Overview

We like National Trust properties as you can usually guarantee a reasonable level of access to the ground floor of the house, the formal gardens and some of the parkland. We didn't do the parkland on this occasion, as there was a sign warning of wasps' nests but we spent a very pleasant morning looking round the gardens and some of the house. There was also a nice virtual tour of the upper levels of the house, which we had a go at.

Transport & Parking

We drove there and parked in the blue badge area, which is nearer to the entrance. The bays aren't well marked, so it was down to each individual to decide how close to park to the next car. We left plenty of space as the car next to us looked like it had side loading for a wheelchair, but when we came back for lunch, another car had squeezed in, making it tight for us and impossible for our presumed side entering neighbour.

Access

Access into the grounds was good. The paths are either concrete or compressed gravel and nice and wide. Entrances were mainly wide. Access into and around the gardens was mostly okay. There were some grass paths but you could just avoid those if you don't fancy them. I had my mountain trike so it was fine for me. Access into the house was via two ramps. They were both just about wide enough, a little steep but manageable. The ground floor of the house was pretty good, level access once inside and wide doors. They have a one way system in place, which worked pretty well. There is no lift, so access to the other floors is via stairs. That is no good for me but we did have a look at the virtual tour. It was okay... nothing special but better than nothing.

Toilets

The accessible toilet was at the far end of a long corridor. I actually prefer this as it stops people using it just because they see it first. It was clean and well equipped, though too small to turn my trike round inside. The grab rails were sturdy and in the right place for me. I think there was another accessible loo but I didn't use it.

Staff

All the staff we spoke to were great. I asked about the wasps' nests and a lady took time to explain where they were (in the parklands) and that they haven't had any new reports for a couple of weeks. She also told us where everything was from the entrance, which was nice.

Photos