The guide to accessible Cornwall built by people who live it

Working out whether a beach, a museum or a pub will actually be usable is often the hardest part of planning a day out, especially when most tourist information stops at a single wheelchair-access tick box. Access Cornwall CIC, the Duchy’s disabled-led social enterprise, has just published its answer to that problem, the 2026 edition of the Accessible Guide to Cornwall.

Written from lived experience, not guesswork

Every listing in the free guide has been written by someone with lived experience of disability, a long-term health condition or neurodivergence, covering accessible places to stay, eat, visit and explore right across the county. The aim is to give readers clear, honest and practical information they can actually trust when they are planning a trip, rather than a generic accessibility badge with no detail behind it.

“This guide only works because it’s built on real experience, not guesswork,” said Viki Carpenter, Founding Director of Access Cornwall. “Every place in here has been looked at by someone who understands what actually makes somewhere accessible, and that’s what makes it different from a standard tourist guide.”

A guide built for thousands of visitors

Access Cornwall estimates that more than 800,000 disabled visitors travel to Cornwall each year, most of them accompanied by friends, family or carers. The guide is designed to help any one of that group find somewhere they can genuinely enjoy, rather than somewhere they simply hope will work out once they arrive.

The Minack Theatre signs on as this year’s sponsor

This year’s edition is sponsored by the Minack Theatre, which comes on board as Accessibility Champion sponsor. The guide itself is funded through advertising and sponsorship from businesses and organisations wanting to reach what Access Cornwall describes as a loyal, highly motivated audience, with dozens of accommodation providers, attractions and venues across Cornwall also backing this year’s edition.

Where to find a copy

10,000 printed copies are being distributed at tourist information centres, attractions, accommodation providers, supermarkets and community venues across Cornwall. A digital edition is also available, reaching a combined audience of more than 180,000 people a year through Access Cornwall’s website, social media and newsletter. It can be viewed by scrolling down the homepage at accesscornwall.org.uk.

The organisation works with communities, organisations and volunteers across the county to build a more accessible environment for everyone, and to improve quality of life for people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and neurodivergence.

For more information about the guide, or to arrange an interview with a member of the Access Cornwall team, call 01326 350805 or email [email protected].