Disabled friendly holidays on Exmoor from Woodcombe Lodges
Why Exmoor works for disabled friendly holidays
Exmoor National Park stretches across the hills of West Somerset and North Devon, with dramatic coastline, wooded valleys and open moorland. That mix of scenery means there are options for most energy levels, from short, level seafront strolls to more demanding hill paths.
For many disabled guests, Exmoor works well because you can:
- Use level or gently graded paths as well as tougher routes
- Enjoy big views from car parks, short paths and roadside lay-bys
- Visit heritage attractions that have been working to improve access
- Mix scenic drives, short outings and quiet time in your accommodation
You do not have to hike across open moorland every day to feel that you have experienced Exmoor. With realistic planning and a suitable place to stay, it can be a very rewarding destination for disabled friendly holidays and short breaks.
The key is to choose a base that matches your needs and then build your days around what you feel able to do.
What to look for in disabled friendly accommodation on Exmoor
Every disabled guest is different, but a few practical points come up again and again when people are choosing where to stay.
Step free or low step access
Needing to negotiate steps at every doorway can quickly become tiring. Look for properties where you can get from parking into the main living area with no steps or just a small threshold.
At Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages, three of the lodges – Holly, Laburnum and Cherry – are designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests. They offer step free style access from nearby parking into the main living space, which makes arrival and everyday movement much easier.
Enough space to move
If you use a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid, cramped rooms and tight corners can turn simple tasks into hard work. It helps to have:
- Sensible circulation space in living areas and bedrooms
- Clear access around beds and furniture
- Bathrooms that are easier to use, such as a wet room style shower rather than a shower over a bath
Laburnum Lodge, for example, includes a wet room style shower, which many guests find more practical than climbing in and out of a bath.
Quiet and calm surroundings
For some guests, a low noise environment is as important as ramps and rails. Woodcombe sits on a gentle slope at the end of a small lane on the edge of Minehead, with six lodges and two cottages in around three acres of gardens. It suits guests who prefer peaceful family holidays and short breaks rather than busy, entertainment led resorts.
You can hear birds in the valley, enjoy views across towards Exmoor’s hills, and still be only a short drive from the town and seafront.
Supportive on site owners
It can be reassuring to know there are experienced owners on site who can answer questions and help if something unexpected comes up. Woodcombe has been welcoming guests for over forty years and many disabled guests return regularly once they know what to expect.
If you have specific needs or worries, you can contact the owners in advance to talk through access, parking, equipment and layout in more detail.
Accessible friendly ways to enjoy Exmoor’s landscape
You do not need to tackle steep moorland paths to feel that you have seen Exmoor. There are many shorter, more accessible outings that still give you big views and a strong sense of the landscape.
Minehead promenade
Minehead seafront is about one and a half miles from Woodcombe. A wide, level promenade runs from the golf course along the beach to the old harbour and seafront park. The surface is smooth, there are benches along the way, and cafés, pubs and shops are close at hand.
The stretch of beach beyond the golf course is dog friendly all year, which is useful if you travel with an assistance dog or family pet. For many disabled guests, a simple seafront stroll followed by a drink or an ice cream can be a very satisfying outing.
Bossington Hill, Tall Trees Trail and Webbers Post
Exmoor National Park and the Forestry Commission have created several short routes that work for many wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, including:
- Short graded trails at Bossington Hill with firm surfaces and fine coastal views
- The Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom, a smooth loop of around 600 metres past giant and exotic trees, including England’s tallest tree
- A fairly level circular path at Webbers Post with benches and views towards Dunkery Beacon and Horner Wood
These are not long walks, but they do let you get into the landscape on safe, well surfaced paths, without needing to commit to miles of rough ground.
Lakeside and off road routes
If you are happy to drive a little further, Wimbleball Lake is a good option. Managed by South West Lakes Trust, it has lakeside paths with good surfaces and Tramper (all terrain mobility scooter) hire for guests who need it, plus set times in the season when wheelchair users can be taken out on the water.
To the west, the Tarka Trail near Barnstaple offers a largely level, off road route along former railway lines. It is popular with cyclists of all abilities, including those using adaptive bikes that can be hired locally, and it also works as a gentle, scenic push along the estuary for wheelchair users and walkers.
For more detailed route maps, gradients and up to date accessibility information, visit the Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor websites.
Accessible friendly days out on Exmoor
Once you have comfortable accommodation, the next question is how to spend your days. Here are a few ideas that have worked well for guests staying at Woodcombe.
West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway is based in Minehead and runs for around 20 miles through countryside and along the coast to Bishops Lydeard. It is one of the longest heritage railways in England and a very gentle day out if you enjoy trains and views more than long walks.
Most stations have reasonable access and the railway can add an accessible coach when there are several wheelchair users on a service. Disabled passengers and their carers can usually travel at reduced fares. You can check current timetables, accessible coach details and special events on the West Somerset Railway website before you visit.
A simple pattern for the day might be:
- Start at Minehead station
- Ride the train to Blue Anchor or Watchet
- Spend some time in the harbour or on the seafront
- Catch a later train back to Minehead and return to Woodcombe
Dunster village and castle
Dunster is a medieval village a short drive from Woodcombe, with cobbled streets, a Yarn Market, cafés, pubs and the National Trust castle and gardens on the hill above. The village itself can feel a little uneven underfoot, but there is a main car park with disabled toilets and clear information boards.
