Overview

A beautiful building with the access issues you would expect from a historical building. Our visit was marred by outdated and patronising attitudes about physical disability but worth a visit if this improves.

Transport & Parking

Disabled parking not clearly marked but once found was within easy reach of the cafe and building entrance.

Access

As expected some difficult areas to access but plenty of places to sit and ramps into every part of the buildings. There is a lift in the main building to the top floor but no access to the kitchens below.

Toilets

Staff

This is where the main issue was. On two occasions staff in the main building asked me if ‘The gentleman’ - my husband - could use the stairs, needed the lift etc. He was stood next to me - ask him. When we were in the building we were told that we had to carry an A4 laminated sheet with a map of the floor with us around the building. We explained that would be difficult as we both needed our hands free for balance and were told it was a legal requirement. We asked which law and were told health and safety. We asked which part and were tutted at and the member of staff walked away. Needless to say we didn’t take it but the absolute lack of understanding of how to speak to and work with people with a disability was the worse we have ever come across.

Photos