Stunning cathedral with wheelchair accessible floor tour
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 visited the castle first and then went on to the cathedral. Had no difficulties at all with access inside the cathedral and decided to do the floor tour, which is included in the ticket price. This was really interesting and the guide was entertaining and very knowledgeable. My only advice is take a jacket. The tour lasts just over an hour by which time I was really cold in just a t-shirt!
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
The door into the cathedral was a little narrower than I would have expected but once inside, everything was dead easy. There are ramps in all the appropriate places and the floor is reasonably smooth. We took the floor tour and that is excellent for wheelchair access.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
We arrived by motorhome and parked at The Lawn car park. Blue badge holders have to pay for parking but get twice as long for each hour you pay for. We then walked via the West Gate of the castle, which is a steep ramp, but manageable for me and probably okay for most with a little help. We left the castle via the East Gate and crossed the market place. The market place is cobbled but there are some smoother paths for most of it.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
I visited the toilet, which was spacious and clean. I have to admit, I didn't pay much attention other than that, as I was keen to rejoin our tour.
Staff
Good
The lady on ticket sales seemed a little nervous of us. I'd just got my assistance dog laid nicely and she asked us to move back, but there were people behind us. Then she didn't seem sure about what tickets to give us. Some clear information would have been helpful. The tour guide, Christine, was very good. She was clearly keen to make me feel welcome and ensured that I got to see everything in her talk. Her tour was interesting and gave a really clear history of the cathedral, which I loved. The only thing is, I'm quite shy and don't like being the centre of attention and sometimes being asked to go first or getting a better view... I felt a bit embarrassed. I think she was just trying to be kind though, so not a criticism.
