Overview

I booked tickets to visit Chatsworth house, near to Bakewell in Derbyshire as a birthday present for a friend of mine. I contacted them via email as i have an electric wheelchair and their site states no electric scooters. I received a reply stating that yes i could use my electric wheelchair (this is not a scooter). When we arrived we were directed to'disabled parking'. This was in fact quite a distance away from the main building ( this would be an issue for disabled persons with limited walking) and was with the normal parking. There were no proper disabled bays marked out which meant that cars had parked close together so you could not get in and out of your car as a wheelchair user. it was also on stones and uneven surface. When i approached the main cabin i was immediately informed that i could not use my electric wheelchair and i was offered the use of a manual chair.I explained that i could use my electric wheelchair as i had email confirmation. it was suggested that i go to the main building and speak to them. At the main building i showed them my email and they said that is ok but that they weren't aware that an electric wheelchair could be used in the house. They have one disabled toilet- not well signposted as it is not where the other toilets were when i came out of the house. The disabled toilet is large and clean, unfortunately a large bin had been placed at the side of it so a disabled person in a wheelchair would be unable to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet. The house itself is lovely, beautiful paintings, plenty to look at and they do have a lift for disabled people so i was able to look around the magnificent house and extremely good value compared to other stately homes and castles. The staff situated throughout the house were very helpful when i required to use the lift to all floors. The rooms are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair without running over everyone's toes. I loved Chatsworth house, unfortunately they need to look at the parking for disabled wheelchair user, the toilet for disabled wheelchair user and miscommunication from the staff at the entrance as to an electric wheelchair being allowed into the property. If they sort these issues i would happily visit again.

Transport & Parking

Disabled parking a long distance away from the main building and was with the normal parking. There were no proper disabled bays marked out which meant that cars had parked close together so you could not get in and out of your car as a wheelchair user. it was also on stones and uneven surface with a slight slope. They have a huge flat area nearer to the house which they could even use barriers to make a wheelchair parking area if they put some thought into it.

Access

Disabled access is excellent once you get to the main building. a ramp into the house and a lift is available which is well supervised by staff. i didnt have to wait to join my friend on the next floor. the staff were very quick to ask did i need help and took me to the lift. Because when i arrived there was an issue regarding me having an electric wheelchair, i didnt realise that they had an audio tour until i saw people with the head phones. The paintings etc so not have information with them. the rooms are large and easy to get around and i was able to access every area that my able bodied friend could.

Toilets

They have one disabled toilet- not well signposted as it is not where the other toilets were when i came out of the house. The disabled toilet is large and clean, it also had a grab rail, unfortunately a large bin had been placed at the side of the toilet next to the arm rail so a disabled person in a wheelchair would be unable to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet as you couldn't get to the toilet and due to the size I was unable to move the bin.

Staff

The staff at the shed before you get to the main house were not very helpful. they insisted that i could not enter with an electric wheel chair and wanted me to transfer into one of their manual wheelchairs. However the staff when i was actually inside the House were excellent on every corridor and room. they even offered to take a photo of my friend and me.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Beautiful house, great access once inside the building. I would return if they sort out their parking and their disabled toilet and inform the entrance staff that yes electric wheelchairs are permitted in the building.