3 accessible places to visit in Dorset

Just after Boxing Day my family and I we went to Dorset and it was beautiful. But the place we stayed in was the most inaccessible barn ever. It was a total nightmare! This was our first ever holiday away since my injury and it was one of the most stressful holiday ever! We booked it through holiday cottages and it definitely says Increased accessibility. Well it wasn’t at all. The drive way was so gravelly that my wheels got stuck and my family members had to push me in to the barn. But there was a step to get in. Luckily we bought the ramp but it’s not very ideal really.. Inside the hall ways were ridiculously narrow so my chair had only just enough space to fit through. The doors were widened and the only decent accessible space was the living room and kitchen. There was a lot of space but that was the only space in the whole barn that there was. So basically I had to be carried around everywhere which as you probably would I hated that.

So I spent as much time as possible outside and let me tell you one thing. Dorset was beautiful but not exactly wheelchair friendly but I will tell you all of the wheelchair accessible places that we did find and go to. There’s only about 4 in total which is why I wouldn’t go again. But yeah here are 4 accessible places that you must visit in Dorset.

1. Bournemouth

So for our first day there we travelled to Bournemouth beach and it was beautiful. Completely wheelchair friendly and because it was around Christmas time, there was a huge Christmas market with so many stalls. Decorations were up every where and it was honestly so festive. There was entertainment. But there were quite a few crowds of people and i really don’t like crowds but u mainly just tried to focus with the surroundings.

After finishing the market we went to, a lovely restaurant on the pier it was so nice and I had a cocktail called, purple rain and it was amazing. The staff were all so friendly and showed us to our seats. Music and lights were on and it was just great. My dog Winston loved it but at the same Tim’s he was really confused as it was his first holiday away from home. It was adorable though but so funny.

Overall Bournemouth was such a beautiful place to visit if you wanted a chilled relaxing afternoon by the beach. I loved it!

2. Monkey world

So Day to my family and I went to monkey world. Unfortunately my mums knee was really hurting her so she stayed back at the barn with the dog and only me my dad, uncle and aunt went. We booked the tickets the morning but unfortunately it would only let me get two wheelchairs so they overpriced mr but luckily when we went there and explained they gave me a refund. When we arrived that’s were so many disabled parking spots and we took the nearest one outside of the entrance. When we entered money world we were given a map to help find our way around the place. Everywhere was either paved or ramped and it was completely wheelchair accessible and we had a stress free experience. No trouble at all and it was just amazing.

Of course we went into the gift shop after how could you not? The shop was so spacious I could move freely without knocking everything down. I bought a diary, fridge magnet for mum and a Lima monkey teddy. They’re definitely my favourite monkeys limas. But yeah it was honestly such a great day and monkey world is a must visit.

Swanage beach

Now this day was one of the most stressful day ever and it was our last day as well so the first place that we decided to have a look at was Corfe castle. But that was a big no as it was so not wheelchair friendly. It was on top of a hill and no paths whatsoever but why would the Website say it was. I don’t understand. So we crossed that of the list snd we decided to go to Swanage instead. That was lovely. There were so many lovely shops but half way up my battery on my chair decides to die. Honestly I was so stressed so we had to go all the way back down in the car and transfer me on to my manual chair. It was so embarrassing as my parents had to lift me up to get me out of the chair and we were blocking the pavement’s and people had to go around us. The worst feeling ever!

I had to distress myself after so my parents and I just had a little wander and a cup of tea in the little cafe that was there. We walked a long the pier taking in the views. Since then I wasn’t stressed anymore. I managed to buy a post card and a bracelet for myself in one of the shops and a few things for myself brother and his girlfriend.

So yeah, Dorset wasn’t really that brilliant with accessibility. While I did find a few spots that were accommodating and enjoyable, like Bournemouth Pier and monkey world, a lot of the attractions and natural landmarks proved challenging.

That being said, I still made the most of my time there. Sometimes, just enjoying a quiet cup of tea by the sea or browsing little shops can make the trip worthwhile. I just wish there was a bit more consideration given to making these amazing places accessible for everyone.

If you’re planning to visit Dorset and need accessible options, definitely do your research beforehand and prepare for a few challenges along the way. It’s not impossible to enjoy it, but being prepared makes a big difference.

Have you visited Dorset or faced similar accessibility issues somewhere else? Let me know your thoughts or tips in the comments!