Seasonal leaf peeping facilitated by mobility scooter loan!
4
4
Date of visit: November 2023
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
A seasonal visit to see Sheffield Park's legendary riot of autumnal colour was facilitated by the free loan of a mobility scooter. I followed the guidance on the NT website preparatory to my visit by booking the scooter ahead so no problems there. What didn't work so well was that I was told I could "only use the white route" on the map. Problem is there is no white route on the map! What's that about? Improved signage for disabled visitors would be helpful, for example on path signage indicating whether a route is scooter friendly or not. To get between the garden and the catering facilities/loos requires the visitor to transit the reception area which involves passing through two sets of large glazed doors. One is reliant on someone to open the doors in order to pass.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Being told to stick to the white route but then the white route not actually being marked on the map you are given is hardly helpful. Distinct lack of on path guidance as to path suitability for mobility scooters.
Parking & Transport
Average
You've booked a mobility scooter, but after parking in a blue badge space there's no indication of where one has to go to get the scooter itself. Turns out you ask at reception, and that's not immediately adjacent to the parking area. Appropriate signage would be a definite improvement.
Accessible Toilets
0Not visited, unable to rate.
Staff
Excellent
Very friendly and approachable, which is just as well given that you need their assistance in order to transit the reception area.
