Nice, though limited, gardens. Restricted access to house.
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: April 2022
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
I visited with my wife on her collapsible mobility scooter. We toured the gardens, visited the cafe and the ground floor of the house. There we no scooter access to the house, but they lent us a wheelchair to visit the ground floor. Most of the ground floor was accessible and well described in the printed descriptions. However, the upper floors were not accessible except by stairs which was disappointing as there were pictures from the National Portrait Gallery on display (and there was no video display for those limited to the ground floor). The gardens are lovely, the cloud (aka wobbly-wobbly) hedges a special feature, the paths reasonably level, but there is no circular route meaning you have to retrace your route several times.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Doorway were ample for the mobility scooter and it was easy to get round. The courtyard seating for the cafe was paved but even. The North Garden is a sunken garden accessible only via several steps so we were unable to explore it. Other areas were easily accessible - except the house (see above).
Parking & Transport
Excellent
We went by car. There is ample disabled parking close to the entrance, though the overall car park is limited.
Accessible Toilets
Good
Accessible loo was well signed. Fully equipped, but not large enough to enable the mobility scooter to be turned. Grab rails provided but the toilet itself was ‘normal’ height.
Staff
Good
All staff were welcoming and helpful. They offered to lend us a wheelchair to visit the house as we couldn’t take the scooter in.
Additional Information
On other issues. The cafe was very limited and apart from jacket potatoes, allergies were poorly served. All coffee cups (and their lids) were from Vegware and thus fully compostable.
