Day out at Downton Abbey
4
4
Date of visit: August 2018
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
Highclere Castle is where Downton Abbey is filmed,my wife is a huge fan so i bought her this tour as a birthday present.The castle it self allows manual wheelchairs inside but not scooters or power chairs but they do provide wheelchairs if booked in advance.I was in a power chair and a lovely lady actually let me stay in my own chair as i was having difficulty transferring into one of their own wheelchairs.The tour is an interesting tour,you make your own way around the house with guides in the rooms to answer any questions,there is no lift in the house so if you can't do stairs you will not be able to go upstairs but there is book with photos in you can look at downstairs that shows the upstairs rooms.You only need about a hour to do the tour of the house and we also did afternoon tea in the coach house which was very good,there is a gift shop and a tea room that serves lovely snacks also and the gardens are huge and you can wander them at your leisure.No photos are allowed to be taken in the house but everywhere else is fine.The whole place is fully accessible except the upstairs in the house as mentioned,a lovely day out but you have to book in advance as it is not open all year round.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Perfact really apart from there being no access to the upstairs of the house but it is an old house so it is understandable apart from this everywhere else is good.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
A huge car park with plenty of space for disabled parking.(Gravel surface)Only a short walk to the house on tarmac road. I don't think it is served by public transport but there were plenty of coach parties there.
Accessible Toilets
0There were accessible loos there but i never used them so i can;t really comment.
Staff
Excellent
Very helpful,as i said the lady at the front of house allowed me to use my own power chair.
Additional Information
A good day out especially if you're Downton Abbey fans,excellent afternoon tea,i would visit again but just in the gardens if it was fine weather.
