Possibly the best wheelchair access a castle can give
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: May 2023
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Excellent
We had a wonderful weekend in Lincoln and visited Lincoln Castle on a warm and sunny May Saturday. The grounds are beautiful and I was seriously impressed with wheelchair access around the whole site!
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
You pay at the front of the prison building. It has steps with a ramp criss-crossing it. Access to the prison was good, with lifts to every floor. The walkways are narrow but okay for a manual wheelchair. The cell doors are too narrow to get in but you can see everything from the doorway. There is a lift onto the castle walls and you can walk a fair stretch before coming to steps. When you get to steps, just turn round and go back the way you came. The cafe is lovely, with good access and indoor and outdoor seating areas, which were lovely and clean.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
We travelled in by motorhome and parked at The Lawn car park. We were slightly surprised to find most of the motorhome bays full before 10:00 but there were plenty of blue badge bays. Blue badge holders have to pay but you get twice as long for each hour you pay for. We then walked through the car park to the West Gate of the castle, which they state is not accessible. Always one for a challenge, and more limited by having the motorhome, we gave the west gate a go. It is ramped and steep but the surface is good, and I managed to get up without help in my manual chair. I was glad of having family there just in case I needed help but it was fine.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
I visited two different toilets. The one under the walls is very narrow - possibly the narrowest accessible toilet I've ever seen! The one in the prison is better, and has a hoist if you need it.
Staff
Excellent
All staff were lovely and very helpful!
