Where Can You Enjoy the Outdoors in Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport—With Accessibility in Mind?

Wellbeing Walks in Sherborne

Each Friday afternoon, volunteer-led wellbeing walks take place around Sherborne. These relaxed, one-hour strolls are open to people of all ages and abilities. Routes are thoughtfully chosen to accommodate different mobility levels and end with a sociable café visit, making them as much about connection as they are about movement.

Sherborne Orienteering Course

Designed in collaboration with local health partners, this inclusive course offers two walking trails—one of which is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Maps can be picked up from town locations including GP surgeries, encouraging gentle outdoor exercise that’s accessible to more people.

Yeovil Country Park

Yeovil Country Park brings together riverside paths, woodland trails, picnic spots and a play area. Accessible features include a café, disabled toilets, Wheelchair access is available in key areas, and nearby EV charging. Entry is free, making this a cost-effective option for families or care outings. 

Sherborne Castle and Gardens

While some parts of the house are only accessible via stairs, the ground floor rooms and gardens are open to wheelchair users. The gardens have level gravel paths, benches, and a tearoom with accessible toilets and a shop.

Sherborne Abbey

The Abbey offers step-free access and wide internal spaces. Though the Lady Chapel has steps, the majority of the building welcomes wheelchair users. A RADAR-key operated public toilet is available just 200 metres from the entrance.

Pageant Gardens and Paddock Garden

Sherborne’s central parks are well-kept, level and accessible. Pageant Gardens, near the train station, often hosts live music and community events in the summer. Paddock Garden features scented plants, shaded benches, and public toilets nearby with disabled access.

Where to Park

• Culverhayes Car Park: 10 accessible bays, EV charging and RADAR-key accessible toilets.
• Old Market Yard: 5 accessible bays and charge points.
• Digby Hall and Newland North: Additional spaces with ease of access.

Toilets with Disabled Access

Public toilets with RADAR locks can be found at Culverhayes, Digby Road and Old Market Yard. RADAR keys are available to buy via Disability Rights UK or through local schemes.

Getting There and Getting Around

If you need help with transport, these services can assist:

• Brotherwood Automobility, Beer Hackett – Wheelchair-adapted vehicles
• Able Cabs – Accessible taxi services across Dorset
• Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance – Community-based transport service
• NORDCAT Dial-a-Ride – Ideal for those without access to regular transport

For public transport:

• Sherborne Station provides boarding ramps and has accessible toilets, though there are One station exit includes steps, so users may prefer to plan routes using the accessible entrance.
• Bus services X10 and X58/X58A (Yeovil-based routes) are operated by First Somerset. Check for individual accessibility features.
  

Whether you’re planning a short break or hosting relatives, the South West is home to many accessible self-catering properties.

Around Sherborne and Dorchester

• Alpaca Cottage, Dorchester – Pet-friendly, sleeps two, peaceful views.
• Ratty’s, Moley’s, Badger’s – Middlemarsh barn conversions with accessible decks, games rooms, and BBQ huts.

Coastal Dorset

• Monarch House, Weymouth – Close to the beach, spacious interiors.
• Standby Generator Bunker, Ringstead – Ground-floor layout, sea views.
• The Barn, Lytchett Matravers – Sleeps 10, accessible layout, hot tub.

Further Options Nearby

• Hill Lodge, Poole – Near Poole Harbour, sleeps 6.
• The Quays, Christchurch – Sleeps up to 25, with accessible features.
• Mews Hill & Criddlestyle Cottage, Fordingbridge – Pet-friendly group options.

Booking Tips

Use trusted platforms like Simply Owners or Dream Cottages. Look for filters such as:

• Ground floor access
• Accessible bathrooms
• EV charging
• Child- and pet-friendly amenities
• Parking and Wi-Fi

Booking direct can often save you money, and some properties offer discounts for NHS or care workers.

Our popular ‘What’s on Where’ guide is a collection of local events and activities for elderly people, including those living with dementia, their families and caregivers– to help you discover new events, meet new people, and make the most of what’s happening in and around Yeovil, Sherborne and wider somerset. If you would like to find out more, you can download the free PDF or pop into our office in the Yeovil Innovation Centre for a copy.