Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

Great experience at Fountains Abbey. I booked a Tramper mobility vehicle by phone in advance. We parked in the level access car park at the West Gate and crossed the road to the West Gate entrance. It is a tad pricey to get in but the mobility scooter was free for the day. We were met at the entrance and given a short lesson on how to use the scooter, a map showing us which paths were accessible and which were not around the grounds and a map showing the level access route through the abbey itself. I really enjoyed going for a “walk” with my husband , something we have not done in a long time. The recommended routes were well paved and easy to navigate. Within the Abbey itself there were a couple of ramps and even some very shallow steps which I was nervous of, but the vehicle managed easily. The disabled toilet was easy to find, easy to access and very clean. I would thoroughly recommend hiring a Tramper to see these beautiful grounds. The staff were very helpful both on the phone and face to face

There is an acknowledgement of what if the sure is and isn't accessible with signs showing which routes not to take. There is an accessible bus (which I was told wheelchairs can drive straight on, but I didn't try it) around areas that weren't suitable for buggies. There are trampers available once you get to the level parts. Having chosen to drive to the Accessible carpark to avoid the steep hill, it involved crossing a road on it's bend which felt a bit dangerous! There are ramps around the abbey over bumps - some of which were a bit hairy but did the job. The pathways from the abbey to Studley Royal Water Garden were well surfaced and well signposted. All staff were incredibly helpful. At the visitor centre, shop and main restaurant all doors opened automatically. The Mill tearoom I couldn't get in to.

Made fatal error by going to main entrance as have own electric chair. Paid entrance fee and was denied access through open gate (education only) told to go through shop. What they should have said was GO TO WEST GATE as this access is dangerous and Not suitable for your chair. After fall out with hubby skidding down paths and ready to kill each other we found two nice men at west gate who said WE CAN HELP and got us an electric scooter much more suited to the path conditions. NORMALLY you need to pre book these so ring ahead. Yes these two lovely gentleman redeemed fountain abbey without their help we were going home. To the manager the staff at reception need some training in how to approach customers with mobility issues and I strongly recommend it coming from the very kind gentleman at the gate. Cafe used in the abbey but having been told at reception the dogs were able to go in as they had recently changed their practice when tried were directed to the no dog sign so sat outside in the cold.