Disabled Travellers explores historical rooms of hotel
4
4
Date of visit: October 2021
I am a disabled person and a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
We continue our exploration of the historical park and hotel with our second review of this old 15th century building, and having been disappointed with our first impressions of hotel, we hope we will be more impressed with our second review for you. If you have not yet managed to read part one, may we encourage you to do so, as we have offered you a historical account of the halls beginning, with some interesting facts you can enjoy reading about at any time. We commence our review following our coffee break in the Horse Box restaurant and we left to go through reception (photo 1) to enter the Great Hall. A large comfortable hall, with plenty of appeal, pleasantly furnished with warm overtones, offering afternoon tea, (photo 2) and we suggest you look at the old 1400,s original door, on the left of photo, with its history of having been shot at by Oliver Cromwell and bullet marks still plainly seen. An ornate chandelier highlights the leaded glazed tall windows (photo 3) laid ready for your afternoon tea, or you may take afternoon tea luxuriating in the dying embers of a real fire, (photo 4) or perhaps you would take tea in your own little alcove as did the two ladies who kindly gave permission to show you our photo. (Photo 5). Out of the Great Hall, you reach the disabled toilet (photo 6) all on the level, and although it has pull cord and grab rails, it’s a very plain simple toilet, large enough to turn a wheelchair, as everything is placed against the far wall. (Photo 7). The passage to the restaurant is by the disabled toilet. There is a ramp up to the restaurant, ( photo 8) but it is extremely steep, and very dangerous, as you could easily tip backwards. From the ramp, it leads into a small hallway of dark rich oak wood and panelled rooms (photo 9). The restaurant (photo 10) is plush, with its dark oak panels, a huge stone fireplace with carved figurines. A large chandelier sets off the beautiful ornate ceiling. The smaller area of the restaurant (photo 11) continues with the dark oak wood theme. Venturing outside again, we saw the level entrance into the modern Spa (photo 12) Which leads you into the fitness courtyard ( photo 13) containing an outside open air Pswimming pool (photo 14). Although a lovely sunny late October day, visitors were still enjoying the outdoor heated pool (photo 15). Exiting the courtyard we arrived at the main paved pathway (photo 16) which led from the gatehouse to the disabled parking bays (photo 17) for our return journey home. Our final thoughts This second part of our review was far more inviting, with its historical Great Hall, and plush elegant restaurant. However, although it had easy access into the Great Hall, you will have to face the challenge of a very steep ramp, or the three steps to reach the restaurant and the remaining guest rooms. Although we enjoyed this part of the hall, we still feel the danger, following a previous accident of tipping backwards at another hotel.
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
Not all areas are available to the disabled, to many steps, steep ramp, to much walking for carer to push you around. The only lift we saw was in the Woodlands court, which we think holds the disabled rooms, but not sure. With a little help we did see what is available.
Parking & Transport
Poor
We parked in the 11 disabled bays available, as described in part one, ( and it has a lot to say about parking here, so please read part one)
Accessible Toilets
Average
Small, simple clean toilet, which a wheelchair could turn around in, but nothing to write home about.
Staff
Average
Helpful enough, but reserved.
