Overview

As long as you choose your route wisely using the map provided by Hatchlands, the paths are very accessible and relatively easy to negotiate on wheels. I've marked on the map (see photos) where two very awkward kissing gates are located - avoid these if on wheels as they're very tight. Update... first kissing gate replaced with accessible gate! Cafe bit tricky as it's located up a slope in a cobbled courtyard. However it's not too bad. Lovely grounds - it's worth the effort to get to the wooded area at the far end of the estate. Fewer people there and beautiful woodland, with lots of birds.

Transport & Parking

The car park has disabled spaces though they weren't easy to spot and there weren't a huge number. The surface was compacted earth/gravel so care needed. However the disabled spaces were close to the entrance and admission kiosk.

Access

The site map doesn't show a recommended accessible route. However it clearly marks the various routes according to the surface which I prefer personally. There are firm tarmac routes, some that are compacted earth and then some that cross fields so are quite bumpy. The site has lots of gates but these are easily opened. However there are two kissing gates which are a struggle for a mobility scooter or power trike - my husband refuses to be beaten by anything so I was unceremoniously bumped through them but I will avoid next time! There are alternative routes to avoid these. Dogs aren't allowed in the formal gardens and signs clearly show where this is the case.

Toilets

The loo is in the courtyard before the slope to the cafe and shop. It's clearly marked. Small and cramped. Barely room for wheelchair. It was well equipped though the shortened alarm cord was positioned to the rear of a disposal bin out of reach of someone on the floor. The loo was clean. Also shared with baby changing so possibly in demand at peak times - only found this one loo.

Staff

Staff pleasant and opened wide gate at entrance to let me through.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

When busy there's an additional eating area for the cafe : this is up a large step. NT should consider a ramp to enable disabled guests to negotiate this as the main seating are fills up quickly at peak times.

Photos