The National Trust provides a minibus to help guests up to the castle entrance and manages routes through some parts of the gardens. There is limited access inside the castle for wheelchair users using a mobile stair climber. With a bit of planning, Dunster can be a very rewarding day out combining history, gardens and a gentle explore around the village.
Scenic drives and viewpoints
On days when walking is not realistic, Exmoor still offers a network of scenic roads and lay-bys where you can enjoy the views from or near your vehicle. For example:
- The road over North Hill from Minehead towards Porlock has several lay-bys with big views of the Bristol Channel and Exmoor coast
- The approach roads to Dunkery Beacon offer wide panoramas, even if you choose not to follow the final path to the very top
- Valleys such as those near Horner and Withypool can be enjoyed as part of a leisurely circular drive with occasional short stops
You can shape these drives around café and pub visits, making them accessible and enjoyable even on days when energy is low.
Using Woodcombe Lodges as your base
Once you start looking at what is possible on Exmoor, the next step is choosing somewhere to stay that supports rather than restricts you.
Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages has six timber lodges and two stone cottages in around three acres of gardens, all rated four star and fully equipped for self catering. The site sits on a quiet lane at the edge of Minehead with Exmoor National Park on the boundary, so you can enjoy both coast and country without long drives every day.
Three of the lodges – Holly, Laburnum and Cherry – are designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests and those with reduced mobility. They offer:
- Step free style access from nearby parking
- Practical layouts with good circulation space in the main living areas
- Bathrooms that are easier to use than a standard shower over bath
- Covered verandas where you can sit out and enjoy the view
The long established on site owners are happy to answer questions and help you decide which lodge will work best for your needs.
If you would like more detailed information about access inside each lodge, including bathroom layouts and photos, you can read the dedicated guide to wheelchair accessible lodges at Woodcombe Lodges or contact the owners directly to talk through your requirements.
Planning your disabled friendly holiday on Exmoor
To bring everything together, here are a few practical tips for planning disabled friendly holidays on Exmoor.
1. Start with what matters most
Decide what is non negotiable for your group, for example:
- A wet room or level access shower
- Step free entry from parking
- Quiet surroundings and limited noise
- Proximity to the sea or specific attractions
Use this list to shortlist accommodation and then check finer details with the owners.
2. Think in terms of energy, not distance
A short accessible walk with a good view and a relaxed lunch can be worth more than trying to fit in too much. Exmoor is full of places where you can simply sit and watch the light change on the hills, listen to the river or look out over the coast.
Plan one main outing or focus per day, rather than a packed itinerary.
3. Use official sites for fine detail
For route maps, gradients and detailed accessibility information, use:
- Exmoor National Park
- Visit Exmoor
- National Trust
- West Somerset Railway
These organisations update opening times, route notes and access details regularly, which is vital if you are travelling outside peak season.
4. Talk to your accommodation in advance
Woodcombe’s owners are used to answering specific questions about access, equipment and layout. A quick conversation before you book can make a big difference to how confident you feel about your holiday.
You might want to ask about:
- Door widths and turning space
- Bathroom layouts and any grab rails
- Parking distances and surfaces
- Space for mobility equipment or deliveries
Disabled friendly holidays on Exmoor are very possible with the right base and some realistic planning. If you like the idea of peaceful gardens, big skies and gentle days out on the coast and moor, Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages offers a practical, welcoming place to stay while you explore.
FAQs – disabled friendly holidays on Exmoor from Woodcombe Lodges
Is Exmoor really suitable for disabled visitors?
Yes, with the right planning. Exmoor has a growing number of accessible paths, viewpoints and attractions, along with plenty of places where you can enjoy the scenery from short paths or from your vehicle. It will not suit every disability in the same way, but for many guests it offers a good balance of beauty and practicality.
Which lodges at Woodcombe are suitable for wheelchair users?
Three lodges at Woodcombe – Holly, Laburnum and Cherry – are designed to be suitable for wheelchair user guests. They provide step free style access from nearby parking, more practical bathrooms and layouts that are easier to move around in. For detailed measurements and photos, it is best to contact the owners directly.
Are there fully accessible walks on Exmoor?
There are several short routes and trails that many wheelchair users and people with limited mobility find helpful, including level sections on Minehead seafront, graded trails at Bossington Hill, the Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom, paths at Webbers Post and lakeside routes at Wimbleball. Always check the latest information on the Exmoor National Park website before you travel.
Can I visit Exmoor without a car if I have reduced mobility?
Realistically, having access to a car makes disabled friendly holidays on Exmoor much easier. Some local buses and the West Somerset Railway can help with specific journeys, but the most flexible way to reach accessible paths, lakes and viewpoints is by car or accessible taxi.
Is Woodcombe suitable for mixed ability family groups?
Yes. Many families choose Woodcombe for mixed ability holidays where one or more guests has reduced mobility. Accessible lodges allow everyone to stay on the same site, while the wider area offers a mix of gentle outings and more energetic walks so each person can do as much as they feel able to.
How do I find out more about disabled friendly stays at Woodcombe?
The best starting point is the Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages website, where you can read more about the site and the accessible lodges. For specific questions, contact the owners directly so they can talk through your needs and help you decide whether Woodcombe is the right base for your disabled friendly holiday on Exmoor.
