The Accessible Otter
Wheelchair Accessible Lodges at The Tranquil Otter are currently surrounded by May’s vibrant bloom and a captivating melody of birdsong. Our commitment to accessibility ensures that the beauty of our nature reserve and Solway Firth are accessible for all to enjoy.
As a leading provider of Wheelchair Accessible Lodges in the Lake District, we proudly offer full accessibility across our site and lodges. Each Wheelchair Accessible Lodge includes ramp access from parking areas and step-free access to wet rooms with wheel-in showers. To further ensure your comfort, we provide additional aids upon request.
Inclusivity extends to your furry friends at our dog-friendly lodges. For more detailed information about the accessibility of each lodge, including NAS ratings, refer to this link.
Accessible Cumberland
In a recent turn of events, Cumbria split into two, with the northern part, encompassing the Solway Plain, becoming Cumberland once again. For accessible adventures in the area, here are a few of our top picks.
IMG: Watchtree Nature Reserve, Wiggonby, Carlisle
Watchtree (only a few miles from the Tranquil Otter) prides itself on being a truly accessible nature reserve so that wonders of nature can be enjoyed by all. Its features are a 2-mile tarmacked footpath around the site, a wheelchair accessible pond-dipping platform and bird hides, and two accessible toilet facilities on their site.
Facilities and Upcoming events at Watchtree
Watchtree have bikes for hire for everyone with special bikes, trikes, and multiple kart options which can be great fun.• A Pond Discovery Walk with Steve Routledge –05/08/23 at 10am
- Dragonflies, Damselflies and Bumblebees Nature Walk – 08/07/23 at 10:30am
- Watchtree 10k Run – suitable for all (recommended race wheelchairs), 21/06/23 at 7pm
- Watchtree Half Marathon – suitable for all (recommended race wheelchairs), 18/11/23 at 10:00am
- Weekly Walking for Health – Monday morning at 10.00 and lasting just over an hour
- Weekly Watchtree 5k Trail Run – 9:30 am start every Sunday
Find out more about Watchtree Nature Reserve
Campfield Marsh
Campfield Marsh is a combination of saltmarsh, peatbogs, farmland, and wet grassland located on the shores of the Solway Firth. Spot Barnacle Geese, Lapwings, Redshanks, Snipe and much more. The best time to visit is during spring and summer as they are natures busiest times. Would you wander through wildflower meadows or listen for male Snipe drumming as they attract a mate?
The accessible features include.
- Blue badge parking
- 800m flat surface from car park to bird hide.
- 5-mile circular path through farmland, past ponds, hedgerows, and fields.
- 5-mile loop over wide open landscape of the peat bog on boardwalk
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Picnic area accessible with wheelchair bays
- Accessible toilets open daily 10am-4pm
Find out more about Campfield Marsh
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Tullie strives to make sure that all visitors can experience its exhibitions to their full potential. The Museum is fully accessible, with induction loops, automatic doors, ramped access, and adapted toilets, apart from the first floor in Old Tullie House and The Guildhall Museum, which are both Grade 1 listed buildings.
Their step-by-step guide is amazing and will make your first time visit seamless.
Learn more about The Legend of King Arthur Exhibition at Tullie.
The accessible features include.
- Blue badge parking in the street outside
- Dedicated disabled access with automatic doors. Lifts to lower and upper floors
- Disabled toilets on all three floors
- Clear signage
- Wheelchair hire available (pre bookable on 01228 618718)
- Handrail walking support in reception
- Outdoor Garden area is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams
- Trained assistance dogs are welcome
Wheelchair Accessible Dining Options Near The Tranquil Otter
The Royal Oak in Moorhouse
Lynne and Steve provide a warm welcome to all of our guests, known for their Sunday roasts (book ahead) and Lynne’s homemade cheesecakes! They have a newly refurbished outside, undercover seating area where they show sports which are announced on their Facebook page.
- Dog friendly
- Bar is wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible toilet
- Families welcome and child portions are available
The Drovers Rest – Wheelchair Accessible
Becki and Tom also welcome every one of our guests with open arms. Popular for their range of local cask ales, beers, and lagers. Tom is a butcher by trade, so they make their own Cumberland sausages which are then hot-smoked and popped into a homemade roll and topped with some delicious extras! They post regularly on facebook and Instagram about events and their latest beer and food options.
- They recommend you book ahead as mealtimes can be busy
- No designated wheelchair access (they are grade II listed) but guests can access the bar from the front. The bar area is one level
- Access to the toilets (which aren’t wheelchair friendly) is down a step
- Dog friendly – why not visit on Fur-ball Friday to make some new friends!
F or more about the Drovers Rest follow this link.
Orton Grange Tea Room
Based on a 360-acre dairy farm Orton Grange Tea Room uses all locally sourced ingredients. A lovely tearoom for a yummy lunch or breakfast. They can also arrange for takeaway of all food on their menu, call up and collect!
Heading farther afield, pre order one of their Picnic Packages (for 2 people), let them know what time you will be passing to collect! Contact number 01228 711410
- Wheelchair accessible premises and parking
- Wheelchair accessible toilets
- Dogs welcome, outside only
- Families welcome, child and baby facilities are available.
- Neighbours Cranston’s and the Gift Shop are wheelchair accessible too.
Wheelchair Accessible Options Farther Afield
Miles without stiles walks, Lake District
The Lake District National Park has 50 accessible routes for those who have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, for families, pushchairs, visually impaired or anyone who wants a walk with no scrambling, climbing or steep hills.
The routes are split into categories, for all, for some and for many. Read our previous blog for more detail on each one.
All of the walks are readily available on our my stay planner guest portal for download.
Mobility Equipment Rentals
To further ensure your stay in one of our Wheelchair Accessible Lodges in the Lake District is hassle-free, Lake District Mobility and British Red Cross offer equipment rentals which can be delivered or collected on the way to the Tranquil Otter.
Lake District Mobility – 07843 754239, info@outdoormobility.org with hire locations in Langdale and Whinlatter
British Red Cross – Mobility Aids, Port Road, Carlisle https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/hire-a-wheelchair
