Building as expected but staff must do better!
2.5
2.5
Date of visit: July 2023
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
A beautiful building with the access issues you would expect from a historical building. Our visit was marred by outdated and patronising attitudes about physical disability but worth a visit if this improves.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
As expected some difficult areas to access but plenty of places to sit and ramps into every part of the buildings. There is a lift in the main building to the top floor but no access to the kitchens below.
Parking & Transport
Good
Disabled parking not clearly marked but once found was within easy reach of the cafe and building entrance.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Staff
Poor
This is where the main issue was. On two occasions staff in the main building asked me if ‘The gentleman’ - my husband - could use the stairs, needed the lift etc. He was stood next to me - ask him. When we were in the building we were told that we had to carry an A4 laminated sheet with a map of the floor with us around the building. We explained that would be difficult as we both needed our hands free for balance and were told it was a legal requirement. We asked which law and were told health and safety. We asked which part and were tutted at and the member of staff walked away. Needless to say we didn’t take it but the absolute lack of understanding of how to speak to and work with people with a disability was the worse we have ever come across.
