Accessible Whitlingham
- Kate
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
At Whitlingham Country Park we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy this beautiful space. Whitlingham Charitable Trust are committed to making nature accessible for all. Here are some of the ways we can help...
Accessible paths to explore
The Great Broad circular walk has a tar-and-chip flat surface the whole way round, giving you 2.3 miles (3.7km) of accessible path for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and bikes.
We had generous funding from the Community Infrastructure Fund to enable this resurfacing work to happen during 2023. The paths were used much more than usual for exercise during the Covid lockdowns and were in a poor state. We hope you'll agree the improvement makes the surface much more manageable to use, and there are no longer muddy areas around the route.
We are steadily working on a project which will ensure that certain sections of the path will no longer be prone to flood in future too. Year-round access is an important goal for us to ensure you always have safe and easy access to the park
Accessible facilities
It's important to be able to explore the park and be out amongst nature, but it is also important to have the facilities you need during your visit when nature calls you! Did you know we have three standard accessible toilets, as well as a Changing places facility on site?
We are proud to offer this state-of-the-art space for our visitors who need a hoist or adult changing bed, with specialist equipment available to meet their needs. It even features a beautiful image of the Great Broad by photographer Johnathan Casey. Can you see the mute swans peeping out behind the shower?
This incredible facility was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Water Mills & Marshes (Broads Landscape Partnership Scheme), and the Broads Authority.
If you or someone you know requires use of our Changing Places facility, please reach out to us and we will support you with further information on how to gain access to this important inclusive facility.
Accessible refreshments at the Flint Barn Cafe
Our on-site cafe is fully wheelchair accessible, other than the mezzanine level. Members of staff will be happy to assist if you need any chairs or tables adjusting to your needs. Please read our full park access guide to find out the dimensions of any doorways or walkways inside the Flint Barn.
Accessible exploring in Whitlingham Woods
Our electric Tramper mobility scooter can cope with inclines, tree roots and off-roading with ease, making it perfect for exploring in the woods. The paths there are not surfaced, so are not suitable for conventional wheelchairs with small wheels, but our electric Tramper scooter is just right for woodland terrain. It can be operated by left or right handed twist grip.
The Tramper provides comfortable support and has a dog tie-point, two stick holders and a small front storage space for your belongings. The routes around the park are marked by our Tramper trail signs to help you navigate a safe route which is suitable for this vehicle.
Our scooter is available for hire for three hour sessions at just £5 per booking. It is simple to drive and really comfortable too, with an adjustable seat. Come and try it out for your own adventure!
Great thanks to the Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust and South Norfolk and Broadland District Council for funding this amazing piece of equipment for our visitors to use.
How else is the park supporting access to nature?
Automatic doors on both sides of the Flint Barn Cafe give easy access, as well as our step free patio area
In the Flint Barn Cafe, we have a hearing loop at the counter. Just switch to 'T' mode on your compatible hearing aids. Great thanks to the Access to Nature Fund for their funding support
Several of our cafe picnic benches on the patio have wheelchair spaces
High contrast blue seats and rails can be found in all disabled toilet facilities on site
We have five blue badge parking spaces in the Flint Barn car park
There is a Braille park map (which is currently under repair, and will be reinstated as soon as possible)
Our bird hide on the north side of the Great Broad has shallow ramp access
Is Whitlingham Country Park meeting your needs?
We have make links with some wonderful local people who have additional visiting needs, and their advice is invaluable to us. We have forged links with Deaf Connexxions, Vision Norfolk and Active Norfolk already, who gove us great advice on developments.
If you have any suggestions for how we can improve your experience when you visit Whitlingham Country Park, please let us know!
Please read our Access Guide for wider information on how we can support your visit. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Huge thanks to all our funders for the developments above:
