Venue Description

Originally created by Geoff Hamilton for the Gardeners' World TV programme, Barnsdale is home to 38 pocket-sized, themed garden ‘rooms’ that are full of inspirational ideas for garden-lovers and teeming with wildlife for young explorers to find. Meet our expert growers or try a seasonal trail and a spot of bird-watching. Enjoy a slap-up lunch or afternoon tea out on the lawn- our food is fresh, seasonal and locally produced, and there are nursery favourites and free activity sheets to keep the kids happy. Or join in the fun at one of our FREE weekend activity days- we've got wildlife events, country crafts demonstrations, horrid Halloween walks... and much, much more. Visit the Barnsdale website for all the latest news!

Accessibility

The whole site is on a flat level area with 90% accessible by wheelchair users. The walkways in the gardens are predominantly grass, although other materials used throughout the site include bark, gravel, slabs, decking, bricks and compacted granite chippings. There is a small ramp into the main Garden/Tea Room entrance and a hand rail outside if waiting to enter. All buildings are single storey with no stairs or lifts to negotiate. There are plenty of seats to be used for resting or sitting and enjoying, in gardens as well as between gardens.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk/access-statement.html

Awards List

VAQAS

Toilets

The disabled toilet is situated 9 metres (10 yards) from the entrances to the gardens/tea room, gift shop and nursery and entry is completely flat with no ramp or step. There are separate ladies and gentleman’s toilets another 14 metres (15 yards) away- both of these have a small step at the entry. All ground around the toilets and to all facilities from the toilets is flat, even and tarmac ground. The disabled toilet is a unisex facility and also houses baby changing equipment. It is positioned out of the Gardens so can be used without having to pay enter.

Staff

Barnsdale Gardens has 9 members of staff trained to the Welcome Host standard, who are therefore aware of disability and how to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Assistance with entrance and exit doors to the Gardens, Tea Room and Gift Shop is readily available as these areas are permanently staffed. If someone needs assistance from their vehicle to any part of the site this can be pre-arranged before visiting, although any member of staff would be pleased to help if asked on the day.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Assistance dogs can be exercised briefly off the lead in the overspill car park which is an enclosed field at the far end of the main parking area. Alternatively there is an extensive dog walking area located at Rutland Water's Barnsdale car park, just a few minutes' drive away from Barnsdale Gardens.

Other assistance dog facilities

Assistance dogs are welcome in the Gardens, Tea Room, Gift Shop and Nursery. In addition there are two shaded dog spaces in the car-park, for visitors who have to bring their dogs with them. These can be pre-booked prior to arrival, with a dog bowl provided, as is easy access to mains water.