The Homestead Café
4
4
Date of visit: February 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
I arrived at The Homestead Café a little later than I had planned, which meant that I had missed lunch. I had hoped to get some soup, as it was a particularly nippy day, but as service had ended, I settled for a coffee and a cake and both were great. The café is reasonably easy to navigate, though I did need some help to get in. If you are looking for a spot of lunch (or a cup of coffee) in a rural setting, this may just be the place for you, though the accessible toilets leave much to be desired.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
I accessed the tea room through the dedicated entrance. Outside, I found there were seats and tables, but it was a wee bit too chilly to dine alfresco. The door is at the top of a short, paved ramp and opens outwards, so I needed a bit of help to get in. Once inside, there is plenty of room to move around with a mobility device. There was a combination of hard-backed benches and wooden chairs. I chose to stay in my wheelchair and found there was plenty of space for my knees to fit under the table. There is an alternative route to the café, which is through the gift shop. This may be a better option for some as it is closer to the car park.
Accessible facilities: Single-level venue, Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
There are three accessible parking spaces near the Hirsel Cottage Tea Room but they are poorly marked and could do with a refresh. Parking is £2.50 for all visitors. There are no local public transport routes to the estate, so it is definitely a place you need to drive to.
Accessible facilities: Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
Poor
There is an accessible toilet near the Hirsel Cottage Tea Room. The toilet is a short stroll through a paved courtyard. The door is at the top of a short ramp and is rather light, so it is easy to bump open when using a wheelchair. The door does not require a RADAR key and opens inwards. The accessible toilet is small but should be able to accommodate most mobility aids. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet pan and to the left side of the sink. The sink has a small basin and a long lever-style tap but no mirror, which is disappointing. Crucially, there is no red emergency cord, which is why I have given such a low rating. There is also flaking paint on the walls, which suggests it may be time for a refresh. While they are at it, installing an emergency cord should be a priority. The toilets are a distance from staffed areas, so in an emergency a disabled person may not be able to get help.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
