Brilliantly accessible garden
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: August 2019
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
They are working hard at Burnby Hall Gardens to make the place accessible and have won an Age UK award for it, so they must be doing something right. It is undergoing some restoration so there aren't as many waterlilies as usual but there was still plenty and there are loads of other beautiful flower gardens to enjoy as well. The Cafe and Museum are accessible too.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Automatic doors to get in and out of the reception area/shop. The paths are tarmac, aggregate or what I have just learned is called self-binding gravel i.e. very fine and easy for any kind of wheels (see photos). A few paths are wood chip or loose gravel and there were a few tight turns in the Rock Garden but these are easily avoided: there is always an alternative route. The grass was short and firm so you could easily travel over it to, for example, the wheelchair-friendly viewing points by the lake. I found the path to the Stumpery was too bumpy but it would probably be fine if using a larger scooter. You can get a free map in the reception area.
Parking & Transport
Good
Some Blue Badge parking places near the entrance, but these were full on the day we went which was very busy but there is plenty of room to be dropped off if the wheelchair user is the passenger.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Didn't actually use it but you can see what it is like in the photo.
Staff
Excellent
Really helpful and friendly.
Additional Information
I would definitely visit again. I like giving my business to places that are making a real effort to be genuinely accessible, not a token effort!
