Accessible Things to Do in Exmoor National Park: Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures for Families
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
Exmoor National Park is one of Britain's most spectacular landscapes, known for its rolling moorland, ancient woodlands, dramatic coastline, wildlife, and picturesque villages. While some people assume that a National Park is difficult to explore if you use a wheelchair or have young children, Exmoor offers a surprising number of accessible attractions, scenic viewpoints, and family-friendly experiences.
Whether you're travelling with a wheelchair user, mobility scooter, or simply looking for accessible days out that suit all ages, here's our guide to the best accessible things to do in Exmoor National Park and the surrounding area.
Why Choose Exmoor for an Accessible Holiday?
Exmoor National Park stretches across Somerset and Devon and is one of the UK's most diverse holiday destinations. Visitors can enjoy beautiful countryside, coastal views, wildlife encounters, historic attractions, and family activities, many of which offer accessible facilities.
For families staying in wheelchair-accessible accommodation near Exmoor, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the National Park without tackling steep or challenging terrain.
Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Wimbleball Lake is one of the area's most accessible outdoor destinations.
Visitors can enjoy:
Wheelchair-friendly lakeside routes
Accessible parking close to facilities
Wildlife watching opportunities
Family picnic areas
Accessible visitor facilities
Beautiful views across the reservoir
The surfaced paths around the visitor centre are suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs, making it an excellent family day out.
Discover Accessible Trails in Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park has worked to improve access to several areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor's most famous landmarks. While the ancient clapper bridge itself has uneven surfaces, accessible viewing areas and nearby routes allow many visitors to enjoy this historic site and the beautiful River Barle surroundings.
Near Wimbleball Lake, Haddon Hill offers several easier routes with breathtaking views across Exmoor. Some sections are suitable for mobility scooters and robust wheelchairs, providing an opportunity to experience Exmoor's famous open moorland landscapes.
Throughout the National Park, visitors can find shorter trails with firm surfaces that are ideal for families with buggies and visitors with limited mobility.
These routes offer opportunities to experience:
Exmoor wildlife
Woodland scenery
Heathland landscapes
Seasonal wildflowers
Spectacular viewpoints
Enjoy Exmoor's Accessible Viewpoints
One of the best ways to experience Exmoor is by visiting its many scenic viewpoints, several of which can be reached directly from nearby parking areas.
County Gate
Situated on the Somerset and Devon border, County Gate offers stunning views across Exmoor with minimal walking required.
Webbers Post
One of Exmoor's most popular viewpoints, Webbers Post provides panoramic views across the National Park and can be enjoyed by visitors with limited mobility.
Dunkery Beacon Viewing Areas
While reaching the summit may not be suitable for everyone, there are lower viewing points nearby where visitors can enjoy incredible scenery without a lengthy walk.
These viewpoints are particularly popular with families and visitors who want to enjoy Exmoor's famous landscapes without strenuous hiking.
Spot Exmoor's Famous Wildlife
Exmoor is renowned for its wildlife and offers fantastic opportunities for accessible wildlife watching.
Look out for:
Red deer
Exmoor ponies
Birds of prey
Wildflowers and butterflies
Many wildlife sightings can be enjoyed from accessible car parks, viewpoints, lakeside paths, and visitor areas.
The medieval village of Dunster is one of Somerset's most visited destinations and lies within easy reach of Exmoor National Park.
Visitors can enjoy:
Independent shops
Traditional tea rooms
Historic streets
Accessible facilities
Nearby Dunster Castle offers accessible routes through parts of its grounds and gardens, allowing visitors with mobility needs to experience the beauty of this historic estate.
Family events and seasonal activities make this a popular destination throughout the year.
Minehead serves as the gateway to Exmoor National Park and offers excellent accessibility.
The seafront promenade is ideal for:
Wheelchair users
Mobility scooters
Families with pushchairs
Older visitors
The wide, level promenade offers beautiful coastal views and easy access to cafés, shops, and family attractions.
A journey on the West Somerset Railway is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the landscapes around Exmoor.
The heritage railway passes through beautiful countryside and coastal scenery while offering an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Many stations provide accessible facilities, making it an excellent option for families and wheelchair users.
Families visiting Exmoor often include Exmoor Zoo on their itinerary.
Popular features include:
Accessible pathways across much of the site
Animal encounters
Educational talks
Indoor exhibits for rainy days
Family-friendly facilities
The zoo offers a full day of entertainment and learning for children of all ages.
Exmoor National Park is recognised as Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
Several accessible viewing areas and car parks allow visitors to enjoy the night sky without venturing far from their vehicle.
On clear evenings, visitors can often see:
The Milky Way
Shooting stars
Constellations
Planets
This unique experience is especially memorable for children and families.
Staying in Wheelchair Accessible Accommodation Near Exmoor
The right accommodation can transform an accessible holiday experience. Our accessible barn can offer the following: -
· Wheelchair-accessible holiday cottage near Exmoor National Park
· Step-free access
· Accessible wet room
· Family-friendly accommodation
· Accessible attractions within 30 minutes
· Suitable for wheelchair users and mobility scooters
· Close to Minehead, Dunster and Wimbleball Lake
Our wheelchair-accessible holiday cottage near Exmoor provides a comfortable and practical base for exploring the National Park, Somerset coast, and surrounding family attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor National Park wheelchair accessible?
Many areas of Exmoor National Park offer accessible facilities, including viewpoints, lakeside routes, visitor centres, and family attractions. Accessibility varies by location, so checking ahead is always recommended.
Are there accessible walks on Exmoor?
Yes. Several shorter routes around Wimbleball Lake, visitor centres, and accessible viewpoints provide opportunities to experience Exmoor's landscapes without difficult terrain.
Is Exmoor suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Exmoor offers wildlife experiences, beaches, heritage railways, castles, lakes, and family attractions that appeal to children of all ages.
What are the best accessible attractions on Exmoor?
Wimbleball Lake, Minehead seafront, Dunster, Exmoor Zoo, West Somerset Railway, and Exmoor's accessible viewpoints are among the most popular choices.
Plan Your Accessible Exmoor Adventure
Exmoor National Park offers far more accessible experiences than many visitors realise. From scenic lakes and accessible viewpoints to wildlife watching, historic attractions, family activities, and stargazing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
If you're looking for wheelchair-accessible accommodation near Exmoor National Park, our cottage provides the perfect base for discovering the best of Somerset and Exmoor while enjoying comfort, accessibility, and unforgettable family experiences.
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