Accessible days out with Evan - Butterfly World, Isle of Wight.

My son Evan uses a wheelchair, he also needs a hoist for changing and transfers. When he was smaller, I lifted and carried him, but as he is getting bigger being out and about is getting increasingly difficult. Here is a review of a place that we visited to inform and guide you while you are exploring the world like us. Get out there and have FUN! This trip out was to: Butterfly World.

Butterfly World is on Staplers Road, Newport Isle of Wight. 01983 883430

We love exploring and love to visit places so that we can let you know all about it, including the accessibility. Read on to find out about out trip to Butterfly World.

Coming from Newport go past Monkey Haven and The Island Riding Center, it is the next left.

Parking at Butterfly World.

There is parking to the left as you enter the car park for Blue Badge/Disabled visitors. The car park is gravelled, and any holes filled with pebbles which made pushing Evan's wheelchair to the path effortless. The pavement is wide as is the entrance and the shop has enough space to push a wheelchair around.

Entrance Fee.

Entrance fees (carers go in for free and Evan got £1 off the child price) here are the prices.

About the attraction and accessibility inside.

The entrance and all areas (apart from the Koi bridge in the Japanese Garden) are accessible, but I did need my little helper to move the plastic strips, separating each section, aside so that they didn't go in Evan's face.

As you enter the first section there are butterflies everywhere, and little paths and bridges to cross with waterfalls and beautiful plants. Twice a day there are butterfly walks/talks (10:45am & 1:45pm); Minibeast handling (11am & 2pm); and Koi feeding (11:30am & 2:30pm) -check when you go to see if these times are UpToDate- correct as of 1/4/24

You can get up close to eggs, larva (caterpillar), pupa and the Butterfly.

There are also animals/minibeasts that you can handle, the lepidopterist/entomologist/keeper was really informative and friendly, he made sure that Evan got to take part with touching the tortoise, snakes and tarantula.

When you visit Butterfly World you can return within 7 days with your receipt, so keep hold of it!

Other useful information:

Toilets- there are toilets (outside the main building) and a baby changing but no accessible changing or hoist-

the nearest Changing Place is at ASDA.

What accessible attractions have you visited? Please comment below and tell us about it.

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