Beautiful castle and grounds and mostly accessible
4
4
Date of visit: August 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Good
This was our first visit on a week long motorhome road trip. The location is good - just off the M6, so great for breaking up a long journey. Our visit was on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend. It was pretty busy but once we got into the castle and gardens, there was plenty of space and it didn't feel busy at all.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
We started with the exhibition, which was mostly accessible. It tells you about the history of the castle and gardens, which I found interesting. At the end of one of the rooms, there are stairs, but if you go back a few rooms, there's a lift which takes you up to where the stairs come out. The castle is all outside. There's a variety of different surfaces - concrete, compressed gravel, grass, mud... I managed fine with my chair plus Freewheel. When you arrive, they give you a map, which shows the step free routes around the castle and gardens. There are several sets of steps, so it's worth following the map. In the gardens, there are some hilly bits. They were mostly manageable but some people might need a hand up the steeper parts. The paths are nice and wide. There are several summerhouses but mostly these had steps, so I couldn't go inside them.
Parking & Transport
Good
We arrived by motorhome and initially headed for the main car park. However, that one was full, so we went back to the overflow car park. There was plenty of room there but the surface was gravel and uneven, so not the easiest for a wheelchair. I think there was some blue badge spaces in the main car park but I didn't see. From the overflow car park to the entrance was quite steeply downhill. Of course, that means coming back is uphill. If you're self-propelling, remember to save some energy to get back to the car park!
Accessible Toilets
Good
They have accessible toilets but I didn't use them.
Staff
Excellent
The lady on reception was lovely. She was happy to answer questions and explain the route. She told us to come back if we needed anything and she would be happy to help.
