Overview

Allan Bank is a National Trust property that is known for the red squirrels that live in its grounds. If you want to see the squirrels then this is a good place that is accessible and you can be inside the house and see them without trying to access a woodland trail. Honesty box for teas & coffees and an accessible toilet. It is a NT property and they do charge to get in. They have some activities (arts & crafts) for the children (and adults if you wanted) but the main draw is the squirrels. As my mum had never seen them before we were happy to pay for this, but if you go there expecting more you might be disappointed. We aren't members of NT.

Transport & Parking

There is one official disabled parking place up at the house. You drive up a private lane/drive to the property. At the top of the drive there is a gate, depending on when you visit, you might have to get out, open it, drive through and get out again to close it.

Access

At the back of the property near the allocated parking space there is a step free entrance. The ground floor is step free, you can view the grounds from the large bay windows and see out to the red squirrel feeding stations & bird feeders.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet, the room is quite large, there is a slightly raised seat with grab bars. We managed with my mum, her wheelchair and myself with enough space to turn etc.

Staff

The voluntary staff were in abundance, the NT property itself does charge to get in, but if you are members then a carer goes free. They honored that for us even though we aren't members. There are binoculars around to get a closer look at the wildlife.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Allan Bank is really somewhere to go to see the squirrels and to be able to view from the warm & dry. My mum had never seen them before and most places to see them in a natural setting would not have access. The feed them and the large rooms with bay windows give a great view. Allow a bit of time to sit and wait and watch. There are some art activities for the kids and some trails & gardens that you can walk in if you can (not accessible to us with the wheelchair). There are teas, coffees available for an honesty donation and a small NT shop. It is a bit rough & ready but also kind & friendly.

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