Suffolk is truly one of the most stunning parts of the UK.
With beautiful coastlines, stunning scenery and an array of tourist attractions to show off our rich heritage, there really is something for everyone.
Thanks to our wide range of accessible holiday cottages we have a lot of visitors with varying physical abilities who are keen to get out and explore what our county has to offer.
Here are just a few of our recommendations of places to visit which are easily accessible to everyone whether they rely on wheelchair assistance, need a steady hand to guide them or simply wish to push a pram.
Accessible Places to visit
Suffolk is full of beautiful parks which are worth a wander around. Christchurch park in Ipswich and Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds are both worth visiting and have wide footpaths perfectly suited for wheelchair users. Abbey Gardens has the added bonus of a dedicated ‘sensory garden’ which has been designed specifically for people who are visually impaired through the use of scented plants and herbs.
If you’re a member of the National Trust, you may wish to visit Ickworth House which is located just outside of Bury St Edmunds. As with any NT property, it is hugely accessible to those in need as well as families needing to use prams or buggies. There are designated mobility parking spaces and also a golf buggy service to and from the car park during high season.
If a spot by the sea is more your style, the newly re-developed Felixstowe Pier is a lovely place to enjoy the sea views and do some people watching. You can grab a drink or something to eat in the Boardwalk Café Bar or try a delicious ice cream from Lorenzos – we don’t think there’s any better way to relax!
Activities you can get involved with
As a horse-loving county, we are lucky to have a thriving Riding for the Disabled group which can found in Woodbridge. Whether you want to have a riding lesson or take part in carriage driving there is something for everyone no matter that their physical ability is. And as horse lovers ourselves, we will be biased here and say there is no greater hobby than going out for a hack and enjoying our gorgeous countryside.
If fishing is more your hobby, the Bramford Picnic site is just ten minutes away. Fishing is permitted in the River Gipping and there are three platforms which are suitable for disabled access. The site is home to an array of wildlife and it’s even been known for otters to visit the area!
Thanks to Suffolk Sport and their iCAN Swim campaign, there is a wealth of swimming opportunities across the county with various leisure centres ready to offer help and support to enable everyone the opportunity to get into the pool and take a dip.
Finally, children and young adults with special needs can take advantage of dedicated SEN play sessions at local soft play centre, Partyman World of Play. Each month, the centre offers complimentary morning and evening sessions exclusively for those with additional needs.
Of course, you can always help us on the farm!
Six of our seven holiday cottages feature levels M1 to M3 accessibility making our farm a great option for elderly and disabled guests and we’d love to have your help on the farm.
As well as enjoying our courtyard and maybe a barbecue or two, we love to welcome all of our guests to meet the animals and find out what farm life is really like.
