Overview

As always a stunning location both as a Palace, Garden and Outdoor environment.

Transport & Parking

Having visited and reviewed before the transport their and back was the same, Tain from Waterloo to East Mosley return for 2 with disabled access card - £11.00. The station at East Mosley is being renovated at the moment, we were informed of this at Waterloo and assistance was provided with a ramp. The station is 350 M from Hampton Court with Pelican and Toucan crossings - the bus stops are adjacent to the Palace entrance, there is ample parking with specific accessibility spaces.

Access

Like most Historic environments, accessibility is not always complete, however there is lift to the first floor where many of the former private and State rooms are available. There is also an excellent audio descriptive guide which is free to access, and induction looped, as well as a braille information guide, though gave a donation for this and the use of a power chair which made access to the Garden and outdoor areas possible and more experiential. There was adequate and reinstated seating,

Toilets

Good and adequate signage that clearly explained where toilets were located as well as other facilities. The 2 disabled toilets were in need of refurbishment, there were grab rails, space for a power chair, carer though no red cords. They were clean. No changing places facility.

Staff

We did our booking for our visit on line, given my blindness - the reservation staff could not have been more helpful. When we visited We met the same lady whom I corresponded with. She outlined the accessibility areas and informed us of a recently installed pathway through the Courtyards that was a bumpy and difficult beginning. This was a highlight that previous reviews had mentioned. We were also advertised of the numerous guides throughout and volunteers in the Palace and in the grounds. We were also advised that some covid requests remained in place - face covering in the Palace buildings only.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Face covering. As said in the previous review, some Historical environments can’t be totally accessibility friendly, which is were good audio description, explanations and information using interactive and educative mediums was essential. Unfortunately there was no floor level access to the small cafe for wheel or power scooters.