Partially accessible but free for disabled person and companion
3
3
Date of visit: October 2022
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Average
We visited whilst on holiday and I'd already researched the castle and knew it wouldn't be that accessible. It was actually better than I expected and we had a pleasant morning. It's all outdoors apart from the shop and mostly on grass.
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
Okay, so first the positives: You enter through the shop, which has automatic doors and although small, has enough space to move around. I used my mountain trike which is wider and quite a bi longer than my normal chair. Once inside the grounds, there is a compacted gravel path to the bridge over the moat. It's all pretty good. Once inside the actual castle, it's mostly grass with bits of gravel and occasional cobbles. There's quite a lot to see but very little to do/explore. The negatives: most of the interesting bits are the numerous stairways inside the castle and the awesome views from the top. Hubby went up and took photos to show me.
Parking & Transport
Good
We travelled by motorhome and parked in Castle Car Park. Blue badge holders go free if you park in a designated bay but we are too big so paid £5 for the day and parked in a coach bay. It is still quite a walk back to the castle entrance, though mostly flat and where there is no pavement, there is a nice little back path, which felt nice and safe.
Accessible Toilets
Average
There are no toilets inside but there are public toilets very close outside, including an accessible one. I didn't use it though as we have our own in the motorhome.
Staff
Excellent
The lady in the shop was lovely. She explained about the access inside and that both myself (as a disabled person) and my husband (as my companion) both go free.
