Overview

I feel a bit mean giving only 3.5 stars because consideration to wheelchair users has been given in the cafe, gift shop and toilets. However, the natural terrain of the walled garden makes it a bit difficult for a manual chair.

Transport & Parking

There are four spaces for disabled users. Although these are on gravel, paved paths have been laid in the necessary places (picture 12.) It would be nice to have a few more spaces but I can appreciate there is not much room. The exit is not clear. A route was signposted but pointed at a path that seemed too narrow and with too many bushes close to the edge to be an actual road out. I asked a member of the waiting staff who said to go out the route we came in.

Access

The paving mentioned above took us to the cafe. There is some outside seating in the courtyard which is in a very pleasant area, sheltered from the wind. The original cobbles have understandably been kept and we did manage the wheelchair on them, though it was a bit bumpy. The seats are quite flimsy folding ones, so those who need more support would be better sitting inside. The interior of the cafe has also kept the original flagstone floor, but it was easy to wheel on. The gift shop was also all level and could be accessed via the cafe to avoid most of the cobbles. We did not go into the walled garden, though I had a look in from the cafe area. The access from here has steps, but there is another step free entrance. The garden is naturally on a slope and I didn't think I could push the chair back up if we went down. I think it would be fine for a power chair or mobility scooter. I could see that some of the paths were compacted gravel, but there was at least one area where the gravel was loose. There were some benches with backs and armrests. Before the walled garden part I could see, and was told, that some of the paths were accessible. Unfortunately we did not have time to explore these.

Toilets

There are two accessible toilets in different courtyards near the cafe. The one at the back of the cafe had room for a wheelchair user and assistant. There were grips on both sides and a red cord that should hang to the floor but someone had tucked behind a rail. I know people do this to avoid pulling it by accident, but I wish they would put it back. The downside of this toilet was that the exterior door was extremely narrow (see picture 5) and our wheelchair only just fitted through. The other toilet (picture 8) near the gift shop has a much wider entrance BUT the way to it is across some deep gravel. The courtyard it is in has a paved path across the gravel to the garden, but it badly needs another path built to the toilet entrance. So much thought has been given to the placing of other paved paths that I'm surprised this has not been done.

Staff

Very helpful and pleasant lady in the gift shop who was able to tell us about access and who was very knowledgeable about the needs of a wheelchair user. Waiting staff very pleasant and efficient.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The gardens are famous for snowdrop displays. The estate is a beautiful, peaceful area and we'd certainly go back to explore a bit more and for the lovely cafe. There is more information on the AccessAble website.

Photos