Yes. Minehead promenade, the Tall Trees Trail, Webbers Post, Bossington Hill accessible routes, Exmoor Strolls and parts of Wimbleball Lake are all examples of relatively smooth, graded paths. Exmoor National Park’s website lists these in more detail.

Can my carer stay with me? 

Yes. The lodges sleep from smaller groups up to larger parties of around ten in Holly, so it is usually possible to accommodate carers, family members and friends together.

Is Woodcombe suitable for guests who need a very quiet setting? 

Woodcombe is a small, peaceful site in its own grounds on the edge of Minehead, so it tends to suit guests who prefer a calmer environment. If quiet is especially important for you, the owners can advise on which lodge and time of year may suit you best.

If you would like to check dates, discuss your access needs or see more detail about each lodge, please find out more about our disabled access accommodation here.