Which UK campsites offer the best facilities for disabled campers?
Full of natural beauty and immersive outdoor opportunities, camping offers an unrivalled chance to connect with the environment. However, for those who require wheelchair access or other considerations, it can often be a challenge to find a campsite that meets all your needs. Thankfully, in the UK, there’s a variety of campsites with extraordinary facilities that are wheelchair friendly and accessible. This article will walk you through some of the best UK campsites prioritizing accessibility, offering panoramic views, and ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience.
The Charm of Lakeside Camping: Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park offers campsites set amidst breathtaking views of lakes and hills. Their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is evident in their facilities.
At the Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club Site, you'll find pitches designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The site caters to both caravans and tents, so you have the freedom to choose your accommodation style. The park also provides accessible bathrooms with showers and toilets, ensuring all campers can comfortably enjoy their stay.
Another notable feature is the park's close proximity to various wheelchair-friendly walking paths. These paths offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding hills, making it a perfect place for a relaxing stroll or a family adventure. But the real star of the show is the lake itself, offering wheelchair-accessible boating facilities so everyone can explore the water.
A Farmhouse Experience: Featherdown Farms, nationwide
Featherdown Farms offer an authentic camping experience across various sites around the UK. This network of farms is committed to providing a friendly and inclusive environment for all campers.
Each farm comes with its own unique charm, from meadows to woodland views, but they all share the common promise of accessibility. They offer wheelchair-friendly tents with wide entryways and ample interior space. These tents are also equipped with wheelchair-adapted bathrooms and kitchens, making your stay comfortable and easy.
What sets Featherdown Farms apart is their unique blend of camping and farming life. Campers can engage in various farm activities, most of which are accessible to people of all abilities. From feeding the animals to exploring the farm in specially adapted tractors, Featherdown Farms ensures everyone can fully participate in the farming experience.
Coastal Retreat: Polmanter Touring Park, Cornwall
When it comes to a coastal camping experience, Polmanter Touring Park in Cornwall is hard to beat. The park offers a variety of pitches, from grass to hard-standing ones, that cater to tents, caravans, and motorhomes alike.
Accessibility is at the heart of Polmanter Touring Park. All pitches are flat and easy to navigate, and they offer fully accessible toilet and shower facilities. The site also provides accessible washing up areas, making it easier for campers to maintain their campsite.
The park is also ideally located for exploring the wheelchair-friendly South West Coast Path. The path takes you along some of the best coastal views in the UK, and the nearby town of St Ives is home to various accessible attractions, including wheelchair-friendly beaches and art galleries.
Secluded Sanctuaries: Cotswolds Camping, Oxfordshire
If you're looking for a quiet and secluded camping experience, Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe is the place to be. Nestled in a tranquil valley, this site offers numerous pitches that are wheelchair accessible.
The site facilities include accessible bathrooms with showers and toilets. They also have a shared kitchen area that is wheelchair friendly. The pitches themselves are flat and spacious, making it easy for wheelchair users to move around.
One of the highlights of Cotswolds Camping is its proximity to several accessible walking paths. These paths wind through the picturesque Cotswold countryside, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the lush green scenery. The site is also just a short distance away from the Rollright Stones, a prehistoric monument that offers wheelchair-friendly paths and spectacular views.
Breathtaking Panoramas: Gwithian Farm Campsite, Cornwall
Gwithian Farm Campsite in Cornwall is known for its stunning sea views. This family-friendly campsite offers wheelchair-accessible pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
In terms of facilities, the campsite offers wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and shower facilities. They also provide a dedicated accessible washing up area and a laundry room. The pitches are flat and easy to navigate, ensuring a comfortable camping experience for all.
The campsite is just a short walk from Gwithian Beach, which offers wheelchair-accessible paths and breathtaking sea views. Nearby, you'll also find the South West Coast Path, a wheelchair-friendly trail that offers panoramic views of the Cornish coastline.
Picturesque Tranquility: Green Hill Farm Holiday Park, New Forest
Venture into the heart of New Forest and you'll find Green Hill Farm Holiday Park, a site exuding a special kind of tranquility. The park is diligently designed to welcome campers with diverse needs, making it one of the most inclusive and wheelchair accessible campsites in the UK.
On offer are spacious pitches that can accommodate tents, caravans, and motorhomes. These pitches are specifically designed to be flat and wide, providing plenty of room for mobility aids. For those seeking a more luxurious camping experience, the park also has several accessible glamping options available.
The park boasts a variety of disabled facilities including barrier-free bathrooms complete with showers and toilets. There's also an accessible laundrette and a campervan hire service, should you wish to explore further afield.
The surrounding New Forest National Park provides plenty of accessible walking paths. Whether you're an avid bird watcher or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst nature, you're guaranteed to find a trail that suits your interests. With a little luck, you may even spot some of the park's famous wild ponies along the way!
The Peak of Accessibility: Castleton Caravan and Camping Club Site, Peak District
Situated amongst the rolling hills of the Peak District National Park, Castleton Caravan and Camping Club Site is another top choice for campers seeking an accessible outdoor retreat.
The club site offers several pitches suitable for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. These pitches are levelled and firm, ensuring easy movement for wheelchair users. For those seeking a more comfortable experience, accessible camping pods are also available.
The facilities at Castleton are designed with accessibility in mind. There are inclusive bathroom facilities that feature wheelchair-friendly showers and toilets, and a separate laundry area. Additional services include campervan hire and a motorhome service point.
Beyond the campsite, the Peak District offers plenty of accessible trails for you to explore. Many of these trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making them ideal for nature lovers. The site is just a short, barrier-free walk away from Peveril Castle, giving history enthusiasts an accessible opportunity to explore a piece of the UK's rich past.
Wrapping Up
Camping is a quintessential outdoor experience that everyone should be able to enjoy, regardless of their physical abilities. The UK has made great strides in ensuring their campsites are accessible and inclusive. Whether you prefer the serene quiet of a farmhouse, the buzz of a bustling seaside resort, or the untouched beauty of a national park, there's a campsite that caters to your needs.
From the tranquil seclusion of Holycombe in Cotswolds Camping to the stunning vistas of Gwithian Farm Campsite, these campsites have proven that they are not only accessible but also breathtakingly beautiful. Besides their top-notch disabled facilities, these campsites also offer an array of activities, from accessible walking paths to barrier-free water sports, meaning the adventures won't stop at your tent door.
Remember, the perfect camping experience is out there waiting for you - all you need to do is pack up your tent, hire a campervan if needed, and hit the road. Happy camping!