Padstow is a great place to explore for all. The following information is intended to advice those that need assistance with mobility. Please contact the staff in the Tourist Information Office if you require further information.
All accommodation is obliged to produce an accessibility statement which gives you specific information about the property including number of steps, width of doors, floor space in the room, bed height etc. Most accommodation providers put this statement on their website but if not you can request it from them before booking.
Disabled Parking
There are disabled spaces in all the public car parks – these incur a charge.
There are 4 disabled parking spaces on Broad Street PL28 8BS (3 on the right hand side and 1 above the loading bay on the left). These are free but are limited to 3 hours. There are also spaces outside Boots in Market Street PL28 8AL, these bays are limited waiting bays and therefore a vehicle displaying a blue badge will be able to park for 3 hours.
Disabled badge holders may park on double yellow lines for a limited period (please click here for further information and check your badge literature for information and restrictions*). Please be aware that many of Padstow’s streets have an additional yellow stripe running over the curb which means that parking here is completely prohibited. The only places that don’t have the extra stripe are the North Quay, (PL28 8AF) and South Quay outside the Drang (PL28 8AJ).
*Whilst we are happy to advise on disabled parking we cannot be held responsible for anyone receiving a parking notice as a result of illegal parking.
Toilets
There are toilet blocks with disabled facilities on the North Quay, outside the Council Offices in the Railway Car Park and on the Links Road Car Park next to the Fire Station. All require a radar key. Keys can be purchased from Padstow Town Council office, please call 01841 532296. You can also purchase one online from The Radar Key Company.
Black Tor Ferry to Rock
The Black Tor passenger ferry between Padstow and Rock has been designed to take wheelchairs. It has a ramp that comes down at the front so that you can wheel straight on. At low tide the ferry runs from the lower beach and this is not wheelchair friendly. It is better to wait for the tide to come in and get the ferry from the ferry slip. At Rock the ferry puts down on the beach. At very high tide, it goes straight onto the slip way.
Things to Do
Some of the South West Coast Path is suitable for wheelchairs including the first part from Padstow Harbour to Tregirls Beach and Polzeath to St Enodoc. The Walks with Wheelchairs site gives several routes in Cornwall that are accessible to those in wheelchairs or pushing buggies. For details about accessible beaches in Cornwall please visit Accessible Countryside.
The Camel Trail is fairly level and the surface is suitable for wheelchairs. Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge has wheelchair tandems for hire. This bike is available with the wheelchair if required but will hold most wheelchairs including those with motors. Alternatively, you can hire a wheelchair from Trail Bike Hire in Padstow.
There are many scenic routes in Cornwall suitable for disabled visitors where you can get out and enjoy the beautiful coast and countryside. A useful website is Accessible Countryside which, as well as having information on access to the countryside also has links to places to eat and drink. You may also like to look at the South West Coast Path website where you can search for stretches of the path that are accessible.
The National Trust has a free information booklet; ‘Information for Visitors with Disabilities’, which gives information on the Trust’s most accessible properties. Visit the National Trust website for more information. Free admission is available at all National Trust properties to the necessary companion of a disabled visitor. Contact them for more details: 0344 8001895 or email accessforall@ntrust.org.uk
English Heritage also have an annual “Guide for Disabled Visitors”. Braille, tape and large print versions are also available. Visit the English Heritage website which has a specific area with information for visitors with disabilities.The free booklet can be obtained at many English Heritage sites or by contacting: Tel: 0370 3331181 or email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Concern Wadebridge (Registered Charity 1160700) hosts a variety of daily classes and activities for people over 50 and/or have a disability. Concern Wadebridge is based in the John Betjeman Centre situated in the main building of the old railway station at Wadebridge.
Wheelchair/Equipment Hire
You can hire a wheelchair from Trail Bike Hire while you are here in Padstow or you can also hire equipment from Tremorvah Industries in Truro.
If you are venturing to Polzeath beach, there are beach wheelchairs available at Wavehunters (office on the beach) free of charge. For beach wheelchair hire at other locations please click here.
Concern Wadebridge (Registered Charity 1160700) is a Member of ShopMobility. They loan Mobility Scooters, wheelchairs and Walking Aids, to help people access Wadebridge and the Camel Trail. They also loan equipment for people to take away on holiday or visiting Wadebridge. Please visit their website or call 01208 812392 for prices and availability.