Accessibility

Dorset is a fantastic place to visit for people of all ages and abilities.

To make planning your perfect break a little easier, we have put together a selection of information and helpful access guides for areas across Dorset.

Guides for additional needs

Our guides contain simple and practical information on access, transport, parking and public toilets and are designed to help enable our visitors with additional needs to make an informed decision when planning their holiday, short break away or day out.

If you would like any of theses guide in a more accessible format please contact us.

Additional publications to compliment these guides and further assist your visit are available on request from our Tourist Information Centres.

Accessible accommodation

Looking for wheelchair friendly self catering or serviced accommodation?

We have a list of accessible accommodation in Dorset that have taken part in the National Accessible Scheme.

Mobility

If you need a little extra help getting around whilst on holiday, Dorset's mobility hire companies will hire out wheelchairs and mobility scooters for a range of needs:

• Active Mobility is based in Weymouth.
• Purbeck Mobility Centre is based in Wareham.

Disabled toilets

Changing Places are toilet and changing facilities for the disabled with restricted mobility.

Further information on the facilities available in Dorset can be found on the Changing Places UK website

Blue Badge holders

Information can be found online about parking with the use of a disability blue badge in Dorset Council car parks. Other car parks are available for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole car parks and Swanage car parks.

Accessible attractions

The attractions of Dorset offer varying levels of accessibility so we recommend checking their websites for the full and up to date information about their facilities. Look out for a link to their accessibility guide.

The Dorset Tourism Awards have commended the following attractions for their accessibility and inclusivity:

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve in Swanage - the 2020 VisitEngland winning attraction for access and inclusitivity. Accessibility guide for Durlston Country Park.

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester. Accessibility guide for Shire Hall.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre near Wareham.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest near Ringwood.

The Tank Museum the world’s best collection of tanks in awe-inspiring, modern exhibitions - Accessibility guide for the Tank Museum.

Accessible beaches

There are lots of beautiful beaches and coves in Dorset but the access to some of the wilder locations will often involve many steps or steep slopes which will not be ideal for all our visitors.
We’ve put together a quick beach guide which offers more information about Dorset beaches and coves listed on our website to help you plan your visit.

Read our quick beach guide page.

There are many beaches in our popular resorts with level esplanades, ideal for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. Matting on beaches are located at Boscombe, Sandbanks, Weymouth and Lyme Regis beaches and Studland’s Knoll beach has a wooden boardwalk onto the sand. These are very popular beaches during the summer, so careful timing is advised to avoid crowds and access suitable nearby parking spaces.
Beach wheelchairs can be booked in advance from Studland's Knoll beach and Lyme Regis.

Accessible boat trips

There are all types of water craft and boats that can be hired or chartered in Dorset but some are worth highlighting here as they can be enjoyed by people with limited mobility along with friends and families. Poole Harbour in Dorset is the largest natural harbour in Europe and offers great opportunities for sailing and boat trips.

At Wareham Boat Hire on the River Frome a boat can be hired or chartered along with a Skipper for up to 8 people to enjoy the river, angling, nature or a picnic together.  The ‘Wheelyboat’ has a hassle free roll-on and off access and flat deck providing access to all corners of the boat, accessible helm or drive-from-wheelchair console and is great for all abilities.

The Dolphin is a specially designed boat for people with disabilities and carers and can accommodate up to 12 passengers, the boat can be berthed from Dolphin Marina, Poole and Poole Quay. The boat has a level walk/wheel on-and-off ramp and a flat board open deck to accommodate wheelchairs and has toilet facilities on-board. The Dolphin charity offers free trips for disabled passengers. Trips include the scenic Poole Harbour and up the River Frome to Wareham. The Dolphin will not be operating during 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Knoticat is a ten metre sailing catamaran, offering the opportunity to give all disabled people and their carers the chance to sail and enjoy the beautiful waters in and around Poole Harbour. Knoticat sails every week day from April to September.

Further information

Tourism for All UK is the UK Voice for Accessible Tourism - a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all.

Additional help and guidance on accessible tourism can be obtained from Tourism for All UK.

For more tips and advice on accessible holiday travel in England, go to the EnjoyEngland website.