roonee Last week, my family and I ventured to Bedgebury Forest in Kent for an afternoon of fresh air and fun. As any parent of disabled children will understand, trips like these require a lot of forward planning and a healthy dose of worry about accessibility. With two disabled children, we rely on facilities like Blue Badge parking, Changing Places toilets, and wheelchair-friendly paths to ensure our outings are successful.
I’m thrilled to report that Bedgebury Forest exceeded my expectations in every way. Here’s a breakdown of our experience, highlighting some of the reasons why it’s an excellent choice for accessible family fun.
Blue badge parking
From the moment we arrived, accessibility was clearly a priority. The forest has plenty of Blue Badge parking spaces, conveniently located near the visitor center, café, and main facilities. This thoughtful layout meant we didn’t have to struggle with long distances to reach key areas, which was a relief. You’d be surprised how many places have rubbish parking for those with disabilities.
Top-notch Changing Places facility
Finding a clean and functional Changing Places facility can often feel like finding a needle in a haystack. At Bedgebury Forest, however, it was really excellent. The facility was spotless, well-maintained, and fully equipped, making it one of the best I’ve ever visited. Knowing we had access to such excellent facilities made the day much less stressful and allowed us to enjoy ourselves fully.
The Christmas route and Gruffalo Trail
Our main activity of the day was exploring the Christmas route and Gruffalo Trail, which followed the same path. These trails are not only visually stunning thanks to the article installations along the track but also brilliantly accessible. The paths were wide, smooth, and easy to navigate with our mobility buggy.
As we walked along, the children enjoyed spotting Gruffalo characters and taking in the festive decorations, while we appreciated the well-kept surroundings and inclusive design. It’s rare to find outdoor trails that accommodate our needs so thoroughly, and it made the experience all the more enjoyable.
What we didn’t explore
We didn’t venture into the visitor center or café during this trip, so I can’t comment on their accessibility firsthand. However, based on the overall attention to detail across the site, I suspect they’re just as accommodating as the rest of Bedgebury Forest.
The one downside: parking charges
While we loved almost every aspect of our visit, the parking charges were a bit steep. For a two-hour stay, we paid £8, which felt excessive. I understand that these fees likely go towards maintaining the forest and its facilities, but it’s still worth factoring into your budget if you’re planning a visit.
Final thoughts
Bedgebury Forest is a shining example of how outdoor spaces can be inclusive and accessible for all families, including those with disabled children. From the clean and well-maintained facilities to the thoughtfully designed trails, it’s clear that accessibility has been considered at every turn.
Despite the high parking fee, I’d wholeheartedly recommend Bedgebury Forest to anyone looking for an accessible day out in East Kent. Whether you’re exploring the Gruffalo Trail, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking up the beautiful surroundings, it’s a wonderful destination that caters to diverse needs.
For more details about Bedgebury Forest, including maps, activities, and accessibility information, visit the official Forestry England website for Bedgebury.
