Opening Up Our Coastline to Everyone
Coldingham Beach Wheelchairs
Accessible Beaches. Independent Adventures. Shared Moments.
Sea The Change provides free beach wheelchairs at Coldingham Bay, helping more people enjoy the coast safely and independently.
We currently have three specialist beach wheelchairs available to book. Each chair is designed to travel easily across soft sand and uneven coastal paths. As a result, individuals and families can experience the beach without unnecessary barriers.
Although the service is free to use, donations are welcome. These contributions help cover insurance, maintenance and ongoing equipment upgrades.
Our coastline should be for everyone. Whether it’s a family day at the beach, a quiet moment by the sea, or simply the freedom to explore outdoors, our Beach Wheelchairs scheme removes barriers and creates opportunities for inclusion.
What Are Beach Wheelchairs?
Beach wheelchairs are specially designed for sand and uneven terrain. They use large balloon-style tyres and supportive seating to move smoothly across soft surfaces.
Unlike standard wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs do not sink into sand. Instead, they distribute weight evenly and provide greater stability.
Because of this design, users can travel along the shoreline, access seating areas and enjoy time by the sea with confidence.
How the Scheme Works
Booking a beach wheelchair at Coldingham Bay is straightforward.
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge
- Booking is simple and confirmed in advance
- Equipment is maintained and safety-checked
- Guidance is available if needed
Our team works closely with volunteers and community partners to ensure the chairs remain safe, clean and ready to use.
Who Can Use the Service?
The Beach Wheelchair scheme is open to both residents and visitors. We welcome:
- Individuals with limited mobility
- Families supporting a relative
- Care groups and support organisations
- Schools and community groups
If access to sand or coastal paths has previously been difficult, we are here to help.
Why Accessible Beaches Matter
Access to the outdoors improves wellbeing and strengthens community connection. However, many people still face physical barriers when visiting the coast.
By providing beach wheelchairs at Coldingham Bay, we reduce isolation and create opportunities for inclusion. This service promotes dignity, independence and shared experiences.
Ultimately, our coastline should be accessible to everyone.
Booking & Enquiries
To check availability or book a beach wheelchair at Coldingham Bay, please contact us using our online booking form or get in touch directly.
We recommend booking in advance, particularly during busy summer periods.
Volunteers
New volunteers are always needed, so if you live locally and could spare some time, please get in touch – the smiles are worth it!
Improving Accessibility at Coldingham Beach
We are delighted to announce that Sea the Change has been awarded funding from the Place Based Investment Fund. This funding has enabled us to deliver most of the recommendations identified in our Feasibility Report. In 2023, the following adaptions have been made to improve accessibility at Coldingham Beach:
- Camber on the steep path past the lifeguard hut reduced to ensure safely access to toilets;
- Path outside café raised to make wheelchair accessible;
- Boardwalk extended with zigzag path from disabled parking to reduce need to use steep slipway;
- Roll out matting installed to get wheelchairs easily over soft sand;
- Storage unit upgraded to ensure equipment easily accessed.
The Place Based Investment Fund is provided by Scottish Government and administered on its behalf by Scottish Borders Council and we can’t thank them enough for their support.
Find Us at Coldingham Beach
Our beach wheelchairs are located at Coldingham Beach. Postcode for St Veda’s and the Beach Cafe (beside disabled parking spaces down at the beach) is TD14 5PA.
Coldingham beach is an idyllic sandy, sheltered bay that is served by public toilets (disabled toilet available), a cafe open during peak season and the beach lifeguards during the summer months.
Coldingham Bay can be found in the quaint coastal village of Coldingham, close to beautiful harbour towns St Abbs and Eyemouth.
Easily accessible from the A1. Carry on through the village of Coldingham towards St Abbs and turn right at the cross roads before you leave the village past Scoutscroft Caravan Park.
There are two disabled parking bays down at the beach, plus additional parking at the top of the hill opposite St Vedas Surf Shop.