5 Mobility-Friendly Days Out near Cowbridge
Getting out and about is a fantastic way to keep our loved ones happy and engaged. We all know how much a simple change of scenery can improve our mood – our clients, their families, and their carers are no exception.
However, if you’ve ever tried to organise a day out with a loved one who has mobility difficulties, you’ll also know that it’s not always easy to find places that can accommodate their needs. That’s why we’ve done the research for you.
Here are five suggestions for mobility-friendly days out within a short drive of Cowbridge:
Fonmon Castle, near Barry
Fonmon Castle is a 12th Century castle located just outside of Barry. It’s known for being the last residential castle in Wales. It boasts beautiful gardens and woodlands in addition to the historic buildings within the grounds.
A surprisingly large proportion of the site is fully wheelchair accessible, including the lower floors of the castle itself. The tea rooms, a short woodland trail, and some of the gardens are also accessible. Their website contains a lot of information about the accessible routes, and they also have a Tramper buggy available to assist with the slightly more difficult terrain.
You can see their accessibility map here.
Address: Fonmon Castle, Barry, CF62 3ZN
Distance from Cowbridge: 20-minute drive
Fully or partially accessible? Partially
Website: https://fonmoncastle.com/visitor-info/parking-accessibility
Dyffryn House and Gardens
This National Trust property is a peaceful oasis just outside Cardiff, surrounded by 55 acres of what are widely considered to be the finest Edwardian gardens in Wales. And best of all, most of them are accessibility-friendly.
Dyffryn House and Gardens has blue badge parking, accessible toilets at regular intervals, and step-free routes around the garden. They also have a mobility scooter and wheelchairs for hire free of charge, but they do recommend pre-booking them to ensure availability. Their shop and cafe also have fully level access, and the House has ramp access.
When you arrive, the staff at the welcome centre will be able to provide you with an accessibility map upon request.
Address: St Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6SU
Distance from Cowbridge: 15 minute drive
Fully or partially accessible? Partially
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dyffryn-gardens
Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen
Located just outside Cowbridge, the Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen specialises in high-quality, predominantly Welsh produce. Much of it is sourced from the surrounding farm!
They offer delicious afternoon teas, coffee and cake, and farm-fresh lunches in their Kitchen. It would make for a lovely afternoon excursion with countryside views, only a stone’s throw from home.
There is level access into and around the building, as well as Disabled parking bays and an accessible WC.
Address: The Lodge, Llwynhelig, Cowbridge CF717FF
Distance from Cowbridge: Under 5 minutes’ drive
Fully or partially accessible? Fully
Website: https://foragefarmshop.co.uk/
Cowbridge Physic Garden
Tucked away just off Church Street, the Cowbridge Physic Garden is a small oasis of calm and tranquillity. This walled garden was originally part of the Old Hall Gardens, and fell into disrepair during the 20th century. It was revived in 2006 thanks to support from the Welsh Historic Garden Trust.
The Physic Garden makes a lovely addition to an excursion into town. Pair this with a coffee at Costa or Maple & Bean and you’ve got yourself a lovely afternoon! Thursday is the best day to go, as that’s when the volunteers are present tending the garden. They can help you with any questions you might have about the garden or plants there, and they also hold a plant sale while they’re there.
The site is free to visit and has been designed and laid out to make it accessible to wheelchair users. There is a sloped access ramp from the Church Street entrance and a level accessway from the Old Hall Gardens, which are entered from High Street.
Note that there is no specific parking for the site, although there are usually spaces available nearby, and there are no toilets on site.
Address: Church Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7BB
Distance from Cowbridge: Under 5 minutes
Fully or partially accessible? Fully
Garwnant Forest Visitor Centre, Cwmtaf
A little further afield, but more than worth it for those who love to get out and about in nature. The Willow Walk is an all-ability countryside trail on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, approximately 1 km in length. The trail takes you through woodlands and along the river, with a lovely cafe at the end.
There are a few inclines and areas of gravel path which would better suit a power chair, but there are shorter and more level routes available around the cafe and river area. There are plenty of disabled parking spaces close to the cafe and a very well-equipped. Changing Places toilet with a ceiling hoist and integrated washing and drying.
Address: Garwnant Forest Visitor Centre, Cwmtaf, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2HU
Distance from Cowbridge: Just under an hour by car
Fully or partially accessible? Fully
Website: https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/visitor-centre/garwnant-forest-visitor-centre-1843321
We hope this helps you to plan some wonderful days out with your loved ones.
At Home Instead, we understand the importance of ensuring that our loved ones are able to continue to enjoy the great outdoors and all that our beautiful corner of South Wales has to offer as they grow older and become less mobile. Our range of care support services is highly personalised to ensure that your loved one can maintain their independence and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.
To learn more about our companionship care services in the Cowbridge area and discuss your loved one’s needs, please contact our friendly team.