ancient site with good accessibility
5
5
Date of visit: July 2019
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: dexterity or coordination and moving around.
Overall Rating
Excellent
This is a must-see if you are in Whitby. It is owned and run by English Heritage. The site itself is mostly accessible and there is a new visitor centre which is fully accessible with a lift to the main site. The exhibits are all at a good accessible height.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The access is level and they will provide you with a map of the site showing the routes. The visitor centre is fully accessible with everything at accessible heights and at the end there is a long window where you can see an amazing view across Whitby harbour. There is a lift up into the site itself and some ramps placed strategically around with grassy areas that would be OK in a powerchair on a dry day. Also worth checking out is the lovely YHA garden (if you can get throught the narrow garden gate - our power chair user managed it but it was tight! There is an accessible cafe with seating inside and outside (picnic style tables) and nice views across to Whitby town. Does drinks, cakes and light savoury snacks e.g. sharing deli platters, soup and a roll etc
Parking & Transport
Excellent
There are allocated spaces in the first car park you come to BUT don't use that, continue on bearing right and follow the road round past Whitby Brewery until you come to the turning circle at the end. Go through the archway to the left (there is a sign indicating disabled parking spaces) and sure enough there are six spaces just inside on the right. These are FREE whereas you'll have to pay in the other car park.
Accessible Toilets
Good
I can't describe it as our powerchair user didnt use it, but therewas one in the visitor centre I think and another in the cafe. Sporry can'r comment further - mnaybe someone else can add a comment about this?
Staff
Excellent
Helpful and friendly. Especially about the carparking spaces which we wouldnt have found otherwise.
Additional Information
While you are there - and parked up in the Abbey spaces - visit the Church which is just alongside off the same turning circle. It is level access if a bit uneven and outside there are wonderful views across Whitby. Unusual interior with box pews - but you can get round most of it in a wheelchair and if you have some mobility there are only a couple of steps. Plenty of places to sit! The church is even older than the Abbey! and is well worth a visit.
