Overview

The walled garden is tucked away in the centre of Helmsley. Visitors with blue badges can drive along a narrow track to park immediately outside of the walled garden. Blue badge parking may be booked in advance, but we had no difficulty finding a good parking space. The staff and volunteers were courteous and friendly. There is a large volunteer community, looking after the garden and growing produce to be sold in the shop, or used in the restaurant. There are support workers and programmes designed to support members of the community with mental health issues. The garden is a beautiful tranquil space in the centre of this pretty busy market town. The shop , restaurant, toilet facilities and garden are all fully accessible by wheelchair. The restaurant is in the old vine house within the garden. There are lots of outside tables which would be accessible. We wanted to dine inside. The ramp into the restaurant was fine, with the disabled toilet just inside the door. When we first arrived at the garden, I explained to the restaurant staff that we would like wheelchair access to a table, and the table was reserved for us, even though they do not usually accept advance booking. Just outside the walled garden there are some interesting craft workshops. The historical setting means that these are not accessible for wheelchair user, but the staff were happy for me to take items to the door for approval.

Transport & Parking

5

The walled garden is a short walk from the centre of the market town. There is ample public parking. Blue badge holders can drive along a track to park immediately outside the walled garden. Blue badge parking can be pre booked, but it isn't essential to do so.

Access

5

The garden is completely accessible for a wheelchair user, with sufficiently wide and level pathways, and a reasonable surface. There is seating around the garden. The doorways into the shop and the restaurant have level entry and are just wide enough for an electric wheelchair.

Toilets

4

The disabled toilet is just inside the restaurant door. It is a little tight to manoeuvre a wheelchair back out of the toilet. It is in a historic building, so the lack of space is understandable. There was adequate grab rails.

Staff

5

staff and volunteers were friendly, proactive and courteous.